Last week I finally bit the bullet and joined the masses by signing up for my first Beauty Box. I’d resisted temptation for several months but when the gorgeous Holly posted a 50% off link for Carmine I’m afraid I was powerless to resist.

First impressions -

• Receiving a box of surprises in the post gets me excited and makes me feel special. Ok…ok… so I’ve technically gifted it to myself… but still, it feels like a lovely treat
• I really dislike the box. It’s nigh on impossible to get into, I feel that the top and lid fit so tight it’s creating a vacuum as I try to pull it off. Frustrating. When I do get in I just feel the colour choices are all a bit garish, especially that lime green. I can see what they were going for (Christmas present feel) and I applaud them for trying to set themselves apart from every other powder pink & black box on the market but well…. it’s fairly ugly
• Realistically I see myself using just 3 of the products, and one of those is a Caudalie 10ml tester…. however the hand-cream I can see my Mum getting use from. The Sandler eye dust thing… just a complete meh product. No redeeming features at all there

Conclusion –

I logged in shortly after and cancelled my subscription with Carmine because whilst I have discovered I really LOVE the Beauty Box concept I feel that this particular company has packaging issues to iron out. I’m going to keep an eye on them though and perhaps revisit in the future.

In the meantime I have signed up for 2 more beauty boxes, Feel Unique and Boudoir Privé (I liked that this one didn’t charge p&p). Mainly because I think that £10 or so is a reasonable amount to flutter on something fun like this. I regularly waste a lot more than a tenner in Boots & Superdrug! Plus there’s the fact that I can dip in one month or pull out the next.

Treat yourself! xo

Since those fools at LUSH discontinued Babyface (the ultimate cleanser) I’ve been on the look out for a replacement.

I wouldn’t say that these latest discoveries are quite holy grail material, but they are definitely effective.

Garnier Simply Essentials Gentle Eye Make-up Remover is non greasy, non irritating but very very effective at removing all kinds of eye make-up. Including the all important waterproof mascara.

The 2 in 1 General Make-up Remover is one of those oil/ water combos. Quick shake before use and you’re good to go. I find a little goes a long way and again it has no issue removing even industrial strength foundations like Estee Lauder Double Wear. It’s not noticeably oily though, unlike say MAC’s remover. No residue or any of that annoying guff.

Overall I’d recommend, especially if you have sensitive skin/ eyes and if your skin is on the drier side. I’ve been using them a few weeks now and they haven’t broke me out either so YAY!

Not sure how much they are, from memory I think £2.99 each? but Boots had them on 3 for 2. Give em a whirl. You never know, you might just love em

*Disclaimer – People offer to send me free shit all the time. I NEVER EVER accept. I buy my own shit and I tell it like it is.

Why does this picture make me sad?

Perhaps we need a close up….

*Sigh*

Yes… that dribble of product is the remainder of my ALL TIME FAVOURITE CLEANSING SOLUTION

What’s the problem I hear you say? Buy more you silly cow…

Well obviously I would but in a cruel twist of fate (appropriately dramatic as ever…) it’s not available in the UK.

Well actually that’s not technically true… there are some bastard savvy Ebay sellers touting bottles at £20 inc p&p. There are also some French sites that offer international posting which seems great until you get to checkout. One tried to charge me £40 shipping for a SINGLE bottle!! The only way this option would be cost effective would be to order in serious bulk (currently considering this…).

However in it’s native France (where I picked mine up on hols) it’ll only set you back around €8. I could kick myself for not buying more at the time but in my defence I had no idea it would be so fantastic. It also lasts ages so is excellent value for money. I’ve been using it almost daily for 10 weeks and it’s only running out now.

This will suit absolutely any skin type but is particularly good with sensitive skin as it is extremely gentle and unperfumed. I like it because it removes even stubborn make-up without the need to scrub or pull (something I’m particularly adverse to doing now that I’m the wrong side of 30) and it isn’t in the least oily.

