Budget Bath/Pamper Routine

     We all love them; Pamper Routines. There's endless YouTube videos and blog posts from all our favourite vloggers and bloggers telling us how they like to spend their downtime. We love seeing what products they put in their bath, what face masks they use and what hair and skincare products we use. We 'Ohh' and 'Ahh' over the Neal's Yard Lavender Bath Salts, the Lush bath bombs and the Aussie hair products.
     Let's face it; while we all love these products, (And we do really love them!) we can't always afford them! Sometimes times are hard and you've got to find budget alternatives for your pamper routine, which can be a little tricky. But don't panic! Budget pamper routine products are out there, and you can have just as much of a good time with them as their flashy cousins!

     The main focus of any pamper routine is a bath! Lush hands down do the best bath bombs; they not only make your bath smell amazing, they make it look amazing too. When you haven't got the money for a bath bomb, bubble bath can be just as good. Radox bubble bath is an institution; it smells amazing and you only need a little bit for each bath to create lots of bubbles, giving you a lot more for your money than a bath bomb which you can only use once. And at just £1 a bottle at the minute in Boots (There are other stores and Radox is usually on offer in one of them!) You can't really go wrong! 

     Then of course there is Matey! A childhood staple, the mermaid bottle (which was always my fave as a kid) is also only a £1 in most shops. Its mild formula makes it suitable for even the most sensitive skin, a small amount makes a hell of a lot of bubbles and if like me you used it as a kid its just full of nostalgia! This version of Matey won't change your bath colour, but you can get the parrot bottle one  which changes your bath blue so you know, there is always that!

     And if your silly and forget to pick up bubble bath whilst your out shopping, you can always use shower gel! I've always got half empty bottles of shower gel laying around, so if i'm in a pinch I just empty them into my bath and stir it around a little with my hand and voila! You're saving money and using up otherwise neglected product!

     Next is obviously a face mask because they're fun and good for your skin! Montagne Jeunesse face masks are famous worldwide, with loads of different face masks in all sorts of different forms; from moisturising to anti stress, peel off to mud to fabric, there is something for everyone! They usually retail for a £1 each and you can only use them one, but they are a cult budget buy loved by everyone that leave your skin feeling super clean, fresh and soft. 

     And last but not least, shampoo and conditioner! I am so bad for constantly buying shampoo and conditioner when I haven't even used up what I already have! Budget baths are great for using up half full and almost empty bottles of product that would otherwise gather dust until they're eventually binned. This Alberto Balsam mandarin and papaya shampoo is super cheaper, as this brand is stocked in various poundshops up and down the country, and it smells amazing. The Herbal Essences range is frequently on offer in Boots and Superdrug, and the Bee Strong conditioner is amazing; it smells so good, like honey, and it leaves your hair feeling super soft, smooth and nourished! 

     What are your favourite budget bath products? Let us know in the comments below!

Peter Copping for Oscar de la Renta

"In this, my first collection, I hope to honour Oscar de la Renta's legacy and also hope to start a new chapter for the house". - Peter Copping on presenting his first collection as Creative Director of ODR.

Cocktail dresses and Gowns galore! It is the fashion show everyones been anticipating, whether Peter Copping could live up to the standards of the late Oscar de la Renta, renowned for his couture like ready to wear collections. Oscar de la Renta 'The classiest gentleman in the fashion industry' according to latintimes, always did showcase the most beautiful collections. From the models, down to the settings everything was always magical.

At ArmaniLeigh we believe that Peter Copping has proved his above comment to be true, he kept in line showcasing designs that de la Renta may have created himself but with a somewhat 'sassy' edge. He stayed true to the de la Renta woman and definitely put his stamp on the AW15 collection.

Summer Lovin'

So it is almost the middle of February and it is getting to that irritable stage where we can no longer stand the freezing temperatures and just long for summer! The blustering wind, rosy cheeks, cold nose…summer sun is long over due. Here are ten reasons why we at ArmaniLeigh can’t wait for summer.

