Pay Day Beauty Hauling #4: The T.K. Maxx Edition

Pay Day Beauty Hauling #4: The T.K. Maxx Edition

Tuesday, 20 October 2015

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Those of you who follow me on twitter and instagram will know that I've been seriously loving the beauty aisles at T.K. Maxx (or T.J. Maxx in the US) lately. There are 2 very simple reasons for this: 1. It's awesome. 2. It's one of the best place to get genuine high end make up for bargain prices. Seriously what's not to love?! Having said that, the best thing about T.K. Maxx is also the worst thing about T.K. Maxx, it's a double edged sword guys! Yes, you can find some seriously amazing stuff in there for really cheap BUT the stock isn't standardised, it's for this reason that I haven't been able to link anything up. Sorry. Anyway here's what I've been hauling. 

Notebook - £4.99 from T.K. Maxx

Now I am a girl who loves her stationery, particularly pretty stationery, specifically notebooks. There's just something about a brand new notebook. So when I saw this ridiculously pretty, and inspiring, notebook how could I resist?! The gold against lilac is gorgeous, and I love the message on the front, it's so cute! I can't wait to scribble down all my blog ideas in it. In my very best handwriting, of course.

Essie Spring Collection - £7.00

Essie The Lace is On & Strut Your Stuff - £3.99 all from T.K. Maxx

I've been having a bit of a moment with Essie lately, I've since added Truth or Flare to my growing collection, and it started with this year's Spring Collection which is gorgeous AND cost a bargainous £7! The Spring Collection is so pretty, with four 5 ml pastel polishes. Flowerista - A gorgeous purple-y pink, Blossom Dandy - A muted, but lovely, mint green that is right in my mint nail polish loving wheelhouse, Petal Pushers - A blue-y grey that is both incredibly chic and incredibly pretty and Perennial Chic - A peachy nude that, honestly, is not really my thing, but I can still appreciate it's prettiness. I also picked up The Lace is On - Another purple-y pink, this one a metallic with a very subtle sheen of gold glitter running through it. It is so pretty and so festive, perfect for this time of year. The last polish I picked up was Strut Your Stuff, which has been on my Nail Polish list (yep, I have a Nail Polish list, are you really surprised?) for ages. So when I saw it in T.K. Maxx, for half it's normal price, well obviously I had to have it. My blue nail polish obsession is well documented, and this is a welcome addition to my army of blue polishes. It's a beautiful turquoise that makes me smiley all over my face. Essie's formulation is generally good, with reasonable wear time and an average of 2 coats to achieve opacity. Lovely. 

Dermactin-TS Intensive Skin Care Intense Acne Treatment Pore Refining Facial Sheet Masks - £4.99 for 4 from T.K. Maxx

I have real issues with my skin. Blackheads are my biggest problem, it seems that everytime I get rid of one, ten really angry blackheads arrive to avenge it. It's a constant, and fruitless, battle and I am losing. So when I saw these sheet masks I figured at the very least they were worth a try. I'd never tried sheet masks before and I thought it was amazing, but also really weird. This mask promises to 'penetrate deeply' (that seems unnecessarily sexual, but it's what it says on the packaging), to unclog and clear the pores of dirt and oil, to prevent new blemishes and blackheads forming. It also moisturises and rejuvenates the skin. I actually really liked the mask, although it was really difficult to a) put it on and b) keep it on.  

Also there is literally no escaping the fact that you look like Hannibal Lecter when wearing it. Embrace it, because it is hilarious. Despite all that I could see a noticeable improvement in the condition of my skin after just one use. 

Nuxe Crème Prodigieuse Enrichie Anti-Fatigue Moisturising Cream for Dry Skin - £6.99 from T.K. Maxx

I am so in love with Nuxe, it's one of my absolute favourite skin care brands and for good reason. The lip balm is fabled for it's sheer amazingness amongst the beauty community. Personally I am a huge fan of their Masque Crème Fraîche de Beauté because it's incredible. The only teeny tiny, but still somewhat fatal, flaw is that it's not exactly the cheapest of beasts; so finding this day cream for just £6.99, when it usually retails for £21, actually made my day. It has quickly become my favourite moisturiser. It is so rich and hydrating and smells beautiful. My mum is also a fan because she keeps 'borrowing' it and if she carries on then there will be blood. Seriously though it is amazing. My skin has been particularly dry lately and this has just made it so much better. Expect a full review soon, if I have any left that is...

