L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes // Hair and Beauty

Hello lovely people!

So last month I briefly reviewed Rimmels new ScandalEyes Flex mascara here, which on first use I thought was pretty good, but after further use, I've decided isn't my new 'go-to' mascara. It goes on easily, and doesn't clump, but I feel like it never actually dries! I hate mascara that goes crispy, however, this mascara has no chance of that; it remains really easily smudgeable (is that a word?) but for some reason is still really difficult to remove! I really needed something different, because as far as I know, Panda Eyes aren't in this season, so headed to Boots today to find something new. When I got there, I found that they are currently offering 2 for 1 across all beauty products, and 2 for 1 on all hair products, score! 

L'oreal Volume Million Lashes Excess 

After some serious deliberation, (I'm not joking, I really couldn't decide what I wanted!) I went for the L'oreal Volume Million Lashes Excess waterproof mascara. It has an anti-clump wiper which is great; it prevents any excess on the brush, and shouldn't clump. I wasn't blessed with long luscious lashes (tounge twister alert, sorry!) so I always look for a volumizing mascara to better what I've got! As it has Volume in the title, I'm hoping I'll be onto a winner here. I tried it on one eye when I got home, and can confirm that it is not overly crispy, but has dried nicely and doesn't seem to be easily smudgeable. It also has nicely separated my lashes, which again, is a good feature. I wouldn't say it creates a particularly dramatic effect that you might like to accompany a smoky eye, but really I think it makes for a good multi-use mascara. 

Seventeen High Drama Liquid Eyeliner 

I normally go for Collection 2000's liquid eyeliner. It does exactly what you need, and is great value for money, but for some crazy reason the Boots I went to did not have a Collection 2000 stand! I chose Boots '17' Liquid Eyeliner which was only £3.99. They offered another liquid eyeliner which had a Wet Look finish, but I didn't think that was really the look I was after, however if you wanted to find a Wet Look eyeliner, that could be one to try! The High Drama eyeliner has a pen-tip for easy application, and comes in 5 different shades. Pretty standard, and should do the job nicely! 

Schwarzkopf Got 2 B Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray

This is my FAVOURITE hairspray of all time. It absolutely does freeze your hairstyle, and makes your hair stay put. You only need a minimal amount too, because it's so strong! If you use too much, it doesn't brush out particularly nicely, but if you don't go overboard, it's fine. It also has a nice smell, which I think is an important deciding factor for hairspray! Spraying essence of bug all over myself is not what I have in mind when finishing off my look. 

Also, I do love Elnett hairspray. That and this one are the ones I'd recommend. And I've tried amd tested a LOT of hairstyles in my time.

Botanics Intensely Hydrating Shampoo

I was very pleased to discover the 2-4-1 offer on haircare; I have to be really specific because of my hair extensions and can only use Shampoos that are Sulphate free, so with Boots' big range of haircare products, I was sure I'd find one that I could use. You'd be surprised at how hard it is to find a shampoo that is sulphate free! There are benefits for using a sulphate free shampoo even if you don't have extensions, and especially if you have curly hair. The sulphate in shampoos is a drying ingredient, and shampoos without it are designed to keep moisture in your hair. So, obviously not a good choice for anyone who has oily or greasy hair. But great if you have naturally curly or dry hair. I like the Boots' Botanics skin care range, so thought I'd give the shampoo a try. It has a really nice floral scent, and I'm looking forward to trying it out on my hair! 

What are your favourite mascaras? Is there one you think I should try out? I'd love to know if there is!

Sammy xo

Happy 2nd July! // Minnie Mouse Nails

Afternoon all!
As you may have noticed, I've changed the url of my blog, and the header. When I started my blog, I didn't really know what I wanted to name it, so everything I had to name was something different. I'm not sure what made me choose Just Freckles either, (apart from the fact that I have a lot of freckles :]) but I think I'm happy with it! So re-welcome to my blog, Just Freckles!
Also, pinch punch, flick and a kick and all of that for the 1st of July. I am aware that it was yesterday, but I missed it. So, a belated, yay it's July! Bring on summer! To you all.
I attempted some sort of fancy nail art today, Minnie Mouse inspired. I have shaky hands for some reason, and can't seem to do my nails neatly, especially when I'm trying to do my right hand with my left! But I gave it my best shot.

