More Than Beauty | A Day In London: The Shard

 Hello there gorgeous!
Today, I'm in the mood for a ramble. So it's a lifestyle post type of day!
Late August I went to London *yay for London!* and me and Dad visited The Shard. I'm so not a big fan of heights - I get dizzy climbing the stairs! But, I was fine on the London Eye and I was perfectly fine on this, thankfully.

We arrived at the Shard around 10.30 which was the time of our viewing, the staff are so lovely and there's a lot of them on the main floor! We got our bags checked, photos taken etc just before we went up.
After we got our bags checked, we went straight into the lift which takes around 10 seconds from floor 1 to floor 68 - crazy! On floor 68 is the first viewing platform, but it's enclosed. You feel no rain, no wind, no nothing - it's like standing in your bedroom window but 68 floors in the air!
I loved the view but on the day I went it was misty which was a shame but we're going on a sunny day again anyway. I got plenty of photos so I'm happy with that.
There was a lot of room to walk round, very calm and very thought out.

After spending around 40 minutes on floor 68, we headed up the stairs to floor 72, which is the open air one. It's partly open air and you do feel some wind, rain and the heat if the sun is out. Luckily it stopped showering when I went up there so it was only slightly breezy not cold, not hot, not rainy. This is obviously higher up than 68 so it was a bit more misty than the below floor but luckily, the mist started to clear and I managed to get some clearer pictures. 

On The Shard you see all the views such as The Wash at the North Sea (about 1 hour and a half from my house!) you see the Gherkin and all the big buildings near there. You should see Canary Wharf and the London Eye (which I could slightly see) and you can see other landmarks like Buck Palace and the Tower Of London. I seriously recommend visiting the Shard as it's actually quite inexpensive (£40 for me and Dad) and you have as long as you like up there. The photo possibilities are endless and ofcourse, you can be a tourist for the day and have a brilliant experience. 

 ________________________________

After the Shard, we obviously stayed in London as it was only 12.30pm and we had plenty of other things to do. We walked along the Southbank which I've never actually done, I usually walk along the Embankment (near the London Eye) but never walk past the Southbank. We passed the ITV Studios, they had a few stalls and they also had a little 'Beano magazine' exhibition on too, which my Dad loved from his younger days! Haha.

After the Shard it rained all afternoon. It stopped about 6pm but my feet were wet all day. I luckily had my umbrella so I was ok!
We visited Kensington Palace and had a cuppa with Kate;-), we visited the Orangery at the palace too which was great, so many beautiful flowers are there!

After that we got the bus outside and went past Hyde Park, Green Park and into a very rainy Oxford Street. I didn't actually make any purchases in London so I skipped Oxford Street for the first time ever!

After that we just strolled about, we went into Hamleys and didn't manage to see Dexter Koh of Big Brother fame, even though he was in the exact bit we were at the same time!
I've never been to Hamley's but it's great, my childhood came rushing back!
After Hamleys I was famished! so we went and had out very first Subway - very tasty I must say. I now have big cravings for Krispy Kremes and Subway - thanks London.

All in all, it was a brilliant day! In a few posts time I'll be sharing my London Zoo day out with you, which I attended the week after the Shard. I hope you enjoy these lifestyle posts, I love sharing my life with you all!

XO

*if you're wondering, my top and blazer is from Primark, my necklace was a gift and my bracelet is from BHS but was a gift too. My very first OOTD!*

Primark Lipstick Review | A Beautiful Pink Shade

Hi there!

I'm back. Yep, you might have not noticed my disappearing act, but I'm back...!

I've been gone since September 1st and luckily my posts were all scheduled. My internet bill -in all honesty- has been unpayable and so I've been internetless. I hate when my internet goes because I can't do what I love most - Blog.

While I was gone I got the job at the Perfume Shop. I've mentioned in a few older posts that I had an interview and I managed to get a second interview and I've been there since Friday 13th...typical me with a date like that! I'm going to do a catch up post in a few days with the goings ons anyway, so I'll leave the gossip until then!

Todays post is a post that never got scheduled, I've decided to do it today because it's one I really wanted to show you all. 

It's a review on Primark makeup. I've been loving using this product in particular and it's been a good item to use over the summer. 

