Current Ins & Outs

Hi Ladies,

I wanted to write a little Ins & Outs post as I haven't done one for such a long time. This time though, it won't be all beauty related!

Ins:

• Moroccan Oil
• Water (hot or cold) with lemon
• Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream (I know, I'm like a broken record)
• Handcream (in particular, Clarins)
• Healthy eating
• Tea
• Planning where to go in New York (any recommendations are welcome)
• Mama Bee Leg & Foot Cream
• My Macbook Pro
• New Mulberry Purse
• Ron Pope
• Blogging
• Gradual tanning (such as Dove Summer Glow)
• Any body moisturiser (I wish we had Bath & Body Works in the UK)
• Candles
• Reading blogs
• Long hair
• YouTube
• Tumblr
• Room Spray (Jo Malone Fig & Eucalyptus Living Cologne)
• Eye Drops
• Starbucks Hot Chocolate
• Shellac
• Tangle Teezer
• Eyebrow threading

Outs:

• Being cold
• Carbs and sugar as they bloat you and make you feel rubbish
• Bus drivers (they pull out on you and think they own the road)
• Taxi drivers
• People that you thought were friends letting you down
• Putting petrol in the car
• Cracked windscreens
• Split ends
• Cleaners that come in to work and don't clean
• Too little hours in the day

It's nice to see that they are more Ins than Outs!

As I'm loving Tumblr at the moment, I thought I'd leave you a quote that I saw earlier and loved.

I'd love to hear your comments and your Ins & Outs!

Thank you for reading.

Lots of love,
Amy

xxxx

My Current Bedtime Face Routine

Hi Ladies,

I'm always really interested to know what others do to their skin before going to sleep; what products they use and what they would recommend.

I wanted to share with you what I am currently using on my skin before bed and would love to hear the same from you.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel:

I've used this for a while now. I don't LOVE it but it keeps my skin clean and clear. It does exactly what it says on the tin, so to speak. I usually do a double cleanse, using a hot cloth/flannel. I can rely on this to not overload my skin with chemicals and not break me out.

Simple Eye Make Up Remover:

I use this to remove any eye make up. It is very gentle on the eyes and removes all product pretty quickly. It doesn't leave behind any residue and retails very cheaply at only a couple of pounds.

YSL Exfoliator:

I don't always use an exfoliator but when I do it's either Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (which I have run out of) or this. Really gentle on the skin with a lovely consistency. It leaves skin smooth without the feeling that it has been exfoliated (there are no harsh grains.)

Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner:

I've been using this for just over a week now and it's love. At first, I worried that maybe it was breaking me out but even in such a short space of time, I've noticed my skin to be much softer, clearer and balanced. If you get the chance to try this, I'd recommend that you do. It's much more gentle than I expected it to be too.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion:

I've used this for YEARS now. It's the one that I always go back to. Also, this is the only moisturiser that I can wear under make up without looking oily. This delivers just the right about of moisture for my skin.

Dermalogica Total Eye Cream:

Again, I don't love or hate this. To be honest, I haven't really noticed much of a difference in using this so would really like to hear what eye cream you'd recommend.

Clarins Blue Orchid Face Oil:

I've been using a sample of this lovely oil and have to say that I've noticed a massive difference in the way that my skin looks and feels. It smells divine and when you wake up your skin just feels so nourished. Highly recommended and I'll be purchasing the full size.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream:

I'm sure you all know by now how much I love this!! I dab a tiny bit on my lips and sometimes eyebrows before I sleep.  As ridiculous as it sounds, my lips cry out for this if I haven't used it for a few hours. Also, one tube lasts forever.

In the morning, I am extremely low maintenance. Just a splash of cold water, moisturiser and lip balm (Nivea Milk and Honey) before make up.

What is your routine? What products do you recommend? I'm considering trying the Clarisonic.....is it worth it?

Thank you for reading.

Love,
Amy

xxx

Project 10 Pan

Hi Ladies,

I hope that you're all having a good day.

Can you remember a while ago when all Bloggers were trying to do 'Project 10 Pan'? If you aren't aware of what this is, it is when you use up ten make up items/cosmetics before you can buy anything new.

I have so much that I don't use and I'm going through a bit of a body moisturiser obsession that all of the lotions and potions are slowly being used up. In a weird way it is kind of satisfying.

I'll keep you all updated with my progress and if I start harping on about a product that I want, STOP ME!

