Shaking up AW15: Kiko haul

Kiko is one of those beauty brands that is soooo affordable and is amazing quality yet I find I don't shop there enough. 

I may not shop there as often as I would like but I do have a great collection of solid great performance products.

I absolutely love the Regents Street branch and could honestly
just stay in there for hours gazing at the products.
Although it doesn't have the biggest space it's very cleanly layed out
and just on the right side of overwhelming -if there is such a thing!

Whilst meeting up with friends for dinner,
I dropped in and picked up a few items and I am really loving them.
As I don't often wear bright colours on my eyes,
I actually bought these eyeshadow shades to use them mainly as blusher.
Although less bright in real life,
they are very pigmented. So a very light hand is needed and a very small amount of product does the job.
They might be colours usually associated with spring or summer
but if you have been reading the blog for a while I am sure you know I wear whatever takes my fancy whenever
it takes said fancy!

Here are a few things I picked up:

Infinity Eyeshadow 207 Mat Papaya
Infinity Eyeshadow 208 no longer on site but is in store
Ultra Glossy Stylo 809 Red Ruby
Ultra Glossy Stylo 814 Glam Magenta
Smart Lipstick 923 Peony Purple
Nail Laquer 536 metallic quartz green

No surprise that there are 3 lipsticks!

I absolutely love a bold lip,
it might be my signature eyebrows and bold lips. 

Sounds good.

I also grabbed a gorgeous metallic fresh green to contrast with my khaki collection and am very happy to have this stunner in my collection.

What were your last Kiko buys?

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

An affordable Aw15 scent: Zara Vanilla Wood perfume

I have been slowly growing my Zara perfume collection for the last year or 2, see here and here. And I really enjoy them.

They are incredibly affordable and have great longevity for a high street brand.
I find the Zara scents have great pay off on me.

Believe it or not I have actually had Vanilla Wood in my room unopened for just over a year! 

I bought this last September on a shopping trip with my friend Niki and just set it aside. This now seems like a lucky break as, it's been in my mind for the last few weeks.  Vanilla is one of my favourite scents and I am finally breaking it out for Autumn/ Winter. I love the warmth, depth, spice and sweetness vanilla brings and this doesn't disappoint.

I think Vanilla Wood is a scent you either love or hate.
I have seen very mixed reviews about it however when I smelt it in store I was drawn to it and still am.
Like many Zara woman perfumes (Zara perfume selection) it is sweet, warm and fruity. It isn't overwhelming which I like and is very wearable. It was a very affordable 12.99 for 75ml.

It definitely has the deeper musky scents of cacao, smooth praline mixed in with a lighter sweeter madarin and spicy peachy notes swirled in with vanilla.

I am really loving this as an everyday perfume and it really wakes me up and leaves me in a good mood.

It lasts a good few hours and I have received so many compliments.

Its a thumbs up from me!

*P.s I occasionally get migraines and although they are not scent activated. Certain scents whilst I have a migraine are extremely aggravating. This scent however doesn't  cause me any issues.*

until next time........

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

Natural skincare: MADARA Clarifying Toner Review*

As you know I have been dabbling with natural skincare brands,
see my finding natural and organic skincare brands haul and have really enjoyed discovering effective new products.
I have had my eye on the Madara Clarify Toner* for a while and couldn't wait test it out.

Madara is a Latvian natural cosmetics brand using the forests and certified organic farms in the Baltic area to create unique formulas. 
They are organic, vegan, nut free, gluten free and ECOCERT certified.

The first thing I noticed apart from the lovely packaging was the scent.
It smells like an autumnal cocktail. Somewhere between sweet elderflower and spicy figs.
 I really like the fact this toner leaves my face matte as opposed to dry and there is a marked difference
in the two feelings!
My skin feels refreshed, smooth and supple and most importantly moisturised.

As I have combination skin it is great to find, a non abrasive exfoliant toner that balances
the skin and gives me an even surface to apply my serum to.

The Madara Clarifying Toner* is made up of a few natural ingredients such as Northern oak bark, Rose water and sweet flag which have been formulated to clarify, minimise pores and exfoliate the skin.
I was a little apprehensive about it having a naturally derived alcohol on my face but it hasn't been stripping at all and I have not had any stinging which is great.
In fact it is very gentle and soothing.

I have been using the toner for just over 4 weeks and think it a really nice toner for normal/ combination skin.
The main areas it has targeted for me is clarifying and pores.
 My blemishes were reduced and my overall skin looks clearer and a little more glowy.
Along with using my Alba Botanica products which I reviewed.  I have seen further improvement
to the small area of visible pores.
They are constantly tight and hydrated which helps to minimise their visibility.
They are definitely a great combination.

I experienced really good results on how my skin looked overall.
I still have the occasional blemish but I love the results.
Autumn onwards can be very harsh on the skin and some toners are very stripping,
 however the clarifying ingredients in this really help to balance the skin.
I have really enjoyed using this toner and can't wait to see further results.
I would definitely buy this in future, as it is so mild and nourishing.

*Lucyrose kindly sent me this product to review. However all views expressed are my own.
 Please see the  Ms. Wednesdays Girl disclaimer in full here.


Until next time..................

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

AW15: Basic style staples

Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year.
The gorgeous hues and tones that are emerging from nature are beautiful to behold and so visually inspiring.

I love the variety of pieces that you can wear and how you can style them.
I am really into textured layering at the moment and this is the perfect season to do it and these pieces will definitely be my back drop/ mood board for the coming months.

As I mentioned in previous posts.
I am really into shopping my wardrobe, so these are some of my favourite bits to throw on and hit the road. Or possibly plough precariously through the fog!

