bloomzy /

Review: Witch Mattifying Moisturiser

Witch Mattifying Moisturiser, with SPF15 for Oily/Combination Skin*

At the Pegasus Live event I spoke with a representative of Witch.
We spoke about how I prefer not to use a primer, and how my skin dislikes certain moisturisers.
She was confident in recommending their new mattifying moisturiser and thought it would be perfect.
So you can imagine I was very happy to find one in my goodie bag, so I could try it out for myself.
Pros:
+ Moisturising
+ Doesn’t break me out
+ Works well as a primer
+ Fits well into my daily skin/make-up routine

Cons:
– Not great for the current Summer heatwave

Notes:
My skin can often feel dry after cleansing if I don’t use a moisturiser.
This solved that problem, and also worked well as a primer when applying make-up.
It didn’t break me out either, which can often be a problem when I use a new moisturiser.
The only problem I had was that it felt slightly oily on my problem areas, which wasn’t great for applying concealer/foundation on top of. That said, I think the current heatwave may be contributing to that so I’m hopeful that it won’t be such a problem when the weather cools down again.
You can buy Witch Mattifying Moisturiser in Boots stores, or online here.
bloomzy /

Results: Escentual Micellar Water Trial

Remember the Micellar Water Blind Trial I did for Escentual?
(If you don’t remember it you can view it here)
Well 100 Bloggers voted and the results are in, and I was very surprised at the final scores.
It’s obvious by the results that what worked for me, didn’t necessarily work for others.
I think this trial is the perfect example of how everyone’s skin is different.
My favourite? Dior’s Micellar Water.
My least favourite? La Roche-Posay.
It’s funny how my favourite was in the bottom 3, and my least favourite was in the top 3.
Straightaway after using Sample A I knew that it had to be Dior, don’t ask me how.
Maybe it’s because I have expensive taste, or I could feel the quality?
Which would I buy again? Dior and Caudalie.
I loved the trial and it has helped me discover some great products.
Micellar Water is my thing so I’ll definitely be investing in some of these in the future.
bloomzy /

Where to Eat in London: Sketch

Sketch | European | All-day Menu | Mayfair | Website
– reservations available –
Sketch is arguably as tasty on the eyes, as it is the tummy.
As soon as you walk into the exquisite hallway, you know what to expect.
The decor is eclectic and rich – Sketch and it’s various rooms were designed by artists.
A restaurant that used to house the HQ of Christian Dior wouldn’t be expected of anything else though, no?
So what was the food like?
I didn’t think the food could be any better than the decor, I find that a restaurant usually excels in one or the other.
So as we were lead to our table in The Glade, I was certain that our afternoon lunch had climaxed already. Yet Sketch surprised me. We ordered their opulent (and largest) ‘Sketch Afternoon Tea’, to celebrate my friend’s graduation – nothing is more deserving of a luxurious lunch than 3 hard years at university. It comes per person, or there is a lighter version for two – we choose the ‘lighter’ version, as the menu seemed quite intimidating. Selections of beautiful cakes, scones, sandwiches and macarons fit for Marie Antoinette, layered the cake stand. Every bite was full of delicate, yet distinct flavour, leaving us wanting more. This is certainly no ordinary Afternoon Tea.
Eating at Sketch is an experience as much as it is a delight.
Taking into consideration the decadence and price, it certainly isn’t an everyday treat though.
However if you have the chance to go, snap it up, because bookings are taken months in advance.
Sketch lived up to it’s reputation – the food and surroundings were magnificent.
I’m already trying to figure out what to celebrate next, as an excuse to visit!
bloomzy /

Animal Crossing New Leaf Diary: Week 1

Screencaps from my town ‘Blomzvil’ in Animal Crossing: New Leaf

A week has now passed since I started playing the new Animal Crossing game.
As you can see I’ve been busy socialising, shopping and travelling…pretty much an average day then!
So far I’ve found the game just as fun and addictive as the first, it’s also filled with a lot more hidden extras.
New Leaf puts you in the role of Mayor, of your own town.
I named mine ‘Blomzvil’ (because ‘Bloomzyville’ was apparently too long).
Ok it may not be an original name but Blomzvil sounds quite prosperous, no?
Moving in was exciting as it meant decorating my house – an ongoing mission, that’s also fun.
Since moving in I’ve expanded my house three times, and have even commissioned a new bridge.
That probably sounds incredibly boring but I am not kidding when I say that this is a great game.
I’ve enjoyed doing all the activities, and the new island feature, which is full of Kappas – I love Kappas!
My lovely Sami was the first visitor to my town last night (I’ve visited her a couple of times already).
I’m really bad at leaving the gates open for friends to come and visit. I just keep forgetting.
I really would like to have more visitors and to visit other people’s towns.
So leave your friend code if you’re playing too!
Another great feature of the 3DS XL is that you can use it as a pedometer.
You can keep track of how many steps you’ve taken as well as earning special credits to spend in your games.
I love this little incentive as it’s a fun way to encourage people to walk more, and take their console with them.
You can purchase Animal Crossing in stores on the high street, or online here.
bloomzy /

