Hair products I'm currently using

Hi guys!

Since going AWOL in June I've had a slight change up in the hair products I am using. Just change for the sake of change. Here are my thoughts :)

I always need some sort of hair serum or oil to be able to comb through my wet hair. I am currently using got2b's "oil-licious" styling oil. Despite the cringey name, this is a decent product. I do really like got2b/Schwarzkopf  products. This hair oil (gifted by mummy so not sure how much it was but goggle would suggest around the £4 mark)does the job well without being too oily. Initially I was using one pump but even if I get too excited and use 2 pumps my hair is still manageable and doesn't feel overloaded with crap.

I don't often use these types of products through my hair when it is dry, but on the few occassions that I have, again, it doesn't leave my hair looking overly oily. (If I do use this on dry hair, I go for not even one pump...teeny tiny is the way to go.)

Next up we have a product that I never thought I'd be writing about on this blog - hair mousse!

The last time I used hair mousse I would have been in secondary school #90skid Wow. Seriously though, hair mousse and gel were the way forward 15 years ago (omg I am old whaaaaaaaat) and everytime I think of hair mousse the word that springs to mind is "crispy". Second word would be, "crunchy". Third word, "no".

But then I heard whispers that hair mousse in the 00's (is that what we call it? I'm confused. The 2000's?) was no longer about crispy and crunchy and so I thought, let me be the brave warrior I am and give it a go.

V05 is often on 2 for £5 in superdrugs so I picked up this Plump it up mousse with my usual heat defense spray. The heat defense spray long finished before I worked up the guts to use the mousse.

I imagined that the first day would be ok but I was more fearful of day 2 hair.

So?
I like it. A lot.

I won't say I love it because I don't use it after every wash but I do reach for it often. This doesn't give me a ton of volume but maybe it poofs me up a bit. but I do like the overall extra control it has on my hair without weighing it down or looking greasy. And when I wake up the day after, my hair isn't much worse than it would normally be (I'm also a bit oily at the roots on day 2 no matter what).

Mousse in general - I will definitely be buying more mousse products in the future. Yay mousse. 

Superdrug has a new (?) own brand hair styling product line out.

I decided that you couldn't go wrong with a 2 for £4 offer so I got two heat defense sprays.

To be fair, I am no expert,  I just assume it is trying its best to defend my hair from heat damage and aside from that, it doesn't do much else.

I am never too sure if this is the sort of product that is better the more money you spend on it.
If you read my blog you will know that I am no brand/product snob, but I know for sure that the more you spend on washing up liquid, hairspray and mayonnaise, the better. I am happy buying a ton of stuff from the 99p store, but when it comes to the aforementione products, it has got to be Fairy, Elnett and Heinz. Heat defense spray? I dunno.

My heart kinda tells me I don't like this particular product. It stings my scalp, but so does Bumble & Bumbles thickening spray and I'm on my second (makes me wanna die expensive) bottle (thanks V!).

I just don't like it. I can't put it into words. (Shit blogger).

On that note, can any recommend me some heat defense sprays and mousse (volume) please?

Thank you for reading xoxo

Primark haul - Sweater season

Hi Guys!

It is so cold these days bbbbbrrrrr so I've stocked up on some new jumpers to keep me snuggly and warm.

I've only become into wearing jumpers since last year. Previous to that I just felt, honestly, too chunky to be wearing jumpers. I'm bulky enough and I didn't see the point of adding on more bulk.

But then last year I just....I dunno....accepted my bulk and welcomed jumpers into my life! And this year, with the addition of having to actually travel to work beyond 10 minutes I actually need the extra layers for practical reasons (I can be practical at times!).

Everything is from Primark. 

[£14]
This chunky jumper is a mix off creams and greys. It fits quite boxy but is by no means cropped. It gives off quite a boyfriend vibe with the wide contrast neck line. Absolutely love it. It does get a bit fluff central and leaves my office chair and  black skinnies slightly fluffy but nothing I can't live with. One thing to note is that the washing instructions says to cool wash it....which may or may not matter to you. 

