The diary of an Elle Girl

Thoughts, Wishes and Make up! <3

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Baby bottom butter

Okay, so this may look a bit odd -
but a few years back I was advised to try this as I get really dry elbows!
After reading rave reviews I decided to give it a go - it smelt lovely and it only costs £2.89 so it was worth a try!
I have to say its absolutely amazing - it's suitable for vegetarians and sensitive skin, it smells beautiful it's really light and it's made my skin amazing - I figure after keeping this one to myself for a while I should share the clear skin miracle cure.
Only £2.89 too bargain <3 for beauty fiends and mamas and babies alike!


Would you try this?

Kisses,
E<3
xoxo

Free Aveda Damage repair kit

I just picked mine up today -
I printed out the webpage just in case but it turned out I didn't need it anyway
just click here or http://www.aveda.co.uk/damageremedy.tmpl?cm_mmc=Media-_-Magazine-_-Magazine_title-_-red
you find your nearest store and I just handed them over a generous sample pack too!

here is the image I printed just in case!

Let me know how you get on!

Kisses-
E<3
xoxo

Dior Addict Free Sample-

Another Freebie for my lovelies,
I love the Dior Addict fragrances especially Dior Addict 2 - it's a frequent duty free splurge - but here's a little offer for a a travel size sample for free!
Yay!

Just click here or head over to http://www.boots-samples.com/dior/addict/
pop your details in and await your sample.

Kisses-
E <3
xoxo
Guilty as charged - I have been absolutely jubilee and union jack obsessed lately, loving union jacks anyway this year has been buying heaven, although they amount of things I'm just collecting I'm driving my family mad!
But this little gem was on offer for 99p its made in the UK, has a divine strawberry scent to it is suitable for Vegans, has natural fragrances, and comes in a shiny union jack bottle - Yes please!
I picked mine up in superdrug for 99p they had other scents on offer too, but seriously how could you resist the union jack bottle?



Have you picked one up yet?


Kisses,
E <3
xoxo

Superdrugs Animal Friendly bargains

Okay,
So a while back I expressed my shock that after spending years buying free range eggs and responsibly sourced fish and meat, it turns out all my shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel - for the most part has been coming from companies that either test on animals, or use products that have been tested on animals.

My initial search led me to think there weren't many alternatives that would help this - other than the obvious that is The Body Shop -
but for me the Body shop shampoo and conditioner is quite expensive and I don't think it really gives my hair that many benefits, it's purely the nostalgia of the scents...
But then I struck gold.
Turns out the Superdrug own range is all fruity and lovely in sleek simple packaging - usually on offer at two for £1.50 for 300ml bottles or 99p each and it's all vegan friendly - I'd just got addicted to the cherry and fig range, when they discontinued it. :(!

But to my delight they've replaced it with new fruity scents - my favourites are raspberry and macadamia, and coconut and sweet almond <3
Raspberry and Macadamia Nut for colour treated hair smooths and adds intense shine -
This is a new find, its an intensive conditioner to restore dry and damaged hair - I've been using this twice a week since my ombré experience it's definitely helped to revive my hair.



So there you have it - I've found the fruity flavours leave a gorgeous scent that I love as much as I loved Aussie - the great price means I can save a bit of money and support my local superdrug which always makes me feel good - I often feel like with all the cosmetic offers online and everywhere else I feel like I neglect it a bit and it's great to have a great value great product that hasn't harmed any animals and is suitable for vegans.
I may not be vegan but from the massive search to find good quality animal friendly products (this is no easy feat!) 
It must be a nightmare to not spend a fortune as a veggie or vegan

So what are your thoughts?
Have you tried this range, or do you have another favourite animal friendly brand?



Kisses-
E <3
xoxo

A journey to Ombré

So a while back I started eyeing up the Ombré trend -

Pennies not being once they once were the thought of spending about £100 having this done in a salon wasn't the option.

A complete home dye rookie, I decided to give it a go.


First I picked up a home highlighting kit from Jerome Russell -
After a strand test and working out how long I wanted to leave the mixture on for I applied it to my whole head.

Once I'd completed this step and rinsed it off - I too was having second thoughts but you have to continue on the process.

I then picked a really light brown dye, as I didn't want to go from dark roots, to complete blonde and thought a lightest brown would be better.
 I used John Frieda light golden brown - as it was on offer for £5 -

Again I applied this all over - followed all the instructions and then dried my hair.


The final step was to apply a dark chocolate brown to the top of my head - I decided I wanted to have my Ombré going lighter from about my ears.

