My 22nd Birthday =]

Heyhey. Apologies for my absense from the blogosphere lately, so much has been going on in terms of starting my Masters and trying to sort out the finance for it, among other things!

So on Saturday 26th September I turned the grand old age of 22! I went to the amazing new venue that has just opened at the University of Hertfordshire, called The Forum, which I will review at a later date when I have experienced all that it has to offer.



Me with my favourite doorman, Rob. Wearing my trusty New Look £6 bargain dress, its my favourite clubbing outfit:)

So for my birthday I recieved some really lovely and thoughtful gifts from my nearest and dearest, and here is a selection of a few of them.

Your eyes are not deceiving you, my wonderful boyfriend did indeed purchase me nine bottles of the wonder fake tan that is St Moriz! He had them sent down specially from the North because you can't purchase them anywhere near where I live, bless him. He also bought me my favourite perfume, YSL - Elle, which to me is the sexiest fragrance I've ever smelt, and one that never goes without a compliment on a night out. Definately more of a night time fragrance than a daytime fragrance, but it smells gorgeous.

My mum bought me the gorgeous storage/decorative boxes on the left of the picture. I think she picked them up in TK Maxx (she is an addict to that shop!), along with the pink box to the right of the St Moriz which contains a gorgeous set of sleeping products, including a lavender spray for your pillow that actually knocked me out like a light last night. If you are a troubled sleeper like moi then I would highly recommend a spray of this sort.

Thats all for now, as its late and I have to get up early tomorrow to purchase my hot new mobile phone, excited!! Hope you all had a lovely weekend

Holly

xo

Product Review; No7 Protect&Perfect Hand Cream

"Younger longer
This quickly and easily absorbed moisturiser vanishes to reveal beautifully younger looking hands with fine lines appearing reduced in just 2 weeks"

Just thought I'd throw in a product review because my last few posts have been a little off topic!
I gave this product a go myself, but I also put it to the test on my other half as he actually suffers from dry hands due to the nature of his job. He is a newly qualified radiographer (proud!) and because he is working in a hospital all day he is forever washing his hands with that special hospital soap, which is incredibly drying to the skin after multiple washes. This makes him the ideal candidate/guinea pig for testing out moisturisers.

He and I both agree that this product is 'quickly and easily absorbed', like it states. It really does sink in incredibly quickly. In my personal opinion I like to feel my moisturiser on my hands for a little longer, but this product is perfect for those who don't. It is very lightly fragranced, not at all overpowering.

I have the 25ml travel size, which I believe I aquired from my mum (although I really can't remember!) but this product retails in Boots at £10.25 for the 75ml tube. My boyfriends only qualm with this product is that mine isn't in a bigger bottle!

I would say definately the perfect moisturiser if you just want to moisturise and get on with things, but if your anything like me and enjoy moisturising as part of a pampering session, I wouldn't say its my favourite.

What are your favourite moisturisers? If you have any that I can reccommend to my poor dry handed boyfriend then please do leave a comment :)

Holly
xo

Ins&outs

Seen this tag floating around and decided to get on board!

Ins:)

~ Supercars; today has only served to enhance my love for fast, expensive automobiles!
~ Galaxy Cookie Crumble; if you havn't tried one of these yet, I suggest you do. Immediately if not sooner!
~ Tinted moisturiser, I'd be lost without it! Lovelovelove No. 7 Tinted Moisturiser..and hurrah for the Boots £5 off vouchers!
~ Freshers Week! I'm getting a little old for Freshers now but it hasn't lost its appeal yet

Outs:(

~ Career Developement Loan; so annoying that you can't get a student loan to cover masters, despite the fact that universities/government know that students cant afford to pay for it themselves. Instead you have to get out a scary bank loan which you have to start repaying one month after your course finishes. :(

~Being broke. Its just lame. I'm sure you'll agree?

Holly
xo

Eee!