[£14]

Leopard print. Nuff said.

This feels like heaven. It is so soft and fluffy. It is not as thick as the previous jumper, and it isn't very flattering but it was too cute to not buy. 

[£10]

This is the typical fluffy jumper that was all the rage since last A/W. TBH I am going to return this because the colour looks absolutely hideous on me. I look like a fluffy washed out pig. They do sell this in black but my size is never in stock. I will persevere cos I'm dedicated innit. 

[£6]

I know. I know what you are thinking.

Double chin. Triple chin. Roll neck. Really?

Yes really. As I mentioned previously, sometimes I can be practical.

I've been sick a lot since starting my new job (Hello public transport germs!) and sometimes you gotta keep, not just the chest region warm but also the neck.

This is a wardrobe essential and I shall be busting it out and probably layering it under another jumper when it is snowing and shizz. I'll be in so many layers and scarves that noone will be noticing my chins. And to be fair, my chins are there with or without the rollneck anyway.

(Also note, if you have less chins than me, this would look very stylish and it is only £6!)

[£14]

Neon yellow jumper.

Goodbye comfort zone!

I love this. It is chunky and slightly boxy. I could have gone a size smaller but the oversized look really suits the style and colour. It is neon yellow for god's sake. I took, "go big, or go home" quite literally.

This isn't everyone's cup of tea (no shit sherlock) but hey, if it garners too much hated I can always wear it around Penny Palace. Ain't no one gonna stop this star from shining!

OMG this jumper just makes me all happy and weird.

The only downside is styling it is tough. Pretty limited with which outwear and accessories I can wear it with.
But I don't mind a  challenge. 

[£14]

This is the jumper I am wearing in the first photo.

I love this jumper. This is my favourite one.

It is oversized, long (more than covers my bum) and it has slightly batwing thing going on and the sleeves are bracelet length (my absolute fav sleeve length - cos I'm the sort of person who has a sleeve length favourite).

The neutral beige is just sexy. Yes, beige is sexy. 

And I saved the best til last!

Oh come on. Just cos I've purchased a few non-black items doesn't mean I've gone bat shit cray.

But seriously, if you want a pastel unicorn rainbow jumper, go to Primark. The jumper feels like clouds.



Hope you have enjoyed my sweater haul :)
Are you guys all warm and snuggly?
Keep healthy xoxo

Mascara review - Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express waterproof mascara

Hi Guys!

I've been meaning to try Maybelline The Falsies for absolutely ages and have just finished a tube, and here is what I think:

I don't know.

I don't know what I think.

I wanted this because the blogger reviews loved it and it was often touted as a god send for mono-lidders such as myself. And the fact that every time I looked for it in the shops and it was sold out made me want it even more.

When I first used this - I HATED IT!! I just did not get along with it at all. The formula was too wet and it hardly gave me anything - let alone the 300% more visible lashes it claims. And I didn't enjoy the spoon brush thing. I think my mascara reviews must make everyone think I am an idiot because I also struggle with any brush that isn't a traditional Christmas tree brush (you know what I'm saying!) but seriously, the 'spoon' to me was useless. So I angrily used this up. I think that this was particularly disappointing after Loreal's excess volume million lashes, which was really good (I reviewed it here: http://onepennye.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/review-loreal-volume-million-lashes.html#links).

PLOT TWIST!

But then!!!!! - So I've mentioned before that I like to keep a bunch of mascaras on the go at once, and so I kept this one around even after I moved onto my next one (review to follow - teaser - I'm clubbing with Bourjois again...). Erm, once the Falsies was all dried out and slightly manky I have fallen in love with it! Maybe it is the spoon brush design that I said I hated but after I mascara up my lashes (with whatever), I like to comb the Falsie wand over my lashes and they really do give them a nice fanned out look!

This is why  I am so confused! I would not repurchase it as a new tube because it did absolutely nothing for my stubby lashes, but I am definitely keeping my manky used up tube forever. Maybe I should wash out the tube or something?

