Matchey Matchey

BIRTHDAY HAUL!! 🎁

Saying as my birthday was coming up, and I was stuck at home with the internet for company (along with my hubby and baby off course) I decided to treat myself to some tech accessories, saying as I’ve all this free time (I haven’t really noticed it tbh) and get back into proper blogging again! I do love a new phone cover too, and I do become obsessed with having one to match different outfits. Anyway a little discount code popped up for Coconut Lane and I clicked it. Not really intending to purchase much just a little nosey at their stuff. But I instantly fell in love with the Abstract Vibes pattern!!! it just drew me in!

When my parcel initially came I opened it up and was so excited, then my hubby asked would I like to save it for my birthday present so I agreed. The worst part was waiting about 10 days maybe more until I could actually put my new covers on!

First I was checking out the Abstract Vibes MacBook Case, because who doesn’t need a jazzy cover to protect your digital BFF? When I finally got all the packaging off (it was packaged and wrapped up very well) I realised I had no clue how to put it on… I did eventually get it sussed after a lot of clicking and confusion, But I’m pretty sure that was a Jude problem. It has a beautiful matte look but soft feel. And knowing that it’s going to protect my laptop from any possible scratches while also standing out and looking pretty sassy makes me happy!

So laptop’s outfit sorted now onto the phone…obviously they have to match… So when I found the Phone Cover to match you know I was gonna click ‘add to cart’ The only regret I have is not opting for the Personalised Version.. but maybe another time or pattern! It is a soft flexible cover which is great because I sometimes find a harder case just doesn’t last me very long!

Well if you know anything about me it’s that I CANNOT leave a shop without buying a notebook! and this was no exception I found this little Notebook to match my Abstract Duo and instantly added it! I think I done pretty well only buying one tbh!!

Then I seen the Abstract Vibes Card Holder, I’ve been on the look out for a while for a small card holder and never really found one I was really dying about. So it was joining the rest of the bunch pronto!! and I’m so glad I did because its even cuter in real life!

They did have a bundle deal with Notebook, phone cover and laptop skin, that I was very tempted to get but I just wasn’t sure if I could trust myself to put the skin on without getting frustrated or making a big mess! Im glad I went for the case for that added protection tho!

The only problem is I want literally everything on the site, but I’m being good(ish) I’ve started a want list… and next on my list is the stay at home wellness bundle.

I hope my ramblings have been entertaining if not useful. And you guys are all staying home and keeping safe!

 

xoxo OfficialJudeMitch 💋

Deep Clean

The other day I finally bit the bullet and give my makeup brushes a good deep clean. This is a task I have been putting off for far too long. I normally pride myself on having a very rigorous cleaning routine at home, and am normally pretty strict when I have used a brush it goes in the ‘used’ pile (or pot) but lately things have gotten a bit all over the place. A mixture of not leaving the house and therefore not needing makeup on and also pure laziness!!!

So I spent a good portion of my Saturday night sorting, cleaning, conditioning, sterilising and reshaping my makeup brushes…as well as disposing of a few that have seen their best days. then I left them overnight on towels to dry. ready to be organised and placed into their rightful home. I love my My Kit Co Brush Caddy for storing my brushes and keeping them organised on my makeup station, both at home an at work. I could do with another one and at the minute I’m trying to decide between the Big one that I have or the Small one.

But anyway here’s my favourite brush cleaners from Beauty Bay:

I almost always forget about my Beauty Blenders, Probably because they’re so much effort but using this Beauty Blender Liquid Blender Cleanser makes that task so much easier. Simply get your blenders together, dampen with warm water and rub this in. It has a ‘low-sud’ formula so you don’t spend all day rinsing out the bubbles!

I think I should definitely invest in the Sigma Beauty Spa Brush Cleaner to save my poor wee hands from drying out. Instead of swirling the brushes around the palm of my hands this bad boy sticks to the sink with its handy suckers and has a few different ridges for different brushes. It’s probably a bit more hygienic too.

