Using Liz Earle Abroad

A bit of a different post about the famous Liz Earle cleanse, tone and moisturise routine for you today- how I used two of these products abroad.

I know 99.9% of you all swear by this skin care routine both day and night, every day, however when I’m back home, I actually only use these every other day on a night (I can hear the gasps from you all). However in an attempt to prevent any face swelling yet again while I was in Tenerife, the toner and the cleanse and polish were life savers to me after a hard day lazing by the pool.

Instead of taking my full sized products, I used my sample cleanse and polish and then I pinched JEMs spritzer bottle for the toner. The reasons why I took these- obviously to save some baggage allowance- every little ounce counts.

So how did I use these products? Firstly as soon as I got to the room- they got put in the fridge. Yes in the fridge- purely to be lovely and cooling on the skin.

First up the cleanse and polish, now I’m assuming you have gotten over the initial shock of me not using this range every day, I did take 3 muslin clothes away with me, however I didn’t use one.

Basically due to keep putting my factor 30 on every hour on the hour, my top lip especially would be very tingley due to the product build up. I would get this out the fridge, coat my face and then go in the shower and use this as a facial soap. My face only felt clean after using this.

Secondly if I felt a spot coming, I would put a dab of this over the spot, leave for at least 30 mins, and the spot would be gone/redness taken out. Multipurpose product.

The toner was an absolute life saver, a multipurpose product and a half-

By keeping it in the fridge I would use this to cool my face down after coming in from the sun, and this method would remove suntan lotion. Then as usual I would use it after coming out of the shower after using the cleanse and polish in the “traditional” way.

Another use of the toner was to reduce puffyness/redness from around my eyes on a morning/afternoon (obviously nothing to do with going to bed at 5am). Just spray on a couple of pieces of cotton wool and then chill out for 10 mins. The freezing cold bottle also comes in handy when you get sunburnt in the most stupid places (ie the one knee), just use it as a mini ice pack.

So there you have it- never judge a product on face value/how you are "supposed" to use it. Make it up as you go along. I'm just hoping Santa brings me the moisituriser cream now.

Girl look at that body...I work outtttt

This is what happens when you have your first night out back post holiday when your drinking proper spirits/cocktails and decide to take a short cut through a car park..

At times I think I shouldn't be allowed out the house..

cheeky outfit of the night?? go on then..

Sequin Top, Leather Shorts, Shoe Boots.

Take a random guess where they're from?? Top de la Shop

STANDARD

Giveaway *closed*

Today's giveaway has been sponsered by a very good friend of mine and JEMs- Gill. Gill managed to escape from our place of work and set up her business aka her baby The Bear and Gift Company. If you are from the Durham area you may be aware of Gill and her bears which she used to make and sell at the Durham Christmas Markets.

Gill's business has grown and expanded, I'll let her explain it a bit more..

"The Bear and Gift Company develops and produces quality, handmade, personalised gifts to celebrate all your special occasions. We also source and provide quality gifts produced by other hand picked companies.

If you want the special people in your life to know that you love them, whether it is to wish them well, congratulate them or simply to let them know that you are thinking of them, please take the time to look further on our The Bear and Gift Company for ideas. This is a new family business and we would love the opportunity to provide that special gift for you"

As Gill is an avid reader of the blog and has recently set up her very own Facebook page to help launch her business further, she has kindly donated a bracelet as a giveaway prize to one lucky reader.

I've had to use a picture from the internet. The giveaway bracelet is silver and BLACK.

Rules.

Be a follower of the blog.

Like The Bear and Gift Company's Facebook page (here)

Leave a comment below with your email address.

Giveaway will be open until midnight (UK time) on 9th December.

Giveaway is international.

Good Luck

#leedsbloggermeet goodies

I think this is the post most people have been waiting for- the #leedsbloggermeet goodie bags. Massive thank you to Tor for arranging these- I pass all credit onto her.

We had a bit of a nightmare with bags, however luckily for us Tor had a small stash of brightly coloured carrier bags which did the job fabulously.

So what was in the bags-

Samples of Britney's perfumes, Mua eyeshadows, Pop glitter nail polish, Pixi eyeliner, Rose necklace from Scarlett Hearts, Vivo eyelashes and bronzer, Bijoux Dolly discount code and ring, Xen Tan sample, Sinless Sun info/contact, and a discount code for Republic.

We also got a travel size bottle of hairspray from Tresemme (not pictured as its currently in my work bag).