Honestly ladies, if you go anywhere near France or the surrounding areas of Europe keep an eye out for Bioderma and stock up. Your skin will thank you!

xo

Technically Tuesday’s outfit but this lazy ass has only got round to uploading the pics

Dress – Warehouse Sale £30

Totally loving this frock. Colourful, beautiful shape and such a comfortable silky feel fabric. Easy to dress up or down. I wore it last week with a waist cincher belt and it looked amazing!

Tights – Primark Sale £1

Shoes – Oasis Sale £40

Necklace – New Look Sale £2

Do you see a pattern? LOL I almost never pay full price for any clothing that I buy. For a number of reasons I guess, but mostly because I cannot stand seeing something I’ve spent a fortune on inevitably reduced a few months later. Absolute killer.

Make-up wise I’m still loving my Bobbi Brown Beach Shimmer Brick, and I’m also digging pink eyeshadow. Really brings out my eyes. Lid combo is MAC Expensive Pink, Girlie and Cranberry. The crease is blended out with a touch of MAC Twinks. Warm and pretty imo.

I’ve also got a great 30+ skincare routine down, more of that shortly.

xo

While perusing the Daily Fail this morning I came across THIS article, in which my favourite pint sized pop princess attributed her line free face to Ponds Cold Cream.

My immediate thoughts on reading this were:

LOL

Nothing to do with regular Botox injected all over your face then?

however they were promptly followed by an altogether darker thought….

Where can I get me some of this shit RIGHT THIS SECOND?!

Answer – The Cheapy Chemist round the corner! WIN!

Now I’m not stupid, I mean I KNOW that the Minogue sisters love themselves a bit of botox BUT I am also a crazy anti-ageing obsessed 31 year old…. so that tiny nagging doubt that says “but what if it really IS the Ponds making her look amazing for her age” completely won out.

And if it’s actually just shite then I’ve only wasted £4.98, and let me tell you I’ve wasted a shedload more wonga than that on useless Origins skincare (to name but one over-hyped brand).

Who’s joining me in a Ponds purchase?

xox

Hmmmmm… note the House of Fraser slogan….

They aint lyin!! I was lucky to get out of there with some change in my purse!

Now I’m not sure if it was nationwide, but the Belfast branch of House of Fraser has been holding a 2 day Sale which ends this evening. With discounts of up to 30% off the majority of fashion brands, and 10% off beauty. Hooray!

I went in with the sole purpose of buying a clutch sized bag, and ended up with not one but two bags (…well you DO don’t you?).

In my defence it is entirely NOT my fault. If places like HoF are going to reduce bags by one of my favourite designers by 25%…. and then on sale day by a FURTHER 25% I’m going be pretty bloody helpless in saying no, …. right?

Disclaimer over….. and I got my small clutch

It’s a beautiful butter soft black leather one by Badgley Mischka , almost pouch like. The big selling point for me was the fact that it features a long thin strap enabling cross-body wear. This is a must for me on a night out. If the bag is not physically connected to me in some fashion I WILL lose it. Trust me, after 31 years on earth you get to know yourself quite well, and I lose clutch bags… a lot.

Bonus too that the strap can be doubled up, which shortens it and means you can wear it underarm. Cute AND versatile!

I also fell in love with this Badgley Mischka tote. I admit mostly because of the stunning colour.It’s so unusual! Almost peach.

This also has a detachable strap and therefore can be worn in a multitude of ways, although it won’t be getting any wear until June as I’m saving this for our Summer holiday

Beauty Hall purchases were strictly limited to skincare for a change. I’m just not “feeling” make-up at the minute. I’m more than satisfied with what I already own tbh so I just picked up 2 things from Origins.

The “Make a Difference” Ultra Rich Rejuvenating Cream. I’ve been on the hunt for a really rich night cream and the sales assistant directed me towards this one. I didn’t argue, felt rich, smelt unoffensive and wasn’t ridiculously expensive. Sold.