I chose a Live XXL dye in chesnut - this too was on offer for £4

I used a tin of vaseline to edge my face and on my ears as well as on the lengths of my hair I wanted to protect from the dye, just in case of dripping - as vaseline stops the dye from sticking.
I then carefully applied this to the top of my head and along the length to my ears.


This was the most difficult part but I found the vaseline helped and I also used a comb to comb it through the top sections off my hair.


When I had completed all these steps - I rinsed the dye off - for a final Ombré look -



Before -



After-



Have you tried ombré yet, what do you think of the trend?


Kisses- 
E<3
xoxo

Sunday 3 June 2012

Benefit Beauty Bargain and Freebies!


Okay - So I really do lovelovelove asos and their amazing beauty bargains and this one is just unresisitable.


So - you pay for your full price Hoola, as normal so if you love Hoola, this is the set for you -
and then you get a free travel size cha cha tint and watts up.

Hoola, is a favourite Benefit product of mine working as a great blusher, for a darker summer look and also for it's suggested purpose as  bronzer, I also like to use this for contouring and the quality and presentation is lovely.


I love Watts up
The watts up sample is a really generous size, and is an absolute bargain as a freebie.
As an actual product it's great and really versatile - one of my favourite Benefit products, perfect as a cream highlighter, a cream blush base a regular highlighter and a cream eyeshadow. It's great and lasts ages.




Cha Cha tint -
I have yet to try cha cha tint - but thanks to this great offer mine is on my way - I love all the other tints, as I think they work well as a finishing product when you're looking for a dewy finish.

so all this for £23.50
 plus my 10% student discount and free delivery -

Click here to buy it!

http://www.asos.com/Benefit/Benefit-Hoola-FREE-Cha-Cha-Tint-Watts-Up/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2193438&cid=5842&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Exclusive+set
 
Have you ordered yours yet? -

Whats you're favourite Benefit product?

Kisses -
E <3
xoxo


Free estee lauder 10 day foundation sample

Now most Estee Lauder counters are lovely, although I have encountered a few where they are more difficult at getting samples is like drawing blood from a stone, - never fear I have found the solution.


I've just started screen shotting the free sample offer from facebook and printing it like a voucher and taking it to more awkward counters -

feel free to use mine if required but most stores will just let you have your 10 day sample for free.




Kisses -
E <3 xoxo

Free Skin repair essence

Easy peasy lemon squeazy -
click the link below fill out the form and send, for a free sample of L'essence d'eau skin repair essence!

Squeal <3


http://lessencedeau.com/LD_SRE-Sample_ContactUs.html


Kisses,

E <3
xoxo

What's in my Handbag?

So I've just been referred to this site by a lovely lady - and it seems pretty special-


http://www.whatsinmyhandbag.com/r/4ap

Each week they give you the opportunity to get involved and try new beauty products and rate them -

they have a really great blog, and loads of good content to the website to help keep you informed with all the latest products and trends.

It's a real gem! -
And best of all - it's free!


sign up now by clicking the link below!

http://www.whatsinmyhandbag.com/r/4ap



Kisses -
E <3
xoxo

Free Thierry Mugler Sample

Okay - so you all now how much I love Thierry Mugler perfumes;

I'm a collector -


Womanity is up there with Alien - I love it the bottle is gorgeous and I think it's a perfect every day luxury fragrance, and the actual perfume is pink! So I'm sold.
But who am I to tell you how lovely it is when I've found a lovely free sample for you here -

https://www.facebook.com/ThierryMugler/app_261298203967287

Head over to their page - like them if you don't already and claim your free womanity sample!

Happy Sunday!



Kisses -
E <3
xoxo

A Nars Beauty Bargain

So trawling the internet for sales again - I came across the absolutely gorgeous Nars Bargain -

I used my 10% student discount and it came to £35 - student discount is so widely available now I think it would be quite easy to find someone to share theirs with you if you didn't have one - and here's what you get.

It's for sale on the asos website at the moment for £39 - but comes down to £35.10 with discount.

http://www.asos.com/Nars/NARS-SS12-Love-Rite/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2061355&cid=12778&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Love+rite

It's a great way to get your hands on a good base selection of Nars products being a Nars rookie I thought it was perfect for me.

This Nars Beginners set from Asos included  
Mini Blush Duo in Amour/Desire
Illuminator in Orgasm
Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight
Lip Gloss in Greek Holiday




So there you go - I hope you find this useful! -


What Nars products do you love, and where do you buy yours?