Does anyone want to join me?

Thank you for reading.

Love, Amy

xxx

Shellac & New Hair

Hi Ladies,

I hope that you're all ok and that you're enjoying your weekend.

You know sometimes when you just feel a bit 'blah' and plain? I've been feeling like this all week and decided that something needed to change so I slathered myself with fake tan last night (Loreal Sublime Bronze) and had a hair and nail appointment booked in for today.

For my nails, I decided to go for Shellac on my hands and feet and went for the shade Hollywood. Excuse the snapshot below but I wanted to show you how pretty the colour is:

I hadn't tried Shellac before but I think I'll carry on with the appointments from now on as acrylic nails can look nasty sometimes and just leave your nails so damaged.

In regards to my hair, my lovely hairdresser added highlights all the way through my hair using three different shades.

As I'm trying to grow my hair (rib length would be ideal), I couldn't resist and picked up another little bottle of Moroccan Oil (I tried a cheaper alternative in VO5 oil but it just didn't cut it.)

Have you tried Shellac? What is your favourite colour?

Any hair growth tips would be appreciated. Trust me, I've tried most things!

Thank you for reading.

Love,
Amy

xxx

Lancome Les Oeillades in Blondette Fatale

Hi Ladies,

I don't know why, but I have become obsessed with owning this:

It's not like I need it. I don't understand the obsession. The palette is designed for both for eyes and eyebrows. I think I need something new for my eyebrows as the pencil I have been using from Number 7 can look a little 'too much' at times, and as I'm going lighter tomorrow (my hair), I need something a little more subtle.

I thought I'd want the Urban Decay Palette in Naked 2 but I actually don't.

It retails at £33.00 so my trip to Meadowhall after work tonight might encourage finally picking this up, so I'll keep you posted.

What palettes do you love/swear by?

I look forward to hearing your comments!

Thank you for reading.

Love,
Amy

xxx

A Healthy Life

Hi Ladies,

I hope that you're all ok and that you're looking forward to the weekend.

Right, I am sick of eating rubbish. I need to accept that I love carbs and sugar for three seconds but feel so sluggish and tired afterwards so I've decided it's time to make a change.

I don't want to diet but need be be more conscious about what I am putting in my body. Usually I don't watch what I eat, everything that I ate the day before yesterday was a carb! I drink countless tea at work with sugar, just empty, unnecessary calories!

I've been drinking water with lemon all day (no tea, no sugar), I had a pear and a banana for breakfast which is going to be followed by a poached egg on brown toast with no butter and steamed....

I won't write on, I succumbed to a chocolate bar.

Help!! What do you eat/snack on when you're trying to be healthy? I have NO will power!

Thank you for reading.

Love,
Amy

xxxx

Candles...

Hi Ladies,

It seems that all of the lovely ladies with Beauty Blogs have an unhealthy obsession with candles. I am guilty as charged. Recently I just have to have one burning all the time.

My favourite over the Christmas period was, without a doubt, this glorious little beauty:

I know that you've probably heard this a million times but the Yankee Candle in Christmas Cookie is just DELICIOUS!! Yes, it smells like cookies but has a spicy fragrance mixed with it that just reminds me of Christmas!! It was burnt pretty much all the way through Christmas and still have over half left!

At the moment I'm burning another Yankee Candle in White Chocolate Mint:

The name alone makes you want to buy it, doesn't it? It is light but is just the nicest smell EVER!

Do you think that Jo Malone and Diptyque candles are worth it? What is your favourite candle?

All comments are welcomed!

Love,
Amy

xxx

Hand Cream Addict....

Hi Ladies,

So I'm not ashamed to admit this: I am a complete hand cream addict. I thought I'd let you know my favourites as it's always disheartening when you but a product and it turns out to be rubbish!

Clarins Creme Jeunesse Des Mains:

This is simply my all time favourite ever hand cream! The smell, the texture, the packaging!! All to die for. Trust me, if you try it, you seriously will not be bothered about others! Of course, you'll dabble with others but this is the one you'll always go back to. I'm having a serious love affair with Clarins at the moment and can't get enough of the Lip Perfectors.

Burts Bees Beeswax & Banana Hand Cream:

I love this too! The smell is incredible. It comes in a handy little pot and lasts FOREVER!! The consistency can be quite sticky though and can take a while to sink in so I use this at night now (it's lovely for your feet too.)