She was actually really enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the Origins range (as she should be) which is probably how I ended up with “refreshing eye cream” that I didn’t know I needed (… until I’d bought it) but I was in one of those carefree shopping moods this morning, open to trying new things and being easily influenced. Sometimes that’s the best kind of shopping.

Anyway, that’s my lot. I’ve been on a post shopping high all day!

Enjoy your weekend folks, whatever you get up to!

Me, I’ll be chilling tonight with the family, and then tomorrow night I’m hitting Belfast with one of my chums. It’ll be a heels, lipstick and champagne kinda night. Can hardly wait!!

xox

Thank you so much to Dottie at http://www.pinkpoppolkadot.blogspot.com/ who tagged me with a “You make me smile” Award.

She said “Arlene is a breath of fresh air and I absolutely love her blog posts and her lovely accent ”

Now I’m not one for displaying award tags normally, I think it’s a bit silly to celebrate “best lay-out” etc, however if my blog causes someone to break a smile that’s definitely worth boasting about!

So I accept my award with pride Dottie, and it definitely made me when I read it xx

Rules
- You have to put a song that makes you happy.
- You can tag as many people as you like, there is no limit.
- Say at least one thing about each blog you tag, that will make them smile, something nice about their blog that makes you smile when you read it!

So below is a song that always makes me smile….. I sing along and I never fail to get my groove on

I’d like to award Marie of http://marie-loves.blogspot.com/ because she’s a really down to earth girl with a varied blog, who’s not afraid to send herself up for a bit of a laugh, and even though I’ve never met her in real life I can hear her thick Scottish brogue in my head as I read her hilarious posts.

xoxo

Keep it to yourselves……

but remember that time not so very long ago when I balked at the idea of people wearing green nail polish at any time other than Halloween/ St Paddy’s day…….

Well…..I have a little confession to make….. and its called “Boho”

Beautiful Boho is responsible for making me eat my words, a soft sparkly GREEN nail polish and I’m more than a little in love with it. Collection 2000 Hot Looks strike again!

I think this has opened the floodgates in regards to less “conventional” nail colours for me now … whatever next? Yellow?!!

xox

Well its been two whole months since I set about saving these hideous nails…

Nails on 9th June 2009

I’ve been continuing with the application of Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle Night and Day and we’re now at this stage….

Nails on the 11th of August 2009

I really can’t fault this stuff, the before and after pictures speak for themselves. What you can’t appreciate in photo though is just how strong my nails now are. There is very little flexibility in them, but enough to mean they are not susceptible to chipping.

A few people have been put off by the price of this product (approx £8 per bottle). I understand in this climate people are more careful about buying these type of treatment products, however I can honestly say I’d pay double that for it if I had to. That’s quite simply because it works.

Each bottle lasts almost 2 months as well (and thats using it twice daily) which I think is great value for money.

Most of all though I like my hands again, I don’t shove them into my pockets or feel ashamed of them, such as when handing money over at shops. My hands feel elegant, feminine and more representative of “me” which quite frankly rocks

xoxo

I started using this product over eight months ago now, and I still love it! Check out my updated review on Youtube xox

The weather here in Northern Ireland has taken a gloomy turn for the worse. Boooo hissss!!!

I’m trying to take any little positives I can out of this, and so today I thought I would test out the A/W nail polishes I’ve been stocking up on…. without looking like a Goth in summer…..

This vampy and seductive deep wine number is NYC’s new “In a New York Color Minute” Quick Dry Nail Polish (how catchy……) in Manhattan (248B).

This is one coat which is sufficient but I think one more would take it to full opacity. I can happily report that it did dry in under a minute too with little to no tackiness.

I think you’ll agree that it’s a gorgeous shade with a beautiful high shine finish. I can’t put my hand to the Superdrug receipt, but I’m almost sure that this was on 2 for £3 so bargaintastic as well as beautiful!

What nail polish are you wearing today? xox

Good Luck xox

A big thank you to everyone who made a purchase from my blog sale, the shoe fund is looking healthy now

Everything that has been paid for was posted out on Thursday & hopefully will soon arrive at your end xoxo

*SALE NOW FINISHED* Should you wish to purchase anything, please leave a comment below stating what/ which items and your paypal address. I will then invoice you. Payment is required within 1 hour or items will be relisted.