In between deep cleans a quick clean with something like the Cinema Secrets Professional Brush Cleaner is ideal. not only does it dry quickly, It is also super easy to use. Either pop a bit on some kitchen roll and wipe the brush bristles in the solution and then on a towel. Or pop some in a shallow dish and dip your brush bristles in quickly and then clean off on some kitchen roll or a towel.

But for a big deep clean I love using a solid bar like the Juno & Co. Clean up your act Solid Cleansing Bar for my makeup brushes. Simply wet your brush bristles and swirl in the bar, then use your hand (or the Sigma brush cleaner from above) to swirl your brushes around, Rinse, and repeat until you’ve got them bad boys nice and sparkly and clean.

Another thing on my wish list is the Sigma Beauty Dry’n Shape Spa! It’ll definitely save me so much drying space in the future. You can use the barrel for washing and then it has slots to pop your brushes so they take up less room and dry quicker. Win win!!

Happy Cleaning you guys!!

xoxo OfficialJudeMitch

*I have not been paid for this blog, it does however have affiliate links.

 

Beauty Bay’s Best Buys

Beauty Bay is the go to for all things Beauty and Makeup. Ive picked 5 of my favourites from their website!

First up the EMBRYOLISSE LAIT CREME CONCENTRE NOURISHING MOISTURISER, (I don’t know how to pronounce it either. I was so dubious about buying this cream. I bought it when my skin was really annoying me so I was hesitant to spent any more money on a ‘magic cream’. But I’m glad I did. It’s so versatile with uses from Moisturiser, Primer and even make-up remover.

Next we have the bPerfect 10 second medium coconut Self Tanning Spray I’m a big fan of bPerfect (it’s based in Belfast) From their OG the Semi Permanent Brow Kit to their amazing MUA collab Collections. The 10 Second tan is one I have repeatedly bought and still love. If Dark and ultra dark is more up your street they have that covered for you too.

Beauty Bay EYN 42 Colour Palette is a super fun, and easily blendable eyeshadow palette. It’s Bright and Beautiful and I just love it. But not to worry if you’re more a neutral eyeshadow gal, they have a whole host of different shades in their collection to pick from here.

MYKITCO. My BigBrush Buddy I just love my brush buddy! This has been a lifesaver literally every day from I bought it! It’s ideal for sorting out your brushes into 6 sections and has a super hands strap ideal if you’re a mum and move your makeup brushes about a lot. It also links pretty good sitting on your makeup station.

This bad boy is on my wish list (ok its already in my basket) Project Lip Plump and Gloss I Love the idea of having fuller plumper lips but without the commitment. so this is a no brainer from me!

I hope you liked my little Beauty Bay Best Bits for now!

xoxo OfficialJudeMitch

 

*I have not been paid for this blog, but affiliate links have been used.

Dorothy Perkins Isolation Shopping

I don’t know about you but lately I’ve been constantly picturing all the post isolation events out and outfits I’m going to be wearing. I have become obsessed with online shopping. while browsing through Dorothy Perkins I’ve stumbled across some deadly outfits for now and after isolation and I thought I would share my faves with you guys!!

 

First up is this little number… Leopard Print Ruched Dress, you know I love a bit of leopard print so what’s not to love with this dress. I love the length and neckline. Something that I always struggle with when buying dresses. and not to worry if leopard prints not for you. It comes in a selection of different colours and patterns.

 

Next up is this Beauty…Once I spotted it I fell in love with it. I’m picturing it styled with a similar top and denim jacket. I think it’ll be so easily dressed up with some killer heals or dressed down with either flats, trainers or good old flip flops.

I just LOVE a good Jumpsuit, I generally find it quite hard to get one to suit my shape but I just fell in love with this Jump Suit!! The colours, the waistband, the neckline and the length! I think it would easily move from summer to autumn pretty easily.

 

What summer wardrobe is complete with out a killer Maxi Dress. And I may have fallen in love with this Khaki Green Maxi Dress. It’s another one that could be so easily styled up or casually by switching up some accessories or your shoes.

Off course you cant go anywhere (online) without picking up some loungewear and I fell for these Khaki Cargo Pants and this Organic cotton T-Shirt. Makes a change from my black leggings and baggy pyjama tops I’ve been living in lately.

