First Impressions - Magnum Armadillo Shoes

A few months ago I had the chance to receive a pair of shoes to review. All I knew was that the shoes were aimed at healthcare professionals and that I fitted into that category.

I received a pair of Black Armadillo HPi shoes made by a company called Magnum, who specialise in work footwear. The shoes retail for £54.99 and claim to be an 'ideal solution for anyone who needs ultimate comfort, protection and support those long shifts'.

The shoes came well packaged and the first impressions are good. The shoes look really sturdy, comfortable and like they will support my feet during my time at work. In my job I am on my feet and walking around for a large part of my shift and so good footwear is essential. 

The shoe is leather with a flexible back to allow the shoe to be worn as a mule. This feature would be ideal for those who work in theatre or other settings where a mule is more suitable, but for me I think I'll find it more comfortable as a full shoe. 

The shoe has been designed to be liquid and blood borne pathogen resistant as well as needle stick resistant. All of which are important in the healthcare field. 

After trying the shoes on for a few minutes they feel comfortable, but the real test will be on the job. I will do a full review soon after a test run in the Armadillos!! 

:-) Thanks for reading. 

Maybelline Baby Lips.

Since seeing the Maybelline Baby Lips featured and reviewed in American YouTuber's video I have been really curious to try the out and have wanted to get my hands on them. 

Before I knew that the Baby Lips were going to be released I thought about buying a couple from the internet as I really wanted to see what the hype was all about. 

As far as I know the Baby Lips have been out for a couple of weeks. I might be wrong, but I think at first you could only get them online and then later in some Superdrug and Boots stores. 

When I tried to get them online they were sold out of the colours I wanted to try and my local stores either didn't stock them or they had all sold out. 

But finally, a couple of days ago I managed to get two of the Baby Lips which I wanted. So excited!!!

I went to the Superdrug in Castleford as I had heard that this store stocked them and after scouring the shelves I came across them at the till. It was a good job that I was buying some other items as I wouldn't of spotted them otherwise. 

Anyway... these are the Baby Lips that I purchased. 

Peach Kiss

Pink Punch

Out of the two my favourite is definitely Pink Punch as it gives a really pretty sheer pink tint to the lips. The Peach Kiss is not as pigmented as I thought it was going to be which is a bit disappointing. 

Both of the above Baby Lips smell absolutely amazing, with a really fruit scent which makes applying them a pleasure (that sounds so cheesy - but its true!). They are both really moisturising and make the lips really soft. They claim to keep the lips moisturised for a full 8 hours, but Im not sure about that one. Not made my mind up! 

Overall I like these two products. I will be getting the Cherry-Me if I can get hold of it and then may or may not get the other 3. 

The next things that we will all no doubt be lusting after in the UK are the New Baby Lips Electro Lip Balm which I discovered when looking on the Maybelline website. These look the same as the original Baby Lips but in Neon colours!! Amazing! 

A review video will be on my YouTube channel soon, which will include swatches - MsCherylB183  (Don't forget to subscribe x)

xxx

#Leedsbloggermeet

A week ago today I was lucky enough to attend a Leeds Blogger meet which was organised by Georgina (@GeorginaBunney) and Nicola (@itsneecola). Thank you to both of you. 

It was my first blogger meet up and I was both excited and nervous. I was unable to attend by myself and so had my little baby blogger Ava with me. I think this suprised and/or shocked some of the girls (I could tell by some of the looks on their faces!), but first and foremost I am a mummy. 

The meet took place in Leeds City Centre and started at 12.30pm when we all met outside Topshop, Briggate. While waiting for all the girl's to arrive we formed a huge circle which got a few stares. People probably thought we were going break out into a dance or something. 

Once everyone had arrived, our crowd walked down to the secret location which turned out to be Friends of Ham, a cool bar with snazzy decor. I didn't know this place was even there, but will be going back to try out there tasty treats. 

Once we were all settled downstairs, Nicola gave a brill presentation on a few products by Arbonne, a Swiss company specialising in botanical products which apparently has ingredients which are natural enough to eat! It is a brand that I have heard of, but have never tried anything from them. 

