L'Occitane Mango Hand Cream

I got this hand cream from a magazine(I think it was Marie Claire) about a month ago, and I have been loving it. Believe it or not, this is only the second L'Occitane product that I own, the first being a lipbalm, and I can't fault the quality of their products. Both the hand cream and the lipbalm are very moisturising. The hand cream is made with 20% shea butter, which contributes to the moisturising effect. Also, the smell? It lasts for ages.

My one vice with this product is that I feel like I have to put a lot on, in order to make my hands feel truly moisturised. However, this hand cream has lasted for longer than I was expecting, especially since the tube is quite small.

Overall: this cream is the perfect handbag essential- it's small, smells ahmazing, and looks cute, too!

Have you been loving any new hand creams recently?
Jennifer xx

February Favourites

It's favourites time again people, and I know that February is the shortest month, but seriously. Did it even last five minutes? At least the end of another month means another favourites post! This month all of the items are beauty related. This is simple because I haven't had time for much else. I have been enjoying the TV show How I Met Your Mother(the new season), but apart from that, I haven't even read one book!I need to get a grip! 

Without further ado, lets commence into the world of Feb favourites.

First up is the Soap and Glory Hand Food hand cream. After borrowing(ahem, stealing) this hand cream from my sister, I quickly became addicted to it. I told myself that I wouldn't, but sadly I did. This product really doesn't need bigging up anymore than it already has been, but this hand cream moisturises my hands without leaving them feeling greasy and sticky.

Next up and keeping with the skin care theme, is Sudocrem. I know that you're probably wondering why a nappy rash cream is included in a favourites post of someone who most definitely doesn't wear nappies, or have any children whatsoever. I have been trialling  it as a spot treatment, and I have to say that I have noticed some improvement in the redness of my skin around blemishes and such. It actually does say on the packaging(albeit in small letters) that Sudocrem is effective at treating acne, and a thin layer over any spots before bed has been working a treat this month. 

Moving swiftly on, next we have makeup. I have included two lip product favourites this month, the first being the Rimmel Apocalips in Celestial. These pigmented and luxurious glosses were released at the back end of January, and I have been wearing them a lot during February, the first month of them being on my beauty shelf(well, duh). I did a full review a couple of weeks ago, and I mentioned that they seemed to transfer a lot, which I wasn't a fan of. However, I have found that applying a layer and blotting it with some tissue, then applying a second, thinner layer and patting it onto my lips has kept the gloss in place quite nicely. The colour of Celestial is gorgeous, too.

The second lip product is not one that I have ever heard anyone talk about in the blogosphere, which surprises me considering the quality of the product. The Topshop makeup range has received a great response in the blogging world, however this gloss was part of a set of three that I had never seen on the internet before(and I read A LOT of blogs). My favourite colour is this gorgeous sheer gloss with lots of gold specks and sparkle running thought it. Childish, and kids-sticky-gross-makeup-set as this colour may sound, it looks unbelievably sophisticated on the lips, but with just a hint of youthful sparkle. And the best part? It's not sticky at all(oh the burden of a sticky gloss).

Onto the face, and this month I have been in love with contouring/bronzing. I lightly contour my face everyday, and it does make such a difference. I use the MUA Bronzing Powder, as I like the matte quality, and this Real Techniques contour Brush. This contouring brush is very good at what it does- it applie the perfect amount of product on the face, but it small enough that you don't get it seared all over your cheeks. I like to use this brush to apply the product, and then blend/buff it out with a bigger, fluffy brush. This is simply because I don't have time to buff it with the smaller brush, and in this case, bigger works better.

No blush other than the Louise Gray for Topshop cream blush duo in Up In The Air. Although this was released months ago, I have recently started re-loving it. It provides two options for cheek colour, however, I like to swirl my blush brush in both colours for a natural look. The formula is very creamy, and nice to use as well. This blush stays put for a couple of hours, which is ok, but the colours are truly gorgeous on the skin, and I have really been enjoying using this duo. 

Nivea Extreme Resist Mascara in Brown has been my favourite mascara for the month of February. The mascara itself has practically run out, and it is getting a little dry and clumpy now, but in its prime, his mascara was fantastic. It lengthened like no other, and it was a softer, more natural alternative to the sometimes harsh black mascara(my favourite mascara of all time is Benefit's BADGal Plum, so maybe I've got a thing for coloured eyelashes?). The wand is also angles upwards, which makes the application a lot easier. I have loved using this with curled eyelashes, as it makes the look even longer, and more dainty.