1.     The Sun – First and most importantly, the sun…need we say anymore!?

2.     A Sun Tan –No more plastering on the fake tan or foundation, just that natural glow. Life is better with a tan.  

3.     No more winter coats – Hello free arms, vest tops, t-shirts and crops!

4.     Summer Holiday – The countdown begins to the holiday you have been longing for since the end of last years! The sand between your toes, the sun beaming, a light breeze from the sea, sipping on margarita’s…Total relaxation. Don’t forget those duty free treats!

5.     Summer Clothes – Bright Colours, new clothes that we have lusted over since autumn.  What a perfect excuse for a new wardrobe, can we hear SHOPPING!

6.     Happy Happy Happy – Soak up that Vitamin D and say goodbye to winter blues, being in the sun is proven to put you in a better mood.

7.     Light nights – Light nights means later nights, because finishing work or school when it’s dark outside is always mood dampening.

8.     BBQ’s and Festivals – Festival Paint, Music, Dancing, Family, Friends and good Food.

9.     Ice Lollies and Ice Cream – Nothing beats that first lick of a 99 Flake.

10.  Sunglasses – Big ones, round ones, cat eye ones.

What are you looking forward to this summer? Have you got anything planned? Let us know in the comments below!

Kissable Nude Lips for Valentines Day!

     So it's coming up to that time of year again guys! Everybody' favourite, no not Pancake day but Valentine's day... yay!

     Oh... wait. You don't have a boyfriend huh? We'll don't you fear because we are here! We've got the guide to give you soft, kissable lips, perfect for whether you have a boyfriend or whether your looking to score one on the night (trust us, follow this guide and you'll definitely do that!)

     Getting irresistible lips is all in the prep. Nobody wants to see that perfect red lipstick on lips drier than the desert. Luckily for you guys, I have a secret. An underrated, holy grail product that literally nobody seems to talk about. That secret, is Blistex relief cream.
     I know, I know what your thinking; 'But isn't that a cold sore cream?'

     Well ladies, it's not just a cold sore cream. Me and this little tube of joy have a history, a long one. I've got many a lip balm, I mean what woman hasn't. They seem to be dotted everywhere; every bag, every coat pocket, every draw; but if I can't find my Blistex relief cream, I freak out. It is the perfect cream for not only keeping pesky cold sores away (because what boy wants to be kissing that anyway?) but also for keep lips nourished, and I mean, nourished! Take it from me, a woman who as a child used to rip the skin off her lips as a nervous habit, this stuff really works! (I'm sorry lips I love ya I promise). 

     If it's dead skin your looking to remove from your lips, never fear, because Lush have the answer. Their bubblegum lip scrub is all over Instagram all the time, like literally more than detox teas, and it's with good reason. It tastes like candyfloss, it's pink, and it makes taking dead skin off your lips super duper easy. It's basically sugar, which makes it super edible too! It does come in other flavours, including a limited edition valentines day one, but this one is by far the best!

     Then we come onto colour. Valentine's day lips can be a tricky one. You want them to look pretty, but you don't want the man in your life to end up wearing your lip products whenever he kisses you. Enter tinted lip balm. Vaseline's rosy lips is a cult classic; all the mositure of vaseline, with a flush of pink. It also smells amazing, letting you hand out little rose tasting kisses!

     If your looking for a lipgloss, Lush again have your back! Their limited edition, specially for Valentine's day lipgloss 'The Kiss' is in stores now, and it's gorgeous. It sits really well on the lips, not sticky at all and it smells incredible, like marshmellow. It adds just a subtle hint of rosy pink and the shine on it is phenomenal.

     And last, but by no means least, if you want a lightweight lip crayon, Soap and Glory can provide for you! Their Sexy Mother Pucker gloss sticks aren't called that by accident, oh no! Swipe this across your lips in the shade Nudist, and you'll get beautiful pink lips that are cheekier than the colour's name! It's crayon format makes it really easy to apply, making your lips look bigger and hella glossy!

     Reapplication of the vaseline, the lush lipgloss and the nudist lip crayon are quick and easy, meaning you don't spend half of Valentine's night re-applying your lippy, giving you more time for kissing!

     Ps: remember ladies, if in doubt, just think; W.W.C.D? What Would Cher Do?

     Pps: If you don't have a valentine, and you don't get a valentine, just sit around with your bad self and your bad lips and carry on being the strong independent woman you are gurl! 