I am afraid I can only post within the UK/ Ireland. Postage is included in prices

*SOLD* Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal – Oily Skin (Brand New, Never Used) £6

*SOLD* Cetaphil Daily Moisturiser SPF15 All Skin Types (Used 4 times 80% product remains) £6

*SOLD* MAC Play on Plums Mineralize Eyeshadow (Used once, does not suit me) £10

*SOLD* Riotous (all used a few times) £3 each

*SOLD* GOSH Multicolour Blush (Swatched once) £5

*SOLD* Benefit FYI Eye Primer RRP £17.00 (Used a few times) £8

*SOLD* Barry M Natural Dazzle Compact £5

*SOLD* Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Palette (Used 3 times, looks like new) £15

*SOLD* Remington Shine Therapy Straighteners (Used literally 3 times, like new) £24

Thanks guys, hope you see something you like xoxox

Exactly 4 weeks ago I embarked on a little tidy up nail campaign.

Nails on 9th June 2009

My main gripes were nail bed discolouration, manky cuticles and general length/strength. I have to be honest and say that I’m still abusing my nails with all manner of bright polishes.

However I have been applying my Sally Hansen Miracle Growth once a day and these are the results so far

Ok, so they still need work but there is a marked improvement, most notable in the fact that they are no longer peeling/ breaking and are maintaining length. I see beautiful long nails in my not too distant future

How’s everyone else getting on?

xoxo

And the lucky winners of the “Tidy up time” Nail Competiton are:

1st Prize – C Beth Glitter

2nd Prize – Sarah

3rd Prize – Olga

4th Prize – Sassyele

Well done winners! Please email your postal adress to arlene@dressjunkie.com and I’ll get your goodies sent out to you asap!

Thank you to everyone else who entered but didn’t win this time, there will be plenty more chances to win fab prizes soon

xox

Finally I’ve found an eye cream that I love.

For the past few years I’ve tried most high brand eye cream samples out there and always come away feeling perfumed, greasy and irritated. It seems to me that if you’re in the market for eye cream you are automatically assumed to be in the over 50 age bracket with wrinkles like a Sharpay!

Thankfully I’ve a few decades to go before I fall into that category.

My major gripes are fine lines, dark circles and waking every morning looking like I slept for about 7 minutes, not 7 hours.

Not anymore. Meet Superdrug’s Brightening Eye Cream £3.91

Contains Organic Rose Hip Oil a hydrating anti-oxidant, Arnica to reduce puffiness and AHAs to reveal a brighter, natural radiance.

I bought this 3 weeks ago, purely because there was 30% off it at the time and the packaging sucked me in (I was in a environmentally friendly, organic phase…..) who the hell doesn’t want a “Natural High”. Plus for the previous 6 months I had settled myself with Simples Eye Cream, unexciting, unoffensive but tbh a bit of a nothing. I applied out of routine, rather than for any miracle results it offered up (as there were none).

From the first moment I applied this I knew it was different to other eye creams, to start with the formulation is very thick for an eye cream, its not oily or balmy like a lot of them are. It feels immediately cooling and within around 3 minutes is fully absorbed into the skin leaving no slimey residue. It also smells of absolutely nothing, nada, zilch which is perfect for me. Perfume & my eyes = irritation central.

When I woke up the first morning after application I thought it was a fluke, for once my eyes weren’t stinging. I didn’t feel the need to immediately cleanse my eyes as I ALWAYS had to before.

In the past week of use I’ve also noticed a marked improvement in the puffiness, I still have dark circles (I don’t believe there is any cure for them other than concealer) but the spongy effect under my eyes has diminished considerably which in turn is making the dark circles look less pronounced. I’m now using it in the mornings as well and because it absorbs quickly I am having no issues applying my under eye concealer directly on top.

My eyes feel so much more refreshed, its truly been the best find not to mention bargain in an age!

