US & Canada One Direction Makeup Giveaway

A new cosmetics range has recently been released in the USA (in association with Markwins Beauty), Makeup by One Direction. It first made its way to Macy's earlier this August and has since been released at Stage Store, Dillards, Beauty Brands, and Lord & Taylor. International release dates are yet to be announced. The collection includes three different travel-ready makeup kits, named after One Direction's hits: Midnight Memories, Take Me Home and Up All Night. All of the kits include a lip gloss, an eyeshadow palette, a lipstick, mascara, nail varnish and eye crayon. It strikes me as a perfect gift for the teenage One Direction fan, and the three different kits include different colour schemes, described by the brand as one for the 'rock n roll girl', one for the 'fun party girl' and one for the 'girl next door'.

For our US and Canada readers, Markwins Beauty is hosting a giveaway! You can find the details of how to enter below - good luck!!

Find the brand on Facebook

Ditch Or Download #3: Boot's App For Android

The Boot's app is quite a new release for both Android and iOS, and on the Android operating system, I'm having mixed views about it. A lot of other users have been having issues logging into the app at all, and although I personally have not experienced this, I feel that the app can take a little longer than I would like to load things. Despite its slowness, the navigation buttons are well-sized, unlike some apps with which great touch-screen precision is required to get around the app.

Molly's Outfit Of The Day

It wasn't particularly Summery today - typical British Summer! So I opted for this cool and comfortable layered outfit.

Kimono - New Look

Cami Top - Dorothy Perkins

Jeggings - River Island

Converse - Office

- Molly x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #12

Tip #12: Delivery options
Ordering to store is often cheaper than home delivery. Also, standard delivery is much cheaper than next-day delivery so it's helpful to get organised when thinking of placing an order for something!

Ditch Or Download #2: NUS App For Android

NUS App For Android

Although, this app sometimes lags a little, it is very useful for owners of NUS cards (student discount) as there are so many stores and businesses offering student discount it can be hard to keep track. This app neatly organised them all into different categories, such as ‘Fashion & Accessories’, and ‘Hair, Beauty & Chemist’, as well as there being a search bar to make finding out about student discount very quick and easy.

Verdict: Download

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this app, or any other shopping app recommendations you may have! Thanks for reading, the rest of the Ditch Or Download series is here.

- Paris x

Paris' Outfit Of The Day

Playsuit - Warehouse

Denim Jacket - New Look

Shoes - New Look

Bowler Hat - Miss Selfridge

What are your favourite pieces of clothing for the Summer? I'd love to read your comments!

- Paris x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #11

Tip #11: Beauty Bay
Beauty Bay often have deals on, with lots of discount codes flying around the internet for a wide range of products!

Primark Travel Minis Haul

Primark is usually the last place I would shop for toiletries, but whilst browsing around Primark recently I took a stroll down the cosmetics aisle, where I spotted shelves of travel minis! I decided to purchase a few to help lighten the load of my (always full to bursting) toiletry bag, ready for my holiday.

Although this isn't the most groundbreaking of posts, I had to share my excitement over the mini shaving cream! As we all know, shaving cream is impossible to transfer into a smaller, travel-sized bottle and is not only heavy, but bulky, to pack. I didn't want to go without any and cause razor burn, so this was a great find.

I also thought that the four-pack of powder puffs for just £1 was great value for money, and I will definitely be stocking up on them.

All items pictured above are available cheaply from Primark.

I hope you enjoyed this little travel-themed post in light of the peak travel season. Let us know your favourite travel and packing tips, we'd love to hear from you!

- Molly x

NOTE: Apologies for the change in posting schedule, we'll return to our Ditch Or Download series next Friday - we just wanted to get this Summer post out sooner rather than later!! x

Product Review: Body Sorbet (The Body Shop)

The Body Shop recently released a new product, a Body Sorbet. It's a version of the traditional body butter we all know so well, designed more for a warm Summer day. As I liked the free sample I was given on my way into the store so much, I decided to go ahead and purchase a couple for myself.

The Body Sorbet comes in five different scents - satsuma, strawberry, mango, moringa and pink grapefruit. I purchased the Strawberry Body Sorbet and the Mango Body Sorbet, and the 10% off I receive on all purchases with my Love Your Body Membership Card (which, by the way, is free for students, and well worth the £5 if not), knocked the already great price of £8 each down to a happy £7.20 per Body Sorbet.