I've never really tried makeup from Primark, so this was a first. It was a slight impulse buy because I don't really need another colour like this but it was tooooo gorgeous to turn down! I was attracted to this because of the perfect £1 price tag and the beautiful barbie pink shade which suit me the best, I think!

I never really had high hopes for this lippie, I just thought it was going to look bright but be non-pigmented on my lips or be very drying and show every meh bit on my lips... but no, none of that happened!

I love this lipstick because it's very pigmented, yet blendable and buildable. I love how you can apply a little dab of it for a wash of colour or apply it fully and get a beautiful punch of pink. It blends really well too, it's smooth and can be applied with a lip brush or blended with your finger. 

It lasts really long and the only problem with this is that it could become slightly drying over the day so you need to apply another layer, but that's not a major problem so I think this lipstick could suit everyone!

I thought I'd pop by and mention this lippie because it's a brilliant best buy.

So glad I'm back to the good ole' blogging, I'll try not to vanish again!

Lots of love,

XO

Saturday Scoffs | Cadbury Fudge Muffins

What You Need | Ingredients 

2 Cadbury Fudge Bars

100g Soft Margarine

100g Soft Brown Light Sugar

2 medium eggs

100g Self Raising Flour

1tsp Baking powder

50g Butter

2tbsp Milk

225 Icing Sugar

Cocoa Powder

How To Make | Method 

Preheat the oven. Mix the Butter, Brown Sugar and eggs in a medium size bowl. Make sure everything is mixed well, non lumpy. Then, mix the Powders with a fork in another bowl to decreate lumps. Then, Mix the liquid mix into the powder mix using a handheld whisk. Add the cocoa powder and mix again. Put in muffin trays and make until risen/ 10/15 mins.
Wait until cool, add the butter, icing sugar and milk into a bowl and mix until light and creamy. Then, add the cocoa powder and mix. Icing should be light, but not runny...quite like a buttercream. It can be runny but make sure it doesn't run off the cake.
Then, add your Fudge pieces on the top and enjoy!

If you decide to create these cakes, please feel free to show me pictures! @lilmisspradaxo.

XO

How I'd Style.. A Rose Gold Watch

BLAZER, RIVER ISLAND
WATCH, NEXT
BLACK TROUSERS, DOROTHY PERKINS,
RIVER ISLAND BAG

Hiya everyone.

Today, I'm styling a Rose Gold watch. These watches have become very popular during 2013 and I even want one myself.

I'm not a huge fan of gold, I'm a silver girl really so I never really get gold jewlery. I love gold with black, I think if you wear it right it looks right.
The gold that I have been loving has to be rose gold. I think it's very feminine and doesn't look 'tacky'.

The watch that I've styled today is from Next. Next always have good accessories and they had quite a few watch ranges on offer. I really like this watch. 

I decided to keep the outfit very casual but very classy. I think this outfit is suited towards 'drinks' or a night out with friends, instead of wearing a typical dress, I think dressy trousers and cami tops are popular.
At night now, I don't think it's as warm as it has been. As we're in Autumn I think it's best to carry around a blazer, or jacket, to keep warm if you have to travel outside. I love this jacket and love the gold detailing to match the watch. 

I didn't put any accessories or makeup with this outfit, I think that the watch and purse is all you need. I love this purse from River Island, clutch bags suit this outfit the best.

All in all this is a simple outfit - I hope you like it!

Do you like these watches?

XO

August Empties

IMPULSE HOT PINK SHOWER GEL
SURE DEODORANT
SKIN THERAPY CLEANSER/TONER
SOAP AND GLORY GIRLIGO
KIWI SHOWER GEL

Hi!

Empties time again...I seriously can't believe how fast August went. It seems like 5 minutes ago I was doing July empties...

As always, I have 5 items to show you and give a quick opinion on,

Impulse Shower Gel | I loved using this. A lot. It smells so lovely but I don't think it smells like the spray? Opinions? It lathers so nice on the skin, not too thick and doesn't leave residue. I love the bottle and how much you get for your money - a definite repurchase.

Sure Deodorant | I've left palmolive behind and moved to Sure... no idea why, it was on offer! Smells lovely and keeps me fresh all day, though.

