Review - No7 Pore Vacuum Mask

Another cheeky No7 voucher enabled purchase! But my skin was very thankful for such a purchase!

I present you the No7 pore vacuum mask ..

If you're having one of those 'I could do with a facial peel' days.. then you really have to give this mask a go!

Bad points: 

• The smell - It's a very strong chemically smell, but don't let that put you off.
• It's tricky to apply - but when you've got the hang of it, it's all good.
• Probably not suitable for sensitive skin - It's a very strong product and acts as a kind of chemical exfoliant.

Good points: 

• It's a peel off + wipe off - Adding to my above comment about getting used to the application.. make sure the edges are thick to enable you to peel it off in a few quick movements (also don't use it on the soft skin under you eyes! As it really hurts to peel it off there - should you get some on there, use a damp face cloth to remove it)
• It makes your skin feel fucking amazing!

What's with that after face?!

Afterwards you can see just where it's sat on your pores and brought everything to the surface.

I'd say price wise at £.14 for 50ml, it's definitely better than your average detox mask.

It's not clay based, and doesn't heat up on the skin - But once you've removed it with your chosen method, my god your skin couldn't feel any more detoxed (Much better than other clay 'detox' masks I've tried). It feels as if it's peeled of/ chemically stripped off the top layer of your skin, and draws all you impurities to the surface (hence my spots being slightly redder after using it) - It's got to get worse before it gets better!
It does leave my face slightly dry.. but I usually follow up with a light moisturiser .. to further allow my skin to breathe without it feeling tight. 

All in all, it's an amazing 'drugstore' face mask well worth giving a shot if you're stuck in a rut with your skin.. Available here.

Vicki xo

Beauty & Accessory haul

I'm so excited to be able to share this with you, as the reason I've been able to go shopping is.. I have a job at long last :D I've been out of work a little over 3 months and it's been probably the worst 3 months of this year (despite the stress from my old job).
Anyway, I shan't ramble .. I'll just get on and show you what I've picked up over the last week or so :D

Excuse the creepy face, it's the only photo I had of my snazzy new notebook & post it notes (not that you can see them, but I'll include them in a post sometime soon). Both were from Primark for £1.50 each.

I managed to find this gorgeous tartan scarf this year in Newlook for £14.99. It's so big and cosy, I can't wait for the weather to get colder now.

(All from Primark) Necklace - £5. Bracelet 50p. Earrings - £2. 

On to the make up..

I finally picked up the Makeup Revolution Iconic 3 palette for £4 in Superdrug. As I was never going to buy the Naked 3. I have the Original and Naked 2, so didn't see the point.  

Slight splurge on the MAC studio fix fluid (NC15) - £21.50 & Foundation pump - £4.

As the No7 vouchers are back I thought I'd pick up a few bits in the form of the quick thinking wipes (not photo'd as they're boring) for £2 (usually £7 - Fools!!) and this essential moisture day cream for £4 (usually £9).

Kiss sultry lashes - £5.99.

Rimmel match perfection concealer - £5.99. Rimmel nail polishes - £2.99 each. And as I spent over £10 on Rimmel I got the lash accelerator endless mascara free :D (usually £7.99). I also picked up the Rimmel Clear complextion pressed powder - £3.99.

Other random bits..  Colgate max white one mouthwash - £1.99 (half price). Herbal Essences shampoo - £1.89 (half price). Charles Worthington texturising spray - £5.49 (with a voucher I had, noramlly £6.99).

So yeah, my fix has been satisfied for now. I'm so happy to be back to work. Please bare with me for a while though as I'm on a zero hour contract, but trying to fit in as many hours as I can before Christmas.. and I've got a house move due in the next few weeks. So blog posts and YouTube video's may be a bit far and few between.. but I shall try my best to fit in a schedule once my rota's are up at work :D 

Hope you enjoyed my little haul, 

Vicki xo 

Long weekend in Leeds..