While I was browsing I also picked up some accessories, like these Belts that I thought would help change up a few outfits. I also thought that this little Pom pom trim clutch bag screamed summer. And I just can’t go anywhere without buying some Leopard print socks!! 

I hope this gives you guys some style Inso. i’d love to know what you guys are buying while in isolation.

xoxo OfficialJudeMitch

*I have not been paid for this blog, but it does contain affiliate links.

What shampoo?

If you’re missing your weekly blow-dry as much as the rest of us or you just want to pamper your hair like it deserves then here is my guide to MATRIX shampoos.

My favourite all rounder for Coloured hair: MATRIX total results Color Obsessed with vitamin E and sunflower oil this is perfect for getting your hair clean while keeping the colour tone and natural moisture. If you want to really pamper yourself then give Biolage Color Last a go.

Blonde ambition: To keep your perfect blonde blonde use Hello Blondie: Not to be confused with silver shampoos this is for what I would call ‘proper blonde’ more honey/nude/sandy/beachy blondes.

If Cool and Icy is your ticket then go for: Total Results So Silver this duo is sure neutralise and keep your icy locks cool this summer!! And if you like your shampoos a little more au natural (by that I mean with natural ingredients) how about the biology version Color Last Neutralize purple shampoo?

If you just need to stop the brass then the obvious choice is Total Results Brass Off ,this is ideal if your hair is prone to go a little brassy for whatever reason over time. It’s ideal for both Blondes and  Brunettes!

Then we have the new kid on the block: Dark Envy This is ideal if you are seeing red..undertones that is. It’s perfect for darker hair (like the name suggests) It’s perfect to help embrace your darker base and kill red

Now we have one of my favourites: Keep Me Vivid This is ideal from a reddy brown, a subtly pastel right through to a crazy red head or rainbow queen! It basically does what it says on the tin…. Keeps my hair VIVID!!!

In need of a little boost? Or hair just a little too limp for your liking? then you need this band boy: Total Results High Amplify another one of my favourite volumising shampoos is the biology version Volume Bloom

In need of a little moisture boost? Keep your hair hydrated with the Total Results Moisture Me Rich

Frizzy hair got you down? then you need some Mega Sleek in you’r life! (check out the Iron Smoother heat protector)

Hair Knackered after a little too much chemical damage? give the Keratindose Trio a go! or is your hair naturally lacking condition? the biology Fiberstrong uses natural bamboo extracts to build up your hair from within. Use these like you would medicine.

Curly haired girls!!! GET IT WHILE YOU CAN! TOTAL RESULTS Curl Please they keep threatening to take this one away from us.

Now you’ve had your pick of the shampoos how about my favourite Conditioning treatment: Hydrasource Treatment give your hair a good towel dry after shampooing and pop this magic potion in and leave for 10-30 mins.

And no hair care station should be complete without this bad boy in it: Total Results Miracle Creator Treat 20 or as we like to call MAGIC SPRAY! This is the leave in de-tangler you’ve been dreaming off! to has 20 benefits. but it smooths, de frizzes and smells super nice so wha more do you need?

This is a quick round up of some of my favourite Shampoos, and what they can do! They are all available from HighMaintenance, but for now you can click on the links and order there. (Use code FIRST20 for a little discount) I hope this guide helps you pick your perfect pair!!

xoxo OfficialJudeMitch

Salon trusted site

 

 

 

Lockdown Locks

e3e5527e-1f17-4ec7-8715-becc8c4387f7Ok so we’re all in lockdown, not going to see anyone for possibly a few months. You’ve missed your hair, nail and brow appointments, and you’ve roots like you’ve never seen them before. Not to mention the new and unusual tone of your mid lengths and ends.

What’s a girl to do?

….. Just deal with it, we are all in the same boat.

You might think us hairdressers are saying this because we don’t want you to realise you can just wack a box kit in and be grand. We’re saying this because we don’t know what’s in box kits. when we are colouring your hair in the salon we don’t just pick a colour you like and stick it on. We have to think about what way your hair has been treated already, underlying tones, the length of regrowth.

But anyway I’m here to talk about how you’re going to survive the next few weeks, not only missing your much loved hairdressers but getting to grips with those pesky roots.