Skin Therapy Cleanser | This was so nice to remove makeup residue. It didn't leave my skin feeling oily or greasy and it took away the oils that weren't needed. It lasted me a while, too and is really inexpensive to buy. I love the gel formula - repurchase for definite! 

Soap And Glory Girligo | I didn't like this for ages and I hardly used it - it's been sat on my desk for absolute ages. But, back in the Summer when it was hot I thought I'd try it to cool me down, seeing as it has a scent it might have worked - it did! It cooled me down and it smells like the traditional S&G products. It moisturizes and cools and sets into the skin so well. I've already repurchased!

Kiwi Shower Gel | I got this in a set ages ago and I've only just finished it. It smells a bit like pear drops rather than kiwi but it was okay to use to freshen up!

I hope you enjoyed reading this months empties, nothing too exciting this month!

Speak to you all on Sunday!

Zofia

XO

MUA Nail Constellations | Review | Gemini

Hello everyone!

I have a review for you today, which I've been promising for ages because I never seem to do reviews much and I'd like to as I love trying new products and mentioning my verdict on them.

The latest thing I've tried is something that I bought last Christmas, it's the Nail Constellations from MUA. Something that I knew I had to try straightaway.
My constellation is Gemini, I love the blue/purple colours and I knew what colour I would team it up with.

I think they're a pretty good price but I have actually seen these in Poundland for £1, so I've bought a few of them. I think they're worth it as there have been many expensive brands doing 'Caviar nails' so you definitely have a bargain on your hands *get the pun?*

Application was easy, I applied my nail polish in two coats, let it dry, then I applied a top coat and then while that was wet i got a dish and applied the design on the wet nail. It was easier than I thought, it stuck to the nail perfectly and all I had to do is gently press it down. It covered the nail pretty quick and there was only a bit of the constellation left in the dish. 

I applied a top coat over the top because I was expecting them all to come off by the time I went to sleep and woke up which was a silly idea because it turned the beautiful pigment of the constellation into a pastel white colour - especially because they last quite well on my nails without coming off so I didn't really need the topcoat. If I would have done anything better next time, I wouldn't add the topcoat and I'd dip the edge of my nail into the dish so the ends get covered. The only reason why I didn't do that  is because I thought they'd attach to things and come off.

I love the constellations and thing it's a great idea!

Have you tried these?

XO

NYX 78 Colour Palette | Review & Thoughts

September Wishlist

BENEFIT LIPSTICK
BOURJOIS BRONZER
RIHANNA NUDE PERFUME
TRUE MATCH FOUNDATION
NEW LOOK GILET
LOREAL CHERYL COLE LIPSTICK 

As all the bloggers say 'woah, didn't this month roll round fast!' we all say it and I truly think August went fast. I feel like August went fast because it's the transition between Summer to Autumn. I feel like Autumn didn't really go into Autumn as fast as last year which was handy - I love Autumn though!

I love this months wishlist and I've finally started shopping each week, getting bits and bobs that I love. No more waiting till the end of the month to pick something up that I want!

I feel like most of the things from this months wishlist will be purchased - I love them all.

Benefit Lipstick | I really want to start trying Benefit things. This one's on sale on their website and it looks really nice. Not too sure what shade I want yet, but the reviews look great.

Bourjois Bronzer | I seriously need this. I swatch it everytime in Boots and it looks great when I test it. I'd love to use this and it's not even that pricey, a definite purchase!

Rihanna Nude Perfume | Following my Perfume Shop interview, I've been scouring the net for perfumes galore. I really want to try this one by Rihanna as I've considered the reviews... I might have to test it first, ha!

Loreal True Match | I've been trying a few foundations out lately, so I'd love to try this one.

New Look Gilet | I love the look of this for the colder/rainier days, I've been looking at coats quite a bit and deciding which ones I'd love to wear.

Cheryl Loreal Lipstick | For some reason, I've only just considered buying this. It's a very old lippie, but I love Cheryl and Loreal so I need to get this in my makeup bag asap!

What items are you lusting over in September?

Any Autumn things on the lookout?

XO

Guest Post | Something I'm Loving At The Moment | LittleMissLines

Hello Little Miss Pradaxo Readers!!