Hi guys, I'm back with another travel related post for you today.. Last weekend I headed up to Leeds for a long weekend.. (who'd of thought, given the title eh?!). I'm not going to lie, I didn't wanna come home! 

It was a weekend full of excitement, emotion and relaxation.. (and some spendies, stay tuned for my haul).

Initially I just went up to see Ed Sheeran, but I thought I'd stay a little longer than that one night so I could catch up with a few people I know up there (this is all the mention your getting Adam!) and just relax. I treated it as a little holiday to myself, and thankfully the weather held up for me until Monday.. which for Yorkshire is pretty good going eh ;)

I'm just gonna show you a few photo's I took while I was up there and reminisce about my trip that I'm sure I won't be doing again for a while (*sad face*).

Don't forget to head over to my YouTube to see my packing video's and my first attempt at a vlog while I was up there.

Can we also take a moment to look at how beautiful Brighton sunset pt 2 turned out..

I cannot wait to plan another trip up to Leeds, it's slowly become one of my favourite cities. (Not gonna lie, miss those douche's up there!) 

Vicki xo

Don't forget, I'm on YouTube :D

Hi guys, sorry I've been a bit mia recently on the blogging front. I've been crazy busy with packing to move house, starting my new job and with my new found joy.. my YouTube channel :)


I did mention in my first post on this blog that I'd started a YouTube channel, and I have to say .. I'm genuinely really enjoying it! From sitting down, chatting, editing and so on.. it's all fun and games.


I started my channel as I was unemployed and had been for around 2 and a bit months, and it was getting to me having nothing to do with my time. I'd neglected my blog hence starting this shiny new one .. and was just stuck in a rut.

On to why I'm writing this.. while I may have taken a big of a blogging break, I'm throwing my all into my YouTube channel.. I've got so many idea's planned which I'm going to attempt to put on here as well as over on my YT and I just wanted to share with you what I've been doing over there if you didn't know I was even making video's :)

I'd love it if you could head over, give me some feedback and maybe make my day and hit that subscribe button :D

I've also made a Facebook page specifically for my blog and YT, and of course.. I am on Twitter and Instagram.. If you'd like to follow me, tweet me, comment, like.. ANYTHING.. all my links are over that way somewhere ---------->



I hope you're enjoy what's left of October and hopefully I'll be back with some updates soon

Vicki xo

Review - Vo5 Dry Shampoo

There's countless amounts of dry shampoo on the market now a days and it's a struggle to know what's worth it. I've tried a fair few myself from Asda's own to Philip Kingsley..


Today I'm going to share my views on Vo5's offering.. the 'Refresh me quick' dry shampoo for normal to oily hair.

Now I wouldn't say I had particularly oily hair, but I always need a decent DS knocking about for those lazy days when I was throw my hair on top of my head between washing.

Before 

After

As you can see from the above photo's, it's very effective! The photo's almost write this review themselves. So I'll keep it short and sweet and tell you some good points: 

• My hair looks freshly washed after using it.

• It doesn't leave any kind of residue. 

• It smells like regular shampoo. 

• It doesn't leave a white cast (as you can see from my badass roots!)

Those are the thing I tend to look for in a DS, that and it's super cheap and very readily available. #

I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this product.. I was never a fan of the Batiste DS's, I just think they're way too over hyped and not worth it. Whereas this, I will most definitely repurchase!

Vicki xo

Recent Travels P2..

Like I said in my previous travel post, I've hit up a few places over the UK over the last few weekends and in today's post I'm going to share with you my trip to Brighton + Chichester..

I still can't believe in 20 years, I'd never been outside of Brighton train station!

The weather may not have been great when we arrived, but it sure cheered up pretty damn quickly and got very very busy (as I'm sure Brighton always is of a weekend). Alas, it was another great weekend - sun, sea, bright lights of a big city and just gorgeous scenery.

