Revlon ~ Sheer Petal

Today nails are a little plain and simple... nothing too fancy.  I wanted a light baby pink colour for a while and was tempted to go shopping for Essie Ballet Slippers as I’ve heard that is a nice polish.  However after whilst rummaging through my collection last night, I came across Revlon’s Sheer Petal which is sheer pink shade which is perfect everyday colour.  This would be a great for a French manicure base.

This picture shows two coats which creates the look I was aiming for.  One coat is quite a nice look also.  I’ve never really used Revlon polishes before apart from Facets of Fuchsia, but this was nice to work with.  A little runny in consistency but it did dry very fast.  I was able to apply two coats in no time at all. 

Angela xox

Rumour has it

Like a animal getting ready for a hash cold winter... I am stocking up.  Why you ask?  Well rumour has it; Maybelline are discontinuing their mascara the One By One Volumn’ Express.  It is a rumour which I read a few times now and I hope and pray to anyone that will listen that it isn’t true.

For me the One by One is my most repurchased item, I think I’m on my sixth tube.  I honestly love it and will be very very VERY sad to see it go.  I’ve used higher end products before and spent £20+ on some mascaras but this hands down is everything I want in a mascara.  It gives you full lashes like you’re wearing false ones and the brush separates all the lashes... plus there is no clumping.  I have a review and swatches here (not like they’ll be helpful if it is being stopped...duh)


This weekend I stocked up and bought myself three new tubes.  And these were the last ones on the shelves, which might be an indication that it may be true.  I will be disappointed if the rumours are true and this is being stopped but what can you do??


So I may be looking for a new holy grail mascara... do you have any recommendations?

Angela xox

Essie/Nails Inc/TopShop

Whilst rummaging through ever expanding nail polish collection I came across a common thing. I seem to like turquoise.

Turquoise and Caicos, Haymarket. Pool Party

These three could be related. Distant cousins perhaps.  In the bottles they all have their slight differences but once you apply them to the nails they pretty much look the same.

SwatchesTurquoise and Caicos, Haymarket. Pool Party

When it comes to comparing the polishes and how they apply I will say that TopShops Pool Party is sprinting ahead.  Nails Inc Haymarket is seconds behind leaving Essie Turquoise and Caicos covered in dust.

I own quite a few Essie polishes now and this one is slightly disappointing. It takes three coats to get a good coverage whilst Haymarket and Pool Party you can just apply two.  Pool Party if applied thick enough could actually be applied in just one coat. Amazing huh?!

Now for prices.  The most expensive is Haymarket at a tad expensive £11.  Second up is Essie at £7.99. Then there is my favourite Pool Party at £5.  If I had to repurchase any of these it would certainly be Pool Party.  Not because it is cheaper (but that does help) but because it just better than the rest.  Simple really.

Angela xox

* Nails Inc Haymarket was a PR event gift.  I did not buy this with my own money however the Essie and TopShop polishes were purchased with my own hard earned cash :-)

Revlon Colourstay Shadow Stick in Smolder

If you're a follower of my blog you'd know not that long ago I picked up my first Revlon Colourstay Smokey Shadow Stick in Torch (review here).  I love Torch, they are the perfect colours for a lazy everyday makeup look and are seriously easy to use.  I knew I'd buy others from the collection... and I have.... Smolder.

Top: the shadow stick

Bottom L-R: light and dark

As the name suggests this is a dark shadow duo.  But instead of being your usual black and grey this is slightly different. A blue-grey tone base colour and a dark forest green for shading and definition. 

The shadows, like the Torch i reviewed previously last a good amount of time.  There is no creasing or movement of the shadow... they stay put for hours.  

They are smooth and are easy to apply/blend and both these colours work very well together.  They take on a metallic look on the skin... which catch the light very well as you can see on my swatches below. 

The swatches: dark and light 

Perfect for a smokey eye look which will take no effort at all I'm really looking forward to creating some looks with this.  Who knows I may even film a tutorial! Watch this space.

