I had pretty high hopes for this night, Barry M is one of my all time favourite brands, namely because of their range of colours within each product, but also for their nail paints. Such great quality, at such a low price!

Me and a friend made our way into Leeds on the afternoon of the 11th, to squeeze in some shopping before the event kicked off. We got given a flyer while moseying past the store, covered with everything they had to offer.
At 5pm prompt we made our way up to Superdrug, not really sure what to expect, i have to say, i was a little underwhelmed. My store didn’t seem to have much going on in the way of an ‘event’, offering only a couple of the thing advertised, we tentatively made our way around the store, hoping for something to appear around each corner.

For the event, they had staff by the Barry M section ready and waiting to do makeovers, while already made up, i did take the oppertunity of getting my eye make up topped up. She created a look with 3 of the dazzle dusts, one i was considering buying. While it may have been a little much to be walking around the centre of Leeds in, I asked her to tone it down slightly, and ended up with a gorgeous shimmery blue eye, which gave me inspiration on how to work with the colour when i got it home.
Also on offer, was the opportunity to get rhinestones fixed to your face – in collaboration with the new Impulse ‘Into Glamour’ scent – which, i did skip on, but one of the staff members seemed to enjoy it!

There weren’t too many people there, and those that did attend were left looking a little lost as there wasn’t an official welcome to come into. Unfortunately, mine was one of the stores that didn’t get a shipment of the goody bags (for reasons unknown) which they apologised profusely for, admitting they would have wanted one themselves!

I tried my best to think of things i could get with the 10% discount throughout the store, but only managed to pick up a few things… All of which weren’t actually needed. But who actually needs things?!
I got a couple of things to add to my ever expanding make up collection, and a couple of things for my impending trip to Australia! I couldn’t get over the cuteness of all the mini products, i restrained myself there though.

I got an SPF Vaseline, a baby Batiste, a beautiful petrol blue dazzle dust and a -new to me – Sleek eyeliner.
I wish i could have thought of something more worthwhile…

In addition to this i received a goody bag from Superdrug, pre event, but i didn’t manage to get my hands on it until after the event, so the £20 gift card was left unused, leaving me to ponder over something worthwhile to spend it on… I also got my hands on some Barry M make up, bonus there – I’d seen the goody bag advertised in the ‘Fabulous’ supplement, but as i don’t get the magazine, didn’t manage to get the goody bag.

All essentials i’m sure you’ll agree, although i’m still only dipping my toe in the water when it comes to red nails, i don’t know why. I’m working on creating a great smoky eye with what i got, but can never get it looking perfect which always manages to annoy me!

While it might not have been as i expected, thanks must still be given to Superdrug for the event and the things i received of course!
Now onto thinking what to spend the gift card on… Should it really be this hard?

I can’t say my make up drawers are currently lacking in content – not that i’m complaining. This past week i received even more to top them up!

N.Y.C is a brand i’ve never really used before. But receiving these products means i might have to look further into the brand, as there are two items i can see becoming permanent additions to my collection.

After some quick research, they are cheaper than i thought, which is brilliatnt considering the quality of the products.

Allow me to run through what i received…

Liquid Eyeliner; Jet Black:
I used to be useless with liquid liner, and avoided it at all costs. Over the years I’ve progressed, but i still need the right sort of brush to make it that little bit easier for me.
This is the type of brush i like, it’s long and thin, and I’ve yet to go wrong when using it. It gives a great sleek line, i like to use this when i want a subtle black line, instead of using it to build up a thick, winged line.
It wears really well, lasting throughout the day without smudging or flaking.

Metro Quartet; South Street Seaport:
Similar to the Maybelline quads, this has instructions on how and where to apply each colour on the back, which is a great help to those that are just starting out. I also love the applicator that is supplied. On one end comes a regular sponge tip, but the other is a fine, precision brush, the same that is supplied with the Benefit palettes. I love to use these brushes, they’re great for lining the eyes with the shadows.
In terms of pigmentation, it’s pretty hit and miss. The pink champagne colour is my favourite, and I’ve used this alone as a base shadow for different eyes. Then, while the darker brown is an intense pay off, the others fall short, leaving me with a very sheer eye.

Here is what i created with these colours;

Like i said, not very intense, but i like it for a sheer wash of colour.
I also used the N.Y.C eyeliner here finished with Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara.

Color Wheel; Pink Cheek Glow:
I love the look of this blush, maybe it would be better as a display product?! It’s a really girly pink colour when applied, it gives a very summer like glow to your cheeks which i really like. It goes on quite sheer, but once the colour is built up it’s a gorgeous colour.
This is one of my favourite of what i was sent, as it brightens up the face, with a very natural like blush.