Happy Valentines! x

Winter Walks

     Some days I manage to tear myself away from my laptop and netflix and go out into the world and be amongst that thing called nature. Today is one of those days. 

     After receiving some pretty upsetting news last night, my friends have rallied around me and today me and one of my oldest and best friends are going for a walk along the embankment where we live in Nottingham. It's just a stones throw away from the city centre and the Nottingham Forest football ground, but it's like a different world. It's so quiet and peaceful, with the only sounds being small ripples in the river trent and the occasional jogger or dog walker. 

     It really is one of the best walks in the city; the scenery is absolutely beautiful and I find it really clears my head and brightens my mood, especially on down days! We go quite often now.

     It's absolutely gorgeous at night too; the best view is from the bridge, where you can see the city in all its glory spread out around it and all lit up, as well as little ripples of light on the water, it's stunning. Not to mention the fact that every time I walk along it at night I feel like i'm in an episode of Made in Chelsea! I won't lie I do hum the MIC theme tune if we go at night! 

     These snaps are from the last time we took a walk along the embankment quite a few weeks ago, at the very start of the Autumn, so it will be interesting to go again today to see how it is looking down there now! I'm looking forward to seeing the little swans again too!

     What are you up to today? Let us know in the comments below! 

The Liebster Award

     We've been nominated twice for the Liebster Award by two lovely ladies; Lica over at LicaLove and Robin over at Pretty and Chic , Thankyou Ladies! If you don't know what the Liebster Award is, it's basically an award given to bloggers by bloggers who want to help new bloggers (such as us and the people we've nominated!) gain exposure and recognition! Here's how it works:

Rules

- Thank the blogger who nominated you, including their blog link 

- Answer the 11 questions the blogger gave you

- Nominate 11 new bloggers who have less than 200 followers & include their links
- Notify the bloggers that you have selected
- Create 11 new questions for them to answer

The blogs we nominate are:
-  Discovering Charlotte      - Laura Blakely
-  Yellow Icing                      - Bella Beauty xo
-  Nichola Rose                    - Hannah Fairclough
-  The Fashion Set                - OlivaSheaStyle
- Lauren Waller Style           - Little Sash
- Truly Dainty

Here are our answers to Lica's Questions!

1. What was your favourite cartoon from your childhood?
     Armani: This is a really difficult one, but i'd have to say Ed, Ed and Eddy! I loved all the old Cartoon Network cartoons! So difficult to choose just one of them!
      Leigh: I loved cartoons when I was younger, Cartoon Network was the bomb! Where do i start!? Ok it's got to be Totally Spies, The Powerpuff girls or The Cramp Twins! Ok thats three but eh..

2. If you could be a DJ, what would your DJ name be?
     Armani: Literally don't even know how to answer this one! DJ Armani sounds a bit rubbish doesn't it? haha!
     Leigh: DJ McRizzle maybe

3. What's your favourite kind of tea?
     Armani: I really like just traditional tea, but if I had to pick a flavoured tea it'd be green tea with peppermint, it's so nice and really good for you!
     Leigh: I LOOOOVEE TEA, english breakfast tea with three sugars. It's the only way!

4. What's your favourite holiday and why?
     Armani: If by favourite holiday this means place to go away to, i'd definitely say London! It's not very relaxing just because there is millions of people and no beach, but I just love it there! You can get from one side of the city to the other in no time due to the underground which I never stop talking about and it's the absolute best for shopping!
     Leigh: My favourite holiday is anywhere hot, with a beach, theres nothing like soaking up the Vitamin D and a sun tan is always desireable! On the other hand though, I'm a big lover of exploring and going to different places whilst on holiday. A beach holiday is always good but theres nothing better than finding the hidden treasures and experiencing the culture of a different country. So for that reason at the minute I would say Paris.

5. If you could bring only 3 things to an isolated island, what would they be? (assuming there is running water, shelter, food the essentials)
     Armani: I'm going to cheat with this one and assume wifi is an essential (come on people it definitely is!) and so I'd bring my laptop so I could still blog, watch tv and listen to music; my bed, because it's my favourite place in the world and then the teddy my grandma bought me when I was 8. Yep, i'd even leave makeup behind for him!
     Leigh: This is a tricky one for me, I would bring my bed, magazines and probably one of my disney teddies!