I've teamed up with the lovely Zofia for this Guest Post!  We have decided to share with you what we are loving at the moment! Before we get into the post i thought id share with you a little bit about me, my name Lisa I'm a 24 year old Blogger from the North East. I've been blogging for about 6 months and seriously for the last 3. It's only when I found out about the #bblogger chats that my hobby became more serious and has now become a full time obsession!! I'm so excited to be doing this guest post it's such a great way of reaching new readers and I hope you like what you see!! You can find me over Little Miss Lines if you want to have a look at my Blog and some of my other posts!

As soon as Zofia suggested this topic I new that I had to tell you about the La Roche Posay Effacler Duo as its something that I've been using for a while and have absolutely been head over heels for ever since its purchase. 

What La Roche Posay say: EFFACLAR DUO - Pores are unclogged and purified to help reduce the development of future breakouts. Helps to reduce skin imperfections leaving skin looking clearer and feeling smoother.

I have noticed a dramatic difference in my skin since I started using the Effaclar Duo my skin seems to have evened out and it feel less congested and is super soft now and looks so much clearer, I haven't had as many break outs as I would normally, I still get the odd one or two at a certain time of the month but for the most part it's made a real difference. 

I use this as a moisturiser and apply after I have cleansed and toned my skin in the morning and it absorbs very quickly into my skin and hasn't added any extra time to my morning routine which is always some thing I look for as I'm terrible for rushing in the morning. I have used a primer after applying this as its just a habit I've gotten into but I do think that you could just apply your foundation over the top without the need for primer, it really does have a smoothing and evening effect on the skin. I haven't used this in the evening yet as I'm using up a night face cream but I'm sure that this would be very suitable as a night cream as well as day! 

Overall this is a great moisturiser/serum and will be great for those combination/oily skin beauties like me who are prone to break outs and are looking for a long term solution to the problem. 

You can buy the Effaclar Duo from Boots for £13.00 

Lisa x 

Don't forget you can take a look at my Blog by clicking HERE 

StyleChi.com | Website Review

Hello girls!
Today I'm giving you my thoughts and opinions on a site called 'Style Chi'. Style Chi were looking for a blogger to review their site, test things out and give their honest opinion. When I saw the ad about Style Chi I knew I wanted to be the blogger for them!

The site is great. It's unique. It's different. It's a new way to shop!
After using the site for a few days, I understand the concept fully now and it's something I'm always checking back on.

Style Chi say their website is a new way to shop. Style Chi includes social media interaction to purchase items. The more you interact, the lower the price gets.
Style Chi gave me 10,000 points after I was chosen to blog with them which entitles me to around £5 to shop. I liked an item which gave me more points and then I answered a few basic questions for more points. It's a brilliant way to obtain offers!

''The StyleChi price is a unique price to each customer that is dependent

on their relationship with StyleChi. As a person gets more active with the site

and other users, they collect Chi points. The more Chi points you have the

lower your StyleChi price is…. so get social and get purchasing!''

Style Chi have so many branded items on their site, brands such as Ax Paris, Vans, Steve Madden, Converse, River Island, Vila, Sally and Circle - and more!
I've found a lot of clothing brands through Style Chi that I haven't heard of before!

''We’re here to give you a
rewarding shopping experience that keeps you coming back as the offers just get
better and better. For all social and purchase activity you will immediately be
gifted Chi points that decrease your StyleChi price throughout the site. Not
only that but when you have intended purchases in your shopping bag, StyleChi
includes the points you would earn for those items in calculating the StyleChi
price! Basically every item you have bought and intend to buy in that purchasedecreases your StyleChi price!''

If you want to collect many Chi Points, you can do so by inviting friends, adding friends, everytime you log in you gain points, liking and purchasing is also rewarding. How generous are StyleChi!

On the site, there are different levels. You go from Level 1 - Level 5. Levels are based on your points so at the moment I'm level 3 - exciting! 

''Like any good friendship the more interaction with the site and the

better your relationship with StyleChi, the more we want to give back to you!