Lip Sliders Tinted Lip Balm; Sugar Fairy:
As suggested by the ‘tinted’ you’re not going for the colour pay off here, which is a shame because it looks so good in the tin!
This is my favourite thing! It gives a really sheer gloss to the lips, with just a hint of pink. It lasts for a substantial amount of time – which i have to admit, did shock me a little – and doesn’t have much of a taste to it, which i like.
I like to wear this when I’ve made a big deal of the eye make up, it adds a little extra, but isn’t going to clash.

Sparkle Eye Dust; Champagne:
I love the colour of this, a bronzed champagne. It’s great for an all over eye colour, but i’ve been using it in the inner corners and along the lower lash line for a bit of sparkle!
It has great pay off too, and applys really smoothly.

I would definitely recommend the blusher & lip balm, and of course, to look into the rest!
Thanks for keeping my make – up up to date!

Having Superdrug being delivered to the office means I only get them when I’m in the office… This is why a parcel sent on the 28th of December was only received a week ago. But, in a way this is good – it lengthens Christmas and who doesn’t love a surprise gift?
I obviously ripped into the package, happy with anything i got – I then found the luminous green false eyelashes, when am i going to where these? Coincidentally we have just announced a UV party at the club i work in for next week, could there be anywhere better for their debut?

The Elite make up was another plus, i’ve never been able to pull off red lips. I’ve tried millions of shades and they all have something wrong. I was sent the Repump gloss in ‘gorgeous red’ not only did i love the fact it comes with a brush applicator, i loved that the red actually suits me. It’s not too over the top, which means i can wear it whenever!
I’m going to have to track down the Elite brand for a top up soon.

Yet another favourite was the Revlon nail varnish, in ‘Plum Night’. My Christmas polish was immediately ripped off in its prime, swiftly covered by this beauty.
I can’t help but describe it as the colour of an aubergine. To me it’s identical. It wears well and adds a little sophistication to my nails, which is only enhanced by the matching red lips.

I’m still working my way through some of the products – but this is a great Christmas present, which i’m happy to have received late!
Thanks again Superdrug!

Long time no post eh?

Well i can tell you that my friends are beginning to filter back from uni, which i am unbelievably happy about. We already have a few outings planned, plus, i’m lucky enough to have enough people willing to cover me at work if any appointments clash. Winner!
First up will be a night in with plenty of drinks and christmas dvds. We always manage to rip them to shreds, criticising their believability etc… But since when has anything believable been fun?
Plus, a lovely Christmas lunch awaits next Sunday – I think this is where the present swap will be going on. I’ve already wrapped a couple of the goodies that Superdrug sent me, to pass onto other lucky girls! Of course, i indulged myself a little with this set of presents as well… It is Christmas after all!
But I selflessly set some aside for friends, and for the winner of a separate blog contest I’m planning to hold on my own blog.

It’s my work Christmas outing tomorrow – we’re going all the way to Xscape! If you don’t already know, it’s like a snow centre -completely not the right term – aka indoor skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, that sort of thing. I’m not sure what activities we’re getting up to though, the boss said no skiing to avoid us all standing their with our skis crossed… Then a meal at Pizza Express all courtesy of my work! Hoping i can survive the cold in a stylish hoody rather than having to rent some waterproofs… We shall see.

I’m well underway with writing for Superdrug’s DARE magazine, i’ve just finished my first review on the Vidal Sassoon Hot Air Styler – a must for hard to curl hair.
Look out for me in the Jan/Feb Issue!

So many festivities planned for the week ahead. By next Friday it will all be over! Except the sales; I’m lucky enough to be paid just before Christmas so I’ll have plenty to fritter away, before being topped up again on the first of January.
Fortnightly payments really are the way forward.

I hope you all have your Santa hats poised and are being blinded by the twinkling lights.

Phoebe x

It is December 2nd, and my Christmas shopping is done. (Minus the brother, but i’m just waiting to get paid before i go get a couple of DVDs). This is a rarity for me. I usually have a little something for everyone by now, but i have to admit at being caught in the heavy crowds on Christmas eve, desperately searching for the ‘big present’ for each family member.

Superdrug have helped me along the way this year. A second hoard of goodies arrived from them, which have finished off the Christmas presents very nicely. I love giving something a little extra to friends and family on top of what they expect, and these gift ideas fit perfectly into that idea.
Obviously i’ve had to take the bag charm and shower set for myself, don’t want to spoil the poor people now do we?
I’ve been venturing into Superdrug a lot recently, and the 3for2 offer across all make up, pretty much always drags me in. Bad Superdrug. Since playing with some of the other products that Superdrug have  sent my way in the past – I’ve definitely been transformed to some of their brands!

I have also just had an offer to write for DARE magazine, and can’t wait! This opportunity will definitely help me on my way to my journalism course next year, just the type of thing to keep my brain functioning for my year out.