Angela xox

Bobbi Brown | Intensive Skin Supplement

For a while now I have been a Bobbi Fan, I never realised until now how much of my skin care collection was dedicated to her.  I’m beginning to realise why I am a fan – her products actually make a difference.

The Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Supplement is a serum which tackles the signs of ageing - I hate the fact that one day I'll be old and wrinkly :-(

The bottle

So the packaging looks very classic and would look lovely on anyone's vanity or dressing table.  A brown glass bottle which contains a pipette that picks up the serum. 

So how do you use it? Morning and night, well at least once a day on clean skin use the applicator to drop 2 to 3 drops into your hand. Then massage into your skin and allow to dry it's that simple. It's easy to spread on the face and it is absorbed fast. There is no waiting for it to dry, it just disappears.

Then serum will work its magic! 

The applicator

The swatch and blended

As with a majority of Bobbi products this is a little on the expensive,  but if you're willing to pay the money you do see and feel results.  So the question . . . would I repurchase?  Yes I would - I'm definiately a loyal Bobbi fan and really am enjoying using this.  However, I am interested in trying out other products on the market.  Not like I don't like this product but I just fancy something new.  

What do you like to use to combat the signs of aging?  What do you recommend I try next?

Angela xox

Essie ~ Lilacism

If you are an Essie fan, there is no doubt in my mind that you would of heard of Lilacism.  A creamy milky lilac shade, which takes two coats to give a non streaky coverage.  A lovely colour indeed.

However I feel this is a little light for my skin tone and also I feel like the polish is missing its 'X-factor'.  It's lovely but I just feel like I need something else with it. Perhaps some glitter or some shimmer of some sort.

Have you tried Lilacism?

Angela xox

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Black Eyeliner

I think I may be in love and I will tell you the reason why that is!  Like most girls I love a good old smokey eye look.  However I am prone to have oily skin quite a lot, so unfortunately having oily skin makes products slip and slide.  Boo who!

Well let me introduce you to my saviour...

The pencil and swatches. 

The black waterproof Scandal Eye liner is my knight in shinning armour.  This stuff glides on like butter but stays put like a permanent marker.  Truly amazing!

I normally steer clear of liner on my lower lash line because I tend to look like a panda after a while, but now after using this a few times I feel much more confident that it will not move.

The pictures above show swatches.  The left one is just after application.  The right picture has actually been smudged, literally one minute after I have applied to the skin. Hardly no movement at all... impressive yes?

For under £4 this is a must have ladies, they do sell other colours too (you can see pictures here). I'll be honest and tell you guys that I'm using this more than my high end liners, it's that good!

I will post some eye looks soon but as I'm abroad at the moment I cannot up load pictures :-(

Angela xox

Top 5 | Polishes

I thought I'd do a show and tell today and give you a peek of my top 5 favourite nail polishes.  These 5 are my most loved.  Most reached for.  Completely adored.  I'll link my posts showing swatches of them also, becuase I'm thoughtful like that :-)

Porchester Square, Cute As A Button, Fiji, Pool Party and I Gotta Blush On You

Nails Inc ~ Porchester Square
A classic grey beige taupe which every girl needs in their lives.  Beautiful alone or covered with a silver glitter.  I adore this colour.  It's looks 'boring' but trust me it's not.  Swatches

Essie ~ Cute As A Button
Is it a pink or is it a coral?  Who knows.  This colour brightens up my day. Gorgeous on the nails and toes it's perfect for summer time.  However I'm still going to wear it come rain or shine... summer or winter!  Swatches

Essie ~ Fiji
A strange but beautiful milky white with a hint of pink shade, this looks adorable on the nails.  Probably the most difficult to apply however, needing three coats but still beautiful.  Swatches

TopShop ~ Pool Party
My most recent TopShop polish and probably my most worn TopShop polish.  It's turquoise aqua 'Tiffany box' blue green which can cover your nails in one coat.  Yes it's true!  Swatches

Sephora by OPI ~ I Gotta Blush On You
Sadly only available in the good old US of A, I envy you American ladies who have Sephora by OPI polishes.  My favourite colour is this one which is a pinky nude.  My US followers... you need this colour in your lives!!  Swatches

What is your top 5 pick?