En route back the following day from Brighton, we decided to stop off in Chichester for a little picnic in the park as it was such another lovely day (I've been to Chi before, but my friend hadn't can you believe!)

I didn't take many photos in Chi, as I was too busy relaxing... but thought I'd show you just how beautiful the day and scenery was (and the autumn leaves!! How exciting.)

Vicki xo 

First Impressions.. (BD Foundation & Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer)

Following on from my haul the other day, I have my first impressions of 2 of the make up bits I picked up.. Needless to say.. I'm not impressed.

I did my first impressions in a video going up in a few days, so stay tuned to my YouTube for that, but unfortunately I was given some bad news after the application and cried the make up off..
So this is kind of my second impressions.. which sadly aren't any better.



I applied the Rimmel wake me up concealer and the Barbara Daly moisture foundation..

I don't know how either claim what they do.. from my first/second impressions.. the Rimmel concealer doesn't 'wake me up' or brighten my under eyes in any way (neither does it conceal!) and the foundation feels dry on even my oily skin.. 

From the above photo's the colour of the foundation looks like it matches me, alas.. it oxidises like a mofo! And the 'concealer' may have just about blended in but it was the lightest shade of a whole 4 and was still too dark! 

Even together, with one layer of 'concealer' and two of foundation .. it barely covers my panda eyes!

They've also settled into the lines under my eyes (which unfortunately I do have a problem with). 

The only plus is despite the foundation going funny around my nose (sides) it didn't cling to the dry patches around the bottom of my nose where I've had a cold and have dry skin. 

I'm not sure what to think of either of these products.. I've barely had them on an hour and already ready to remove them as my face just feels nasty right now.. not to mention I look really dark! It's probably gone up about 3 shades by just sitting on my face.. 

Is there any other pale girls out there who can help me out??? I'm about a MAC NW10-15 (neither oxidise on me, but I can't afford MAC at the mo)..

I'm so unimpressed I probably won't even bother doing a full review of either.

Vicki xo

Beauty Haul (Costco + Tesco)

I've been a little bit naughty... I've been out of work a little over two months now though and have been very good.. but these bits.. I just had to pick up!

^ Look who discovered Costco UK! 

My friend signed up for a card yesterday and got me one too :D  

Both of these were in multi packs, and were such good prices for the size I thought I could justify them for now.

I know it seems silly that I bought what are effectively just samples.. but all together there's 240ml of conditioner there for £1!!! (Poundshop win) I'm going up to Leeds for another long weekend in two weeks (hopefully) and these will be perfect for my condensed packing, as I'll probably only wash my hair once during the trip. They take up next to no space and no need to bring any empty containers back :)

I didn't need either of these Rimmel products.. but I was in Tesco and was willing to buy a new foundation (as none of mine seem to match me at the moment) and there was a 3 for 2 across Rimmel.. Alas.. I had to take the foundation back the next day as it was darker than I first thought.. and they kindly let me exchange it for the Barbara Daly foundation (below) .. 

Vicki xo

Current skincare favourites

I've never been one to do favourites posts, but recently there's been three skincare products I've utterly fell in love with and I felt I had to share them.

Aesop amazing face cleanser - I hate that I like this cleanser! (It's around £33 for this bottle). Alas, I'm glad I have it in my life for the time being.. It's a beautiful gel like cleanser targeted to oily/combo skin to give a mild cleanse. This is my 'at home facial', cleanser of choice as it's so relaxing to use. It's scented with mandarin rind, ylang ylang and lavender stem, which is probably why it makes me feel so relaxed. This can be used all over the face (including eyes - win) to remove make up and cleanse afterwards, it feels luxurious on the skin and it makes your skin feel squeaky clean when your finished without drying the skin.