So I spent this morning in Oxford in the company of some of my most favourite names; Aston Martin, Lamborghini and Audi R8:)

Bit of a non beauty product related post...but these beauties are definately worth a mention. I am without a doubt in love with the Lambo, it just looks and sounds so impressive. This is the first time I've ever been in such close proximity to such a collection of expensive cars, and until I marry Fernando Torres of Liverpool FC, this will probably be the only time too:P

I bought my boyfriend a Lambo driving experience for his birthday through Red Letter Days

The day included a few test laps in a Subaru Impreza, followed by six laps in the Lambo, or car of your choice from the website. If you're stuck for gift ideas for the other half/male friend/male family member then I would definately reccommend a driving experience, especially as most men really love their motors! Seeing the look on my boyfriends face when he pulled up in the Lambo was priceless, he absolutely loved it.

Me with the Lambo :)

My other half with the Lambo:)

Me with the Audi R8 :)

Outfit:
Vest top: New Look £12
Leggings: New Look £8
Gold pumps: Primark £4
Cardigan: Miss Selfridge £Christmas present
Bag: Topshop £Valentines Gift

Hope you all have a lovely weekend :)

Holly
xo

Window shopping

Due to the realisation that I am flat broke, I was reduced to window shopping today at work. Sad sad times indeed.
Especially since a customer returned probably the most gorgeous pair of pumps I have ever seen (not sure on her reasons for the return, even if they were uncomfy she should have kept them purely because they are so pretty!) They are £20, silver (although they come in a pearly colour also), with jewelled detailing on the front, as well as little pearls and little flowers. Sadly my limited description doesn't do them justice, and I can't find a picture on the New Look website. I've been informed that they come in high heels too, lovely! Roll on payday! When these beauties are mine I will photograph and post:)

Incase anyone is interested, just a heads up that New Look is offering 20% off starting from Monday, for students holding a valid student/NUS card.

Also just wanted to say a big thankyou (and hello!) to you lovely ladies who have chosen to follow my blog, very much appreciated :)

Holly
xo

Broke!

I am absolutely mortified after checking my bank balance today. It wouldn't be unrealistic to say I barely have a pound to my name right now. However it didn't stop me purchasing a top after my shift at work ;p

This vest top was £12, cheap and cheerful. It does come with pink flowers but that particular style has sold out at all of my local stores. This is the new style we've just had in, very pretty and girly. The actual style of the top is lovely; it has a really low scooped back which makes it a bit different from other print vest tops. They are extremely tight fitting..I usually wear a UK size 8 but I bought a 10 in this top and its still very figure hugging. But i like ittt:)

Just a quick Outfit of the Day for you too. I only went to work so didn't get too dressed up, but I really adore this top! (Please ignore my dodgy pout face and the whole Myspace-esque mirror shot..nobody was around to take the pic for me!:p)

This top was another New Look bargain, at about £12 again. I looove it.

Currently testing an Olay facial scrub (Olay Daily Facials Clarify Renewing Scrub) Review coming soon :)Holly
xo

Products i'm using right now.

Shampoo & Conditioner: I'm using two different brands, in the effort to use less of my favourite. For everyday use (im one of the unlucky ones whose hair gets greasy super quick so I have to wash it everyday) I bought Timotei Golden Highlights Camomille flower & Amber shampoo and conditioner, as they were on offer for £1 each lol. They actually smell really lovely. The conditioner isn't as conditioning as I would like it to be, but meh. The other, is the Toni&Guy Detox shampoo and the Daily Style Conditioner. I am in deep deep heart with both the shampoo and the conditioner. Not only do they smell gorgeous, even my hairdresser agreed & has since been on to purchase them, but the shampoo leaves my hair feeling so so clean, and the conditioner leaves it feeling super soft. I love the finished result after I've used these products and blow dryed my hair. Love love love them.

Shower Gel: Ted Baker Bodywear bodywash

Styling products: Toni&Guy matte paste, and Toni&Guy Firm Hold Hairspray. Once again, nothing but praise for these products by Toni&Guy. My hair is really fine and gets greasy so quickly, so I find a lot of products make this worse and make my hair look dull, but not these. They are both extremely lightweight and non dulling and hold my hair brilliantly. Would highly reccommend.