Angela xox

Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoo ~ Pink Gold

I'm a very big fan of the Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoos.  A cheaper alternative to MAC Paint Pots, Stila Smudge Pots and Make Up For Ever Aqua Creams, these have been a big hit so it seems with everyone in the beauty world.

So when it was announced Maybelline were introducing another to their UK collection... I said a little whoop whoop to myself with joy.  Compared to the US collection, the UK Tattoo collection is very limited.  We have less than half the colours you ladies were given! Boo hiss!

Pink Gold in the pot and swatched

The beautiful Pink Gold is a soft pearly pink shade with perhaps a soft hint of a gold, although I cannot see it personally.  Like the other 24hr Tattoos this is very pigmentated with an excellent staying power.  It does not crease and can be used without an eye base.  Also if used lightly it could almost be used for a highlight on the cheeks.

It is nice that Maybelline has launched a light colour to their collection as a lot of the colours they have now are dark ones.  I hope Maybelline bring more to the UK collection like they have for the US.  I think the Tattoo shadows are a hit and I'd rather spend my money buying these compared to Stila, MAC and Make Up For Ever.

Will you be checking this out?

Angela xox

Haul time!

Now you all know I like a good old haul.  I'm always doing it but sometimes I just don't tell you... LOL!  However today I thought I'd share what I got recently in Boots.  I'll do reviews on all of them no doubt!

Some of the items I got are new on the market but I know the Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stains have been lurking around for a while.  So what did I pick up....?

Rimmel's Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eye Pencil in Black.  I have taupe, nude, bronze and purple (you can see swatches here)... but I really wanted the black also.  And I finally found one.. yay!

Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo Eyeshadow in Pink Gold.  I adore my other Tattoo eyeshadows, so when I saw they were launching this colour I knew I have to run out and pick this up.  See my swatches of the other tattoo shadows here.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous.  Kind of a lets just try you out purchase.  I swatched it on my hand in store and it looked lovely, so I thought what the heck.

L'Oreal Eyeshadow Quad in Nude Lingerie.  I didn't need this but it caught my eye and the colours looked beautiful when I swatched them.  Another what the heck moment and I'm glad I did.

Reviews and pictures to come!

Angela xox

Rose Gold Love

I've always loved the look of rose gold.  I'm slowing becoming more and more obsessed with it, every time I see a YouTuber or blogger show something rose gold I stare open mouthed at the screen in awe.

Before now I owned no rose gold items... but now I've treated myself to not one, not two but THREE rose gold items in just two days. Someone seriously needs to suspend my eBay and Very accounts.

So for my Ebay buys I picked up these two lovely rose gold plated necklace and bracelet with the added swarovski crystal bling. They are pretty inexpensive, the bracelet was £7.49 and the necklace was £5.99 from the same seller.  I also got combined shipping which was cool.

I love the bracelet detailing with the hearts.  As soon as I saw it, it was mentally added to my wish list.  It is really light and is easy to put on with it's little clasp.  The necklace is super cute too with it's interlocking circles covered in crystals.

The seller shipped these out really fast and I got them the day after I ordered them.  They were also packaged in really cute boxes with bows.  It feels like the seller went to a lot of effort.

My second (or third purchase when you think about) is this stunning stainless steel rose gold Fossil watch called the Mini Riley.  For reference it's number ES2889.  Now it isn't Michael Kors by any means, but it's my cheaper alternative and I love it.  It's a little loose so I need one or two of the links removed but it's just so pretty.  Again covered in crystal bling, this datey watch had my name written all over it.