My last favourite of February is a nail polish. But not just any nail polish, a UV polish that is so bright I'm pretty sure that it glows. My sister actually bought this nail polish in Camden before going to see Coldplay's liv tour last Summer(so that the UV in their set would make her nails glow), and I hadn't tried it out until this month. It looks lovely and bright on the nails, shocking almost. But with Winter dragging on, and the cold weather refusing to shift, wearing this colour on my nails really brightened my mood. It is a neon yellow(it looks a bit weird in the photos), and unfortunately I have no idea where you can buy this from! However, Models Own has just released a new range of neons, and American Apparel's neon polishes are rumoured to be great, so try them as a dupe.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my Febuary Favourites. Do you have any favourite of this past month?

Jennifer xx

Hair Routine; Styling Appliances

I rarely use anything other than my GHD's and my Andrew Barton hairdryer to style my hair(except products). I have had my GHD's for about 5-6 years now, and they are just as good as they were when new. They heat up in 10-15 seconds, and get truly hot(not medium hot like most straighteners). I own the original Gold IV Styler, and I find that it is the perfect size for straightening large amounts of hair, or small baby hairs. I also like to use the straighteners for curling my hair. Being the most expensive item in my 'beauty collection', I can see why this would be a no-go purchase for some people, but I literally could not see me styling my hair without them.

My hairdryer is essential to my styling routine, and even though I do not use it everyday, my Andrew Barton hairdryer is the best one that I have tried. This is actually my second hairdryer of this model as the first one broke(but after a year and a half), and it shows how much I love it as I purchased this exact one again . My mum even has the same one! I like that there are multiple setting on this hairdryer; heat settings, strength of blowing settings, and a cool setting. It also came with a diffuser and nozzle attachments  There are many options for this hairdryer, and it is easy to achieve the look that I want.

What electricals do your use to style your hair?

Jennifer xx

January Favourites

Hi everyone!

I've decided to jump onto the bandwagon of monthly favourites posts. I did a November Best and Worst, and a 2012 Favourites post, but this is a bit different. Beauty bloggers such as myself can talk all day about products that they like, or even love using, but when a product makes a 'monthly favourites' post, you know it's the best, especially if you've heard about it from a blogger whose opinion you trust. The monthly favourites will feature the 'Creme de la creme' of beauty items, and the items most used, and loved from that month. But as this is A Sprinkling Of Euphoria I will be including books, and other little 'favourites' of the month.  Since it is the beginning month of the new year, a new year of opportunities, I thought that I would try my hand at monthly favourites.

Rimmel 'Princess Pink' Polish: This has been my go-to polish for the month of January. I like the sheer tones for thhe beggining of a new year, especially since I am still having flashbacks of all of the berry nails from the back end of last year. This stuff lasts for ages too, so I can forget about my nails, but trust that they look good.

L'Occitane Mango Flower Hand Cream: This stuff has saved my hands from many hours of cold British weather. It smells AH-MAZING too. Unfortunately, mine has nearly run out; I will definitely repurchase.

Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner: I bought this after Estee from essiebutton.com reved on about it in the mad way that only she can! I am not a fan of other medicated lip products(uurgh-Carmex), but this Blistex is really moisturising, and it doesn't smell too bad!

MUA Undressed Palette: After buying this palette, I have worn nothing else on my eyes. I normally wear a very neutral eye, but jazz it up on the weekends. My absolute favourite colours to wear are shades 3, 9 and 10(shades Naked, Toasted, Hustle from the Naked Palette). This is definitely my favourite eye shadows of the month.

Clean and Clear Morning Burst Skin Energising Daily Facial Wash: I have really been enjoying skincare this month, and I have been loving this Clean and Clear face wash. The little beads in the wash burst on your face, giving you a radiant glow. I have actually been using this at night before bed, and it works a treat then, just as good as in the morning.

Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4 App: I have been obsessed with this app during January- it's such a good procrastination tool(oops). I literally completed Years 1-3 in the space of two days with a little help from my sister and Google! Definitely get this if you want an app that you can't stop playing.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: I recieved this book for Christmas, and started reading it a few days afterwards- I had finished it by the end of the afternoon. This book is so sweet, and it really captures the romance of Paris, and it has given me a list as long as my arm of places to visit in Paris! I love this book, and I have already re-read it three times!

Do you have any January Favourites?
Jennifer xx

Hair Routine; Styling Products

In my previous 'hair routine' post, I talked about my in-shower products, but what to do when you get out of the shower? Use styling products! Here are five of my most used styling products for sleek, shiny and healthy looking hair.

L-R Schwarzkopf Supersoft Detangling Spray, Charles Worthington No Frizz Relax and Unwind Cream, TRESemme Finishing Spray, Schwarzkopf Heat Protection Straightening Spray, GHD Obedience Cream


Schwarzkopf Supersoft Detangling Spray
Childish, I know, but I hate brushing my hair after coming out of the shower, especially since my naturally curly hair is at it's knotty prime. And what better to fit my immature problem than a kids detangler. I picked up this Schwarzkopf detangler on a whim, and I don't regret it. It smells amazing, too- like milk and strawberries. And the best bit? It actually works!

Charles Worthington No Frizz Relax and Unwind Cream
I have been using this product for a while now, after purchasing the 'travel-sized' version. I apply this stuff to the ends of my hair on days when I want frizz control, but less of a polished look, and I plan to 'messy-style' my hair.

TRESemme Finishing Spray
This finishing spray has made such a difference in my haircare reigeme. I spray on when my hair is damp, brush through, and by the time my hair is dry, it looks shiny and smooth. Gorgeous!

Schwarzkopf Heat Protection Straightening Spray
Obviously, we all need a heat protectant in our haircare routine(even if we don't use it everyday, or much at all), and my favourite is the Schwarzkopf one. I have tried the
well-reviewed TRESemme heat defence spray, but it just weighed my hair down, and I am much happier with this one.

GHD Obedience Cream
I purchased this from my hairdressers about three months ago, and it has been a life-saver for when I want a super sleek and very polished hair look(for example, when doing a sleek ponytail, or straightening my hair to perfection.) I use literally a pea-sized amount of this stuff(it goes a long way), rub it between my fingers, and kind of tousle it through my hair. After applying, I brush my hair straight, and wash or hand-sanitize my hands as this cream is very sticky on the hands. I highly recommend this product.

What do you use to style damp hair?

Jennifer xx

Hair Routine; In the Shower

Hi guys! Today I am going to be starting a mini-series(you know how much I love my mini-series') all about how I do my hair! 

Apparently blonde hair is not reflective. This is very confusing to me as I always thought lighter colours reflected, and dark colours absorbed, but whatever. Ever since that day when I found out about the reflecting hair thing, it has become my mission to get my hair looking shiny and sleek. While I know that getting nice hair isn't all about the way you style it, great products definitely help me on my mission. 

Here is what I use in the shower;

L-R; Soap and Glory's Clean On Me, Men's Gillette Disposable Razor, TRESemme Deep Cleansing Shampoo, The Body Shop Mango Body Scrub, TRESemme Deep Cleansing Conditioner

2012 Favourites; Bloggers and Youtubers

Many people in the world have discovered the joy that is blogging, however, everyone has favourites. I have definitely gotten much more into reading other blogs and watching youtubers talk about beauty and their lives(I'm just a wee bit nosy) since starting my own blog. There are quite a few that I read/watch everyday, and I thought perhaps you guys would like to see what they are. If you have a blog/youtube channel that you'd like me to check out, please leave it n the comments, and I surely will!

 A Little Obsessed - blog

I love this blog for nail posts and outfit inspiration.

One Nail To Rule Them All - blog

Nail art is done magnificently on One Nail To Rule Them All. Every post gives me a tonne of inspiration for my own nails.

Pearls and Poodles - blog

 Love Love Love her outfit of the day posts, and her lipstick swatches are so beautiful.

What I Heart Today - blog - youtube

Probably my favourite youtube/blog discovery on 2012. This London girl does great makeup and always talks about interesting topics.

Vivianna Does Makeup - blog - youtube

The way that she writes is very sophisticated and elegant, but still manages to remain casual and entertaining.