Have you tried this? Am I being foolish? Should I get another tube and give it another chance?

xoxo

Penny loves Pumpkin

Hi Guys!

This is just a random post but I'm feeling all type type type so here I am :) I've missed so many days with y'all! I can't believe I missed the whole of Summer and most of Autumn! Just going to update you on random bits of my amazingly boring life.

 I celebrated 100 days and 200 days at my 'new' job already.

My hair has grown out a bit (as you can see in the pic?). I'm on my way to missing two haircuts but that is due to a lack of time and not avoiding the hairdresser....not consciously anyway....I'm not too sure....

I am currently on Day 6 of Operation No Eyeliner. Which is me attempting to wear less eyeliner (because a naked eye isn't going to happen.) My mum says the amount I wear on a daily basis isn't 'appropriate'. It isn't the first time it's been mentioned but I decided to take it on board this time round. It makes getting ready in the morning quicker but I feel really exposed and fugly. Lets see how long I can keep this up for!

I'm conflicted over my eyebrow situation. I'm still growing them out but I'm bored.....I dunno.
 Brow routine post to come soon  ;)

As always, I'm loving A/W fashion. Breaking my coat/shoe ban last year has been an exhilarating experience. I think I might need to reinstate the ban in 2015. Penny Palace is not coping with the amount of stuff! I have also discovered jumpersh this year. I'll be sharing my Primark sweater season haul with you soon :)

I am in love with pumpkin.

I made my first ever pumpkin pie, inspired by my first ever pie at L's house many moons ago. Good stuff!

I had my first ever pumpkin spice late #psl from Starbucks with V and it was......ok. I prefer pie!

But then I discovered pumpkin spice frappucino with my mum and I love it. Sweetness and spice and all things nice mmmmmmmm

And that is it. Eyeliner, eyebrows, some clothes, coffee and some pie. My life!

xoxo

Foundation Review - Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation

Hi Guys :)

Here are my thoughts on Maybelline's SuperStay Better Skin Foundation.

Readily available in drugstores and costs around £8.99 for 30ml.

Previous to this I was using Loreal's Infalliable 24h foundation (which I have reviewed).

I chose Better Skin as my next foundation as it claims to be long lasting and seemed a decent consistency when I swatched it in store. With regards to the Better Skin claims - let us all be realistic here - who would actually believe that claim? If there was a foundation which could actually physically make your skin better, do you think it would come from Maybelline (no offense!) and be sold for under a tenner? Spoiler alert - no, my skin did not miraculously

Colour wise - as always with a drugstore foundation, colour matching is a tough job. I went for the shade SAND. This shade was a bit too light on me but the shade darker was too orange. It was not too bad with a smidge of bronzer dusted all over my face.

When I first used this I was really impressed. It blended in well - was not too thick or too wet and worked well with my Real Technique's expert face brush. It also lasted a decent amount of time. It isn't what I would call heavy duty but this medium coverage foundation definitely saw me through 8ish hours. And importantly, it wore off very evenly so I was not left patchy.

I was not too keen on the finish - it is suppose to give you a flawless finish but I found it a bit too...flat? To be fair, this could be because the shade was too light but I felt slightly grandma at times. On the other hand it did cover my blemishes and my redness well, but at times it could gather a bit on dryer areas of the face. (That bit between my eyebrows can get a bit dry for some reason...just me?)

So.........I would say this is a decent everyday foundation. It isn't one I'd grab for an important occasion where I need to be looking damn fine, but for going to and from work it does the job. Wouldn't repurchase it just because it is a bit blah. No wow.

Have you used this? What do you think?

xoxo

(Side note - Hello! OMG! So I said I would be back and I am here so yay? But absolutely gutted/p*ssed off cos during my absense I was taking a ton of product and swatch pics and then when I upgraded to IOS 8 (or whatever) I lost all my shizz. And I did back up and transfer my pics prior to the update but..........no pics. I don't know where da fuq my pics are but rather than dwell too much I've tried my best to retake some sort of blog pics. So apologies in advance for all the dutty and half used product pics coming your way. This is real life dude! ..........Kisses x)

YESvember slash Me Time Tag

Hello!