My favourite thing about this new product is how great it is for hot Summer days, being very cool against the skin on application, with its gel-like formula being far lighter than a body butter - avoiding the 'cakey skin' feeling that body butters can sometimes leave you with.
The product claims to "leave the body instantly moisturised" and I can't argue with that. After applying the sorbet, it soaks quickly and easily into the skin and leaves it feeling cool, refreshed and - most importantly - moisturised.
In terms of the scent, I don't find either scents to be overpoweringly fruity. In fact, they're just the right strength to make your skin smell naturally fresh, and not as though you've just spent the past hour having strawberries and mangoes pelted at you.

I do however find it a shame that the product isn't available in smaller, travel-sized tubes as, unlike a body butter which is generally only used after baths or showers, it's a great on-the-go moisturiser for cooling down and refreshing your skin on a hot day! But, with its claim of "up to 24 hours hydration", the product's lack of portability isn't a particularly huge issue.

Overall, I think that as an 'industry first', The Body Shop have given us rather a treat with this light, cooling and hydrating moisturiser for only £4 per 100ml! I'm in no doubt that I'll be keeping stocked up on the Body Sorbet for many Summers to come.

Have you tried the new Body Sorbet from The Body Shop? I'd love to know your thoughts on it or on your favourite body moisturising products, so please feel free to leave a comment below.
- Paris x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #10

Tip #10: Online shopping discount codes

Wait! Before you head to the final checkout, quickly google for any discount codes - you can often find one that works!

Money-saving tips posted here every Monday at 1pm

Ditch Or Download: O2 Priority Moments App For Android

For O2 customers, a lot of 'priority moments' are available, and they're constantly updating so you can usually find something you like at some point (although you have to check back quite regularly to make sure you don't miss anything).
There is often an offer for The Body Shop for half price on a purchase after spending a certain amount (with the amount having to be spent being changed every so often). It’s a great offer to make the most out of by perhaps splitting the cost between friends. Discounts are also often available at places such as The Fragrance Shop (such as £10 off anything with no minimum spend), or restaurants and cafés - to help stretch your overall budget that little bit further.

The offers are categorised into ‘Nearby’ and ‘Online’, with the ‘Nearby’ section picking up your phone’s GPS and finding discounts close to you. The offers are further categorised into sections such as ‘Food & Drink’, ‘Shopping’, and many more, so you’re never far from finding a great bit of discount.

The app is free, and available for Android and iOS, but only for customers of the O2 mobile network.

Verdict: Download

I hope you enjoyed the first app review in our Ditch Or Download series. We'd love to hear your opinions on the app, or any other app recommendations you may have so don't hesitate to get in touch via our social media, linked to on the sidebar!

- Paris x

Liebster Award

Thank you so much to Hannah at http://the-thing-about-my-life.blogspot.co.uk/ for nominating us for the Liebster Award! We have in fact moved web addresses since the nomination, so we apologise for any convenience that may cause.
EDIT: We were also nominated by Eera at http://adventure-fairytales.blogspot.sg/ and Caiti at http://caitlintries.blogspot.co.uk/ - Thank you! 

The rules for this award are:
You must answer all questions that are given to youMust link back to the person that nominated youNominate 11 bloggersProvide nominees with 11 questions of your choiceCannot nominate the person who nominated youMust inform nominees of your nominationProvide nominees with a link to your post for more info

Questions:
1) Who is your favourite Disney character who is not a ‘main character.’
Paris: Jock from Lady & The Tramp
2) If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Sophie: New York!
3) What is your ‘go to’ fancy dress costume?
Paris: my Eleventh Doctor-inspired outfit, I'm waiting for a Doctor Who event to wear it at :D
4) Name three films which make you cry every time you watch them.
Sophie: The Notebook, Titanic and Marley & Me
5) Favourite sandwich filling?
Sophie: Ham salad
6) What is your worst habit?
Paris: Biting my nails...
7) If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?.
Molly: Spaghetti Bolognaise
Sophie: Shepherd's pie
8) Who is your style icon?
Molly: Selena Gomez or Emma Stone
9) What is your life’s greatest ambition?
Paris: To see as much of the world as possible
10) Who is your most embarrassing crush?
Molly: Michael J Fox Jr - from watching Back To The Future when I was younger
11) Who is the most influential person in your life?
Molly: Probably my mum

Our questions for our nominees:
1. What is your favourite makeup brand?
2. What is your favourite clothing store?
3. Your most-used makeup product?
4. Your go-to skincare product(s)?
5. What is/was your favourite subject at school?
6. Your favourite music artist?
7. The best holiday you ever had?
8. Your favourite TV show?
9. What is your favourite social network/social media?
10. Who would you want to play you in a film about your life?
11. Why did you start blogging?