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector:

I've spoken about this before on here, and the Burts Bees come to think of it. I'm like a broken record! This one is great for winter. Once applied, this sinks in really quickly and keeps skin hydrated so there isn't much need to reapply often.

Do you use hand creams? What is your favourite?

Thank you for reading!

Love,
Amy

Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner

Hi Ladies,

I hope that you're all ok and I'm sorry for being M.I.A recently. I've had so much going on and celebrated my Birthday on Monday so honestly haven't had a minute to sit down and breathe!

Rachel booked for us to both go to the Spa at Center Parcs for the day, which was lovely, and I noticed a product there that I have been wanting to try for such a long time.

My tends to be fine most of the time. I have combination skin with the occasional breakout but I'm lucky enough to say that it's pretty rare. I've heard mixed reviews about this product to be honest but something made me wonder about this so when I saw that it retailed for £19.50, I decided I may as well try it now.

Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner is marketed as an "Alcohol-free toner for clarifying complexion. Removes last traces of cleanser & impurities. High Alpine Lavender maintains skin natural pH balance. Leaves skin fresh & comfortable. Perfect to use on teenage or combination skins."

I love Elemis products and swear by the Instant Refreshing Gel (great for migraines, tired legs and sore muscles) but had heard that this is very much a Marmite product, you either absolutely love it or HATE it!

Impressions so far? I like the packaging. To apply, I spray on to cotton pads and apply directly to the skin after my cleanser (Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel) and before moisturiser (Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion.) The smell is lovely, quite a strong lavender smell so if you don't like the fragrance, this probably isn't for you.

I'm only two days in but have noticed a spot on my head. This may not be related so I'll keep you posted. Fingers crossed, this won't break me out as I really want to love it!

Do you have any Elemis recommendations?

Thank you, as always, for reading.

Lots of love,
Amy

xxx

Ron Pope

Hi Ladies,

This is completely not related to beauty, but I am excited beyond words!

I LOVE the singer Ron Pope and have managed to get tickets for me and my best friend, Rachel, to see him in concert in Nottingham in February. Each ticket is only costing £11! He is incredible!!

Not many people have heard of him so I'd urge you to download a few of his songs, starting with 'A Drop In The Ocean'.

Excited rant over. I'll be back with more beauty bits soon. For now, I'll leave you with some of Ron's lyrics:

"The things you forgive and learn to forget, in the pitch black dark, recall what it meant to believe in things you can't feel with your hands..."

 

Wow, just WOW.

 

Lots of love,

Amy

20 Beauty Blog Questions

Hi Ladies,

I'm back with 20 Beauty Blog Questions to let you know a little more about the girl behind the Serendipity Beauty Blog!

1. Why did you start your blog? 

I started my blog because other blogs really inspired me. It was how I relaxed and wound down and wanted to write about products that I am passionate about and hopefully interest other like minded people.

2. How long have you been blogging for?


Not long! Since October 2011.

3. What do you enjoy most about blogging?


The community!  I love chatting to like-minded bloggers/readers and meeting new people.

4. What frustrates you most about blogging?


At the moment, it is building up my blog and making posts interesting when I have no motivation. I want my blog to be recognised and I want to have lots of lovely followers!

5. How much time a week do you spend on your blog / reading other people’s blogs?

Reading other people’s blogs? HOURS and hours every week. On my blog? Probably a couple of hours per week at the moment.            

6. What advice do you have for aspiring beauty bloggers?

Just do it! Write about what inspires you and makes you happy and you can't go far wrong.

7. What other hobbies/interests do you have?


Cinema, going to the gym when I can be bothered, seeing friends, eating out....

8. How many bottles of nail varnish do you own?

    

Probably around 100 I think, I don’t dare count. 

9. Do you set yourself a shopping budget, or do you purchase on an as-and-when basis?


I purchase on an as-and-when basis or as soon as there is enough hype on the blogs to force me to buy a product. I wish I could stick to a budget as it would be more sensible!

10. What is your favourite make-up brand, and why?

 
     
Hmmm, a difficult one! I don’t think I could pick just one as I love different brands for different reasons. In particular, I love MAC, Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier. Also, I’m developing a slight obsession with Illamasqua (the lipgloss in Divine is incredible!)

11. Do you ever leave the house without wearing make-up?
 
   
Yes, on ‘off days’ I don’t mind. Of course, I feel much more ‘me’ in make up. Dressed down basics would be foundation, concealer and lipbalm.