While looking at YouTube videos the other night, I saw this tutorial on the Tresemme YouTube page, thinking about giving it a go for my work's xmas do. There's some fab tutorials on their page, definately go have a look if your stuck for hair ideas.

Massive thank you to all the companies which helped us out.



Pixi Beauty @PIXIBeauty
Pop Beauty @pop_beauty
Xen Tan @XenTan_UK
Scarlett Hearts @scarlettheartsx
Vivo Cosmetics @VIVOCosmetics
MUA Cosmetics @MUAcosmetics
Tresemme @TRESemmeUK
Republic @republicfashion
Sinless Sun @SinlessSun

Bijoux Dolly @bijouxdolly

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

I don’t think I could be any more indecisive at times.

Current thoughts- to statement necklace or not to statement necklace??

If so give me some ideas.

The age old farce of what to wear for works Christmas party.

I actually make no sense today (whats new there)- tonsilitus has struck yet again, good job I have some antibiotics left over from the last tonsilitus attack.

Just realised this dress gets my seal of approval hahaha

Introducing ghd Air Hair-dryer

Quick post today- as an avid user (or should that be abuser) of my ghds I thought I would share the following press release with you which I received yesterday on their new Air Hairdryer. I actually need a new hairdryer so I may ask Santa to bring me one as I have been very well behaved this year (nights out and holidays don't count though :p).

Developed in conjunction with professional styling experts, the new ghd air is designed to help you unlock the secret to a gorgeous salon blow dry, every day. Featuring a powerful professional motor and advanced ionic technology, it delivers exceptionally fast drying and styling while helping to reduce frizz, leaving your hair soft and silky. Whether you’re looking for quick, sleek, smooth results or fabulous, impactful volume, ghd air puts the salon power in your hands. It’s the perfect companion to the other ghd styling tools and makes sure you leave the house looking beautifully glamorous.

Hailed as the ‘Aston Martin of Haircare2’, over the last 10 years ghd has transformed the style of women around the globe. The launch of ghd air is the latest addition to ghd’s hair care range and is the perfect fusion of ghd design and salon power.

An ideal tool to help create a salon look at home, the new ghd air boasts the following benefits:

                        Advanced Ionic Technology: for reduced frizz and a silkier, softer finish

                        Cool shot button: for a quick blast of cool air to fix your look in place

                        Salon strength AC motor: for more powerful drying

                        2 concentrator nozzles: helping to create a wide variety of styles

                        Ergonomic design: for easy handling and maximum control

The new ghd air professional hairdryer doesn't just dry hair, it inspires it.

ghd air currently retails for £99.99 on the ghd official website

Woooossssshhhh

I mentioned this outfit post in my recent Zalando haul post and here it is. This dress I thought was a bit too dressy for my holidays, and more apt for nights out back home. I've already worn this out with my leather jacket over this, however as I was going for a meal I thought I would attempt to make an effort.

What I love about this dress is the fact you can dress it both up and down, and you definately get your moneys worth. I would warn you that these dresses are on the large size- I'm a size 10 and this is too big for me. Also be very careful when there is a gust of wind, as the dress is see through under the first layer.

Please excuse the post holiday blubber which my face is currently packing, actually just gloss over it.

I'd been sorting out my hair extensions and the moltening hair liked to get stuck on the bottom of my shoes. *barf*.

Dress- Vero Moda Ico Cocktail Dress*

Blazer- River Island (last xmas)

Shoes- New Look (currently in stock, but I can't find them online)

Bag- plain black vintage clutch (not seen)

I'll definately be getting lots of wear out of this dress over the upcoming christmas nights out. And you know what the best thing about this dress is?? Its only £18. Yes you read right.

#leedsbloggermeet

Warning- picture heavy.

For something which feels like months in the making (well planning) the Leeds Blogger Meet Up has been and gone. I’m not going to lie my heart was pounding when I got off the train with Tor and my partner in drunken crime Ellie, as I’m useless when I meet new people, however what a waste of energy as I’ve never met such a lovely bunch of people.

In a nutshell the day involved a fabulous lunch at Red Hot Buffet, followed by a touch of shopping and then pub time. Tor was absolutely brilliant in organising some fab goodie bags for everyone- I’ll do a separate post on that later in the week.

Such a brilliant, with some fabulous people- I’ll let the pictures do the talking (I've linked everyone who came at the bottom of the post)..

Me, Tor, Laura, Charlotte, Sinead, Ellie

Me and Laura

Sinead, Charlotte, Maxine, Lauren, Haidee, Caroline.