Now is the perfect time to get ready for a change of colour or revamp when the salons are open again. By not colouring  your hair for a few weeks means there is going to be less colour build up as your colour will have gradually faded out, meaning that when you’re back in the hot seat it will be easier to do a bigger colour change or of going a lot lighter. Just don’t forget to mention to your stylist when you’re getting booked in again!

It’s also a really good time to help grow out a short cut, or a fringe.

It’s great for all you guys thinking about going back to your natural colour.

I know that’s everyones cup of tea and you just want to disguise those pesky roots here’s some of my tips:

Volume: And lots of it! (I use Matrix Amplify Wonder Boost  ) by lifting the hair from your scalp you’re hiding the roots, if your hair is extra flat just pop in some dry shampoo. (Dry shampoo is also great if you’re blonde and have darker roots.) Use rollers or backcombing to help get that extra oomf.

Get creative with hair bands, bows and clips: its simple, distract from the roots by using an awesome hair accessory. and the crazier the better. (because you know what? no one can see you!) if that’s not your thing…a big ass hat!! we’ll all be rocking big sun hats soon.

Messy Hair Don’t Care: a messy plait or up style will disguise the roots with added volume and body.

Curls: This works the same way as the volume and messy hair, it’s giving you added height and movement so your roots don’t look as noticeable.

Clean hair: When your hair Is freshly washed your roots never look as bad as what they do when you’re needing a wash.

Embrace them: show your roots. we are all in this together and we are all going to have bad roots soon enough, even us hairdressers.

So don’t panic about them just yet, take this time to focus on your hairs condition by enjoying a pampering conditioning treatment while you’re doing a Netflix marathon, learn how to do something different with your hair like curling with your straighteners or a new plaiting technique. Or if you’re like me embrace the hun bun!!

I hope this helps you, I’d love to hear what you guys are up to in isolation.

xoxo OfficialJudeMitch

 

 

 

2020 diary hunt!

The hunt is on for the perfect 2020 diary

You know how much of a stationary addict I am by now, and you also know how fussy I am when it comes to choosing a diary!

I mean you have your notebook (or 4) that you carry about and chop and change every so often, but your diary is your companion that you have to stick with for a whole year!

I may have started my search a little earlier this year, but I just like to be organised and the first time I needed to put in an appointment for 2020 I knew I had to get on it! Throughout my search this year I’ve discovered a few new brands to me and Im gona share them with you guys!!

This is my year 2020 diary from just add inspiration. It’s A5, hardback and has a spiral bound! As well as spaces to jot down what you’re grateful for that day! I love the ethos behind this brand! They are even donating 10% of profits to a chosen charity. (So you’re basically donating to charity and not treating yourself 😉) The only question is now what colour should you pick?

They even have the option to add a pen to your order with an inspirational quote too! The lovely guys over at Just Add Inspiration have given me a discount code for you guys too just pop in JUDE10 before the end of November!

Boxclever Perfect year 2020 Diary:

A5, check ✅

hardback, check ✅

Looks the part, check ✅

not your average diary, check ✅

It is definitely an eye catching diary, a week to view! There’s loads of space for all your appointments and there’s even space for notes!! And a little handy pen loop! And my two favourite things about this diary… there’s STICKERS!! (The awesome people at Box Clever Press very generously gifted me one and so far I’ve been having loads of fun adding stickers to dates for birthdays, dentist appointments and special dates!) They even have loads of different stickers and accessories to purchase separately here!

My other favourite feature is the handy perforated pages for all your shopping lists! And I love a good shopping list, almost as much as I love buying stationary! So this is going to come in VERY handy!

If you like that then you’ll love the set that comes with a A diary and cover, the best way to keep your diary in tip top condition all year round and just fill it up with a great new diary next year! Win win!

There’s even a Calendar to match!

Another thing I did spot on Box clever’s Instagram the other day is the Internet password notebook. I know this will come in super handy and I’ve already earmarked it as a Christmas gift!

I hope this helps you choose your perfect 2020 diary! If you happen to stumble across your perfect diary somewhere else few free to share!

xoxo OfficialJudeMitch 💋

Why Norwex?