At £95 from Very (it's normally £105 but Very have a sale going) it is expensive ...I think.  But ...I stress the but ...I have been eyeing up the watch for months.  So when saw Very had it reduced and the fact they offered me the 'buy now pay later', I would of been a fool if I didn't take the opportunity to get it.  So I did and I don't regret it at all.

I love my arm candy!

So have you recently bought any cute jewellery or a fab new watch?  What's your thoughts on rose gold?  Do you like it?

Angela xox

Essie Haul!

This post shouldn't really surprise you, as you all know I'm becoming a die hard Essie fan.  My collection is slowing getting fatter week by week.

So what are my new buys I hear you ask?

Bahama Mama and Lilacism

Polar opposites...  an autumnal deep red and a lilac!  They couldn't be more different but they screamed at me in Superdrug and accidently fell into my basket! Honest!

I thought I'd show you Bahama Mama now as this is the 'it' shade for fall/autumn i think.  It's that perfect deep red.

Bahama Mama

A swatch post for Lilacism will follow, I guarantee you that.  It looks so pretty in the bottle.  What was your last polish you bought?

Angela xox

JollyBeachAng on Instagram?

Yes it is true... I have ventured on to the world that is Instagram.  I'm still a newbie, plus I have a new phone so I'm still getting used to using both.  So please hang in there!

I am under the user name Jollybeachang ...what else would I be?  I hope to start putting up random pictures like outfits and nails etc.  Also I'll add the odd miscellaneous picture showing my life's journey.  So exciting!

As for the phone if you're wondering, it is a Samsung Galaxy 2 in white.  I know they have recently launched number 3, but 2 was more for my liking.  I did buy the phone especially for Instagram as I couldn't get it on my blackberry... how sad am I?

Are you on Instagram...?

Angela xox

Video marathon

Sometimes I don't always get around to filming.  With a full time job in the city taking up my precious time, extracurricular activities like gym and house work and now the autumn/winter evenings setting in... video making is kind of limited to the weekends when the natural lighting is good.

So last weekend I had a video making session and filmed these for you!  I uploaded them during the week but never gave them a shout out.

First up September empties:

Secondly the favourites of September:

Hope you like them.

If you have any video requests let me know :-)

Angela xox

Friday Favourite # 3

We all love a bit of bling!  Come on admit it!

When it comes in the form of nail polish glitter then I love bling even more....though I'm not the biggest fan, due to the fact glitter polishes are like the most stubborn kind of polish to remove. A hammer and chisel does come in handy sometimes!

Nails Inc Nail Jewellery in Royal Arcade*

I picked up Royal Arcade when I went to a PR event earlier this year.  I wish I got my mitts on more of their glitter polishes are they are such a good quality and very pretty.

The polish itself is clear and it contains a mixture of small fine pieces and small and large hexagonal pieces of bright sapphire blue glitter.  Hopefully you'll be able to tell in my pictures - fingers crossed.

This looks great especially as a top coat over another polish.  I have it on top of Pool Party.  You can also use it alone if you wish, but I think as a top coat it gives a regular polished look something a little extra!

Happy Friday everybody!

Angela xox

*PR Event Gift

Calling all Liz Earle fans

Well well if there wasn't enough magazine freebie offers floating around then I find another one. This time it is Red magazine with the beautiful Anna 'True Blood' Paquin up front.  Oh I do love a bit of True Blood... Eric is a hottie!

Bite me Eric

So what are Red giving us?  Drum roll please... a 30ml miniature Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser plus they have also thrown in a muslin cloth to go with it.  Love it!

I couldn't of spotted this at a better time, since I go on holiday in just over a week. This is the perfect size to travel with as it could go into hand luggage if you wanted. 

Great for cleansing and removing all traces of the most stubborn makeup - including waterproof products. Liz Earle is a miracle worker and part of my everyday skin care routine.