12. What is your favourite beauty product and why? 

I’d say either foundation (currently using Jemma Kidd Light As Air and Mac Prolongwear) or lipbalm (too many to list!)

13. What is your favourite nail varnish of all time? (yep, only one!)

          

Ohhh, a really tough question!! I’d probably say either OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Sephora OPI’s Metro Chic.

14. Tell us about the best holiday you’ve ever been on.



I couldn’t pick just one! I know my best holiday ever is due to happen this year though!! J   

15. What would be your ideal day off?
   

A lazy morning of pampering and reading blogs, spend a long time getting ready, shopping, food and cocktails.

16. What is your favourite TV show?

 

Anything trashy such as Made In Chelsea or Keeping Up With The Kardashians. As geeky as it sounds, I can’t get enough of Ross Kemp On Gangs and The Idiot Abroad either!      
     
17. What music do you enjoy listening to? 

One word.....Drake.         

18. What is your favourite food?
 

I  love love love pasta! And steak and roasted vegetables from my favourite restaurant. 
    
19. Where would you most like to visit in the world? (Money no object) 

There are so many places. New York, Brazil, Australia, South Africa. I'd also like to go to LA and Vegas again.

20. Tell us a secret… 

I used to be a Tomboy. My favourite outfit used to be a Liverpool FC football shirt, a Kappa tracksuit and Nike Air Max trainers. Cringe!!
Thank you for reading!

Love,
Amy xx

My Work Day Essentials

Hello Lovelies!

I hope that you're all having a good day.

I noticed today that throughout the day, there ends up being various beauty products across my desk at work and - shock horror - they always seem to be the same things.

• A Nail File
• Sanctuary Hand Cream
• Nail Oil
• Carmex Cherry Lip Balm (the one in the tube)
• Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream
• Chloe Love Perfume

What do you keep on your desk at work/home? Do you switch up products or rely on your good old favourites?

Thank you for reading and all comments are welcomed.

Love,
Amy

x

Blog Sale - Part One!

Hi Ladies,

I have a lot to get rid of so there might be a few instalments of this!

Please note, all postage is an extra £2.00 on top of UK orders. Please ask for a quote if you live elsewhere.

If you are interested in a product, please email me comment below or tweet me on Amyj199 stating which product/products you would like along with your Paypal email address so that I can send you an invoice.

If you would like to see a picture of the product/products that you are interested in, please just ask.

• Victor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum - 100ml - sprayed three times: £40.00
• Mac Costa Chic Lipstick - swatched once: £7.00
• Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick - swatched once: £7.00
• Laura Mercier Almont Coconut Milk Souffle Body Cream - 300ml - used once: £30.00
• Narciso Rodriguez Essence Eau De Parfum - 100ml - sprayed once: £25.00
• Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Perfume - 50ml - sprayed twice: £20.00
• The Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil - used twice - £5.00
• Too Faced Lip Injection Mask - used once: £7.00
• Dolce & Gabbana The One Eau De Parfum - 50ml - just over half left: £15.00
• Clarins Limited Edition Lipstick in Rouge Prodige Barocco 130 - swatched once: £7.00

If you have any questions, just let me know.

More products will go up as soon as the above are sold!

Lots of love,

Amy

x

Blog Sale?

Hi Guys,

Here is the deal. I have a lot of products, a stupid amount, that I simply don't use. I'm thinking about doing a (mostly beauty) Blog Sale and wanted to know if you'd be interested?

Most of the products will be high end and used between 0-2 times.

Let me know your thoughts as I could put live tonight.

Lots of love,
Amy

x

Neutrogena Pink Grape Fruit

Hi Ladies,

I hope that you're all well and that you're looking forward to the weekend.

Lately I've been becoming, dare I say, bored with my Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel. I decided that I wanted to have a look around at other options (and cost effective ones at that as I'm trying to save!)

The Neutrogena Pink Grape Fruit caught my eye because of the packaging:             

I know how shallow that statement makes me sound but every single one of you reading this knows EXACTLY what I mean!

I decided to pick up two of the products, the Facewash and the Daily Scrub. I tried for the first time last night. First impressions? The smell is delicious! I can't comment on how the wash and scrub work just yet as I haven't given them a fair trial, but they haven't broken me out overnight, which is always a good sign!