I also just want to quickly mention the customer service at Aesop.. I bought this cleanser back in July when I was in London as a little treat to myself and the lovely lady gave me some samples, which is always nice.. but when I got home.. I went to use the cleanser with the pump provided to find it was faulty .. As I don't live anywhere near an Aesop counter I couldn't take it back to get it replaced, so a quick email to Aesop later.. they agreed to send me out a brand new pump for my cleanser. It doesn't take much for a company to be nice and agree there must of been a fault..  So thank you Aesop :D

No7 hot cloth cleanser - I'm a massive fan of the Liz Earle hot cloth cleanser, but I wanted to try something else and at the time I bought this I had a no7 voucher. I'm happy to say I was not disappointed with this product! It's not quite a 'dupe' for LE but it's very similar in texture etc. It's lightly scented cream cleanser, suitable for all over the face (including eyes) and it leaves the skin feeling really soft. Also, the packaging! Much better than the pump version of LE as you can see what you're using and the way it pumps up after every use makes it feel like you won't waste a load of product. Available here.

Avene hydrating serum - I've also never been one for using a serum.. it's always seemed like an unnecessary step to my skincare routine, and I'll be honest.. I don't use it under my moisturiser like your meant to, I usually just use this alone as a regular moisturiser if I just don't wanna use my day or night 'cream'. It's so light-weight, it sinks in really fast and feels so nice on the skin. I bought this on a wim, but I'm glad I did! Available at Boots & Escentual.

 Vicki xo

Blogger tag

I was tagged by the beautiful Laura from Elledeesbeauty to do this blogger tag. Enjoy :D

What is your Favourite beauty product?

What kind of question is this? I can't think of such a thing.. oh god.. uhmm.. The Aesop amazing face cleanser.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

America for sure, no state in particular.. but yeah.. I'd want to road trip all over the country. 

What is your all-time favourite brand?

I'm gonna have to go for MAC, as it's mid-ranged and the colour selections are so vast.

Do you collect anything? If so what is it?

Make-up and beauty products!

Early-bird or night-owl?

Night owl probably, I try to do the whole 'early night' thing but it never works out.

Tea or coffee?

Tea. I hate coffee!!

What is your favourite TV show?

Friends! Friends will always be my favourite tv show, but out of one's airing now.. Hollyoaks.

If you could travel to any era, what would it be?

Without a doubt the 50's!

I tag... 

Kerri

..and anybody else that wants to do it! Leave me your links if you do the post :)

Vicki xo

Recent travels..

A bit of a different post from me, but the last few weekends I've been on a few road trips with a friend of mine to hit up some places in the UK I haven't yet been to in my 20 years here, and for once.. I remembered to bring my camera :)

I give you a snapshot into my trip to Wales! (Cardiff + Swansea to be precise) ..

If you ever go down to Swansea and your driving, head down to Mumbles! There I took one of my favourite photos that I just had to put on here twice! 

It's such a beautiful .. well.. country. I've always wanted to go to Wales, just to kind of say I've been really haha. But it was a lovely weekend and I'd go again in a heartbeat (need to explore The Mumbles more!)

Vicki xo 

NEW BLOG + YouTube..

Oh hey..  So I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and one thing that popped into my mind a lot was re-starting my blog and starting a YouTube Channel.. 

So, as of today.. I've done both :D 



If you've come over from my old blog, welcome back! Things will hopefully be a lot better this time round.. as now I have a lot of time on my hands, so much more time to sit and write about things I love. And if you're new and came across my blog somehow.. Hello! 

I will be bringing over a few posts from my old blog, (maybe a few slightly updated) but on this shiney new blog, I will be bringing you lot of content with OOTD's, GRWM's, Hauls (when I have a job), Reviews etc.. 
As I said .. I also wanted to start a YT channel.. and I posted my first video yesterday, it was just a quick GRWM.. I'd love it if you would head over and give me some feedback :) 


So here starts a new journey.. new blog, new YT, new Vicki..  Would love it if you could follow the journey with me, I don't know where were going yet, but were gonna have fun where ever we go!! 

Vicki xo