We nominate:1. http://vanillainnovember.blogspot.co.uk/
2. http://www.brendabusybee.blogspot.co.uk/
3. http://ellawashere.com/
4. http://www.kayleighanderson.com/
5. http://marthadahhling.blogspot.co.uk/
6. http://reflectionofsanity.blogspot.co.uk/
7. http://emlota.wordpress.com/
8. http://marshmellowbyeva.blogspot.com.es/
9. http://www.christinanista.com/
10. http://www.justkirsten.co.uk/
11. http://ellenwarnerxo.blogspot.co.uk/

Hello from Cosmetc's new web address!

You may or may not have noticed a lot of posts being published today on this blog. That's because we are currently transferring our blog from Tumblr to Blogger/Blogspot. We feel that Blogger is much better equipped to our needs as beauty and fashion bloggers, whilst Tumblr is better suited to other styles of post.
We have already transferred all 29 of the posts published on Cosmetc's tumblr so far, and we will be posting straight to Blogger from now on. Our tumblr will still be used, but more to link our Tumblr followers over to our new blog.
Thank you for stopping by, we look forward to our fresh start here on Blogger.

- Cosmetc x

Item Of The Week: Primark Marvel Shorts

Recently, I purchased this great pair of shorts from Primark. The pattern is Marvel-inspired and features Spiderman, Captain America, the Incredible Hulk and Iron Man. The shorts currently cost just £12, and there is a similar pair featuring Ariel and Flounder from Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

This is one of my favourite pieces of clothing and I’d love to hear about any items you’re seriously loving right now (whether you own it or are admiring it from afar). We’d love you to get in touch via our social media!

- Paris x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #9

Tip #09: Cheaper repurchases

Where can my favourites cheaper? I often find my regular repurchases of products a pound or two cheaper in Bodycare or Superdrug than in Boot’s. However, you must be careful to factor in things such as discounts (e.g. 3 for 2), reward points and any other opportunities for money off.

Paris' Quick FOTD

I often don’t leave myself all that much time to apply makeup in the mornings so I generally don’t put on very much, and I like to experiment with how much of a makeup look I can create using as few items as possible.

I am using:

Primark eyelash curler
Soap & Glory's Thick & Fast Mascara In 'Superjet Black'
Benefit Magic Ink Eyeliner
SEVENTEEN Brow Sculpting Pencil
Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm In 'Unapologetic'

Thanks for reading, if you have any questions or requests don’t hesitate to ask us. Look out for some Summer haul posts coming soon!

- Paris x 

Money-saving Monday: Tip #8

Tip #08: Giftcards

Know where you can use your giftcards. Got a giftcard you think you won’t use? See where else you can use it! Often shops owned by the same parent company will allow you to use the giftcard in many of their shops. I have often used a Topshop giftcard (or my brother’s Topman giftcard!) in Miss Selfridge or Dorothy Perkins 

Closet Confidential: Sophie

1. What is the oldest item in your wardrobe/closet?

White Lace Top from A|Wear - bought around 2012 for a wedding to go with a pink vest underneath, all tucked into a pink skirt.

2. What is the newest item?

Coral Floral Shorts from New Look (see my recent purchases post)

3. What is the most expensive item?

Black Knit Ugg Boots - I treasure these shoes!

4. What is the cheapest/most affordable item? (that you wear/use a lot)

Animal Socks from Dorothy Perkins, River Island and Accessorize

5. What was the biggest waste of money?

Customised Nike Blazers - I’ve never gotten round to wearing them :(

6. What was the biggest bargain?

I don’t normally shop in sales, so I’d say my biggest bargain would be anything I am able to get student discount and free delivery when shopping online

BONUS: Show us your three favourite items now

Mid Wash Jeggings from River Island

Black Basic Cardigan from H&M

Leather Jacket from New Look

- Sophie x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #7

Tip #07: Newsletters & E-Mails:

Sign up to newsletters/e-mails from shops or brands you often buy from. Not only are you notified of new products and when sales are on, but you’re also given exclusive deals and discounts such as free delivery, money off and competitions.

Rimmel Lipsticks Review

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick In ‘Coral In Gold’

Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick In ‘Shade 08’

Recently I’ve found myself purchasing a couple of Rimmel lipsticks, one from the Kate Moss collection, and the other from their Lasting Finish range.

The Lasting Finish lipstick I purchased from Rimmel is shade 210, ‘Coral In Gold’ and a swatch can be seen above. In terms of the formula, this is pleasant to apply - it isn’t sticky, and it doesn’t feel at all drying. The pigmentation is also good and I find myself needing only two swipes of the lipstick for a colour I’m satisfied with, and it is easy to build colour too. This shade in particular has a shimmer to it, so if you’re looking for a more matte finish, ‘Coral In Gold’ is not for you. But generally as a coral lipstick, this isn’t too bold or brash, and makes a good everyday shade.