The Balm: The Balm Voyage Pallette Vol II - £19.99 from T.K. Maxx

And finally the last product in this never ending haul. This I actually got a few weeks back but it was such a great find that I just had to include it. This pallet is awesome! Not only does it have everything, from lip tints to eyeshadows, all of which are incredibly wearable, but the formulations are amazing! Smooth, buttery soft and almost creamy in texture, whilst also being highly pigmented and easily blendable. It is such a handy pallet for travelling because the packaging is very light and compact and also plays host to a decent sized mirror. I'm so glad I found it. 

So that was longer, and ramblier, than usual but thanks for sticking around 'til the end. I definitely recommend checking out the beauty aisle of T.K. Maxx for any beauty lovers, I always find such good stuff in mine. What have you guys been hauling lately? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for updates.

Love love love xxx

Mini Beauty Haul #3

Mini Beauty Haul #3

Sunday, 2 August 2015

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Yes another Haul post. I'm sorry guys I hope you're not getting bored yet. Make up, as you guys know, is my favourite thing and I love nothing more than blowing my hard earned pennies on it. Some people collect shoes or stamps, I collect mascaras and eyeshadow pallets, nail polish and lipsticks. Here are the latest additions to my ever growing collection.

Topshop Beauty Lip Bullet in Back in the Game - (Sorry guys can't find this online, I picked mine up on sale £4.00 in store)

Now I didn't need another blue-toned pink lipstick, like blue nail polish I have too many of them already but I just find them completely irresistible. This is such a pretty colour, it's quite a bit lighter than what I would normally go for, more of a barbie pink than a fuchsia, but it's really nice. I've not actually had much experience with Topshop make up, my local Topshop stocking only the bare minimum, but the formulation of this is amazing. Creamy, highly pigmented, matte yet moisturising and a decent amount of wear time. I'm in love. 

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Olé Flamingo - £8.99 from Boots

I have sung the praises of the Bourgeois Rouge Edition Velvets from the rooftops (read more about that here),  so I won't bang on about this one too much. Olé Flamingo is an old favourite of mine and I was so gutted after losing mine recently. I had to get new one. The formula is lovely, the wear time is fabulous and that colour is amazing. Enough said.

Illamasqua Nail Polish in Serenity - £14.50 from Illamasqua

Illamasqua is a brand I've long admired from afar. Their make up is dramatic and fun and of a really, beautiful quality but being a perpetually broke student their high end price tags were out of my reach. So when I saw this beautiful turquoise polish in the beauty aisle at T.K. Maxx (my happy place!) for £3.99, they usually retail at £14.50, I snapped it up before the little voice in my head could say NOOOOO you own too many blue polishes put it back! Everything about it is beautiful, especially that gorgeous packaging and the equally stunning, rich turquoise colour. Now I didn't realise this at the time but the finish is matte, which I'm not usually a fan of, but it's actually quite nice. I've only had it on for a couple of days but it's lasted quite well and the formula's nice; thinner than I was expecting so you need 3 - 4 coats to achieve opacity but it's easily workable and builds up nicely. 

OPI Nail Lacquer in Cuckoo for this Colour - £6.99 from Amazon

I love OPI for their high coverage formulas and their amazing colour range, so when I saw this beautiful, metallic forest green, I couldn't resist. It was pretty much a no brainer. It's not a particularly summery shade but I can see myself getting a lot of wear out of this come Autumn/Winter. It's a very Christmassy shade. I love it

What's on your make up wish list? Anything you're dying to splash the cash on? Any recommendations for me? I'd love to hear them! Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Also check me out on instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - & pinterest for updates.

Love love love xxx

Pay Day Beauty Hauling #1

Pay Day Beauty Hauling #1

Sunday, 12 July 2015

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Hey Guys! I hope everyone has had a fab weekend! Personally I've been holed up in my room doing some uni work and watching netflix, mostly I've been watching netflix but I certainly thought about doing uni work. Anyway I got paid on Friday and went on a bit of a shopping spree, clothes and make up, and I thought I'd share all the beauty bits and pieces I picked up with you lovely lot! 

