No7 Dollar

After featuring this in my most recent of hauls, Liloo asked for a swatch. So here I shall provide. With my nail stickers beginning to peel at the tips, I whipped them off and excitedly applied two coats of No7's 'Dollar'.

Added a bit of a crackle edge with Barry M's blue Nail Effects on the index.
This is two coats and the Nails Inc 'Albert Bridge' top coat.

It's a great jewel green and applies easy and smooth. I love the new brush design for my fingers, however the same can't be said for toe application. Something about the curved tip of the brush makes it difficult to get to the corners of my square based toe nails.

It's just now, on day 3 beginning to wear away at the tips, with a couple of chips on my thumb nails.

As far as I'm aware the No7 £5 discount vouchers are still been handed out, if not they are definitely still valid. That makes this gem jewel just £2. My next is to be spent on Beautifully Black, which was what I originally went in for...

What are your top No7 nail varnishes?

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Introducing... The Ray Ban 2140

Personally I think they have the same ring to them as the iconic Beverly Hills postcode. Ok, maybe not.
I had been to-ing and fro-ing over whether to buy some classic Ray Ban sunnies for such a long time, but after a £50 for £18 coupon came up on Groupon, I jumped at the chance.

I then had the choice between the classic, recognisable Wayfarers or the Aviators. I went with the latter as I seem to get so much use of my Primark dupes. Of course, the Aviators are still on my wishlist, now also with the tortoise shell Wayfarers in medium. So. Many. Options.

Here they are in all their glory. My first toe dipped into the designer designer pool.

Bought from The Sunglasses Shop, I opted for the Ray Ban 2140 Wayfarer, in small (47mm). Paying just £52 (with delivery) for a classic designer piece. Bargain right?
I had some time to kill with the web cam too...

That's one thing I can cross off my 21st Wishlist. Now onto the rest...

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Passing it on

I never do posts like this, but with so many people doing summary posts and including 'five to follow' I've stumbled on some real gems in the blogosphere. Of course there are my favourites which have been mentioned on here a million times. The likes of Dulce Candy, Kelanjo & Love Maegan but the following are both newbies to me and newbies to blogging that deserve a lot more love than they already have.

In no particular order;

A blog devoted to the most sensitive of skin, Gabi Katie

From the lusts to the loves daisylvb & the(snap)index

To get serious wardrobe envy Late Afternoon, Atlantic-Pacific, CHEYENNE meets CHANEL, Style Scrapbook & Cats and Rocking Chairs

Excitement conveyed by adorable pups.

And those I get excited to see a post from Kenzas, tiny sailor, LE FLASSH & buy now, blog later

Of course, always looking to fill my quota, which should I be following?!

Images taken from the world of Tumblr.

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Haulin'

Can't remember the last time I posted a haul on here, or the last time I said haul for that matter but here comes my latest.

I'm deliberating whether to post all my London goodies, after unpacking it dawned on me how I much I'd bought, but how little I'd spent. Thoughts?

These goodies are from yesterdays trip to Meadowhall with Mother dear. Meadowhall is probably my all time favourite shopping centre. The only thing missing is Urban Outfitters (and maybe Selfridges if we're nit picking) but as that would only lure me into spending money I don't have, I think I'm set.

I posted my awesome new winter coat onto DailyBooth yesterday. It's Miss Selfridge, £52 and after trying it on a couple of weeks back, decided I needed it. Nabbed the last one in my size.

The ever popular Boots No7 voucher got spent on 'Dollar' a beautiful blue/green. Had my heart set on 'Beautifully Black' after Liloo's post, but this one caught my eye.

The rest;

Stag ring £2 & boots £15

Primark

My absolute fave soap & a new one to try. 

I figured Sandstone would be good for my flat of fake tanners, always need a bit of exfoliating power to get it off your palms no?

Handcuff necklace £6.50

Topshop

3 for 2 @ Waterstones.

Determined to read One Day before I see the film, heard amazing things. And, thought I'd take up the Shopaholic series again. Read the last two about eight years ago?! Some of the best books I've ever read though. Currently in the middle of A Place Called Here by Cecelia Ahern.

 I won Sarah's giveaway, which means I finally get to try Liz Earle's Skin Tint. First impressions are just better than average, but my skin isn't in the best mood at the moment.

And finally, all the way from Hong Kong, the velcro bow (bought here). I always suffer from kinks after putting a kirby grip in. This keeps my hair away while I make up my face but never alters the style.

Personally, not one for public wear though.