Has anyone else tried anything from this range?

xox

Hi everyone,

I thought I’d start this week with a little competition for you all

The inspiration behind this one is actually the sad state of affairs that are my fingernails. They have been neglected for about the past 4 weeks, really really badly. I’m actually ashamed of them

The nails themselves haven’t been filed into shape in weeks, they look manky and discoloured due to all the bright nail polish abuse. The cuticles are ripped and torn…. I’ve seen better nails on Pete Doherty..

If you’re easily turned look away now

So in an effort to get them back into shape for summer I’ve bought myself some treatments including Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle, Cuticle Cream & some new nail files.

I’m hoping to see an improvement within a week – 10 days…. and I was thinking… surely my lovely readers would like a chance to treat their talons too? We can compare progress!!

There are 4 prizes up for grabs, to enter you will need to leave a comment below saying “Enter me please”, you will need to be aged 18+  due to the fact that some of the prizes are classed as solvents, although I will post to anywhere in the world.

One entry per person please and no third party entries from “money saving” websites, I reserve the right to delete such entries. Competition closes Friday June 12th at 12 noon GMT. Winner will be announced shortly after.

1st Prize Winner will receive

• 1 x Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle
• 1 x Sally Hansen Nail Quencher
• 1 x Sally Hansen Natural Shine
• 1 x Ms Manicure 4-way (ooooer) Nail Buffer

2nd Prize Winner will receive

• 1 x Elegant Touch Fortifying Nail Spa
• 1 x Barry M Nail Paint in 301 Block Orange

3rd Prize Winner will receive

• 1 x Elegant Touch Fortifying Nail Spa
• 1 x Barry M Nail Paint in 300 Acid Yellow

4th Prize Winner will receive

• 1 x Elegant Touch Fortifying Nail Spa
• 1 x Barry M Nail Paint in 302 Fuchsia

GOOD LUCK

xoxoxox

Its that time of the week again “tan time”. More specifically “fake tan time”. Joy.

This generally involves:

• Exfoliating (like the packaging says) to the point where I look like I’ve suffered one massive chinese burn
• Brain ache as I debate the pros and cons of all my tan products and try to pick a winner
• Latex gloves to apply (which itch and BURN)
• Twister style contortions to apply evenly everywhere
• Adding yet more tan stains to our towels
• Strange weird palm only hand washing

I hate it. I hate the process. I hate the smell. I hate the texture, and I hate that I wasn’t born a beautiful bronzed goddess. It’s simply not fair.

“Embrace your paleness” friends and family tell me.
So I do that, only to have those same people ask “Are you feeling ok?”, “You look a bit peaky”, “Where you out on the sauce last night”….. it’s endless. Basically I do not suit the natural colour of my own skin.

I recognise that there are those lovely English Rose pale people. The milky skinned Ann Hathaway’s among us, complete with perfect skin tone and bruise free legs and arms. Not a varicose vein in site! Cows

So I do what all us ill looking paleys do and buy lots of fake tan products, always with the hope and belief that this next one really will look “natural” and be a breeze to apply. If only that were true. I dread to think what money I waste on this alone each year.

This is my current stash.

And I do mean current, I literally binned another 5-7 bottles of stuff last week.
I actively use all of these, so I’ll give you a run down of the pro’s and con’s for both. Believe me, they ALL have cons!

L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Dry Mist Body & Face

Pros – Superb spray design. Full 360 capability. Dries quickly. One application gives a strong colour but my husband says it borders on jaundice….

Cons – Need to be in a well ventilated room as catches the throat, open windows and nakedness *brrr*, absolutely impossible to get perfect around the hands. Does not react well with moisturiser.

Dove Summer Glow Face & Body

Pro’s – Cheap as chips. Smells great, citrussy and fresh. Big bottle, great value for money. The facial tanner is particularly good in colour.

Con’s – Takes yonks to build up any good level of tan on the body and once you do its time to exfoliate. Greasy as hell.

