Philosophy's Halloween Extravanganza!

Having not posted for more than 3 weeks now I felt like the time had come to do something! With the stresses of starting university again (especially in final year :/) blogging has definitely taken a back seat, whilst work and getting back into the norm of life here has taken over.

But that doesn't mean I've given up, in fact I've decided to dedicate a couple of hours every few days so I can get back into the groove...yes groove, of writing frequently again. I'd love to know since I've been away from the 'blogosphere' for a while how you guys have been getting on, any news? Any new note worthy blogs to read?

But ok, I know, let's get to the good stuff. Halloween is a mere two days away! And of course there is a myriad of products that have been released for this spooky occasion. I loved having a look at some of these new ranges, like the detailed nail wrap designs by a few different brands and Lush's original take, but something that really caught my eye was Philosophy.

They really have gone all out, and I've struggled to find another brand who have captured not only the 'scary side' of this month, but also the warmth and sweetness that fall offers. Everything is so incredibly enticing, to the point where my thought process seemed to consist of "Om nom nom nom".

The Trick or Treat Halloween gift is lovely and so original, with such creative packaging...and the flavours ahem, scents of the all-in-one bubble bath, shampoo and showers gels above really may have you drooling.

The 'caramel apple' and 'fresh baked apple pie' particularly caught my eye, causing me to stop, pause and contemplate withdrawing my credit card...

Philosophy not only offer skincare, the range also incorporates lip glosses that are described as 'high gloss' and 'high-flavour'. Hmm a lip gloss that tastes of caramel apple, yes please! Not only is this a stunning shade, but Philosophy also promises that it hydrates, soothes and softens lips.

These last two products are really all I could fit in without going too crazy, but there are definitely still many worthy products to look at and ponder over in the range. The Candy Corn and Pumpkin Spice Muffin though are really products I had to share! The Pumpkin Spice Muffin is a product chosen by Philosophy's Facebook fans and is currently a limited addition, whilst the 'I Love Candy Corn' shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath has made a special re-appearance for this month. Again both win top marks in my book for originality. The sound of these amazing scents is making me want the next two days to go a bit quicker just so I can have a justified reason to gorge on caramel apples and candy corn :p

You can find this range and more at Philosophy's website here.

I'd love to know if you've tried out any of these products and your thoughts, or your favourite Halloween product.

*Guest post* Classic pieces at highstreet prices

This month I will be having a few guest posts featuring on Bow Tied beauty. They will mainly be about beauty, but today I'm putting up a rare fashion post from the lovely Helen at Never Quite Elegant. I always love reading her blog for style tips and fashion advice, so I'm sure you'll enjoy reading her article, and stay tune for more guest posts I have lined up for this month!

Hi!

I'm Helen from Never Quite Elegant.

I'm very honoured to have been asked to do a guest post for a blog as wonderful as Bow Tied Beauty, I just hope you all enjoy it!
On my own blog, I focus on high street and online finds, and so decided to do the same here - with a bit of a twist!

As it's now October, the majority of the fashion world has fixed their gaze on the new autumn/winter trends. Being a bit of a "slave-to-trends" myself, though, I know how much keeping up to date with the new season can drain your pocket. So, I decided to hunt down the best classic, timeless pieces that the high street has to offer - clothes and accessories that you'll wear season after season!






The Little Black Dress                         The Little Red Dress                                         The Little White Dress

River Island, £35.00

 H&M, £12.99

 Missguided, £29.99

         


Every girl needs a good selection of dresses in their wardrobe, and these three basics can be styled and accessorised with other items to create an endless number of outfits. The black skater dress has a gorgeous feminine silhouette that will flatter any figure - plus at £12.99, it's an amazing bargain! Equally perfect for a night out is the red bandeau dress, a fun, bold alternative guaranteed to draw attention. Finally, the white shirt dress is a great classic piece that would look beautiful for day or night - simply add heels a statement cuff bracelet for instant laid-back summer evening glam.

The Go-With-Everything-Shirt           The Office-To-Evening-Blazer                               The Body-Con Skirt

   

River Island, £25.00 

Topshop, £16.00

  Zara, £49.99 

       

I'm starting to see a pattern emerging with River Island and great white shirts -  the loose, elegant shirt above is a staple piece that really would "go with anything", from a casual floral skirt to a smart pair of chinos. Similarly, the timeless nautical-style blazer will take you seamlessly from the office to the bar. At £49.99, it isn't as cheap as some of my other finds, but is definitely a worthy investment! Almost as essential as the little black dress, I believe everyone should own a good body-con skirt - this plain black Topshop number won't go out of fashion in a hurry, and can be paired with virtually any top create a perfect evening outfit.


The Perfect Satchel                        The Timeless Heels                                         The Essential Pumps                  
 

         ASOS, £42.00                         Miss Selfridge, £40.00                                                            Topshop, £25.00                                                                                                              

 

I'm a sucker for a gorgeous satchel, and this tan leather beauty is so good you'll be using it for years to come! The same goes for the black suede heels - these night-out essentials are forever fashionable, so you can pair them with outfit after outfit. And while we're talking about shoes that don't age, it seems a crime not to mention the simple ballet pump; ideal for slipping on in the day time, or even as a break for your heels at the end of a night!

I hope you enjoyed my guide to timeless pieces that you'll appreciate for seasons to come - especially when they're available on the high street at such affordable prices!
Thanks to Bow Tied Beauty for having me!

Helen,

Never Quite Elegant

                         

               

Maxfactor Lipfinity Review

I'd been wanting to try Maxfactor's Lipfinity Lasting Lip Tint Pens for a while, having read both good and not so good reviews about them. And after trying them out, I have to say... I agree with the latter. I was pretty disappointed, and here's why.

- The texture is rough, so if you have delicate lips like me, don't go near them. 

- The formula is also drying and not at all subtle. It actually comes out very pigmented and heavy.

 - The two colours that I bought, in Berry Burst and Nice n Nude, looked and obviously sound very different from the packaging and description. But, when I applied them, they appeared to have almost the exact same tone (neither of which were flattering). From Nice n Nude I got a weird brownish red that was nowhere near a normal nude you'd expect.

Maxfactor Lipfinity Lasting Lip Tint, £7.99 for each.

Maxfactor is a brand I usually love to buy from, but I'm definitely disappointed with these. I feel the packaging's somewhat misleading and doesn't live up to what it promises.

One good point I have to mention though is that it does deliver on staying power and being an effective lip stain. But...that's about it.

So my rant over, what do you think? Have you tried any other 'lip pens' or stains that you would recommend?