Carla, Gem, Jo, Hollie, Tor

Dan and Clare

Gem, Jo and Hollie (well impressed with their goodies)

Lauren and Haidee swatching to the max

Laura and Caroline

Everyone

Lauren, Me and Laura

Caroline and Gem

Gem and Lauren doing their ootd poses

Gem, Victoria and Lauren

Victoria, Lauren and Dan

Kirstie, Caroline, Tor and Gem

Lauren and the Chanel

I feel in love with these shoes- you will be mine on 30th November.

Bubblegum ice cream- me and Laura were amazed!!

Tor, Ellie, Laura, Charlotte, Sinead, Carla, Gem, Caroline, Lauren, Maxine, Haidee, Hollie, Jo, Kirstie, Clare, Clare, Catherine, Liloo, Dan, Victoria.

If your not following their blogs, go and do it now, I'm not asking you to, its an order!!

Massive thank you to everyone who came!!

Oh #Raysbirthdayleeds28thJan

GET ON IT 

Secret Shopper Sunday

You may have seen a post a few weeks ago giving you a teaser of something which has been in planning for a while now. "Who is She" is teaming up with Sienna from She's a Secret Shopper to help you with your fashion dilemas..

Seen a something on a celeb??

Want the perfect outfit??

Don't know how to style a piece of clothing??

Well Sienna is here to help!!

Every fortnight Sienna will be posting on here with her celeb picks, and showcasing her fabulous styling. And we want YOU to get involved.

All what you need to do is either email or tweet me, or even leave a comment below with your fashion dilema, and Sienna will come to your rescue.

Who is She?? She's a Secret Shopper thats who

#teamboaty

I need a massive favour from all my gorgeous 880 readers..pretty please.

I know many of you follow Laura aka the ferryboat’s blog “What Laura Loves” and you will all be in agreement that her blog is fabulous.

What Laura Loves has been nominated for the best plus size fashion blog and would you all take a minute to click the link below and vote for Laura. You can vote twice in a day, so please vote twice.

Vote Here

Thank You!! xx

Lumiere tonight if you live in ye olde Durham town. It looks brilliant- can't wait!! Need to dig the hunters out though.

Zalando Haulage

*Worlds worst photos ever via my iPhone*

Zalando is a fairly new online shopping retailer which you may have seen mention on other people's blogs. I've deliberately not posted this haul, as one of the items were for my holidays, so I thought I would wait before posting them. I must admit I am very impressed with the amount of brands/items on the site, and if you look closely enough you can find yourself some bargains. I'm not going to revel the costs on here of the two dresses which I got- but instead click on the link and I guarentee you will be shocked with the price.

You need to search through the site to find the hidden gems (a bit like h+m) quite a lot of the products on the site may cater to "european" fashion if that makes sense. However when I'm online shopping I'll either filter by dresses or look at the brands and filter from there.

So what did I get..

Celina Mini Cocktail Dress and Ico Short Dress both Vero Moda (*)

Now I had a bit of a mare with these dresses, as last September in Manchester I went into the Vero Moda shop in the Arndale Centre and attempted to try a dress on- the Large wouldn't even go over my head. So when ordering I was very wary- I initally ordered a pinky/cream vest dress and the Ico dress both in a large thinking they should fit. Lets put it this way, they were far too big.

The vest dress had sold out so instead I chose the Celina dress in a Medium for my holidays so it had some move in it (Steph has the red/navy version) and the Ico dress in a Small (which is still too big for me). The Selina dress was featured in my holiday outfit post here. Tomorrow's OOTD post will feature the Ico dress (however warning you in advance I'm packing holiday weight big style on my face). Both dresses can be dressed up or down, and come in a variety of colours.

Korres Lip Butter in Quince (currently unavaliable on the site, this was approx £6).

I was very excited when I spotted Korres on their site as I was admiring their stand in House of Fraiser the week before. Quick tip for you- if you are wanting any Korres products seriously check Zalando out first as its free delivery and you can save money on the rrp. I'm obsessed with this lip butter, and I'm nearly through the pot- its really nourising on the lips, and its tinted. This shade on me personally is your lips but better. Ignore the second picture- its basically to capture the colour of the product (you get the jist).

I've also picked out my current favourite items from the site for you. Ironically it looks like two seperate outfits, this was not intended.

1, 2, 3 (I need this shirt in my life)

1, 2, 3

Returns to this site is brilliant, you can arrange for it to be picked up at your house by a courier, or you can drop them off at your local newsagents (providing the support the service). Also customer service can't be faulted- massive thank you to Amy for helping me with my returns and answering any queries which I had.

Definately a site you need to check out.