Nicola very kindly gave us all some samples of both skincare and makeup to try and I am looking forward to giving them a try. 

I was given samples of RE9 Advanced, the anti-ageing range (I am 30 so probably time to start thinking about it) and also some of the Perfecting Liquid Foundation and Makeup Primer. 

After the presentation, some of the girls got some nibbles which looked lovely but I was too busy chasing Ava round. That girl knows how to exhaust her mummy! I bought myself a diet coke, but never got to finish it as we had to leave early!

For a small donation to The Yorkshire Air Ambulance (a very worthy cause), we were allowed to pick an item from the lucky dip prize draw. I was really pleased to win a pot of Arbonne's FC5 Moisturising Night Cream. Can't wait to try it.

Georgina gave everyone an amazing goodie bag (pictured below). When I got home and looked through it I couldn't believe the amount of stuff in it. I would like to say a huge Thank You to all the companies that contributed to the bag. 

Goodie Bag!

My favourite items from the goodie bag were a silver necklace with a camera pendant (very fitting) by Scarlett Hearts and a Peach T-Shirt with a Horse print on the front by Brat and Suzie.

Love this necklace from Scarlett Hearts. 

Brat and Suzie T-Shirt (Excuse the creases!)

At this point, I had to leave but from what I understand the rest of the meet up involved a chat with a lady called Rebecca about Ark Clothing, a trip to the Benefit counter, Shopping and then refuelling at TGI Friday's (the food and cocktail pictures looked amazing girls!). 

On the way home I did manage to see the Gay Pride Parade which finished the afternoon off nicely :) 

It was lovely meet all of the lovely ladies and I would like to say a huge thank you again to Georgina and Nicola for organising everything... I will definitely try to attend another meet up, but this time will come baby free! 

xxx

The New Do.

Tonight I have refreshed my look again and had my hair cut slightly shorter. For years my hair was really long but a few months ago I went for a bob.

I love it, it looks much healthier and is easier to control.

Now the debate is over the colour. I can't decide whether to leave it as it is, go blonde or go really dark again??
What do you think?

Avon Matte Nail Varnish - Black As Night Review

I was recently given a bottle of Avon's Matte Nail Varnish in Black As Night. 

I have never used a matte nail varnish and so last night I decided to give it a go.

When I first applied the varnish is appeared to have a gloss to it, but it very very quickly dried and turned very matte. 

I wanted to give it a chance, but I have to be honest I was really not keen on both the quality and the finish of this varnish.

When I  was painting each nail, the varnish was drying so quickly that as I was trying to apply it it was causing the varnish to streak.

This particular colour was a nice true black and I like the colour itself, just not the matte effect.

I would definitely give this varnish a try in another shade and would be interested in trying out matte varnishes and topcoats from other brands.

Below is the finished product :-s

I was also not overly impressed with the lasting power of this varnish. Overnight the varnish had chipped more than I would of expected and I had not done anything out of the ordinary.
Needless to say I have now removed it and I have given myself a nice french manicure.

This picture shows the varnish this morning...

Not nice!!!!

I would be interested to read any comments about this particular varnish, but also let me know any recommendations for other brands. 

Thanks for reading xx

Hello :)

I have finally got my act together .... here is my first blog.  

What with a sick baby and getting ready to go back to work after maternity leave it has been a busy week. Being slightly addicted to Twitter (@MsCherylB183) and YouTube (Channel name - MsCherylB183) also hasn't helped!

For a long time I have loved all things to do with Beauty, Skin Care, Make Up, Hair and so thought I would put this interest to some use and start blogging. 

The plan with this blog is to mainly cover beauty related stuff (reviews, hauls, favourites, etc), but I will also be including other stuff such as meal ideas, weight loss updates, 

general life updates and anything else that I think might be of interest to somebody!

I look forward to getting started and also look forward to getting to know some fellow bloggers. 

If you want to follow me on Twitter my info is above and also, don't forget to check out my Youtube Channel (http:www.youtube.com/MsCherylB183). You can then put a face to the blog! 

Don't forget to follow the blog, let me know your blog links in the comments and I will blog again soon. :) x