StyleChi has specific perks it offers to members depending on how many points

they have. As the relationship grows you will climb through various levels

where you could be offered tailored gifts and personalised service such as

free-shipping or VIP access to limited products. Currently there are 5 levels

within StyleChi, each one a little more stylish and desirable than the last, so

get collecting! Below are the levels, their name and the required points:

+ Level 1 – SC Newbie

– Site wide promotional offers

+ Level 2 – Stylist – Random double point days

Level 3 - free shipping

+ Level 4 – Fashionista – Access to the VIP lounge which contains limited offers on high demand items

+ Level 5 – Fashion Icon – Personal StyleChi shopper service & chance to win invitations to annual StyleChi events''

Style chi is such an exciting website and gives you so many shopping goals. There are so many things to do on the website - instead of browsing clothes and writing down a wishlist, you have more than that. I absolutely love the site. 

A few things from the site that I have my eye on include this beautiful Paprika Lace Love Dress, NYL Dreamy Dress, Ax Paris Crochnea Neck Top and ofcourse this beautiful Friis Company Winky Wallet! 

I hope you enjoyed this review of Style Chi. I've loved explaining about the site to you all and I hope many of you join! If you all leave your email addresses below, I can invite you to join the site - if not, visit stylechi.co.uk to have a browse!

Stay Stylish!

XO

About StyleChi - All About How Style Chi Works - StyleChi.co.uk - StyleChi Shop

A Huge Collective Haul

Hello gorgeous! 

A very exciting post today... It's a collective haul!

These things have been collected over a 3/4 week period, I'm so surprised at how much I've bought because normally, I never seem to buy the latest bits and bobs but lately, I've been buying things soon as they've hit the shops.

This post will be very talkative and picture heavy, so if you're in a reading mood, you're in luck.. get comfy and I'll ramble on!

clothing | After posting this, I've realised how many clothing items I need to purchase! I'm always browsing the isles of boots now a days so I need to pop in to H&M instead... 
For clothing bits and bobs I've picked up two Primark items. I always pop in there and they had a sale on ages ago so I picked up these two for £5 each. I love minty greens and so this thin peplum can go with leggings and a jacket in Autumn, even though the colour is very much Spring like, I love mint greens so I had to pick this up.
The tassle top isn't really me but tassles have been 'in' this year so I picked this peachy/beige colour top up with black tassles, this will go well with boots or something in the autumn and it's quite long/floaty so I'll probably look twice the size - but nevermind, I'll find a way to style it!

Makeup Face Products | 

Wake Me Up Face Shimmer | Excited to try this, such a bargain for £1 instead of the ridiculous £5 price tag. 

Collection Foundation | I'll be using this as a concealer because it's very light but I'm a bit unhappy that I bought this from Poundland and it's half used... nevermind.

Wake Me Up Foundation | I've read all the reviews and I've finally bought it. I can't wait to use as it looks like a great foundation. It's also quite darker than my Match Perfection one which I like. I love looking tanned instead of a shade lighter..

Bath/Body | 

Baylis and Harding Soaps | I only like Body Shop soaps so I'm looking forward to trying these. I prefer the mandarin soap better than the pink one but they both look like great products so I can't wait to try.

Ted Baker Butterfly Range Scrub | This smells lovely and I needed a new scrub so I'm also looking forward to using this. I love the butterfly range.

Tesco Bath Collection | Shimmer Lotion, Body Polish and Bath crystals. I've never tried all three of these so something different in my collection. Most excited to try the crystals.

Sanctuary Items | I've picked up some mini's and a bigger size body lotion. I love the body lotions and the scents of Sanctuary items so I'm looking forward to trying the bigger size lotion. I've never tried a scrub from them so I can't wait to use this. I've used a wash in the past and I've used this one up already - I love them.

Champneys Minty Spritz | I've loved using this in the Summer! It's so fresh and minty and refreshes you if it's warmer weather. It's a bit of an impulse buy but I enjoyed using the Soap and Glory girligo so I decided to give this a go. I think it's going to be lovely in the colder months too.

The Body Shop Bits | After buying the Raspberry Body Butter I decided to opt for a lightly scented one. The Vitamin E one seemed different and has a really light scent. I picked up the strawberry wash and satsuma lotion too.

Baylis Minis | I love these Minis from B&H, I like the mandarin scent more than the pink coloured bottles but these are so handy in my little bath collection. They lather well too, so they last quite long considering they come in mini versions.

Haircare |

Gliss Asia Straight Shampoo&Conditioner | I know, I know.. I said I disliked Gliss items a short while ago but I really liked the look of the Asia Straight range so I thought why not.. they smell amazing too!