Essie Button - blog - youtube

OMG, this girl is hilarious, and the funny thing is, she doesn't even try to be! Amazing beauty and great personality, love watching her.

The Sunday Girl - blog

The BEST swatches, and she blogs, like, three times a day!

And an honorable mention;

Jim Chapman from YouTube. This guy is so entertaining to watch! While he obviously does not do beauty videos, I love listening to his take on whats going on in his life, and it always certain to make me laugh.

Who are your favourite bloggers from 2012?

Jennifer xx

2012, where did you go?

2012, where have you gone?   Literally filing a missing persons report.

I cannot fathom how fast 2012 went by. I can still remember what I was doing on certain days in 2011! But I must accept that the year is nearly over, so I thought that it would be great to document what I've been doing. Who knows, I might want to know this stuff in the future?!



I am going to share my favourite things about this year with you guys;
FAVOURITES
Beauty;
underdog beauty product of the year
Mua plumping gloss in 'Candy Pink'. These lip glosses are not really talked about a lot, but they really do plump your lips, and at £2 each, these are definitely an underdog that I've been loving.
favourite hair product discovered this year
GHD Obedience Cream for Frizz-Free Styling. I'm pretty sure that this product has been discontinued no, but I did buy it this year. I put it on my hair when it's damp, and it prevents my hair from going completely frizzy and spastic- total lifesaver!
best magazine freebie of the year
Benefit's Cha Cha Tint. This was such a bargain from a magazine, and it is the most beautiful coral tint for your cheeks. It stays for hours too!
overall favourite nail polish of the year
Nails Inc nail polish in St. James.

Life;
best thing you've done
Started this blog! I started this blog at the end of February, and wrote my first post on the 26th. I love writing on my blog soo much, and honestly don't know what I'd be like wihout it. Bored, probably.
what are you most proud of completing this year
In England, people from the ages of 14-25 have the opportunity of completing their Duke of Edinbourgh Award. This is basically an award which challenges yourself, and provides 'rewarding opportunities for personal development'. Some friends and I did our D of E in July, but we worked really hard at it for 9 months before then. It was really hard, but I'm glad I did it(looking back-I wasn't so happy during it!)
most proud of this year
In June I took some exams with my college, and I got result which I am sooo proud of. I worked hard, and I was thrilled when I finally got them and they were that good!
favourite trip
In July I went to the Warner Bros Studios to see the Harry Potter set with my family. Having visited the Harry Potter World at Universal Studios in Orlando in 2011, obviously the set tour couldn't compare. However, it was amazing to see how they filmed some of the scenes. I had a great time!

Pop Culture;
favourite tv show of the year(english)
Downton Abbey, Series 3. Call me an old bat, but this show has twice as much drama than about 10   episodes of Hollyoaks combined, and about a million times more class.
favourite tv show of the year(american)
90210. Aired in January, and I can't wait for the next season to start. Hunks and backstabbers are so entertaining, and Naomi is just hilarious.
film that you saw in the cinema that you liked the best
American Reunion. This film made me laugh soo hard! Hunger Games was a close second though.
best book you read this year
Divergent. This book is sheer brilliance; enough said.
favourite album released this year
Do I even need to say this? Red by Taylor Swift. Obviously.


And, just because good should be balanced by bad, I thought that I would include some of my 'hated' things about this year. Only a few though, so you don't get too depressed!
HATED
beauty product I spent lots on, then regretted buying
I paid about £10 on a Soap and Glory 'Thick and Fast' black mascara, but when I started using it, it was super clumpy and way too thick to use. I even tried heating the bottle with my hairdryer to make the mascara more fluid, but it was useless. I totally regret buying this product.
event that was way overrated this year
London Olympics. I am sick and tired of hearing about what heros all of the athletes are. Sports is not the only place where people can excell, you know.
tv programme 2012 would have been better without
Without question, X Factor. The hype and publicity around this show is completely out of control now. Whatever happened to people wanting to win because they were passionate about music?

How has your 2012 been? Tell me what your favourite thing about this year was in the comments!
Jenny xx

Books For Christmas Day

It's getting pretty obvious that my blog is being consumed with the Christmas spirit, and that it pretty evident in my recent post. However, there is only one more day until Christmas, and the posts will cease then. Although, I am tempted to show you what I got for Christmas, so that may be coming up...