Red magazine is out now. UK only though... Boo hiss for my international followers :-(

Angela xox

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Liners

When I watched Fleur De Force talk about the Scandal Eyes Waterproof liners in one of her videos I knew there would be trouble.  She'd used Taupe and her eyes looked stunning.  I wanted to steal Fleurs look....  well she is beautiful can you blame me?  

I'd read on Bright Town Girls post that they were being released on October 3rd, so like a nutter possessed I dashed to my local Boots on Fleet Street to find... nothing.  They hadn't even put them out....grrrr!  So then I dashed to Holborn Superdrug....and god bless Superdrug - they never let me down!

I was like a child in a sweet shop ohhing and ahhing at what to get myself.  I would of loved the black liner but I think a bus full of Rimmel lovers had cleared the shelves before I got there.  I will be keeping my eyes open for the elusive black one!

Purple 013, Bronze 012, Taupe 004 and Nude 005

So about the liners.  Waterproof ...check!  Long lasting...check!  Fabulous colour range ...check!  Easy to apply ...check!  Great colour pay off ...hell yeah!

Smooth and easy to apply these practically stays put forever, what more do we need girls?  I have oily skin and these last on my lids and lower water line.  Yes the lower water line application fades slightly, but it's still brilliant.  They are creamy to apply and can be easily blended but once they are on the skin and left alone they just stay put.

Flash and natural lighting

The Nude shade looks like a concealer colour and many may think why would I want a nude eye liner?  Well this can be easily compared to the MAC Chromagraphic or Une Skin Glow pencils which are great for the water line to create bright open eye look.  It's a much cheaper alternative.

I think the Taupe colour will work great with the Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo in Permanent Taupe as it looks very similar.  No doubt I'll be trying them together.  I'd also team it with some shades from my Naked palette.  I'd also say the Bronze pencil would work excellently too with either MUA Heaven and Earth or both Naked 1 or 2 palettes.

As for Purple I might try and use this on the eye lids are a shadow or a shadow base.  I will let you know how that goes.

Rimmel I think have solved the mission to provide us all with a cheap easy-to-get-hold of liner which is of a high quality it could almost be mistaken for high end.  At £3.99 I think you cannot go wrong with giving these a go.  So ladies grab these why you can, because I think they will be snapped up fast so get a move on to get yours!

Angela xox

So long farewell - Empties #5

This month I thought I was going to skip my empties. I was thinking I didn't have enough to count as a big collection for a post or video.

Well I was wrong... I have done well again, not like previous months but I did good.  Look at me giving myself praise!  So what have I used up?

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish ~  My everyday face wash without fail!  Gets rid of every bit of dirt and grime including waterproof mascara.  I love it!  I have purchased more already.  My only annoyance is you cannot buy it on the high street.

Rituals Yogi Flow Shower Gel ~ This is my second can of this and I cannot get enough.  I love it.  A gel which magically transforms into a soapy lathe which smells divine   A small amount goes a long way and the can lasts for ages.  I thank Glossy Box for introducing us.  See my review here.

Soap and Glory Glad Hair Day ~ I do like this but as I seem to wash my hair 5 days a week (I'm a gym-aholic if you're wondering) this tube only lasted five minutes.  It smells great and leaves the hair very shiny and nourished.  But I wouldn't buy it again except for a special treat.

Eucerin Intensive Foot Cream ~ As I have dry feet this works wonders.  Apply it to clean feet then put on cotton socks and go to bed and you'll wake up with a amazingly soft feet. The tube is a little small for my liking.  But it's still something I'd repurchase.

Johnson's and Simple Face Wipes ~ As these are facial wipes I thought I'd collaborate them as there is not much I can say... they are face wipes after all.  They remove makeup and are handy if you feeling a little lazy to get up and go to the bathroom sink to use the Liz Earle.  Also great for the gym bag!  I will say though the Simple ones are oil balancing....I saw no differences to the Johnson's ones....weird?!

Radox Muscle Soak ~  After the gym and I ache like hell I do like a good old Radox bubble bath.  Pretty inexpensive this has always been a favourite as Radox has been around forever.  I've repurchased numerous times.  You could probably pick it up in the 99p shop.