RayBox RayBox RayBox

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

it's that time of the month again (not that time you filthy mares) its RayBox time.

Lets go over the rules..

£10 of your money to be spent on whatever beauty products you want for that month.

Whats the best thing about a RayBox... its psychic- it reads your mind as to what you want and ironically you get everything you want.

So what did I get in my RayBox this month..

Oh my god, my RayBox has come in a RayHand?? WTF 

Seriously its all about the hand!! Pfffft boxes are soooo last season.

Oooo what is in the hand??

Ooooo its my favourite name in the entire world- Chanel!!

You know I'm a sucker for the double C.

I blame Charlotte for making me need this in my life.

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Emerveille.

Just look at it- its sooooo pretty.

I've only worn this a couple of times and I am impressed, I don't use the brush which came with it, but instead a small eyeshadow brush from Asda. The staying power is brilliant.

Normally I would wear this with Mac Painterly as a base. However if you want a fab golden smokey eye- use All that Glitters as a base, then use Woodwinked and Satin Taupe in the crease (all Mac shadows), and then a flick of black eyeliner.

I got this from Duty Free at Newcastle Airport for £18 (yes I may have been slightly over my RayBox budget, but its bloody Chanel- thou shall not be deprived of Chanel).

October Favourites

Ideally I wanted all these holiday related written up, posted and done all last week, however for some reason life has just been manic at the moment. Don’t know how it seems so manic as nothing has really changed from my usual routine, however it has.

Now after this post, there will be one kind of holiday related post (or should that be major rant) and then things will be back to normal. I’ve also got the major chew on of needing to find a dress/outfits for the upcoming festivities- expect blog posts on this.

Anyway as most of October I didn’t really do much (watching the pennies), my October favourites will also double up as holiday favourites. Apologies for the rubbish quality of pictures- they were done on my iphone over there.

Hair doughnut £1- Primark. Hair up in a pony, whack that on, mess up hair, pin it. Bish bash bosh done. Can’t be robbed for a £1 from Primark (especially when boots sell them for £5+).

Tangle Teezer- It was on my holiday favourites last time, its back again. JEM wants one for xmas, its just fab.

Aussie Take the Heat Leave in Spray- I won this in a giveaway on Carla's blog, and I’ve been using it religiously since receiving it. However on holiday I saw how fab this product is, after I thought it was a great idea to dive bomb in the pool, then do some handstands (as you do), and then realised I hadn’t brushed the back combing out of my hair the night before. Cue spraying my hair in this and using the tangle teezer, the knots came out straight away. Drenched my hair in this, and left to dry/bake in the sun- hair ended up really soft and lush. Will definitely be repurchasing once I’ve finished with it.

Macadamia Oil Treatment- this came in September (??) Boudior Prive box, and its been highly rated on peoples blogs (especially Laura's), and each night after washing my hair, I would use this on the ends to keep them soft. Like all oil treatments a little goes a very long way (my hair is right down my back- just realised it’s the same length as my hair extensions now. I won’t be repurchasing it.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish- I’m going to do a separate post on these (ie how these products worked for me on holiday, and how multi-functional these products are). So keep your eyes peeled for those.

Barry M Nail Paint in Bright Orange- party on your nails. I’m wanting to do a proper review of this polish. But this is holiday in a bottle.

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb- one of my all time favourite perfumes. Not too strong, but lasts all night.

Mac Eyeshadow in Haux- if you own this eyeshadow, try it with satin taupe in the crease. That’s all what I’m saying. WOW.

Elf Tinted Moisturser in Beige- this paired with Mac MSFN was my nightly make up base. Blends in well, provides more than enough coverage, and it was only £1.75 (50% off sale).

Topshop Head over Heels cream blush- previously blogged about here. I ended up using this every night. Very impressed with the staying power. Your cheeks but better.

Vivo lippy in barely there, and Barry M lip paint in 147- both fab drug store lippies. The Barry M lippy has magic vanishing abilities.. will do a post explaining this in more detail.

Elf spf 15 lipbalm- does what it says.

17 Falsifeye mascara- False lashes in a tube?? Not quite but it does a good job of attempting to get there.

Cheeky swatches.

 

Two more sleeps til #leedsbloggermeet

Christmas Event in Durham 17th November

Just a quick shout out to say that if you live in or around ye old Durham town, there is a Christmas Open Evening next Thursday (17th) at The Florist Shop in Newton Hall from 4-6.30pm.

Yes this is a plug for Moho's Flower Shop.

Holly will be offering 10% off to all customers on the evening, and the offer is valid on all stock in her shop not just Christmas items.