Kisses -
E <3
xoxo  

flirty florals

flirty florals


Frock Frill batwing shirt
£35 - bankfashion.co.uk

Going out shirt
£16 - desireclothing.co.uk

Glamorous blazer
£35 - bankfashion.co.uk

AllSaints short mini skirt
$275 - allsaints.com

Red Herring black canvas shoes
£16 - debenhams.com

Forever 21 floral platform heels
$28 - forever21.com

Pieces crossbody handbag
$58 - asos.com

Pieces Nala Floral Purse
£18 - bankfashion.co.uk



I'm loving floral and prints of all other kinds this season and these are a few of my favourites! 

Back for the Summer

Hello, Lovely beautettes,

Firstly an apology - I've had no proper internet connection so I haven't been able to get on here - but I'm sorted now and back on here all in time for summer.

So as a way of apology - I've got lots of treasures in store for you -

A huge giveaway competition
A vegan friendly under £1 shampoo review
A May Luxbox review
A glossybox Birthday box review
Some Summer fashion tips
And a concealer face off!


So watch this space my lovelies

Kisses,
E <3  -
xoxo

Sunday 6 May 2012

sail into summer

sail into summer



Miso stripe dress, £25
Long sleeve sweater, $129
Wal G batwing shirt, £23
Margit Brandt one shoulder shirt, €70
Cotton skirt, $56
Pleated mini skirt, £12
Head Over Heels by Dune ballerina flat, £20
Platform sandals, $46

So I'm absolutely loving that Nautical fashion has come back again for another round of Summer. Above are a few of my favourite picks, I think they show that whilst Nautical is fun and flirty it can be dressed up for the office and sensible outings!

Enjoy -


Kisses- 
E <3
xoxo

Saturday 5 May 2012

Top 10 under £10 Beauty Buys

So lately - I've become a bit more thrifty...
A Chanel girl at heart but really these days my salary just cannot stretch that far!
So here are my top 10 buys all at less than £10

:)

10.  Sleek Make up I-Divine pallet in Shadow Storm- 
So this 12 piece eyeshadow pallet is only £6.49 from Superdrugs stores - and it's a lovely essential pallet the colours go on really well and have excellent staying power and it's got all your everyday shadows for neutral and smokey eyes - and with 12 different eye shadows in the pallet that's 55p per shadow!


9. Mememe Pussycat cheek and lip tint - so this is pretty much a spot on dupe for Benetint from Benefit, but at only £5.25 it's nearly £13 cheaper than the Benefit one and just as good! For anyone who's dying to try Benetint I would definitely recommend trying this first as tints aren't for everyone and this is just as lovely for less than a third of the price!
 
8. Smooch - Peachy duo blush - It's got it's way into my top ten as I am absolutely in love with this - I picked it up in TK Maxx for an amazing £4 - but if you can't find it in a TKMaxx it is available on the Superdrug website for £8.50
The duo effect means you can blend for better colour options and it's just a lovely blush!

 7.Benefit six piece skincare travel set - I know I have already done a blogpost on this here - but it's only £10 - £9 with student discount and I'm absolutely smitten so here it is my number seven.


6. Soap and Glory Arch De Triumph Brow Pencil and Highlighter
I only very recently found this, but a sucker for anything brows I've been pulled in - the highlighter end of this pencil is an absolute dupe for Benefits highbrow and the brow pencil is actually really good, it blends well and has good staying power. So for only £8 who could complain - especially when you think that high brow alone is £14!
 Keep an eye out for Boots 3 for 2's!

5. Illamasqua theater of the nameless Nail varnish - in Vice
My first Illamasqua purchase. Have been interested in trying illamasqua for ages so an asos sale was the perfect excuse - at only £8 with free delivery I couldn't resist this gorgeous purple. It's gone on really nice and hasn't chipped yet so with gorgeous packaging like this and these amazing powerful brights I can see me spending a lot of time in Illamasqua!

4. MUA Pressed powder- 
Have only recently discovered the MUA Range and have to say at a pound a piece it really is amazing value!
It gives a perfect light set to my make up if I use it on the top and is just a generally nice powder. While it's no Chanel it's definitely up there with Rimmel and is therefore great to pop in your handbag especially on nights out - if it gets broken or something I won't begrudge the £1!
You can pick this up in superdrug along with the rest of the MUA range :)
 


3. No7 Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser
I'm absolutely loving hot cloth cleansers at the moment, they seem to leave your skin feeling better than any other treatment, and I think they feel a bit more luxurious.
I actually prefer this No7 one to a liz earle one I tried a few months ago, and at £10 for a huge 200ml it's great value for money! You can get this in Boots stores, and there are usually great offers such as 3 for 2's! <3



2. Elf Studio Brow Kit -  I have tried and tested many many brow kits, and whilst I absolutely adore my Clarins pro brow kit, it's pretty pricey at £36 - so after trying this I'm actually amazed that it's a close second, and the best part - it costs £3.50.
Can't ask for more than that!