Both purchases retail cheaply at around £3.00.

What are your go to skincare products? Have you tried anything new recently?

Thank you for reading, as always!

Lots of love,
Amy xxx

The Product That I Cannot Live Without

Hi Ladies,

I know the title seems a little bit dramatic but it's true. I literally cannot live without this product.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is marketed as a "skincare classic that soothes, restores, calms and helps relieve chapped, cracked, dry skin. Soothes roughness, redness and minor skin irritations" and I couldn't agree more.

The tube I have has lasted me roughly two years now and I pretty much have half of the tube left. I carry it daily in my bag and use it all the time.

There are many uses but mine tends to be a great lipbalm (apply a little thicker before bed for a lovely overnight treatment), skin moisturiser, FANTASTIC for sunburn and really nourishing on the cuticles and feet.

This retails between £18.00 - £25.00 depending where you buy. You can always pick up really cute limited edition pots of the product from Ebay for around about £10.00.

I can't praise this enough and will always have a tube/pot with me.

What do you think to Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream? What other 'cult' products do you rate? Or hate?!

Thank you for reading.

Love, Amy

x

How I Relax....

Hi Ladies,

A bit of a personal post but lately I've been suffering with a little bit of stress and anxiety. To be honest I don't know what has triggered this but I've had a panicky feeling in the pit of my stomach and just haven't been able to relax.

I have quite a stressful, target driven job so maybe the pressure of that along with Christmas stress might be the combined reason that lately I just don't feel like me. I've been doing a lot of soul searching recently and just can't put my finger on the problem at all.

I know that a lot of people can identify with these kind of feelings so I wanted to share what helps me relax (as silly as some of them might be) and ask what tends to help you when you have moments like this:

• Catching up on my favourite Bloggers posts
• A hot bath with bath oils and bubbles followed by lots of lovely smelling and thick body moisturiser (Bath & Body Works Midnight Pomegranate is a current favourite)
• Music! Depending on my mood Ron Pope and Drake usually do the trick
• Drinking lots of tea (milk and one sugar please)
• Organising things (such as my wardrobe helps clear my mind)
• Clearing out my car then having it valeted
• Burning candles
• Looking at photos on my IPhone
• Talking on the phone
• Starbucks hot chocolate (with hazelnut or caramel) and cream
• Making plans/lists (ideally in a new notebook!)
• A bit of gradual tanning moisturiser (Dove Summer Glow) or self tan (Loreal Sublime Bronze) always makes me feel better
• Finding a new blog/blogger that I can relate to (this has happened with Mariannan
• Having a massage

What helps when you're not feeling yourself?

Thank you for reading and I hope that some of you can relate.

Thank you for reading.

Lots of love,
Amy

xxx

Bobbi Brown Party Shimmer Brick

Hi Ladies,

So, I had my eye on this little beauty from the second it hit the shops. I resisted temptation to buy yet another highlighter as my love affair with Dior Amber Diamond was still going strong and I have Nars Multiple in Copacabana as a back up.....

On Christmas Day, I opened a pretty package to find this!!!

How gorgeous!!!!!??? Thanks to my gorgeous best friend, Rachel, I am now the proud owner! Both sides work well as an eye wash or a highlighter and are both such unique shades. Mixed together, the result is STUNNING!

I've used the silver side as an all over colour on my eyelid (followed by Mac Fluidline in Blacktrack and Loreal Telescopic mascara) and both colours mixed together as a gorgeous highlight for the cheekbones.

Do you have this? What other highlighters do you recommend?

Thank you for reading.

Love, Amy

x

Happy New Year!

Hi Ladies!

Happy New Year!!!

Before I get in to the full swing of regular blogging again, I wanted to wish you all a happy and healthy 2012. I've decided to set some resolutions, which are not ridiculous or unachievable and wanted to share with you:

• Save!
• Be more sensible with money and do not buy things just because they look pretty
• Worry less
• Stop looking at what others have and appreciate what I have
• Develop and grow at work
• Stress less
• Learn to relax more
• Cherish friends that I don't see as often as I should
• Go to the gym more (classes rather than leaving myself to my own devices)
• Drink at least two litres of water per day
• Cut down on sugar 
• Focus on eating healthier
• Take more pictures
• Appreciate everything
• Count my blessings
• Use up make up before buying more
• Be happy

What are your resolutions? Thank you for reading.

Love, Amy

x