No7′s Self Tan Range

Pro’s – All give a nice colour

Con’s – The foam smells unholy (but not quite as bad as Piz Buin)

He-Shi

Pro’s – Instantly tans, so is great for unplanned nights out. You can be brown at the drop of a hat. Gives a deep tan without any nasty fake tan smell. Practically odourless. You can see where you are applying it!

Con’s – Expensive. Must be kept away from water for FIVE hours after application. If it rains on you in that window of time you’ll look like a new breed of dalmation. It’s messy and requires a mitt, you need to work quickly and evenly.

St Tropez Everyday Face & Body

Pro’s – Not too pricey. Big tubes, good value for money. Smells quite nice. Gives a nice colour.

Con’s – Greasy and the fat squeezy tube is uncomfortable to work with. Stains badly around the wrists and hands. Takes too long to build a decent colour. Wears off unevenly.

St Tropez Auto Bronzant Lotion

Pro’s – Gives the best golden tan. Get a lot of product in the bottle. Easy operation pump. Colour lasts almost 1 week.

Con’s – Very pricey. Messy once applied, can only be done before bed IMO, otherwise you’ll have to go about looking like a mud wrestler. Stains bed sheets and pjs.

Rimmel Sun Shimmer Instant Tan

Pro’s – Super cheap and frequently on 3 for 2 offers. You can see where you are applying it. Good for short notice events/ nights out as gives instant colour. Mistakes easily rectified as it washes off immediately. Has a beautiful soft shimmer built in that looks fab and healthy.

Con’s – If it rains on you, this baby is gonna run, literally all down your legs/ arms/ face. You’ll look like one hot mess. Messy to apply, you’ll need a sponge or gloves. It will stain your dress/ clothes so you need to be very very careful its dry before dressing.

I truly believe that there isn’t a foolproof fake tan out there. Especially not in the “apply at home” range. Throughout the years I have significantly improved at applying fake tan, with St Tropez Lotion and I definitely getting on the best for an all over body tan. I also love their Spray version but I’m all out of that at present and using the rest of these up.

Face wise it would be the Dove Summer Glow one in Medium to Dark, I’ve been using this for months now and although my face would normally react to facial tanners it has no problems with this one.

I’ll always reach for my Sun Shimmer though, its just far too handy and I love the sparkle that comes with it. Ok, so its not really any good the 3/4 of the year that it rains here in Northern Ireland, but in the summer months its a staple tan product for me.

If you hold the key to the “Holy Grail” Self Tanner please be kind enough to share below

xox

Last night I went to the Girls Aloud gig with my brother’s girlfriend and it was a brilliant night.

We went to a bar first and I was very naughty and had a few pints of Tennents and some red wine. So I was very pleased today at Weightwatchers when I lost another pound! Happy days

I wore my new Max C dress and my all time favourite Rudey 3-strap heels which were a much loved present from my husband. I felt very glam, girlie & suprisingly svelte once I was ready.

*Pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them

Makeup was pretty lazy tbh, a staple go to for me. Basically MAC Woodwinked, Mulch, Lovestone and a smidgen of Urban Decay Oil Slick for added depth. I was also sporting my “Nicola” from Girls Aloud Eylure Falsies. Lips are MAC Angel topped with Soft & Slow.

While I like the shape of the lashes, I’m not overly impressed with the actual band on the eyelid. It is very spacey and required quite a layer of gel liner to conceal it. On a plus though they peeled away easily after wear and I will be able to re-use them at least one more time. I didn’t use the glue they came with, I prefer Duo Adhesive, it works best for me.

All in all the concert itself was fab. They all looked a little stiff and nervous for the first two songs but after that they were in full swing and rocked the place. Nadine’s legs are like tooth picks in reality and Sarah Hardings body is amazing (even if she was sporting very dodgy hair extensions), and Nicola is even paler than I could ever have imagined but still my favourite!

Below are a few snaps taken with my piss poor camera. Sorry for the quality but you get the idea

If you’re lucky enough to catch the girls on their tour, enjoy xoxox