L'Oreal Paris Color Riche in Julianne's Nude

Usually I'm not a fan of nude lipsticks, I like my lipstick bright and bold, but after my mum got this and I saw how good it looked I just had to get my hands on it. It is the most gorgeous blue toned pinky-nude and I am actually in love with it! It's nude without being too nude, a classic 'my lips but better shade' suited to us english rose types. Whilst it's not the most long lasting of formulas, it is super moisturising and the colour is incredible, it also smells lovely, like parma violets. I can see this becoming my go to lipstick, Me? Rocking nudes? Who'd have thunk it?!

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Sky Blue and Barry M Speedy Quick Dry Nail Paint in Eat My Dust

I love me some blue nail polishes (read more about that here) and these two were irresistible. Sky Blue is a really beautiful sky blue, funnily enough, it has that whole is it blue? is it green? it doesn't matter because it's so gorgeous thing going on and I love it.  Eat My Dust is a very pretty pale lilac-y cornflower blue shade. Eat My Dust has actually been on my list for ages but it's always out of stock, so when I finally spotted this bottle hiding away in the shampoo aisle of my local boots I snapped it up. I really love both of the Hi-Shine Gelly and Speedy Quick Dry formulas; the Hi-Shine Gelly formula is really thick and creamy yet easily workable and has a gorgeous shiny, gel-like finish. Whereas the Speedy Quick Dry formula does exactly what it says on the tin, dries super quickly and has an amazing rounded brush that hugs the cuticles and makes painting your nails a breeze. I am so happy with these purchases, Barry M is my absolutely fave for high street/drug store nails.

Essence The Gel Polish in Electriiiiiic

Yes another blue nail polish, I may have a bit of a blue nail polish problem, Electriiiiiic is currently adorning my nails and I have to say it is gorgeous! It's a beautiful royal blue that really pops against tanned skin, not that I'd know anything about that #palegirlproblems. I'd never actually tried any of the essence polishes but they are really good, with a thick, gel-like formula that applies easily and lasts really well on the nails. It was also a total bargain, setting me back a mere £1.90.Yep you read that right, this tiny bottle of bright blue joy cost less than £2! I'll definitely be adding more to my collection.

Superdrug Vitamin E Skincare Facial Oil

Ever since I ran out of the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil there has been a noticeable difference in the condition of my skin, it's been drier and more blackhead prone than ever, so whilst I'm waiting for a new bottle of that to arrive I thought I'd give this facial oil a try to see if it would give my skin a much needed moisture boost. I haven't actually tested it out on anything other than the back of my hand yet but from that I can tell you it smells gorgeous, like coconut, and is both fast absorbing and super moisturising. I'll let you know how I get on.

Witch Naturally Clear Blemish Stick

The Witch Naturally Clear Blemish Stick has long been a favourite of mine for drying out big, juicy spots and blemishes, so when I ran out I had to get a new one. It's one of the best on the spot spot treatments that I've come across as it gets to work instantly on breaking down any excess oil and fighting spot-causing bacteria. I have quite dry, sensitive skin but witch hazel is a natural astringent that clears up spots without being too harsh on my skin. Having said that I would advise those with particularly dry skin to steer clear as it does dry out spots and the surrounding skin but for me it's a life saver. 

What have you guys been spending your hard earned pennies on? Let me know on twitter, by commenting below or dropping me an email at lolarocknroses@gmail.com. Check out my instagram, facebook, bloglovin', snapchat - search lolarocknroses - and pinterest for regular updates. Also let me know if you'd be interested in seeing a post about the clothes and fashiony bits I picked up. 

Love love love xxx

Pay Day Haul #1

Pay Day Haul #1

Friday, 15 August 2014

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So as you can see this is not Friday I'm in Love #9 and the reasons for that are 1. I've had a migraine this week that has really knocked me through a loop. 2. I had so many loves this week from stuff I've bought recently and haven't actually mentioned yet. So I thought I would do another Haul Post. I get paid weekly and the last couple of weekends I've been feeling particularly spendy (oops!) so I thought I'd share with you all the things I've bought...