Body moisturiser: Nivea Hydrate body lotion. I think thats what its called, my bottle is in Spanish because I picked it up in Tenerife, but I'm pretty sure thats what it translates to!

Deodorant: Nivea Double Effect, and also Dove Go Fresh

Fake Tan: Probably goes without saying..St Moriz lol, the miracle fake tan. I also think the Rimmel sun makeup is really good when mixed with moisturiser.

Skincare: Skin Therapy 3 in 1 Facial Wipes.

Primer: None.

Foundation: No. 17 Skin Perfecting

Foundation brush: My foundation brush came from a set of brushes that I picked up in Tesco, called Eco Tools, but i tend to apply my foundation with my fingers

Concealer: Rimmel Hide the Blemish concealer in Sand 002

Powder: Don't use powder

Blusher: Benetint from Benefit

Bronzer: Absolutely couldn't tell you who makes my bronzer, a friend gave it to me. It's in a silver compact and it looks lovely on, but it has no branding whatsoever on the packaging lol. When it runs out, I'm screwed :P

Highlighter: None

Eyeshadow base: I apply concealer to my eyelids before applying eyeshadow

Eyeshadows: Barry M Dazzle Dust, my numero uno favourite being Mushroom

Eyeliner: Barry M Intense Black Eyeliner Pen. It's my favourite eyeliner, and to be fair I've tried countless. This one is exactly as it describes itself, an intense black, and stays on for hours with little to no smudging.

Curler: None

Mascara: Currently Barbara Daly High Impact Mascara from good old Tesco

Lipstick: I rarely ever wear lippie largely due to my annoyingly dry lips (any advice on how to overcome this would be mostwelcome :P )but saying that I went out yesterday and purchased a Barry M lipstick in 101 and I really do like it

Lipgloss: No gloss. Just Nivea lipbalm

Nail Colour: Right now, OPI Nail Lacquer in 'My Daddy's The King'

Holly
xo

Club Review; Amika

Club: Amika
Location: High Street Kensington, London
"London’s prestigious High Street Kensington plays host to a new super elite, acutely vogue concept in members club. A unique playground for the extravagant, designed for affable debauchery and indulgent fun, without pretentiousness but exuding an abundance of class and style, it is the ultimate destination for major players and glitterati alike."

Not entirely noticable to pass by during the daytime, but at night this club is lined with well dressed Londoners queueing to get inside to see what Amika has to offer...and what it has to offer is really something! Amika was voted Best New Club in 2007 and Best Club 2008 at the London Bar and Club Awards, and after a night out here it really is easy to see why.

In terms of decor, this club is beautiful. After spending an evening chatting to the owner over a bottle or three of Dom Perignon champagne, it was evident that he'd clearly put a lot of thought and attention into the decor of this club.

The VIP Lounge

We were lucky enough to have the table at the forefront of the picture, where we were presented with two magnums of Grey Goose vodka. The staff are impeccably dressed; the men in smart suit trousers and shirts, the women in tight black trousers and pink and black corsets.

The corridors are black marble, and branch off into the VIP Lounge, the main room, and the cocktail bar. The music in the main room is fantastic, and without a doubt the best music I've heard in a club in a long time. The DJ actually works hard, he doesn't just press play, he mixes and remixes songs fantastically, and the vibe is awesome. On our second visit to Amika we were invited to dance in the dancers cage up above the DJ booth in the main room. It was immense! The walls of the main room are decorated with retro black metallic wallpaper (I want it in my bedroom please!)

Like a lot of London clubs, Amika operates on a guestlist and membership basis. Entry for non members is £20, although girls get in free before 11.30pm. Annoyingly, drinks at Amika are not cheap unless you have access to a guestlist table, but again I think this is standard at most London Clubs. London is renowned for its extortionate drinks prices. I have been fortunate enough not to have had to pay for drinks at this club but I believe a spirit and mixer costs around the £14 mark (yes I am talking singles, extortionate!) Ordering a bottle of alcohol for your group or table is an exciting occasion, as they are presented to you by the stunning staff, with lit sparklers in the top. It's always fun watching to whom these bottles are presented to, incase you happen to spot a celeb or footballer! Nelly, Usher and Kelly Rowland are among numerous celebrity party goers to attend a night out at Amika.