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Supplement ~ I do love Bobbi Brown I think her skin care items are great and I love her hydrating eye cream.  You can certainly feel and see a difference when you use this.  A little expensive but it's Bobbi...she's a legend.  I'd be interesting in trying other serums but just don't know what to pick!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir ~ There are billions of reviews of this stuff and I was reading them and not bating an eye lid until one day I caved.  I can see why people love it.  It refreshes and makes pores smaller....whats not to love?

Angela xox

Essie ~ Cute As A Button!

My newest Essie polish has made me all warm and fuzzy inside. I picked this up in my not so recent feelunique haul which you can read here.

I think this has to be one of my most favourite polishes which I have picked up. A hot favourite for summer. Not like it is really summer anymore!  I admit I'm still wearing this and It's now October.

It applies beautifully....like a dream actually. One coat applied thickly will do the trick.  Lasting power as like all Essie polishes is excellent.

What's your favourite summertime polish???

Angela xox

September Favourites

Yes I'm slightly late but hey, you don't mind do you?  I'm always fashionably late.  Looking back on my blog I feel like it's been forever since I did a favourites post.  I've been all about the empties - which I do have a post on route for you.  Go me!

Practically every item I mention here does have an individual review on, with the exception of some.

Clarins Ever Matte ~ I had to mention this really, it was a must.  Ever since I bought this I have felt the urge to ditch all my other foundations.  I think this is the best foundation I have ever come across.  It has become my new and only bestest friend.  I have a full review here.

TopShop Nail Polish in Pool Party ~ A fun, bright colour I don't think this is a just for summer colour.  For a £5 polish the application is amazing.  You could easily get away with my coat.  And the lasting power is exceptional too!  Swatches here!

Stila Eyeshadow in Sun ~  I've had this lurking around for sometime but never tend to reach for it.  But I felt like I needed an eye catching shadow and opposed to usually reaching for Kitten I opted for this instead. Very neutral ...it's perfect for an all over the lid look, especially on a lazy makeup day.

MeMeMe Boho Balm in Pink Rouge ~ I took to Jersey with me and used it everyday.  As you can see from the below picture it is getting a lot of attention as it's a bit yucky looking.  I love the pink for the cheeks.  It gives a beautiful flush almost like a natural glow.  I have used the red/coral on my lips too which looks stunning.  See my review and swatches here.

TopShop Cheek Duo Dessert Sun ~  Soon to become a favourite blush this is a subtle colour.  It looks big and bold in the pan but trust me when I say it's much more delicate than it looks. If you want to see swatches see my review here.

MeMeMe Pink Rouge, TopShop Dessert Sun and Stila's Sun 

I have a few more favourites which I like to call tools...

Caudalie Beauty Elixir ~ A cult favourite and I can see why.  This just makes me feel good when I spritz it on my face.  It refreshes and makes pores smaller and it's a small bottle which you can take anywhere!

Real Technique Buffing and Contour Brushes ~ Part of the Core set I don't think I've really put these down lately.  The buffing brush is perfect for applying my Clarins, it buffs it in perfectly with no streaking.  For flawless foundation application I'd buy the set just for the buffing brush.  Now the contour brush is what I've been using to apply my MeMeMe cream blush,  it's the perfect size and so soft it makes applying cream blush effortless.  I totally recommend the Core Set.

Shu Uemera Eye Lash Curlers ~  I never used to be that fussed about curling my lashes but now I own the cult favourite eye lash curler I just cannot stop myself from curling every morning.  My curl does fall out slightly but that's probably my lashes or maybe my mascara not helping.... I'm not sure.  I think I need some eye lash curling tips.

I hope you enjoyed my favourites.  Also I hope you're having a good October so far!

Angela xox

Make Overs Aren't Just For People!

So if you're a regular visitor to my blog, then you may have noticed something?  Something big!!!  Have you guessed what it is yet? Well JollyBeachAng has had a make over!  You see make overs and reinventions are not just for people!