MUA Eyeshadow Review; Shade 24

I cannot tell you how long I have wanted a colour like this! Too long.

It's so pwwetty...

Anyway- back on planet Earth again- today I am going to review a new MUA eyeshadow that's I recently purchased. It is in the shade 24, and I would describe it as a beautiful metallic dusky pink colour wih a hint of everybody's favourite: plum.

100th Post!

Hi everyone! Guess what?

You are currently reading A Sprinkling of Euphoria's 100th Post!

YAY YAY YAY

I literally cannot believe that I have written one hundred posts already- it seems like only yesterday that I started this blog! Here are a few blog facts to celebrate my 100th post;

Black Brogue Heels; My Favourite Pair

Hi guys, so today I wanted to share with you some new shoes that I got recently. Aren't they gorgeous!? 

Winter Warmers; Make The Perfect Winter Lattes

I have a confession- I hate coffee. I know that some of you big coffee drinkers will be gasping right now. I just hate they way that it tastes. .But, I like the way it smells. So, you could say that it surprised me when I bought a gingerbread Starbucks latte on a Christmas late night shopping evening last year, and I liked it, a lot.

I found myself at the counter of Starbucks buying this overpriced, but delicious drink, and I after drinking it I knew two things. 1. That even though it was coffee, it was so yummy, and 2. That I knew there was a way to recreate this amazing-ness a a fraction of the cost.

Miranda

Hello my chums, and thanks for joining! Just a standard greeting from my much admired native countrywoman Miranda Hart.

Miranda Hart is just one of those things likened to Marmite. You either live her or hate her; I adore her, and her hit BBC television show, aptly named Miranda. I enjoy laughing at her jovial wrong-doings and clumsy ways. Some people however, my mum for instance, purely watch to catch a glimpse of Gary (Tom Ellis), Miranda's on-off love interest-we all know she likes him!

In the show, Miranda Hart's character, Miranda (original!), is a thirty-something joke shop owner trying to reorganise her life. I really do love the immature humour, the awkward situations and Miranda's hilarious friends.

I am I total anticipation of a third series, if in fact there is one(I really hope there is). British comedy at it's best!

Jenny xx

Guilty Pleasure

Hello to my lovely readers! Just relaxing today, bliss.

I'm my even sure that you want to know this, but today I am in the mood for indulging a little of my personality with you lot! I am a complete Disney-a-holic,(hey! there's worse stuff to get hooked on) although I'm not sure why I even class this as a guilty pleasure. I am perfectly happy with myself knowing that I love Disney, well it is a bit embarrassing, but...

I honestly don't know how a childhood could ever be completed without a spot of Ariel or Pocahontas. However, my disney experience has obviously carried on past that time. I just couldn't imagine never singing the catchy tunes, or dancing along with my sister.

Mulan is my absolute favourite, out of all of the movies, closely followed by Tangled and Beauty and the Beast. I love the story lines, and the amazing precision of the animation. When I comes to Disney, animation is always the winner. The movies and soundtracks just make me happy, so I see no shame in indulging in my guilty pleasure once in a while!

What's your guilty pleasure, and your favourite Disney movie? Have a great rest-of-your-day!

Jenny xx


P.S As promised, here are the answers to the movie trivia in the last post. Leave a comment and tell me how you scored!

1. Elle Woods, Legally Blonde
2. Fiona Montgomery, A Cinderella Story
3. Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Edward Cullen, Twilight
5. Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean
6. Flynn Rider, Tangled
7. Ronnie Miller, The Last Song
8. Tom Baker, Cheaper by the Dozen
9. Dale Doeback, Step Brothers
10. Karen Smith, Mean Girls
11. White Goodman, Dodgeball
12. Annie James, The Parent Trap
13. Miranda Presley, The Devil Wears Prada
14. Alan Garner, The Hangover
15. Effie Trinket, The Hunger Games

Nail Polish That I Love/Hate

Hey guys! I hope you're okay?

Today I want to share with you my favourite nail polishes, and some that I wish I had never bought. First, my favourite! My all time favourite brand to by nail varnish from is NYC (New York Colour). There nail polish is very inexpensive, ranging from 1.99 to 2.49, but the cheap price doesn't deny great choice of colours or quality of the product. However, while the quality and staying power isn't the best when compared with other, more proffessional brands, my nail polish always stays on at least three days, and they colour is shiny and smooth.