Primark grey basic jersey long line cardigan (Boohoo alternative)

Primark black chunky cleated boots (Public Desire alternative)

ASOS maroon wide brim fedora (ASOS alternative & alternative)

Matalan grey faux fur gilet (Matalan alternative)

ASOS mixed metal boyfriend watch (alternative)
Oversized Tartan Scarf as seen in my Autumn style: Tartan and plaid scarves post (eBay)

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays  

The discovery of blogs: Ms. Wednesdays Girl Liebster award nomination!

Hi Lovers,

  I've been been nominated for a Liebster award by the lovely Lauren Samone 
over at The Leaux Project. 

A massive shout out to her for nominating me.

 I always forget there are people everywhere reading my blog so go check her out.

“Here’s how the Liebster Award works: after you’re nominated, you create a post over on your blog about the award. 

1-  Thank your nominator (with a link back over to their blog).

2-  Answer the 10 questions they created for you.

3- Create 10 new questions and pose them to 10 new bloggers you want to nominate.
*I take this to mean a new blog to the reader instead of how long the blog has been running* 

4- The nominees should all be bloggers with less than 200 followers.” 
*I am assuming this can be any of their social media networks. 
I am being a little flexible with this part as I really enjoy the blogs I am nominating and think they deserve a little exposure.*

Laurens' questions:

The Cliche Question: Why did you start blogging?

I have always been a creative person and the idea of blogging seemed to be a outlet where my creativity was solely on my terms. 
There are so many but one that has kind of been incorporated into the blog is "Festina Lente". 

My friends always ask me for beauty advice, where I bought something, 
if I know where to find it cheaper or if I can make a D.I.Y beauty treatment. 
Along with their encouragement, I decided to put it in one place. 
If my friends wanted to know surely others would too.
 I also love trying stuff out and writing so hey a great creative space was born.

What’s 1 thing you’d like to achieve as a blogger in 2016?

I would love to grow as a blogger and be more consistent. 

I have been much better this year and want to continue. I am also working on my photography.

What was the motivation behind your blog name?

*Sigh* blogger names are sooo hard! I tried lots different name combos.

I am actually born on a Wednesday and Wednesdays aka hump day just 
seems to be a beacon of light for a lot of people. Its not all woeful on a Wednesday!

Who are you rocking out to?! Give me your top 3 favorite artists?

Gallant- weight in gold

Hozier- Like real people do

Magic system- Premier Gauo

It’s time to go SHOPPING! If you could splurge on anything OR at any store what/where would you go!?

I am guessing the Internet is out? 

I think it would be in Aldo for a  pair of stunning ankle boots,
 that they don't have in my size and I would hit up Carnaby street.

What’s 1 thing you LOVE about your city? List more if you’d like!

Ahhh London, it has an incredibly intense energy. 
As with most places it isn't perfect but it is very multicultural, 
there is always something happening and you learn something new everyday. 

It's mostly grey and erratic weather is the norm but being a Londoner you just roll.

Soundtrack: What’s 1 song that describes your life?

This is so hard as I don't think one song could encapsulate my whole existence.
However songs that describe these moments are 

Naughty boy ft Emeli Sandé Wonder and Rudimental ft Will Heard I will for love

Salty or Sweet: Which do you prefer?

Both, I am experimental!
Hula hoops originals and Galaxy chocolate, thank me later!

Describe your personal Style

An eclectic mix. I love mixing and matching.

 My clothes reflect part of my personality and how I feel.

I love the 90's dresses and boots combo, mixing causal with dressier pieces, a bold lip is life, 
sourcing statement jewellery and being comfortable in my choice. 
I never box myself  in. I wear what I like.

Beauty secrets! I know you have 1. Spill it!

Experimentation is good but you don't need to bombard your face and body 
with every product on the market!
1- Listen to your skin. 
2- Try making some of your own products. 
like Coconut oil or Shea butter whip. 
3- Floral waters make great toners if your skin is having a odd phase.
4- Eyebrows are important. Shape them well but don't demolish them. 
You will need them in future trust me!!!

**Extra** Do you have a favorite quote or words of wisdom that you live by

It means make haste slowly and can be seen in my header logo. 
The angel wing on the left is actually a tattoo I have and designed myself.
 For me this means not rushing and having to do certain things again. 
When I do it, I do it how I want it and the right way/ time for me.
 For blogging this is important as I am not looking to see where other bloggers are.
Or trying to compete, just getting where I am going and doing 
what I am doing in the time and fashion meant for me.

The nominations are:

Christine - Yve's Child

Michelle Last big tree

Brooke- Brooke-Elise

Sherida Sherida daily

Mandy- A girl obsessed 

Andreia - Diary of a lover

Brittany- Style and Wellbeing

Remi - Hands of style

Saoirse AKA Sterling- Xleptodactylous

Paola- Finding Paola

My questions:

1. What is your secret talent?
2. Name 3 skills you have learnt through blogging.
3. How has blogging impacted your life?
4. What was the first thing that made you laugh today?
5. Shopping for homeware or shopping for your favourite foods?
6. Favourite season to style?
7. The Zombie apocalypse is in full swing and you've decided to blog, as a way to connect with other survivors and update the world (wi-fi has survived lol).
    What is in your on the move blogger kit?
8. Name a perfume/spray that is the scent of your life or linked to a special memory.
9. Name one hidden gem in your city/ area everyone should visit.
10. Name a place that inspires you to blog.

 A big thank you once again to Lauren for nominating me. Check out her Liebster answers here. It is always nice to be recognised by fellow bloggers who know how much effort goes into what we do and appreciate it as a creator and reader.

Smooches

Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl

xoxo

Don't forget to come find me and  Follow @GirlWednesdays