What’s Norwex you might ask? Well while half the country has been making chemical cocktails and spending all their hard earned dosh on half of the cleaning isle I’ve been making a conscious effort to reduce the amount of chemicals I use in my home and on my body…… pfffft well if you believe that you’ll believe anything! I actually don’t give a monkeys about chemicals in the air or whatever! But I do care about cleaning my house in the quickest and easiest way possible! Also if I can save some money while I’m at it it’s a win win!! 

And if you haven’t heard of Norwex it it’s basically cleaning products that are going to CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!

I know they have changed mine!
I went along to my first ever Norwex party more so to get out of the house one night, and I give myself a £20 budget for the party!
Well I was blown away! The products looked amazing! And after a few demos I knew I had to get my hands on them! It was about a month before we moved into our new house and I thought what better way to start off the new house than with some nice new cleaning cloths! I probably spent around £60 on my bag of tricks and I haven’t looked back since! I’ve basically cut out almost all the cleaning products I would have been buying on a regular basis. Because you just don’t need them!

I still like bleach in the toilets and a bit of Zoflora down the sinks every now and again but that’s slowly dying

So here’s a run through of some of the products I tried first!
First off there was an Enviro Cloth this is a miracle microfibre cloth and I’ve been using it all over the house, from windows to worktops to the kitchen chairs and I’ve even been knows to get down and get a stubborn mark off the floor that my mop has failed to get! What’s even more exciting you can pair the enviro cloth perfectly with the  Window Cloth for the most amazingly streak free windows and mirrors, using get this….. ONLY WARM WATER, you can see the two together in the Basic Package here.

Another of my favourite products is the Optic Scarf. You probably need one Of these for every hand bag you own and spares. This bad boy has been a hit with everyone I meet! I love it for cleaning not only my glasses, but my phone screen and camera lenses. You can achieve a streak free screen in SECONDS! Using just the cloth! And It has a handy clip to attach onto your bag making it the ultimate multifunction accessory.

I’m having a Norwex party in a few weeks and I’ve a few things I’ve been meaning to try and first on my hit list is the Laundry Detergent, for numerous reasons, my mum (and anyone who has tried it) raves about it for a start and you use so little of it, there’s no smell just a clean scent! And the more I hear about the nasty chemicals and added bulking agents in other detergents the more I want it, especially with a little one on the way!

Obviously that means I’ll have to try some of the baby items out, and knowing what my skin is like I’m so nervous about baby wipes, even the water ones. Enter Norwex and their Baby Body Pack aka reusable baby wipes. I’ve already started stock piling these bad boys! And if they’re anything like the Adult Body Packs I know I’ll love them!

Then off course there’s the Baby Hooded Towel Set I just think it’s soooo cute and feels amazingly soft!

Since I’ve been introduced to Norwex I’ve been slowly but surely building up my haul, and so far I’ve loved everything I’ve tried. And I can honestly say it’s saved me a bucket load on cleaning products because I just don’t feel the need to even walk down the cleaning products isle any more!

If you wanna check out the whole catalogue just Click here!

http://leannejenkinson.norwex.co.uk/en_GB/customer/party/165807

Xoxo OfficialJudeMitch

Free Stuff at your Fingertips

1B501A30-D6B0-4D52-AA8D-6915F128652F

So with Christmas fast approaching (and my little ones arrival) I’m conscious about saving money and spending less! But I still like treating myself and I still like the finer things when it comes to Makeup and Health & Beauty products. So when I discovered Latest Free Stuff I was thrilled!

It’s been a great way to discover new favourites and I’ve been introduced to brands I’ve never heard off. From nappies to skincare! Shower gels to socks! even feminine care (seriously who wants to spend money on that?)

55293820-0A19-467B-8D65-6B611721F168.jpeg

I’ve received perfume samples that I’ve fell in love with and went on to purchase. I love  sample sizes for traveling and now they are going towards my hospital bag stockpile.