Review: Black 15-in-1 Miracle Shampoo & Conditioner

Black 15-in-1 Twice A Week Miracle Shampoo & Conditioner
The beauty section is always a favourite of mine in TK Maxx.
So when I recently paid a visit to the new TK Maxx in St Mary’s Axe (opposite The Gherkin), I was excited to check out their beauty section. My first impressions were that it’s quite small and it didn’t really carry many brands that I was interested in…in fact I barely noticed any well-known name brands. Anyway, I still had a peak at what they had to offer and one item that caught my eye was the Black 15-in-1 Twice A Week Miracle Shampoo & Conditioner which they had in large and small bottles. I was intrigued by the claim that this shampoo/conditioner was a ‘miracle’ treatment for hair. Not only that, but the original price tag (£20 per 600ml bottle) told me that this wasn’t kiddy’s stuff. TK Maxx were selling the 600ml bottle for half price, but I still didn’t want to spend £20 on some shampoo & conditoner that I’d never even heard of, so I went for the smaller 200ml option and paid £6 for both bottles. That’s less than I’d pay usually, so I was happy.
The ingredients include:
Panthenol B5 – protects and adds shine to chemically processed hair. 
Prodew 500 Amino Acid Blend – repairs surface damage & strengthens hair, preventing moisture loss.
Sunflower Seed Extract – UV protection, heat protection & protects hair color from fading. 
Argan Oil – nourishes the hair strands and helps reduce frizz and flyaways.
– It’s also Sulphate & Paraben free –
After using it, my hair was:
+ Shiny
+ Smooth
+ Soft
+ Tangle free
What did I think?
It pretty much did everything it said on the tin…or should I say bottle.
I didn’t feel that it was a ‘miracle treatment’ but it was certainly a good shampoo.
One major downside though is that this is an American brand, and I can’t seem to find a UK stockist.
There are plenty of sellers on eBay, but they’re selling it for extortionate prices, so I would avoid that.
Sure you might be able to find some at TK Maxx but for those who want to continue using it, a lack of stockists within the UK doesn’t make this a practical option. I enjoyed my love affair with it, but I think I’ll have to say goodbye for now.
Source; 1, 2 (No original photo as TK Maxx used a massive sticker, which ripped off the labelling when I tried to take a photo, and left the bottles looking like this).
bloomzy /

Introducing: Animal Crossing New Leaf

Animal Crossing: New Leaf for Nintendo 3DS

Earlier this week Nintendo sent me over a new 3DS XL as a gift.
Of course I was very excited, but what it came with was even more exciting.
If you haven’t already guessed, it was the Animal Crossing: New Leaf game!
The original Animal Crossing came out over 12 years ago – can you believe it?!
I had the first game and loved it to pieces so I was very happy to receive this.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf is nothing new to avid gamers, or those living in Japan.
However the game was not released in America, Europe and Australia until this month!
The new game goes along similar lines as the first, but with lots of extras and new gameplay.
So what does Nintendo have to say about it? 
“As mayor of your own town, you make the decisions that shape your town and your life. Experience a living, breathing world where new friends and new discoveries await every day. Express yourself by customizing your character, your house, and your town as you create your own ideal world (loaded with characters, items, and activities). Customise outfits in countless ways. Furnish your house with an extensive variety of furniture, carpet, and wall decorations to reflect your personality. Visit the Main Street Shopping area and Happy Home showcase. Swim in the ocean to find rare shell fish. Collect insects and fossils all year long. As mayor, make the big decisions about what build, business hours for shops, and other new ways to customize your town to your liking. Then connect with friends to show off what makes your character, your house, and your town unique.”

Recently I’ve been wanting to take on new territories on the blog.
Therefore I will be writing a few posts on my progress with the game, and possibly posting videos.
I was really happy with the response that my last game post received, so I’m hoping that you will all enjoy these too.
Please feel free to leave your friend codes if you would like me to come visit you!
You can purchase Animal Crossing in stores on the high street, or online here.
bloomzy /

Review: New MUA ‘Bright Coral Nail Polish

Recently MUA rebranded their £1 nail polishes.
That meant a new bottle, new brush and new colours.
After trying their old polishes I was curious to see if there had been an improvement.
So when I saw their new shade ‘Bright Coral’ I knew I had to have it.
Pros:
+ Applied easily
+ Great colour
+ Opaque in 2 coats
+ True to colour

Cons:
– Chipped after 2 days
– Bottle design is a rip-off

Notes:
First off, I’d like to mention the new design for these bottles.
I love the simplicity of it, but I really dislike how MUA have ripped off Essie’s bottle.
It’s obvious from first glance that this is what they’ve done, and everyone has noticed.
Anyway, onto the polish! I loved the new brush, it’s much better than the old ones they were using.
It applied easily and the colour was a lot more opaque then previous shades which were too sheer.
It did chip after 2 days though unfortunately, and that was with a bottom & top coat so I was a little sad.
BUT for £1 a bottle I’m not complaining! I just hope they bring out some more interesting shades, as the ones that are out right now aren’t very inspiring. Even so, this is a nice shade and very Summery, I think I’ll be wearing it often.
You can buy this shade online here, or in Superdrug stores.