The owner Ali & I, with a bottle of delicious Dom Perignon champagne :)

On my first visit to Amika I wore a total New Look bargain;

Dress; or should I say vest top. Black with greyish streaks, and dotted with glitter. Love love love this outfit. £12 (down to £6 with fabby 50% staff discount)
Peeptoe Heels; £22 down to £11

Drinks prices aside, I would highly reccommend this club, for the music and for its stunning interior. It really is beautiful :) Always an occasion to get dressed up in your favourite outfit!
Gogogogo :)

Holly
xo

Skincare.

Just thought as a first post I'd talk about skincare, & what products I use etc etc :)

To be honest with you I don't follow the 'cleanse, tone, moisturise' routine that a lot of people follow religiously. If that works for you though, thumbs up!

Let me give you a little bit of history about my skin first of all, to highlight the problems I have had with it. All through school, so from age 13 to probably about 17 or 18, I suffered from severe acne. I tried everything, and I mean everything, from tea tree sticks to face washes to scrubs to cleansers. I had multiple visits to the doctors and was prescribed everything, from the pill to topical treatments, to tablets, and eventually to a drug called Roacutane, which despite its horrendous potential side effects, turned out to be an absolute miracle worker for me (most doctors will take you down the same route of treatments and leave Roacutane as a last resort)
So since being on these tablets, my skin has cleared up wonderfully. I still get spots every now and then, but nowhere near as badly as I did before.


I wash my face with Skin Therapy 3 in 1 Fragrance Free Facial Wipes.

I purchase mine from Wilkinsons, where they nearly always have a deal on for two for 99p. There are 25 wipes in a pack. They are the cheapest facial wipes I've ever come across and I can't knock them one bit for quality. They are dermatologically tested, PH balanced, Allergen free, and are described to 'gently cleanse, tone & moisturise delicate skin'.

What I find with this product is that if I don't use them, then my skin doesn't like it. Since using them I have had perfectly clear skin, which feels clean and fresh after usage. Highly recommend!

* My Northern flat mate has just informed me that Trotters in the North sell these in packs of 40 for 60p or two for £1....he is having a moan that Wilkinsons is the rival of his dad's store and that I should not be bigging them up, but pfft :P*

If I feel like my skin is playing up and that I'm about to become victim to a breakout, I'll whip out the trusty lemon juice, which I know a lot of bloggers swear by. It really is very good. I use the bottled Lemon juice from Tesco. It's strange because I have tried the lemon juice in the lemon shaped bottle, it might be called Jif? I'm not too sure. But I found it to be less effective. Perhaps it isn't pure lemon juice, I really don't know as I don't have it to hand to check.

But anywho. I try to avoid anything on my face that might cause me breakouts, such as fake tan.
Apart from the above, thats all I use in my skincare routine. Cheap & cheerful :)

Holly
xo

Introduction

Hi everyone:)
My name is Holly, thats me over on the left, stroking a cat in Tenerife, as you do.





Just a bit of a brief introduction about moi & what this blog will be about!
I'm a 21 year old English Literature, Media Cultures & Journalism graduate and am about to embark on a Masters in Marketing. I am an avid reader of the vast array of fashion & beauty blogs that are circulating the internet and felt inspired to write one of my own :)
Now bare in mind that I'm a student with rent & bills to pay (boooo) so sadly I can't afford to shop at the high end of the product spectrum, so I'll be reviewing products as and when I can afford them. I'm sure one day I'll lose my MAC virginity but until then, its drugstore products all the way! Not only that, this blog will cover my fashion finds {I work as a New Look sales assistant so my wardrobe is probably 95% New Look ;) lol} as well as reviewing any clubs & bars i frequent as I am a total party girl :) Not to mention blogging about anything else that might take my fancy!

That said, I hope you all enjoy
and if you like my blog, please feel free to follow:)

Holly
xo