6. What is your staple beauty product?
     Armani: This is such a difficult question, but my staple beauty product would have to be moisturizer. I grew up watching my grandma putting Nivea on every single day, and it always reminds me of her, so we definitely share our love for it!
     Leigh: I think for me this would probably either be my foundation or eyeliner! My friends never understand why I constantly put more eyeliner on throughout the day. Actually no...My simple moisturiser, it works a dream, possibly all three items!? I just can't decide :( I'm such an indecisive person, thats what you get when you're a pisces

7. What's your favourite flavour of ice cream?
     Armani: Easiest question; its without a doubt mint chocolate chip and has been since I was a kid!
     Leigh: I don't actually like ice cream that much or other sweet things, but if I'd have to chose one it would be strawberry.

8. What flower/plant do you feel best represents you?
     Armani: I love blossom so I'd like to think blossom represents me!
     Leigh: Definitely a Lili, Lilies are my favourite flower and I'd have to be a pink one.

9. Which Spice Girl would you be? (Scary, Ginger, Baby, Sporty or Posh)
     Armani: My favourite Spice Girl was Baby, I even used to buy a particular lollipop because I saw her eat one once, so i'd definitely be Baby!
     Leigh: Easy! It's gotta be Posh.

10. What is your favourite music video? Link it below.
     Armani: I don't really have one now, but this was my favourite when I was a kid

     Leigh: I don't actually have a favourite music video but at the minute I would say I'm loving Chris Browns new video for Auntmn Leaves

11. When you go to the movies are you a popcorn or candy person?

     Armani: I don't go to the movies all that often, but when I do, that cinema popcorn can't be beaten! 

     Leigh: I love films and going to the cinema, I'd have to say that I'm a popcorn kinda girl.

Here's our questions for you guys!:

1. What is your favourite sweet/candy?

2. Why did you start blogging?

3. Who is your biggest inspiration?

4. Favourite Disney character?

5. Where would you like to visit?

6. What is your favourite quote?

7. What four words would you use to describe yourself?

8. What do you carry in your makeup bag?

9. What's your favourite piece of clothing and why?

10. What season would best describe you and why? 

11. What would you rather go without mascara or foundation?

Thankyou again for the nomination Lica and Robin! We hope all our nominees have fun answering our questions! And if you haven't been nominated and you've haven't yet done the award, do it anyway and link us to your posts, we'd love to see them! 

February

So February is here and it is such an exciting month for me! Although it is not looking too great for my bank balance...Do any of you tend to book and agree to do a few things at once and when it comes round to it you don't actually have the money for them all at once!? yep I always do it!

Not only do we have the fashion weeks coming up but it's my birthday too. My dads birthday, four of my friends birthdays and Valentines day, so a lot of birthdays this month for me and a non existing bank balance. I have made a pact that February will be a productive month with extra shifts at work, Uni work and I am determined to make a start on projects this month. I think those are realistic goals, probably should have set them for January, but lets call it February resolutions. I feel more positive about February because I have a lot to look forward to and lets face it everyone hates January. The month where you have no money, have eaten too much over christmas and are on a slight downer.

Valentines Day: Valentines day this year is sadly going to be non existent for me and my boyfriend :( Although I have a good reason why...WE ARE GOING TO PARIS, EEEEEE!! I have never been more excited for a trip, Paris is my favourite city and I can not wait to experience it with Dom. We booked the trip earlier in January for early March, a week after my birthday. So with everything already going on we figured it is best to save our money and treat each other whilst we're there. Though we will be doing cards, so it is not all that non existent! How will you all be celebrating Valentines day? Let me know in the comments below.

My Birthday: So this year for my birthday I am actually in London, it is for a Uni trip and it will be the first birthday I have spent without seeing my family. This is a big thing for me because I am such a family orientated person and every year I still wake up to my mum shouting for me to come downstairs at 7am, yes 7am! None the less I am in London for fashion related activities so that's a bonus and I thought it was an opportunity not to be missed. I should mention the fact that I am at Somerset House for the last day of LFW week though and I can't wait!! I love London so what could be more perfect than being there during LFW and getting some possible sneaky pictures of celebs and models pre/post show? After the London trip I will be heading back home to Nottingham for some much needed time with my family, boyfriend and best friend. Prior to all of this though I'm looking forward to going out for a meal with all of the Birley crew (my uni friends). All in all I am quite lucky to be doing all of this for my birthday, though my moto is 'Birthdays are week events, not just for a day'. I will be updating about LFW and my birthday events when the time comes so check back for those.