There we go! I used a Nude Barry M nail varnish for the base colour, a no. 17 Red for the tips (which took me a long time to get straight. Anyone have any hints on how to make that easier?) and some nail art pens for the bows and polka dots, that I bought from eBay. They've got a thin brush, and a nib top for more precise detail. They are pretty adventurous for me but I'm pleased with them! The only other thing I can do is leopard print. I attempted some zebra-like stripes the other day, but it just looked like I'd had an accident with the black pen...

Does anyone else like to experiment with their nails? If anyone has any tips and tricks for me to try, I'd love to hear!

Sammy xo



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Skin and Make up tips for battling HAYFEVER!

Hello lovely readers, 

Again, I must apologise for the infrequency of my posts this week - there's been a lot going on, but I'm nearly  back on track now! 

Well, it's definitely hayfever season. I feel sorry for anyone who is suffering like I am. There isn't enough piriteze in the world to get rid of this! I find that not only do I get the funny throat, and watery eyes and nose that is standard with hayfever; it also wreaks havoc with my skin. I'm sure I'm not the only one? I thought I'd post some of my best tips for advice if your skin is messed up by season changes/hayfever, too. 

- Allergy Tablets. 

Okay, so while this isn't a beauty tip or quick fix, an allergy tablet before you go to sleep, and when you wake up is definitely the first step to tackling watery or puffy eyes. If you can get these under control, you're onto a winner. It's bad enough when you're out, and the wind causes your eyes to stream, and your mascara ends up in strange places. So try to control it from first thing in the morning! Piriton are my savior, they really are. (Obviously, I understand if you don't take tablets, that's fine, don't feel compelled to do this!)

- Washing!

So, pollen gets around. Once you've woken, and allergy-tableted up (if you take tablets :]) make sure you thoroughly cleanse your face, especially round your eyes, and nose. Do whatever you normally do in the morning, shower, or face planting into the sink, warm water, cold water, face wash, just make sure you do so in hayfever season! I would then normally cleanse and tone with my No7 cleanser and toner, which I will post about soon. And then I follow with Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, which you can read about briefly here. Pollen gets around and will have clung to your skin over night, so it's best to decrease what you can at the start of your day. 

- Make up

If your skin goes as strange as mine, you'll know how it feels and looks slightly blotchy, mine changes texture and is nothing like its normal smoothness! You'll also know that it's not going to be happy with a lot of make up on it. Obviously, sometimes it's inescapable - you ARE going to have to wear make up, because you have places to be! (Luckily for me today, the only place I went to was the gym, so I got away with being make up free, giving my face and well-received break.) 

The best advice I have, is to not over-clog your skin with too many products, in order to make it appear more natural. Less is more! This can be said for many situations, but it really is applicable here. 

(---BASE)

No7 Colour calming primer is BRILLIANT, if your skin is red or patchy. Its a green, creamy primer, which is formulated to be non pore blocking, revitalise skin, and creates the perfect foundation base by neutralising redness on the skin. I LOVE this product - and save it for when I really need it - days like today are a perfect example! Perfect for anyone who suffers with patchy skin, or redness throughout the year, like I do. 

Okay so back to make up!

If you're going to wear foundation, try not to use heavily oil based one, as it may sink into your already upset skin, and will not provide a matt, even-coverage, when you need it the most. I would recommend a mineral based foundation, Bare Minerals, L'oreal true match. If you don't buy into powder based foundations, I do quite like the Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid. It's quite light on your skin, and is air whipped, for top pore coverage. Or, just use your favourite tinted moisturiser for the day! 

Go ahead with what you would normally do, but gently! Bronze and blush as normal.

(---EYES)

My eyes show off that I am affected by hayfever, so I avoid using too much on them. They'll look and feel heavier and smaller than normal, showing that something's up! Personally, I wouldn't use eyeshadow on a day like today and normally -I can't live without my eyeliner, but if it's bad enough, I will. So I'd either not use it, or do the smallest line, and just use a good WATERPROOF mascara for the day. (If you'd like to hear about my opinions on waterproof mascaras, I'll do a post. Just let me know!) 