Erm. Apologies. Sincere apologies.

Wow, November already huh? How did that happen?

I don't want to make promises about my 'return' but at the same time, typing out my intentions (should) helps me to actually do stuff.....so NOvember is now YESvember for me.

YOU CAN DO IT, PUT YOUR BACK INTO IT!

I'm already feeling uber awkward here so I'm just going to jump straight back on the horse (is that the right saying?) and ease myself in with a tag.

I'm going to do essiebutton's and amelialiana's ME TIME TAG. Seems appropriate since I've taken a few months of me time!

What do you watch or read during Me Time?

I am slightly (extremely) embarassed to admit that I am reading a ton of kpop fanfiction. I won't even pretend to remember the last time I read an actual book. I am addicted to fanfiction. And even though it is mainly written by 13 year olds, I'm ok with that. It's a guilty pleasure and it is 'me time' so me will do what me wanna do innit!

My mind has been all over the place recently I've not really been watching anything. I can barely get through a youtube make up tutorial these days but I am hoping that this month I'll be getting my shiz together and doing important stuff that I've been neglecting - like watching vanity tours, October favs and A/W lookbooks. Don't worry people, I know what is important in life.

What do I wear during Me Time?

Wow this got personal quick! ;) Let us be real. Me Time means my nightie and maybe socks if I am feeling fancy. I don't believe in getting dressed unless I have to go somewhere or see people.

I do often think about buying fancy houseclothes (you know what I'm talking about), but then once I fill up an asos shopping basket I realise I could be spending money on real clothes instead and so that virtual basket always ends up dumped.

What are your Me Time beauty products?

It is a miracle if I brush my teeth during Me Time. But Me Time is about comfort, relaxation and replenishing oneself - so beauty products that might be utilised in this time would be coconut oil for my hair, Clinique Moisture Surge for my dry face, sudocreme for my spotty face, and lip scrub for my lips (duh).

Current favourite nail polish?

Ciate's Pocket Money, Nails Inc's Caramel and any burgundy/deep red. It is obviously A/W on my fingers!

What do you eat/drink during Me Time?

Chocolate coffee = big mug, 3 spoons of chocoalte, 2ish of coffee, 0-4 spoons of sugar, dash of hazelnut/caramel syrup (if you don't know you better get to know!), a lot of hot milk and some boiling water. It makes my heart hurt sometimes, but it is goooooooood.

I love crisps. ("I love blinking, I do.")

Current favourite candle?

Ikea's ice cream candle. Sickly sickly sweet but I can't smell it all that often so I love getting a random whiff of that sugary goodness.

Do you ever have outdoor Me Time?

NO WAY. That is an oxymoron IMO. To be outside I'd assume I'd be dressed and made up, that in itself means the situation isn't aMe Time situation. If I hear or make eye contact with another human being then that is definitely not Me Time.

Would you ever go to see a movie alone?

A part from the fact that the idea of a cinema to me is a nightmare even with a chaperone, I couldn't imagine wanting to go by myself. I guess on a less neurotic and more practical level I equate the cinema as a social activity? Something to be done with at least one other person. I couldn't imagine getting ready, travelling, paying for drinks and popcorn, paying for the movie, and then to sit there for 2 hours. And then travel home alone with no one to discuss the overpriced movie with. Maybe if this whole scenario was paid for I'd go alone....but I wouldn't count it as Me Time though.

Favourite online shop?

There are online shops I like because I know I want something from there particular, but there are some online shops that are designed so well that they are just great for browsing (as well as shopping).

I love eBay. I love searching for crap.

Asos is a brilliant website. It is so user friendly and makes virtual window shopping fun.

Anything to add?

To me, Me Time is a time to just concentrate on being me and doing nothing. That is the dream.

And that's me done :)

As always, I tag anyone reading this.

It has felt good to get typing again. I will try my best guys!

Massive hugs xoxo