1. Superdrug Vitamin E radiance cream - This 50ml radiance cream, is an absolute dupe of Mac Strobe cream, the only difference - the £2.99 price tag!
The Vitamin E is making my skin feel lovely, and it gives a really nice shimmery base to my make up - at £2.99 it's an absolute steal. High fives to Superdrug!
If you can't get this in store you can always order it online!

Saturday 28 April 2012

Magazine Freebies Timeline

Okay -
So it has come to my attention that there is an unequivocally high amount of good size cosmetic freebies to be had with the big magazines in the next month.
You know I can't resist a bargain - so in release order - here goes.

Marie Claire
Release Date - 2nd May
Free Gift - Body Shop Lip tint
Value - £9
Magazine RRP - £3.70


Marie Claire have got some good freebies over the next few months and if you like your body shop cosmetics it's definitely worth buying!

In Style 
Release date - 3rd May 2012
Free Gift - 10 ml Nails Inc Polish - Choice of three shades
Bluebell
Powder Pink
Peach Sorbet
Value -  £11 per polish
Magazine RRP - £3.80


 In Style ran a similar offer last year - and I would say girls, all these colours are lovely so start saving because when they get to the shelves they won't be around for long

Easy Living
Release Date - 3rd May 2012
Free Gift - Choice of travel size Rituals products
Shower Scrub
Body Cream
Value -  £5 each 
Magazine RRP - £3.60


Your still getting your monies worth with these freebies, as they're more expensive than the magazine and then you get a glossy to read too, but they're by no means the best deal this month! Unless you're a massive rituals fan - in which case stock up!


Okay now we can have a little breather take our stacks of magazines a cup of tea and our new nail polishes and chill for a bit. -
Until

Red
 Release Date - 30th May
Free Gift - Choice of Jemma Kidd Make up products
Jemma Kidd Make Up School black mascara
Jemma Kidd black eyeliner
Value - £15 and £14 
Magazine RRP - £3.80 

Another fantastic offer from Red, I feel really spoilt with all their freebies later, sometimes their freebies can be specific promotions set within certain stores and I am unsure with this one so I would suggest trying W H Smiths and Sainsburys first for these special issues.

Glamour
Release Date - 31st May
Free Gift - Choice of three Benefit travel size products
7.5 ml That Gal'
7.5ml The Porefessional 
7.5ml Badgal lash masacara
Value - £15, £10 and £10
Magazine RRP - £2 
 


At the absolute steal of only £2 per issue this is the one I am looking forward to the most, to put it into perspective a full size That Gal primer is a tiny 11ml so a 7.5ml sample, I'll take two please.
The Porefessional - Three of those samples with the magazine would give you more than a full size product for a tiny £6?
And as for Badgal lash well I love that too so I'll take one of those aswell.
Will look a bit like a crazy lady with all my benefit magazine freebies, but it's the third year running they've done these crazy promotions so I'm sure they're getting used to me by now.

Marie Claire
Release Date - 31st May
Free Gift - Choice of three Ciate Polishes
BonBon
Jelly Bean
Purple Sherbert
Value - £9 each
Magazine RRP - £3.70


I'm not a massive Ciate fan, but these colours are lovely pastel ones and I might just get them to add to my collection, after all the bottles are cute...
Harpers Bazaar
Release Date - 4th June
Free Gift - Choice of three Leighton Denny Polishes
A bright pink
A coral
And a mushroom shade
Value - £11 each
Magazine RRP - £4.20


So this is the most expensive of all the magazines - but if you're a huge Leighton Denny fan it's worth it as the colours are gorgeous - I think I'll just be picking up the Coral coloured one though!


Anyway if I hear of anymore amazing magazine buys I'll be sure to leave them below-
feel free to leave your comments as always

Kisses-
E <3
xoxo

Topcashback a quick way to track your cashback

So alot of the offers I use - include using topcashback

Whilst you should always get an email when your cashback is tracking (which means it's going to process)
This is a quick way just to check everything is working - it can take a little while for things to show up but it is usually quite fast so just keep coming back!


First head over to top cashback http://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/j8elle
and log in, if you're not signed up - you must be crazy - free money?!?!

So you're logged in -

Next click My account -



Next Click on Earnings - 

When you click earnings this is what will come up -
as you can see my account is very much in use!
Once something has moved into pending you know it's being tracked -

You can now select cashback by date -
this will help to keep your cashback clear -


You can keep checking here to see if your cashback has been tracked - you will receive an email telling you it's been tracked however it can show up here sooner.



Hope this helps -

Kisses,
E<3
xoxo