I'm just trying to express that rather than caking on loads of make-up to compensate for angry skin, use less, and aim for a fresher, dewier look, you'll more natural and your skin will really thank you for it!

Do you any of you experience upset skin with hayfever, or does it play up when the weather changes? Mine always does, but some of my friends are lucky and never do! 

I hope my advice may be of use to someone. I'd be happy to go into more detail if you'd like. Just let me know! :)

Guess what - It's Friday again tomorrow! Fabulous Friday, at last!

I've just remembered that I still need to post some of great finds in the H&M sale the other day...I'll get on that soon!

Over and out for now!

Sammy xo

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HAIR EXTENSIONS...The Good & The Bad..

Hair Extensions...a topic I've wanted to write about for a long time! I'm going to waffle on for 5 minutes now about my hair history, I promise it's relevant!

In 2009, I cut my nearly waist-length hair off into a bob, and month later, went for a pixie cut with a fringe, (basically the same style as Frankie Sandford's was.) I loved it, I couldn't believe I'd waited so long to cut it off, I found like I'd finally discovered the style I was meant to have! I kept it short up until May last year. I did a ton of hair shows, and decided that after having it cut into styles I didn't choose (all of which were amazing I must add, and fabulous colours!) I would probably be more versatile if I grew it out a bit.

So, from June to September, I left it, so it just looked a bit messy. By December, I could tie it into a tiny little ponytail! (Top Tip, if your hair doesn't grow as fast as you'd like, definitely invest in Lee Staffords Hair Growth Shampoo and Conditioner...You'll thank me later! ;]) In January I went to the Caribbean for my 21st birthday present with my boyfriend Rob, so from February I was back to normality and needed to seriously sort out my hair, because 'mullet' isn't a good enough description for what my poor hair looked like! 

I decided that I definitely wanted extensions, to get me through the worst of the growing out process, and settled on a brand called Easilocks. I would like to point out now that this is just my opinion and I am expressing my experience with them. In case you decide not to read on, I'll say it now, please DON'T get them! It's been my biggest waste of money, and caused me so much stress! A friend of mine is qualified to fit Easilocks, Great Lengths, and some others I think, but she was very excited about EL's as they are a really tiny version of Microloops, and were reusable for about 3 times. You can leave them in for 3 months at a time before you must have them redone, so I was looking at about 9 months of wear. Brilliant! Or so I thought... 

Here's some photos of me before, and once they were in for the first time:

 

So, 3 months later, it was definitely time to have them redone. My wonderful friend spent about 5 hours, painstakingly removing each one, and replacing it. But, it was made longer by the fact that once you had used the section of hair, it didn't fit into a new Lock...so they hair had to be trimmed to fit back in. We both agreed that for the amount I had paid for the hair (£360 smacaroons) there should be a better method. However, they all went back in, and I left, very pleased with the results. This, though, is when the nightmare really began! 

4 days later, I scratched my head, near a lock. And out came a whole piece of hair. I lightly tugged on the bit next to it, and it came out easier than plucking a grape off of its stalk! I thought it was bit odd, because for the whole 3 months previously, not a single one had fallen out (until the 12th week, but that was expected.) A week after, 20 strands were out. 

2 weeks after, and over 60 were gone. There were now less on my head than I had in my hand! I was devastated, I looked ridiculous, I'd paid so much money to have them all fall out, and I couldn't see what to do next! 

I rang my friend straight away, and she was mortified. I 100% do not blame her, she spent so long trying to make sure that each strand was the right shape to fit back in to be reused, but the fact of the matter, is that the hair is NOT reusable. She has tried to contact them, but no one will give her the time of day. Absolutely appalling. She will no longer be using the Easilocks method!

This all happened at the end of April. I didn't want to spend out on clip ins, as I already have some, but I needed something a little easier to contend with, so purchased a half wig. I LOVE it! So easy to quickly change your look if you fancy it! Mine is made of synthetic hair, and I purchased some fibre conditioning spray to keep it looking good! I now save it for certain jobs, or if I just fancy wearing it ;)

It looks so real, even one of my closest friends didn't realise it wasn't my own hair!