Tonight I finally did something I had been thinking about for quite a while.  I'd been thinking for quite some time that my other layout looked too girly and well .... just old and cluttered.

When I made my blog button I wanted to update the page then but said no to myself.  But now I have been brave an given my baby a new look.  Do you like it??  I hope so.

It's nothing fancy...I didn't pay anyone to make me a super duper layout.  I just used one of bloggers basic templates are pressed a few buttons here and there and adjusted bits and bob and hey presto!

I also got rid of my twitter feed and my blog sale page as no one was visiting it anyway lol.  I may put another page up one day who knows.

Thank you for following and being a part of it all.

Angela xox

InStyle / Benefit Cosmetic get together!

If you haven't heard through the twitter blogger grapevine that Instyle magazine has collaborated with Benefit Cosmetics, then where have you been hiding?

There are three miniatures to collect, Benetint, Sunbeam and Cha Cha Tint.  When I saw one of the releases was Cha Cha Tint I knew I'd have to be buying myself a copy of the magazine.  I am also on the look out for Sunbeam, but have yet to see that on the shelves anywhere.

When they released Cha Cha Tint I ummmmed and ahhhhed whether to pick up a full size for myself.  I'm pretty glad I hadn't, as I now got myself a mini version for £2.50 as opposed to the full sized £24.50 bottle. Gasp!

They describe Cha Cha as a mango hue which is different from their usual red and pink tints - better known as Benetint and Posie Tint.  It is very pigmented and comes across to me as more of a coral red rather than a mango colour.

When it comes to applying to the skin, do not leave it too long before you start to blend it out.  The swatch pictured above was merely on my skin for less than a minute and look at the result.  It is a stain after all.

Will you be picking up InStyle?

Angela xox

*UK only folks ...sniff sniff.

Topshop ~ Desert Sun Blush/Bronzer Duo

I think I'm in love!  There maybe a new holy grail blush on the block....step aside Rimmel London's Summer Fever (well for now) as I have a new blush love!  I picked this up recently when I got my new polish in Pool Party.  I had meant to take this away on my Jersey holiday, however with the kaos that is packing - this got left behind.  Boo hiss!

So why am I in love you ask?  Desert Sun is a baked bronzer blush duo which is the most beautiful shade I think I have ever seen.  It's nothing like my Summer Fever, that's a different league but this is just mouth watering.

The box

Firstly I must mention the packaging as I love their packaging - it's simple black and white box/case is very modern.  I love the detailing too, it looks very US stars and stripes to me.  Any beauty-aholic will know at a glance in your makeup bag that you've got Topshop item lurking in there because of this packaging!  It breaks the norm.

So what is so beautiful?  A combination of a peachy-pink blush and a light barely-there-shimmery bronzer, the duo swirled together or used alone give the most pretty shade.  As soon as I swatched this in store I knew I wouldn't leave store without it.  I think I may of cried if I'd left it there on the shelf.

The golden bronze and the peachy-pink blush

This isn't over powering in the slightest, subtle is the word.  The peachy-pink in the pan may look bright but once on the skin it gives a natural flush.  The golden bronze is very eye catching with its delicate micro-shimmer.  It almost highlights at the same time.

The swatches, individual swatches plus a blended which is to the right

Sadly my photography lighting was a little pants, it just doesn't show this in all it's glory.  The blended together swatch it barely noticeable but it is there...promise!  I've been little Miss Helpful and indicated where the swatch is with arrows.

Final thoughts or words that come to mind is gorgeous.  This is truly the most beautiful piece of makeup I have seen for a long time.  So pretty and such a good quality item it could almost be a MAC piece, with the exception of the smaller price tag of £12.50.  For a blush/bronze you may think it is a little pricey but seriously, you're getting a lot for your money....6.5gs of blush and bronzer plus pretty packaging and beautiful cheek colour!