Eye Makeup |

Dainty Doll Shadows | I picked up the beige base which I've used already - it seems pretty good! I also picked up the dark brown shadow which is super pigmented and smooth on the eyes. 

Natural Collection Brown Duo | I've never tried a Natural Collection duo but I bought this and I love it. It's a makeup bag essential instead of carrying round multiple shadows. It's pigmented, considering it's only £2 and the shades are great for everyday. 

Rimmel Union Jack Eyeshadow Palette | I saw this in Poundland and it looks great! I love olivey/bronzey shades so I'm excited to use this.

Rimmel Traffic Stopping Shadow Trios | I love these two trios, I love green/olive shadows as I've mentioned and I love eyeshadows like these that arn't based in a pan..if that makes sense? I also like using grey's occasionally so I love the pinky/grey trio. 

Rimmel Mono Eyeshadow | I love browns, they're my go to shades. I picked this shadow up in Poundland and I've actually seen these in stores but didn't bother with them. I can't wait to use this and I'm hoping it's pigmented.

Lash Accelerator Mascara, Rimmel | This is amazing. I absolutely love it. It's become my go to mascara. I love the wand and how it makes my lashes look. Yay, Rimmel's done it again!

Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam | £5 introductory offer - can't go wrong. It's a new mascara and the wand is very different. I prefer the mascara mentioned above but this is fairly okay. I'll review this soon.

Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara | Never seen this in shops so I was made up when I saw it in Poundland. It's a basic wand, but works wonders.

Lip Products | 

No7 High Shine Lipgloss, Smile | Such a different applicator but such a brilliant lipgloss. It's sticky, yes - but I love the shade too much to care about the formula. I've never thought about a No7 gloss before so I decided to purchase. I love this and I might even pick up more shades. 

Primark Lip Crayon | I've mentioned millions of times before how much I enjoy using the Poundland ones so I decided to get one from Primark. It's very smooth, pigmented and glossy - for £1.50 I'll definately pick any more shades up.

Rimmel Apocalips, Nova | Finally! I've said so many times how much I want one, now I need to get round to using! I bought this in July and I still haven't used, but there will be a review on the blog sometime extra soon. I love this shade a lot.

Miners Matte Factor, Cappuccino | I love this, it's such a plain shade but looks really pretty with a light eye. I bought this around the start of July and I need to get round to using it more. It's not that drying, either.

Baby Lips, Cherry Me | I got one! I've used mine once and got it at the start of August, it's great. I've read so many negatives on this but I love mine and want the whole collection. I love the taste and it leaves a subtle shade on my lips which I love. 

Primark Lipstick, Bright Pink | I bought this for £1. It's a gorgeous bright pink but I haven't used it yet to see if it appears on my lips that way. I think it may be a bit drying so I might have to put my baby lips underneath!

Other Face items | The gorgeous people at Montagne Jeunesse sent me these face freebies which I can't wait to try! I got a mud pac, a passion peel off and an olive face mask. I'm so excited to try and use their Mondays for Me app while I'm at it!

Collection Mosaic Glow | I also bought this mosaic bronzer the other week which is amazing! I've used it a few times already and I'm definitely going to review it. I love the shade and the shimmer and it's only around the £2 mark. Brill!

Nail Polishes |

OPI Black Shatter | Purchased from Poundland. I hate shatter polishes but for £1 I had to pick it up. They did loads of other shatter shades and I've seen a blog post this week on normal polishes from OPI in Poundland so I'll have to keep my eyes open.

Rimmel 60 seconds polish, Deliciously Dark | I'm definitely looking forward to Autumn so I picked this polish up. It's a beautiful aubergine shade. A bit black, bit with a purple tint. I'm not a lover of darks but this is a lovely shade.

Colour Show Polishes, Midnight Taupe/Green With Envy | An Autumn shade and a spring shade! I've recently applied Midnight Taupe and my mum's been rocking the minty shade this week! I love the whole colour selection of Colour show polishes and I'll always collect more but I don't like the gloopyness of them and the time they take to set. That's the only downside!

aaaaaaaaaaaand breathe... I've finally showed you everything I've purchased over the weeks! It's taken me a few hours to complete this post so it's satisfied my boring afternoon.. I hope you enjoyed!

Have you tried any of these items?

Thoughts?

XO