1F5FA6CB-ABDA-4F66-9F74-89E940D36389.jpeg
Some of my Baby and hospital bag Freebies

So every day they update the site (and Facebook page) with different links to claim free goodies. This saves you the bother of looking yourself and introduces you to different brands. It also takes the hassle out of trying to decide what to buy when you can sample a selection for FREE! Just this week they have had: free dog food from tails.com , kitten food from royal canine, St Tropes face masks, Mac and Clarin’s foundations, as well as a whole host of other great freebies to claim. and not only that, there are also fun competitions to enter. anything from Original Sources goodie bags to laptops! (fingers crossed)

8424D317-9A58-4B30-95DD-90BA52DE661B

You never know you could stumble across a new favourite brand or product that you never knew existed. Or you could get the chance to try something you’ve been meaning to try but never wanted to fully commit to buying a high end product when you weren’t 100% sure you were going to like it.

It was a no brainer when I signed up. I spend enough time on my phone or laptop never mind on Facebook so why not get some free stuff while I’m at it? It’s so simple to Join and you get to decide what freebies you want to claim! It has became one of the first things I check every morning!

click on the links below to join now:

Free Stuff Facebook Group 

Free MakeUp

Free Health & Beauty

I hope this helps you guys! I know it helped me, I only wish I knew about it sooner!!!

XOXO OfficialJudeMitch

L;ft facecare

So not so long ago a photo popped up on my Instagram from two years ago. And it literally made me stop in my tracks! The first thing that came into my head was ‘when did I get so old looking?’ The picture was only two years ago and I thought I looked like a baby compared to what I look like now! So something had to be done!!

After the initial shock I then decided I needed to change up my skincare routine, Fast forward a few days and I had done my research, Ok so basically I though really hard and tried to remember what my skincare routine was like back then. As mine is seriously lacking right now. I’ve been using good old Astral and a Norwex body cloth, as everything else has given me a reaction lately. I knew it wasn’t the body shop as slowly but surely I have discovered I’m allergic to pretty much every face product they have produced, which is such a pitty as I LOVE their body care products. I was pretty certain it wasn’t no7 my next favourite brand and before I started using them I was using a boots own brand that I think was called ‘time delay’ and I know it was unfortunately discontinued as I can remember stocking up when I found out it was to be no more.

So I took a nosey intoBOOTS  to see if I could find anything similar or a new version of the brand. And I stumbled across L;ft so I had a look and bought 3 products to try, a Good Morning SPF15 Day Moisturising Cream, an Instantly Gorgeous Dramatically Hydrating Night Oil and a more targeted  Line Smoothing Concentrate.

The Morning After; So last night I used the line smoothing concentrate on my forehead along with the night oil! And my astral on top around my chin. I was so surprised that when I applied the concentrate how nourishing it felt as anything I’ve tried before has been kind of sticky. But I woke up this morning for the first time in a long time not dying to run and apply moisturiser! So I’m happy so far!

Today I’m going swimming and using the day cream for the first time.

Ok so I hadn’t left the house and my chin was starting to feel dry so I popped on some of my trusted astral to get me through the morning. But apart from that nothing needed topped up after swimming, and then for coffee and then a hospital appointment.

I can’t get over the smell of everything, it’s a sweet but not sickening smell and all the products go on with ease and sink into my skin nicely without leaving an oily residue.

………

Just over two weeks in, and I’m noticing a vast improvement on my skin, I’m pretty sure the wrinkles between my brows have reduced slightly. This may be wishful thinking but they were really starting to annoy me, and I was tempted to opt for a fringe just to cover them up again! I’ve also been getting so many compliments about my skin. (Happy Face) I still have a dryer patch around my mouth and chin but I can live with that

So far I’m happy with the products I’ve got and I’m planning on taking another trip to see what else I need now!

This blog was first published in August 2019 and it is currently May 2020 and I have to say I am still using the L;ft range since and I’ve repurchased them again (I’m only on my second Instantly Gorgeous Dramatically Hydrating Night Oil the only time my skin got bad since I started using it was when I was in the hospital for two nights having Emily and forgot to pick up my skincare bag. but I would defiantly recommend the whole range!

As always I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions on any skincare you’ve tried recently!

xoxo OfficialJudeMitch