Currently on the search for my 21st dress. Have my eye on a few dirt cheap ones from Hong Kong on ebay. Figured I may as well order them all as they're literally a fiver each (including delivery) so even if they're not 21st worthy, I'll have a few new dresses!

What have you been spending on recently?

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Personality Injection in pictures

Since my time in London is now donezo, I thought I'd share my just over a month jaunt with you via a few snaps I took.
London has stolen  my heart! Even with the collapse that was the riots, I just loved it. I can't wait to be back there in just over a month for my time at London Fashion Week!

Here's to you London, you treated me well!

First trip to Las Iguanas, during Happy Hour.

 Models Own & Topshop 'Gypsy Night'

I learnt to tie a cherry stalk, with my tongue.

How have you all spent your summer?
Unbelievably jealous to all those who managed to travel far and wide!

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Happy Aussie-versary! One day only! **CLOSED**

With my mother taking the delivery note without my knowing, it means I've only just got my hands on the fabulous Aussie Summer Party Pack!
You may have seen the rest of the angels putting up these contest posts, luckily I've got it up just in time for you to enter!

The wonderfully generous people at Aussie towers are offering up to seven of my readers the chance to win a summer party pack. A perfect opportunity for you to try out the sparkly, limited edition Aussie-Versary range.
You will receive one product which can be chosen, by you, from all these;


Take The Heat range – shampoo, conditioner, 3MM, heat-protection cream, heat-protection spray – For beautifully blow-dried hair wrap these products around your locks.

Miracle Moist – Shampoo, conditioner, 3MM – These heavenly products infuse moisture into dry damaged hair, leaving hair quenched, luscious, smooth and conditioned faster than you can say ‘shine on me’.

Luscious Long – Shampoo, conditioner, 3MM, leave-in conditioner – Blended with wonderful lovelies like Blue Mountain Eucalyptus extract, these products help transform weak, distressed hair into luscious locks.

I can hear you screaming WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?!

With Aussie using any excuse to party, you just need to tell me what you're celebrating. Whether it's a beautiful new born baby girl, or just a fabulous new pair of shoes, let me know!

You just need to follow Peluxe, leave a comment on this post with your celebration, or, devote a blog post to it (and link it below) to be in with a chance of winning your very own party pack.
PLUS those winners will then have the chance to win ten tickets (yes ten!) to the exclusive Aussie ball later this year. Invite only of course.

Don't postpone any longer! You only have until midnight (GMT) tomorrow, Friday 19th to enter!

The very important Terms & conditions
1.    This competition is open to the Aussie Angels online communities
2.    Winners must be UK Mainland residents and aged 18 years or over
3.    Winners of the giveaway are to be chosen by Aussie Angels
4.    To enter, community members must write a blog post, OR comment on an Angels’ Giveaway blog post, stating how they qualify for a Summer Party pack
5.    To qualify for winning the Summer party pack, they must have something to celebrate (there are no restrictions on their reasons for celebration)
6.    Selection criteria: Each Aussie Angel will select their own 7 community member winners. Selection is entirely at each Angels discretion
7.    The Promoter will not be liable for applications not received, incomplete, delayed or damaged. Last date for receipt of entries is Friday 19 August 2011
8.    There will be up to 7 winners per Aussie Angel
9.    Winners must be chosen and notified in writing, by the Angels, by Tuesday 23 August 2011
10. The Angels must also notify Aussie, in writing, who they have chosen, by Tuesday 23 August 2011
11. A list of the prize winners will be available on www.uncoveraussie.co.uk after this date.
12. The prizes are as stated and cannot be transferred, sold or exchanged. There is no cash alternative.  Only one prize per household.  No bulk or third party entries accepted
13. Summer Party packs will be sent by Aussie, and all delivery costs covered by Aussie
14. By entering this competition, entrants agree to be bound by the rules and by any other requirements set out in the promotional material.
PROMOTER: Procter & Gamble UK, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 OXP


**PR Sample

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Batiste XXL

Another addition to Batiste's ever growing colony of dry shampoos. They have been highly featured on Peluxe and I have never found a dry shampoo that measures up, but with the XXL being a little more than just a dry shampoo, it takes some getting used to.

So, bottle in hand, I followed the instructions exactly. I used it on second day (but pretty clean) hair, that was in a whole new world of flat (even for me).

Before;

 Holding the can 'about 30cm from hair', I sprayed. The distance is the key, because if you spray too close your hair becomes matted and too sticky to work with.