However, I do feel that the lipstick’s ‘lasting finish is not really all that lasting, with just one bite of food or a sip of water sends me off to reapply the whole thing.

So, if you’re looking for a shimmery everyday shade without fear of having to reapply a few times a day - this shade is perfect for you! If not, then perhaps you should avoid Rimmel’s Lasting Finish ‘Coral In Gold’ lipstick.

Now onto my second Rimmel lipstick. This, like the previous, is also labelled as a ‘Lasting Finish’ lipstick, but instead is from Rimmel’s Kate Moss range. I own this in ‘shade 08’, a pink which is swatched above.

This, like ‘Coral In Gold’ has a pleasant-to-apply formula which isn’t sticky or drying, and is even better than ‘Coral In Gold’ in terms of its pigmentation as I find just one swipe of the lipstick results in a colour I’m satisfied with - although there is less opportunity for colour-building as additional coats don’t change the already-fairly-dark colour much. The shade of the lipstick acts to define the lips nicely, whilst staying subtle, and the finish is as nice and smooth as I’d expected from a lipstick, without a glossy shimmer like ‘Coral In Gold’.

However, like ‘Coral In Gold’, the finish does not survive much eating and drinking, being worn away very easily.

Generally, the lipsticks are a quality I would expect for the price and I do like them both and will continue to wear them for my everyday use, but in future, I may prefer to shop around other brands.

- Paris x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #6

Tip #06: Mascara

Don’t pump your mascara wand in the bottle. It sucks in air and makes the mascara dry out faster.

Sophie's Mini London Haul

Recently I went on a trip to London with the school, and while I was there I did a little shopping and bought some summer essentials.

1. Brown Suede Ankle Boots (£19.99) - New Look

I have these boots already in black but this limited what outfits I could wear the boots with, so I bought the same style in brown so I can wear them with different colours.

2. (from left to right)

Pocky - Biscuit sticks covered in strawberry flavoured chocolate (similar to mikado)

Koala’s March Chocolate - Koala shaped biscuit filled with chocolate

I bought these two biscuit treats from China Town as they are my favourite snacks from my childhood.

Hollister Body Mist - Crescent Bay Body Mist (£12) - Hollister

Hollister Body Mist - Silver Strand Beach Body Mist (£12) - Hollister

I already own the Hollister Body Mist in Laguna Beach but am running out so I needed to stock up!

Diet Coke - I have never found my name on a Coca-Cola bottle as my name is very popular, I was so excited when I saw it that I had to buy it!

3. Coral Floral Shorts (£14.99) - New Look

I haven’t bought many summery clothes this year due to that fact I am not going on holiday, but I wanted to have something nice to wear in the summer holidays when the weather is nice.

- Sophie x

Money-saving Monday: Tip #5

Tip #05: Makeup techniques

Although beauty blenders and makeup sponges give a more flawless finish, they tend to soak up more product than a brush would. So, for everyday use I’d recommend a brush or your hands.

Combatting Tired Eyes

The worst thing is to wake up with dark, puffy eyes (like I often do!) from lack of sleep or from dehydration.

Due to my unlucky facial feature, I have figured out some ways to reduce the appearance of this problem.

1. Drink water when you first wake up, and throughout the day
2. Place something slightly cool on your eyes or splash cold water on your face
3. Tie hair up for the day to keep shadows off your face and let light hit your face to make you appear more awake - I usually go for the ponytail - or bun if I have more time
4. Use a hydrating eye cream and good concealer to hide dark circles - I use Soap & Glory Puffy Eye Attack and Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer in ‘Ivory’, with Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in ‘Fair’ too, for those really rough days
5. Tightline your upper lashline with a black kohl pencil, and use a nude kohl pencil on your waterline to make your eyes appear bigger - I use Soap & Glory Smoulder Kohl in ‘Superblack’ with Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl in ‘Nude’
6. Add a little white eyeliner to the corner of your eyes to brighten - I use Barry M Kohl Pencil in ‘White’
7. Curl eyelashes to open up your eyes
8. SMILE!!

- Sophie x

Paris' Summer Sales Haul

 

It’s that time of year again - the sales are on and the sun is shining!! And so, a haul post is born - featuring Jack Wills, Urban Outfitters and Topshop.

From top to bottom:

Jack Wills:

Brightwell Book Bag - Reduced from £12.50 to £9Baysdale Crew - Reduced from £39.50 to £26

Urban Outfitters:

Beige lace top from Pins & Needles - Reduced from £32 to £10Rose-printed shirt from Cooperative - Reduced from £38 to £10

Topshop:

Cartoon heart print shirt - Reduced from £35 to £20Floral shirt - Reduced from £32 to £18

Total spent: £93

Total saved: £96

- Paris x