They have in stock bars of delicious novelty chocolate bars, created by hand from Laura’s Chocolates and you can guarantee it is unique as we are one of only 9 suppliers in the whole of England, brilliant as stocking fillers!

Also come along to the shop and look at our DIY Christmas section with bits and bobs you can buy to make your own Christmas decorations and gifts.

All christmas display pieces which Holly will be making fresh on the day will be on sale on the evening for 50% off.

She will also be taking orders for holly wreths.

I'll be around in the shop from about 5ish, so come and say hello.

The Florist Shop, 53 Carr House Road, Newton Hall, Durham, DH1 5LT (0191 3841144)

#Leedsbloggermeetup FINAL PLAN

Hi Ladies,
Saturday is getting closer and closer for the #Leedsbloggermeet. Myself and Tor can’t wait to meet you all, and you know that we’re all going to be causing scenes on Saturday.

Before I go any further if you are planning on coming and haven’t replied to the emails which have been sent or the tweets please can you do so.

The list of attendees as it stands (including Twitter names) is

Me (@RayWhoisShe)

Tor (@Tornumber9)

Ellie (@missy_ellie_uk)

Charlotte (@charlobsessions)

Sinead (@daintydollymix)

Carla (@carlito86)

Hayley (@LilHay)

Liloo (@tsunimee)

Gem (@gemmaantonia)

Caroline (@sparklyvodka)

Haidee (@haidee_pants)

Lauren (@laurensdressingroom)

Maxine (@maxinecassidy)

Dan (@danielle_stott)

Catherine (@perfectpolished)

Laura (@lora505)

Kirstie (@ohkirstiejones)

Summer (@littlemissnc25)

Charli (@SBTCDCharli) (fingers crossed)

Mine, Tor and Ellie’s train will be getting into Leeds at 11.08 (apparently) so if any of you would like us to wait for you at the station let us know.

So the plan of action is as follows-

Meet at the Corn Exchange between 11.30-12.30 in Anthony’s Café (thank you to Summer for the recommendation).

12.30- Lunch at Red Hot Buffet (menu can be found here).

Afterwards- either shopping (Primark has been requested and it would be morally wrong not to go to Harvey Nics) or drinks around the bars (purely optional as to what you want to do).

Meet about 4-4.30ish for more drinks (we’re open to suggestions as to where to go etc).

Mine and Tor’s train is just after 6, however if you contact Catherine (@perfectlypolished) she is arranging the night time do.

Oh I nearly forgot to say that Charlotte and Maxine are going to be making Vlogs of the day/night. You know its going to be messy.

If you have any questions/suggestions please let me know either comment/email/tweet me or Tor.

Hope to see you all on Saturday xxx

Ps- if anyone is worried about being stranded etc and you want my mobile number to keep in contact let me know.

Since When Did Less Become More??

Now considering this Tenerife trip was my second of the year I thought I'd cracked it with my make up products which I knew would work over there and to travel light.

Yeah how wrong was I??

Lets see what products I took away on holiday with me, and I wonder why my hand luggage weighed so much??

Mac MSFN- Medium Deep

Mac MSF- Soft and Gentle

Vivo Cosmetics- Barely There Lipstick

Elf Cream Eyeliner- Black

Sleek Pout Paints- Minx and Milkshake??

Elf Tinted Moisturiser- Beige

Barry M Lipstick- 147 (Mac Ever Hip Dupe)

17 Falsifeye Mascara

17 Wild Curl Mascara

Mac Paintpot in Painterly

Topshop Cream Blushes- Head Over Heels, Pinch, High Five

Benefit Boi-ing

Mac Lipglass in Florabundance

Mac Eyeshadows- Mythology, Elecktra, Woodwinked, Satin Taupe (4 pallete), All that Glitters, Print, Copperplate.

Want to know the sad thing?? I actually used 80% of these products..

Its official I can't travel light.

(Who is She now has a Facebook page- like us)

The Mechanical Bull...

..and meeting Justin Bieber..

Kick back and have a laugh at my stupidity..

Tinnie Tempah (oh la la la la)

Kayleigh the palm tree

Got to love a good stag dooo

The engagement ring and a princess tiara

Ooo I'm a palm tree

Is it raining inside??

Yates will always be your frieeennnddd.

Kayleigh the climber (and litterer)

I'm sexy and I know it

Breakfast

The ground was cooling on my sunburn

Where's ya lips at matey??

He's sexy and he knows it!!

Balancing act...

and I'll leave you with...

Getting me leg over