You then need to scrub it into your hair. If not only to remove any of the white residue (which I found minimal with this type of Batiste), then to activate the voluminous goodness lost in the roots.

It has the same texture as volumising powders such as the Lee Stafford Matt Fat Powder, only for the most part, a little less sticky as long as you spray from the right distance.

After;

While the effect isn't life changing volume, it definitely gives a great 'pick me up' to flat hair, without weighing the hair down, plus, a bonus of oil removal.

It wasn't as affective as a dry shampoo and I prefer to use it on clean hair, just for the purpose of volume. Other Batiste products definitely leave a cleaner feel and don't have to content with the stickiness and risk of matting your hair like the XXL.

This definitely hasn't replace Batiste Blush as my all time favourite dry shampoo, but is in the great league table of voluminous products for thin hair.

Batiste XXL is available now (although seemingly hard to track down) for £3.99 for 200ml.

**PR sample

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Out of office!

Today I've blogged over at Lauren Loves...! 

As part of her guest blogger series while she suns herself in Thailand, Lauren has given me reigns of Lauren Loves for today! Head over to her blog for a look at my birthday wishlist and let me know what you think!

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INS AND OUTS OF INTERNING the bulk

Somehow this series didn't turn out quite as I'd planned. While the entire time down here has been great and interesting for me, it doesn't really transcribe into a blog post, so apologies for lack of intern based updates.

This week is my last down in the 'big smoke' and I'm really going to miss it! I've loved the London life and have realised how thankful I am to be working in the serene South West offices after this heat wave of a week.
Oxford Circus in rush hour and 24degree heat is not somewhere I like being. PLUS, every time I've ventured into Topshop while I've been here, I've come out with a purchase, which is rare for me and Toppers.

The newest tips;

• Get tasks done ASAP It'll benefit you - less to rush through later - and your employer - you'll impress & take weight off their shoulders.
• Don't limit yourself to your job description I've taken on so much more than what I was briefed with and I couldn't be happier with it. It's given me some great experience and a lot can easily be put into future projects.
• For London, bump the temperature up So the weather says it will be 19 degrees? In London (I'm not sure whether it's the pollution, the tube, or the all the walking) that will easily be hotter. Don't always trust the weather man! Same goes for rain, 'a couple of light showers' is likely to mean spitting all day.
• Utilise the weather! If it's a walk to the shop, or a long lunch in the park, even ten minutes of real vitamin D will definitely boost your mood and make the day go so much faster. 
• Don't forget to have fun After a long day and what feels like an even longer commute, it's easy enough to just sit in front of the TV until it's acceptable to crawl into bed. But, going out for dinner or drinks with friends will make the days more bearable as you have something to look forward to. Don't reserve social life to the weekends!

London's greenery.

 

Taking lunch in the park.

 When the bestest visited.
Southbank's beach is probably my all time favourite London destination.

This may be my last week, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be my busiest, so there may still be life in The Ins & Outs yet!

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Giveaway Time! **Closed**

It's rare that Peluxe has a giveaway, I think there has only been a couple in my three years of blogging - time for one now then isn't it?!

Rules are simple as;

• Be a follower of Peluxe (through any means, but pref GFC as I can check easier!)
• Leave a comment - of any form - below, including your email.
• UK only I'm afraid!
• Giveaway closes this Friday 12th August 2011 at 23.59 GMT (any comments after this time won't be published and won't be considered, sorry!)
• There will be three individual winners.

So, what's in it for you?
Well, with the re launch of Sure deodorants, including MotionSense technology. THREE lucky readers will be winning two aerosols and two roll ons each.
With August said to be the only bit of summer the UK will be seeing she types as it thunders and chucks it down, what better time to give the Cotton Dry & Cool Pink Fresh styles to the test?

Enter now and stock up to smell fresh for the rest of the summer!

**PR Sample

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GOSH Nail Glitter

Ever inspired by other bloggers, I spotted an amazing nail of the day on the Yummy Mummy blog and couldn't wait to give it a go myself. She had me convinced it was a professional job.

Without meaning to, I went for the exact same colours as her from the GOSH Nail Glitter selection. '03 Grey Moonstone' & '02 Gold'.

This is glitter time for grown ups. It's a bit of a messy job, but so worth it. Holly suggested tipping a bit into the lid and sprinkling over the nail, I did it the other way and just dipped my nail into the pot.