But obviously, I really needed to sort out my actual hair. Since I last saw her, my friend had taken the time to make her own bonds using a technique from Great Lengths and my Easilocks hair. This took her HOURS, but she was so cross with what had happened, she spent loads of time to fix the problem. Great Lengths works by using ultrasound technology, virtually no heat, and the bonds are flat and clear. I'm SO happy with them!

Here's the before and after...

One very happy customer! 

Do any of you have any hair horror stories? What's your opinion on hair extensions? My experience has definitely been a learning curve. If you choose a good brand, they're so great to change up a style, add some length, some volume. With mine, I can dye them too, which is handy! 

Do you guys prefer clip-ins, or do you think permanent ones are better? Let me know! 

It feels really good to have finally got that off of my chest, so thankyou, and well done if you stuck with me all the way through that! 

Sammy xo

SATURDAY - INSIDE MY MAKEUP BAG

Hey hey!

So I thought I would have time yesterday afternoon to post my makeup regime, but before I knew it, my afternoon had vanished and I had to get to rehearsals for a job I was doing that evening! However, better late than never eh? 

 I know I'm not alone in saying that I have certain skincare and beauty items that I couldn't do without! Every morning, after removing the traces of mascara that I clearly didn't get rid of well enough the night before, I absolutely have to use my Beauty Flash Balm from Clarins. It makes my skin feel awake, and keeps my skin hydrated all day, but doesn't make it greasy or oily. I have very dry skin, so it's a great one for me. It also provides a great base for my make up; it can definitely double as a primer!

Once the miracle Flash Balm has soaked in, I like to use Bare Minerals PRIME TIME. It's a really velvety texture and makes my face so smooth! I like to allow a fair amount of time for my make up; I can do it quickly, but there's no point rushing it if I don't have to..

As I've said before, I suffer from eczema, which I used to get all over my face when I was younger. I've finally got it under control, but it's still very important for me to use the right make up, or it all comes back. Not great! Last year I fell in love with Bare Minerals for foundation, bronzer, and it's mineral veil. I would recommend this brand for any girl who suffers from dry, or patchy skin! Honestly, definitely invest, you won't regret it!

(Bare Minerals Primer, Foundation, Bronzer, Mineral Veil, Brushes and Concealer Brush. Benefit Blusher, and Body Shop Brush.)

The Bare Minerals foundation is a powder foundation, which you swirl, tap, and buff onto your skin! Do any of you use Bare Minerals? If you're interested to know how to apply the foundation and bronzers/blush/veil, let me know and I'll do a post on how-to!

I use the Medium Beige colour. When I first purchased it, I was surprised as I have very pale skin, and thought Light would be the match for me, but Medium Beige was definitely the best choice. I use Medium when I have a tan! 

(Benefit Big Beautiful Eye pallet, Collection 2000 Eyeliner, Rimmel Kohl Pencil Eyeliner, GOSH Eyeshadow Pallet, and Rimmer Scandal Eyes Mascara.)

These are my normal every day products for my eyes. I will definitely review each of these a bit later on! I'm going to focus for now on the Scandal Eyes Mascara from Rimmel. I ran out of Mascara and needed something quickly, and unfortunately my local Boots is a small one, and only stocks Rimmel and No.7! Luckily I love both brands, but obviously the price range is quite different! I didn't have much time to spend choosing, so I went for Scandal Eyes, which was only £6.99 and one I hadn't tried before. 

Well, it definitely kept its promise not to clump your lashes, which is always a big tick from me! I can't bare clumpy lashesand it does capture and separate every lash nicely! However, you do need to apply about 3 coats to make it look like you have mascara on! But it does nicely for a casual, every-day look. 

(One eye with Scandal Eyes Mascara, really lengthens my non existent lashes!)

So, make up on, it was time for me to have a hair overhaul! I can't wait to show you what I had done, I've been waiting for a few weeks, and it's a good story I promise! :)

Before I go, what are your beauty and skincare must-haves? I would love to know what you all recommend! 