Do you have a favourite blush/bronzer duo?

Angela xox

A fairy cake with your afternoon tea?

I'll warn you now this post is picture heavy, but it needs to be as you will see if you keep scrolling downwards.

After being in Jersey for a week, the land of the afternoon tea - me and the hubby decided to make my parents a thank you afternoon tea for house sitting and babysitting our little fur baby.

I know that technically I write a 'beauty' blog, however I thought I'd share with you what I made for the top tier of the cake stand yesterday.  By the way - I love baking!

Yummmmm - by the way the hubby made the scones!

What I created is a kind of Bakewell Tart looking fairy cake.  I used a recipe from this website which was created by the lovely Mary Berry - a British baking and cooking legend! Her recipe is just for a basic fairy cakes, however I have tweaked it to be something a little different.

Before we get started with preparing the ingredients, you'll need to pre-heat your oven to gas mark 6 / 180◦c / 200◦c fan.

What you'll need...?

• Self raising flour - 100g / 4 oz
• Caster sugar - 100g / 4 oz
• Butter (room temp soft) - 100g / 4 oz
• Two medium sized eggs
• Jam - you'll need this for the filling, not the cake itself....I took a picture including it when I shouldn't have.
• Vanilla flavouring

If you just want to make simple fairy cakes you can just forget the jam.  I have added vanilla flavouring as something extra as I love vanilla but it's not required.  This recipe will make 12 cakes easy peasy.

Into a mixing bowl throw in your self raising flour, caster sugar and cubed butter.  Then into the centre add your wet ingredients which are your two eggs and a cap full of vanilla flavouring.

Once everything is in the bowl you can either beat the hell out of it with a wood spoon or use and electric whisk.  I used the latter and the hubby's biceps!  It was easier...

Awwww my hero

Once you've whisked it all together, using a tablespoon and teaspoon pop the mixture into your cases.  Don't over fill them as obviously the mixture will rise whilst its being cooked.  I'd suggest a small amount in each case and with any mixture left over, add to the cases to even them up so they all have similar amount in them.

In to the oven they go.  Top shelf - be keep careful!  It's hot!  Now it's set your timer time... cooking time is between 15 to 20 minutes.  I put my timer on for 18.  All ovens cook differently, some can be hotter and others cooler.  I would recommend turning them however half way through cooking.

Watch it grow!

Just keep cooking, just keep cooking until.... your buzzer sounds! And out come golden brown yummy fairy cakes...but we're not finished yet.  Set them to cool for 10 minutes on a cooling tray.

Drool Homer style!

After cooling here comes the fun stuff - making the holes!  Using a sharp knife (I'd recommend an adult do this if you're a little young and unsure) what you need to do is cut the peaks off, so they are a little flatter.  Then with a apple corer, remove a small piece of the centre of the fairy cakes.  Now do not go to the bottom of the cake, go half way only.  You don't want jam coming out of the bottom of the cake do you now.

Icing time...

The fairy cakes are covered in an icing sugar mixture, so for that you'll need:

• Icing Sugar - 225g / 8oz
• 2-3 tbsp of warm water
• Glace Cherries (cut in half for decorating)

Mary Berry says to sieve the icing sugar - I didn't do this as icing sugar is a fine powder before hand but any lumps I just knocked out with a spoon first.

Adding your 2-3 tablespoons of warm water start to mix the mixture.  If it is a little difficult and hard you can add extra water - but don't over do it you need it it quite thick!

Now your cakes have little holes we can start to add the jam and icing sugar mixture.  Pop a teaspoon-ish amount, depending on the hole size.  Don't over fill them.  Remember your halved cherries will go on top of the icing so you will not see any hole.

Pretty!!

So now you are all finished!!  The perfect Sunday afternoon tea cake!  Now for the eating part....here goes!  Look at that jam filling.....

Hope you have enjoyed this.  A little different but never the less I hope you liked it!  Would you want to see more posts like this?

Angela xox