After applying a french manicure style strip of clear nail varnish, I left it a few seconds before dipping in, then lightly sweeping away the excess. The wastage isn't too bad, but you could always work over paper then tip it back in.

I applied over Barry M 'Peach Melba' & Barry M 'Fuschia' leaving to try fully before applying the clear nail varnish. After about 10 minutes I then applied a top coat over the glitter. It didn't get the brush too clogged with glitter, just a few particles made it back into the bottle.

It requires a bit of patience and a bit of a tidy up afterwards but I love this look. It doesn't transfer everywhere either, and lasts just as long as your nail varnish.

There are ten shades to choose from at £3.99 each.

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The App Store

How do you know somebody has an iPhone?

They tell you.

Yeah, have you heard that one? I'm with that team. Team iPhone all the way for me.
I absolutely heart my iPhone. Beyond the amount anyone should cherish a mobile phone.
I keep seeing newbies coming on the scene, looking for the best apps. I remember my naivety when I began; what apps would last? Were they worth paying for? It's a truth universally acknowledged that the majority of people will spend their earnings on their iPhone, but then won't pay 60p for an app, going immediately to the 'top free' page instead.

Here are my picks for your new love. Paid, free, useful and bizarre;

Twitter, Facebook, Google, Wikipedia and eBay are musts haves. Get them on your touch screen immediately.

The entertainment

 Fruit Ninja - perfect time waster. You literally slice fruit and watch it splat against the screen. Made even more addictive by the inclusion of blades and backgrounds to unlock.

Doodle Jump - I think this was the first game I ever bought. Simple and regularly updated with new 'themes'.

Cyanide & Happiness - Hoping you've heard of this genius comic, it's that in app form. A daily comic, usually with a bit of a taboo nature. Always amusing, every now and then hilarious.

Pose - as found from Elle Fowler, it's Instagram (see below) for fashionistas. Basically, it's outfits of the days and recent buys in a Twitter esque forum.
Improvement? Easier accessibility to browse other users. Recommendations on who you might like.


Whatsapp - iPhone's answer to Blackberry Messenger. This is free instant messaging between iPhones and can also be downloaded on Blackberrys, for those without an unlimited text tarriff.
Improvement? More BB users need to know about this app!

Photography

Instagram - I've only just discovered it (find me 'Peluxe'), but it is a genius app. You can add various affects, filters and frames to your photos then share in your feed. Share your name below and I'll find you! If anyone has managed to track down Justin Bieber's account, would be much obliged if you shared the info...
Improvements? To be able to take pictures, then save to edit later.

Hipstamatic - the predecessor to Instagram really. Different 'lenses' and 'films' give a variety of effects to photos. But, it's often slow and doesn't have the social network aspect to it.
Improvement? Easier browsing function for the effects and to run faster.

Daily Booth - another website in app form. Another Twitter esque forum, but with photography. I prefer the laptop option to browse pics, but my phone to upload (on there as 'Peluxe'!).
Improvement? To be able to see your feeds uploads only, instead of seeing all their activity.

Postcards - now this is a really useful app. Especially if you're a traveller. You just take a photo, or upload it to your phone, then upload to Postcards and for 99p (£1.49 internationally) you can have it printed to a postcard and sent out. I tried this in America and it took around 2 weeks for the postcard to surface, but it's easier, cheaper and so much more personal than buying one!
Improvement? Faster delivery times and the option to edit the photos.

Travel

Tube Deluxe - could easily go into raptures about this. The map & plan functions are my most used. It provides accurate departure times, status of the tubes, itineraries and locates your nearest station
Improvement? Ironically, you can't use this while actually on the tube. You need a signal or 3g/wifi to access information.


I can tell you on good authority that Trainline is useful, even if it is just to alleviate the credit card fee, but I deleted this due to not using... Google Maps comes on the iPhone, standard. This has helped in so many pickles I manage to get myself into, but it does eat through your battery.

And the rest

Period tracker - yeah, I went there. You just tap when you start, tap when you end and after a couple of months it can predict. You can also log other symptoms you get like mood, spots, headaches etc. Useful if you're often caught off guard.

Tune In Radio - another I only just discovered. I wondered why there was never an app for radio. It can be glitchy with reception, but on the whole is tolerable. The usual presets (I.E. 98.9 for Radio 1) aren't the same, it's best to search for a show (E.G. Chris Moyles) to find your station quickly. You can save your presets and record shows.
Improvement? To play in the background while on other functions. It cuts out as soon as you press the home screen button.

Leave your favourite apps below - always love discovering new ones!

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