The choice of colours is fantastic, and I love they fact that most of the nail polishes are named after streets in New York. Personally, I have about six or seven NYC nail varnishes, and my favourite has to be Timeless Tangerine. This vibrant tangerine orange colour applies smoothly and always looks super glossy. I do think that they have a tendency to peel off, though maybe that's just because I pick at them. Anyway, I always finish off my nails with NYCs clear top/base coat, Grand Central Station. This literally dries in under one minute, and it leaves nails looking even more shiny than before.

Now, onto one of my least favourite nail polishes. About two years ago, at the start of my nail polish obsession (I literally have so many!), Barry M came into view. The brand has been around since the late sixties, but I believed that I had stick a gold mine when I started to buy some of their polishes. They look nice enough in the bottle, and I must admit, some of them work brilliantly, but not all. I have one colour, a pale pink called Strawberry Ice Cream, which is so frustrating to apply that I have just given up using it. The consistency is so thick and gloopy, and it takes like two hours to dry, which is really annoying.

Although I have been patient, shaken the bottle for a considerable amount of time beforehand, and even thinned it a bit with nail varnish thinner, but nothing worked. It's still as bad as ever, which is a real disappointment. Now I use the NYC Oh SoHo Sweet if I want to wear a baby pink.

These are only my opinions, if you feel differently please voice your opinion in the comments. Additionally, if you have any nail polishes that you think I should try out, or try to avoid, let me know.

Happy painting!
Jenny xx

The Coveted Shoes

Hello everyone! Recently while I was just surfing the interweb(oh yeah, I'm cool), I came across a pair of absolutely gorgeous shoes! Typically I'm not really one to go for shoes. I like them and everything, but I'd much rather have a nice bag or a good book, but these shoes are amazing!

The shoes(pictured) are just plain black suedey platform heels, but the simplicity is perfect. I think that these would look great with pretty much anything- a pretty dress and jacket, or spray-on skinnies and a blouse. Although I don't actually know where these shoes are from, I'm sure a similar shoe can be purchased from any major fashion store like H&M, Office, or even Primark(UK only). I cannot wait to root around my local shops to find a replica pair! Now, all I have to work on is how to actually walk in them...

Do you have a 'favourite shoe'? And, any tips for walking in mega high heels?

Have a great week, speak to you soon.
Jenny xx

Kinda Obsessed; My Style Icon

Hello to my lovely readers! How are you today? In my next few posts I am going to be writing a Mini-Series on things that am Kinda Obsessed about at the moment, like books, make up, designers, or in this case, Olivia Palmero, my style icon. I am going to share my style icon secrets with you today(well, its not really a secret who my style icon is).

But what is it exactly, to be a style icon?
Who knows, but in my mind, Olivia Palmero is pretty damn close! I would consider Olivia Palmero to be my style icon; I admire her outfits, her hair, her grace and just her general style. Olivia's style just has that certain je ne sais quoi which is oh so appealing and beautiful, although I think that the universe has been extremely kind to her, she would probably look great in a bin bag!

There are a few things which I have noticed about Olivia's style that keep appearing in every photo I see her in, these things are her signature, one could say. I love the fact that she has the ability to combine simple and understated garments in neutral yet girly colours and look amazing. She takes classic items, like jeans or a mac and develops a whole new, stylish an innovative outfit from them.

I also love that she carries a leather bag with her, all-the-time! I am kinda obsessed with leather handbags at the moment (ahh, if only I could afford a real leather one...), I think that they really tie an outfit together. Olivia has many different bag that I have seen her wear out, and each of them works with her outfit to make her look chic and über stylish.

I like the way that she combines textures in an outfit. Often she wears faux fur, or wet look items and she matches them with contrasting garnets that work together in a way that almost shouldn't, but does. I also idolise the ability that she has to transform everything she wears into the symbolism of femininity and grace.

I do wish that someday my style is good enough to be admired by one other person, like I'm admiring Olivia Palmero's because then I will have achieved my goal in life ; to inspire people with my personal style(I want to go into fashion journalism). Olivia Palmero, you have inspired me.

Jenny xx