My mum always used to say I was a ‘faffer ‘ who liked nothing better than ‘faffing around’ with skincare and beauty bits .

F A F F E R – to spend your time doing a lot of things that are not important instead of the thing you should be doing . i.e “Tracey please stop faffing around”

I in turn always blamed Mum and her Avon [lady] sample kit. I can still see it now her little suitcase of complete and utter joy. The bundles of sachets of cream and THOSE Lipstick samples. Back in the 80’s lipstick samples were actually miniature lipsticks ; absolutely brilliant for handing out to customers with their monthly catalogue as they could fit through the letterbox. Great to try before you buy AND for my tiny hands to pinch & play with.

I’m not sure why they stopped doing them; in today’s weird ‘social distancing’ climate they would be ideal. Bring them back!

I found these photographs on Pinterest [ below ] can anybody remember them too?

Anyway I’m digressing.

Today I thought I’d run through some bits and bobs that I have bought during lockdown, plus some pieces I have been kindly gifted.

But first as we are talking lipsticks I’m sharing 4 of my favourite reds with you below. I think a red lip is so striking especially in summer with nothing but sunshine and SPF50 on your face.

It’s also a question I get asked quite a lot … what’s my favourite red?

I look for coral, warm reds as these definitely suit me more than cool, blue toned reds which can make me look washed out . So here you go 4 of my most worn reds [ below ]

• Shamelessly Vain – M.A.C | gift
• Mason Rouge – M.A.C | gift
• Nine Lives – M.A.C | gift
• Joli Rouge Gradatiin 891 Coral – Clarins

S T U D I O | 1 0

* Gift PR

I was lucky to receive a full set of makeup from Studio 10 Makeup last week.

“I want every woman as they age, to look and feel their most beautiful and a confident version of themselves ” Grace Fodor – the lady behind the brand

I love the concept of this brand – that beauty doesn’t just belong to youth – it’s ageless. It’s Quick Fix skincare-makeup formulated for mature skin. Sounds right up my street !

Unlike skincare which I like to use for a while before I comment, I can tell you if I like makeup more or less straight away. [ I like to test skincare for a period of around 4- 6 weeks before giving it a thumbs up or down. ]

Verdict – I like it!

The Perfect Bronze Liquid Bronzer above is beautiful. It is a light but buildable colour; great for people like me who have tanned bodies & white faces. You only need a tiny amount and it blends in a dream. As regular readers know [ I am sure I have a few ] my skin has a tendency to be temperamental … but so far so good and no breakouts.

Liquid Bronzer reminds me of my mum. She called it ‘sunshine in a bottle‘ so putting it on today made me feel all sorts of emotional !

 “Year-round healthy colour really boosts my confidence. In search of a quick fix, this ultra-versatile, hydrating fluid bronzes and blends seamlessly, creating a warm, buildable and believable glow.“

The Youth Lift Glow-plexion is another great product. I’ve found its great dabbed on the top of your cheekbones, end of nose and pretty mixed with body moisturiser and applied along your collar bone & décolletage

“This ultra creamy and highly blendable formula primes and evens skin texture while soft light-reflecting pearls create a natural lit-from-within glow. Highly buildable, it can also be used as a highlighter to lift and enhance features“

Key ingredients- Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E

Age Reverse Perfecting Lip Liner

This is a lovely double-ended lipliner that shapes and defines. It is enriched with Coconut Oil, Vitamin E and Vitamin C . Cruelty Free and Paraben Free

T O P S H O P | dresses

I’ve hardly bought any clothes for a long-while now but when our annual ladies weekend away to Lisbon got cancelled [ queue – face like a slapped arse ] I treated myself. I consoled myself with some online retail therapy !

I spotted these 2 dresses in the Top Shop sale last week and snapped them up for £20.00 each. I’m a sucker for a statement sleeve and the square neckline is so flattering.

The black check dress below is a great shape and fit. The only negative is that the fabric is quite flimsy and pulls easily = I have already pulled it !

Black Mesh Square Neck Midi Dress *

Pink Twist Checked Midi Dress  *

I adore the colour and check on this dress, it’s quite different from anything currently in my wardrobe and therefore a very welcome addition.

Look at those sleeves ! Got to love a big statement sleeve.

B E L L A _P E R L I N E

You may have noted that I have been wearing a new beaded necklace / choker. This was bought a couple of weeks ago from a new instagram discovery of mine @bella_perline

Emma makes beautiful jewellery ,to order , at very reasonable prices. Please pop over and have a ganzy. As a small business I’m sure she would appreciate it and you can treat yourself.

I was inspired by another lady on Instagram Emma from @_s.a.s.h_ who had recently posted wearing something similar.

I like to layer mine with my gold cross my dad bought me many moons ago. I’ve decided when it comes to jewellery I’m a little bit of a magpie !

Beautifully packaged… it looked and smelt so pretty. I love little touches like this, it makes all the difference doesn’t it?

V a n d a l S h o e s

I was kindly sent these fabulous leopard print sling-back pumps from Vandal Shoes

They are super comfty. They look great with my cream floaty maxi-dress [ above ] and with my jeans. I’m thinking they’ll look a little preppy with my cut offs , white tee and a blazer? I’ll have a mess around sometime this week.

As you know I like to faff !!

CODE TRACEY20 will get you 20% discount at checkout which is available across the website until Saturday 20th June.

I think I’ll leave it there for now … but I do have some more bits to show you , so I’ll probably do another blog post shortly.

Until next time , Tracey x

Affilate Link *

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Just a quick note regards my photographs . My camera has broken so all photos have been taken on my phone. Hence the quality isn’t as good as usual.