Sammy xo

TOPSHOP AND NEW LOOK HAUL

I don't think 2 items really count as a haul...but it's been a while since I treated myself to anything so I'm going to call it one anyway. ;)

Now, I don't know about you, but I can't exercise any self-restraint in Topshop. I want to buy it all! But I did very well, and only bought one thing. High 5!

I treated myself to a little crop top; I buy these all the time, as they are great for dancing and auditions, and would look cute with high waisted shorts or leggings for the summer or going out on the town! I buy so much black, I really need to experiment with some colour..Oh well. And fringing is so on trend right now, I couldn't resist!

(Topshop Black Fringed Crop Top, £12.00)

I'm a 32A/B, and this size 8 is perfect for me. The only thing is that the straps aren't very elasticated so I can tell they might loosen with wear, but if they do, it'll be easy to fix. I can't wait to wear it! I love wearing something shiny and new :)

You know that fabric that is everywhere at the moment, cotton, one colour, speckled? There are these T-Shirt dresses in it at the moment, originally in Topshop I think. They are £26, and in a variety of colours. I reeeally wanted a Topshop one, but really for a thin cotton dress, £26 felt slightly like daylight robbery! Sorry Toppers, I still love you.. Primark did have a copy, but not in my size. A shame, because (for about £8 I think?) it would have exhausted my need for this dress nicely. 

(New Look T-Shirt Dress, £12.99)

I found that New Look had some great copies for only £12.99! I'm sure there are other colours online or in different stores, but I had a choice of Grey, Denim Blue, 2 types of Pink, and a sort of Taupe colour. I chose a simple grey one. 

Now, as with any girl, I think we all appreciate that we seem to change size from shop to shop. Normally I go between an 8-10. Sometimes a 6 (if it's a good day ;]) I didn't have time to try the dress on, but wow, am I glad I went with a 6! I wouldn't say it was massive, but I think if I'd bought an 8 it really would have been, and I think that's crazy! I've never been swamped by an 8 in my life. So, as a heads up girls, these T-shirt dresses come up bigger than you'd think. 

Now we just need some sun so we can wear our dresses tights-free! 

Sammy xo

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HEY Y'ALL

Hello and welcome!

I'm Sammy. I have decided to start a blog to share my opinions, tips, and and any other thoughts that may spontaneously burst into my head. Oh, generally related to beauty, fashion, girly..things..!

I'm 21, from Essex. Stop right there if you're going to accuse me of being a stereotypical Essex girl. Yes, I have 2 little dogs,

(#fatbill and Bailey. Ma babies)

I'm not object to fake tan, well, I am if it's quite clearly fake..you know what I mean. I like a healthy glow! I like having my nails done, but not tips, no claw-like talons please. I love false eyelashes. I also dabble with hair extensions.....

However, as much as I love high heels, I don't own a pair of white stilettos, I don't carry my dogs around in a bag, and I definitely don't have my hair extensions down to my waist, all one length, eurgh..oh, and I wear my lashes for a reason, not just to pop to the shops. And, even though I've lived in Essex all my life, I've never been to Sugar Hut...Glad I've got that off my chest! I always feel the need to state everything to make it clear y'know?

Moving on.. 

I'm a professional dancer, so having good hair and makeup, and your general appearance is very important. It means I've tried and tested a lot of make up in my time, especially considering that up until very recently, I had quite aggressive eczema all over my face, so I've learnt which products are actually good for sensitive skin. For example, I can't use anything from Clinique!

So what would you like to know, beauty and fashion related? 

My favourite perfume is Marc Jacobs Daisy, and Diesel Fuel For Life for standard day wear.

The skincare product I can't live without is my Beauty Flash Balm from Clarins.

A recent find that I now will continue to buy is Lipcote; you brush it on your lips after applying a base, blotting, lipstick, and blotting again. It is AMAZING. I will definitely write about that later, it's definitely one to add to your collection!

Aaand, my favourite all body moisturiser is a tub of Cocoa Butter from the Body shop. 

I think that's it for now! Epic first post is EPIC. 

I'll write about my shopping haul from yesterday soon. :)

Sammy xo

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