I will be posting separately about the Fashion weeks, I am literally going to be glued to watching the shows and scrolling through Instagram feeds! What are you looking forward to in February?

Leigh xx

Facemask Fails

 

     We've all been there at one point or another, and if you haven't yet, you will soon enough. It doesn't matter what makes you buy it; whether you've lusted after it for a lifetime, bought it on a whim or been pressured into buying it following a hard sell from a sales assistant; sometimes in life we just get hold of a product that just does not work for us, causing disappointment, financial loss and sometimes even pain!

     Today's two featured facemask are unfortunately guilty of this. 

     Now, it should be pointed out here that these are my own opinions based on my own experiences. Just because they don't work for me, does not mean they will not work for you! While some may find a product disappointing, others may consider it a favourite, and therefore you should not be put off from trying it for yourself! This is simply my own experiences of the products; a warning of what can possibly happen!

     For reference, it should also be pointed out I do not suffer from sensitive skin and therefore this reactions are highly irregular for me,

     Now that the housekeeping is out of the way, lets begin!

     So, first up, we have The Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask. This product is, of course, a clay face mask for combination/oily skin. This product is actually a best seller for Bodyshop; grey in colour, the Bodyshop claims this mask draws out impurities, clarifying and refreshing the skin. A 100ml tub costs £13, which is big enough to provide a number of applications.  

     I actually bought this after reading some good reviews online, and tried it the very same night I bought it. However, within a few minutes of applying the mask to my face it started to sting. I persisted, leaving it on for the required time. However, once removed, my usually pale skin was very, very red. I have actually tried to use this product since then a few times, but each time has provided the same result, forcing me to shove it firmly to the back of the bathroom cabinet!

     This is the first product i've ever had a problem with; overall I am quite a fan of the Bodyshop, and so I assume that there is just a particular ingredient in this mask that irritates my skin.

     With this in mind and still looking for a nice face mask to use, I tried a Lush best seller next. The Mask of Magnaminty is a face and body mask containing peppermint, and Lush claim that it fights spots and blackheads, returning your skin back to 'top condition'.

     I was eager to try this because I love Lush products, and as I'd heard such good things about the mask already (Check Instagram, literally everyone is talking about how good it is) I decided to take the plunge and pay £5.50 for 125g of product. 

     I assumed that the irritation from the Bodyshop mask was caused by Seaweed, as I'd never used a product containing Seaweed before and therefore assumed this product was safe. However, my reaction to this product was actually worse than the Seaweed mask. And when I say worse, I mean horrifyingly bad.

     The first time I used it I followed the instructions as recommended to me by a sales assistant; I placed the product on my face for ten minutes and waited for the magic to happen, and actually to be fair at first it did. My skin looked noticeably cleaner, especially on my nose where I have a fair few pesky blackheads constantly lurking! Happy, I then used it as a cleanser the next time I used it, as I was advised is possible. I was, again, happy.

     This is where it gets terrifying. 

     A couple of days later my skin became really sore, dry, itchy and red. These words do not do it justice; I woke up and my skin, especially near my hairline on my forehead, was bright red like suburn, so dry and itchy that my skin was literally flaking off from my face (I know, gross!). The pain was pretty unbearable. I soothed it with cream, swapping my usual moisturiser for Nivea cream and absolutely piling it onto my face, which instantly drank it in.

     The next day, the dryness had disappeared somewhat, but my skin was still very red and flaky, looking especially inflamed around my lips creating a very unwanted appearance not too dissimilar to the look of facial herpes. Don't google it, it's gross. This is the inflammation around my lips, on my chin and some of the redness on my cheeks:

   I have since had to buy a hydrocortisone cream, which acts as a mild inflammatory, as well as continue to top my skin up with rich Nivea cream, 

     I don't know if these two masks share ingredients, one of which my skin was irritated by, but reading other reviews online i'm in a small minority of people who have reacted to these products badly. Don't let it put you off, i'm just urging you to be careful; perform a patch test on the inside of your elbow by placing a small amount of product on your skin a couple of times before you apply it to your face; if your elbow skin goes red and bumpy, it will save your actual face from going red and bumpy. I just wish I knew!