Benefit's They're Real Push-Up Liner 

I bought this last week and I have raved about it since. I actually wrote a review about this last week (you can read it here) 

No 7 Beautiful Skin Deep Pore Purifier

I thought I was buying a serum when I picked this up last week so I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's kind of like a scrub and has a super funky tip that exfoliates the skin. I haven't tested it out yet but it looks so fun 

Bourjois Velvet Rouge in Olé Flamingo

This has been on my wish list for some time so when pay day rolled around I made a beeline for it. The colour is highly pigmented and beautiful and the formula is incredible. Once it's on, IT's ON! Wild horses couldn't tear it away -Rolling Stones reference yay!- I can't wait to add more to my collection. 

No 7 Pop & Glow Cream Blush in Watermelon 

Stick Cream Blushes are having something of a moment lately and I thought I would give this little lovely a try. Whilst it does look violently red in the pictures it's actually a really pretty pink. I've never used a cream blush before so I'll have to let you know, but so far so good. 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation in 53 Light Beige

I've heard some really good things about this foundation - which is why I bought it :) - It gives light but buildable coverage, which is perfect for the sweaty summer months. It's really long lasting and the formula is lovely. New summer favourite right here.

Soap & Glory's Love at First Blush

How gorgeous is that?! I haven't used it yet because I don't want to spoil something so beautiful but I will keep you posted. Peach Party is next on my list because this is super gorge. 

No 7 Beautiful Skin Rapid Spot Rescue 

Blackheads and spots are the bane of my existence. I bought this as it promises to reduce appearance and redness within 2 hours. I haven't had any major spots (Thank God) to test this out on. But I will keep you posted for any future blackouts. 

Ciate - Mini Mani Month Calendar

L-R: Snowglobe, Boudoir, Amazing Gracie, Silver (Caviar Metallic Pearls), Hoopla & Sugar Plum

 L-R: Main Stage, Midnight in Manhattan (Caviar Pearls), Candy Floss, Pillow Fight, Pepperminty & Gold (Caviar Metallic Pearls).

 L-R: Encore, Ivory Queen, Twinkle Toes (Glitter), Chinchilla, Members Only & Tweed & Tails.

L-R: Dallas Dolly (Sequins), Starlet, Fit for a Queen, Hopscotch, Cupid's Arrow (Caviar Pearls) & Playdate. 

I picked this up in T.K. Maxx for the bargain price of £19.99 (it retails at £52.) I didn't realise at the time that it was actually an advent calendar, I thought about saving it for Christmas but knew that I would've long since forgotten about it by then. Plus I'm far too impatient to wait another 3 months and 28 days before I could play with it so I opened it (in order of course, I'm impatient, not an animal!). It had some really lovely colours and even had some bottles of caviar beads, sequins and glitter. I'm so happy I bought it. 

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

I am going through something of a Real Techniques obsession at the moment and thought I would add the Miracle Complexion Sponge to my growing collection. I haven't tried it yet but will keep you posted. 

The Champions Collection by Nails Inc 

L-R: Royal Botanical Gardens, Draycott Terracce, Hampton Court Palace Gardens, Belgravia Gardens & Westbourne Grove.

I'm guessing from the name and the packaging this collection was inspired by London 2012 which is perhaps the reason why it only cost me £7. I'm a huge Nails Inc fan so this was a no brainer. I've never had any problems with the formula and the colours are quite lovely and perfect for summer.

#GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso

I got this on the recommendation of a friend. I hadn't really heard of Nasty Gal or Sophia Amoruso but my friend really raved about the book so I thought I would give it a go. I've only read the timeline at the beginning of the book but I can already see that Sophia Amoruso is my kind of lady and I can't wait to get started. 

Real Techniques Starter Set

L-R Accent, Eyeliner, Deluxe Crease, Base Shadow and Eyebrow Brush

The Deluxe Crease and Base Shadow brushes were 2 of my loves last week (read it here). They are really nice. Overall the brushes are great but those two are my faves. 

Season 1 of The Mindy Project & Season 2 of New Girl

I love The Mindy Project. I love New Girl. So these were a no brainer. I'm looking forward to a long, lazy (preferably rainy) Sunday where I can binge watch them in my jamas. 

Looking back I have bought absolutely loads. I have a shopping problem. This will be the last of the Haul posts for a while because I need to save up for my masters degree. I say that but I know what I'm like and spending will happen. 

What did you think? Have you tried any of this stuff? Let me know on twitter or comment below. Also check me out on facebook, BlogLovin, instagram & pinterest. Have a happy weekend.

Love love love xxx