     Have you tried either of these products? What are your thoughts? Share your views in the comment section below!

Dior Haute Couture Spring 2015 Show

Like most of the fashion world, I have been hooked on the Spring Haute Couture shows this week! I have to say we have been spoilt for choice in the fashion world this past month, just like every year. We have had LCM, the release of S/S campaigns and look books, The Fall '15 menswear shows, The Haute Couture shows and next it is the fashion weeks!

Focusing on Dior I have to say what's not to love!? Aside from those hideous pony tails...The glamour, that infamous pink carpet and can i mention the latex boots! With the weather showing no sign of picking up lately that rain coat is perfectly ideal and stylish. Above are a few of my favourite looks from the show, one day latex over the knee boots, you will be mine!


What did you think to the Dior Show? What do you think to all of the Spring Haute Couture shows this year? Let us know your opinions and favourite show in the comments below x



Photos courtesy of www.Dior.com

Haute Couture Catchup - Close ups from Valentino

Haute Couture really is what dreams are made of, the clothing to make any lady feel like a queen; images from the Valentino collection- It's clear that this collection has taken some inspiration from the Russian culture, poetry and medieval fairy tales.

 Photos Courtesy of Vogue Paris, Hamish Bowles, Now Fashion and Susie Bubble

Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm

                                    

     The Christian Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm (Yes, it really is that long a name!) is a luxury product, but with a 4.5/5 star rating it is certainly a popular one. 

     That is because, as Dior boasts, this lip balm not only moisturises and protects lips (with SPF 10), but contains colour reviver technology that reacts directly with the unique chemistry of the lips, giving the wearer a colour unique to them. 

     So, is it worth the hype - and the price tag?

     Well, lets first look at the packaging as lets be honest, its the first thing that draws us in to any beauty product. The lip balm comes in a pretty, pink hard plastic case engraved with 'Dior' down one side and the name of the product on the other; the balm then pulls out of this case to reveal an elegant silver casing.

     All in all, the packaging looks pretty, luxurious and classic Dior. It is instantly recognisable, adding a touch of glamour and stares of envy any and every time it is pulled out of a handbag. I myself have pulled this out of my bag to the envy of a friend who called me a 'Lucky beggar'!

      The formula of the product itself is an absolute dream; lightweight and non sticky, it feels like it is barely there, but adds just the right amount of colour to the lips, perfect for Spring. The colour reviver technology provides the perfect colour match shade for every woman's lips, and is a luxury edition to everyday makeup routines, the 'i'm not wearing any makeup' makeup routines or swished across the lips as the only makeup you wear for the day, just to make sure you don't look like a ghost (Pale skinned ladies will feel my pain here, amirite?)

     At around the £23, it's not the most affordable lip balm on the market, but it is a great first step into luxury makeup, and the price is justified by the gorgeous (as ever!) Dior packaging and the initiative technology that the balm contains.

     What are your thoughts? Have you tried this product? Would you consider buying it? Let us know in the comments below! x

Armani

     Hi! My name is Chelsea Armani May Barnes; I am a beauty fanatic quickly approaching my 20's and one half of the blogging duo, Armani Leigh! I have had various blogs in the past, but have finally set up this little corner of the internet with one of my best friends, Leigh.

     I met Leigh aged 11, and we've been firm friends since then, regularly travelling together and indulging in each others passions. While I am obsessed with beauty, Leigh loves fashion, and together we make not only the perfect team in personalities but tastes too!

     I work in retail, in a huge shopping centre, which is not good for my finances! You can literally always, always find me in any shop that sells makeup, and i'm absolutely obsessed with skincare; I will talk to anyone who will listen about it!

     I do not just like beauty of course! My other obsessions are television, food and like most women, shopping!

     I am part irish, a keen instagrammer, a pug lover, a bad singer and all round funny gal!
I am also highly accident prone and find it near impossible to paint my nails right but hey we all have flaws!