What's in my Cupboard? - Medical Box!

Today I'm going to be doing a post about my little medical box. This is just a box of a few essentials I use or need - I stock up these products when they get low.

This is mainly a picture post but it may be helpful for some people if they wish to have their own medical box and know what to put into it!

I keep a tube of Deepfreeze for when I do super intense workouts, I also have Deepheat but my dad is boring it at the moment.
I also keep some Thrush Cream, after my super bad time of having it (and having it misdiagnosed several times). Its really handy for the ladies, and I cannot recommend how helpful it is, especially having such horrible things like Thrush going on 'down there'.

I keep a tube of Sudocreme - I don't know anyone who doesn't really have Sudocreme about. Its helpful for so many things (and I sometimes use it when having bad spot outbreaks!)
I always keep a tin of Vaseline as well, its super handy. When I'm really poorly I get dry lips, especially when I had borderline pneumonia - its super handy and great for the odd other thing too you may need it for!

I always keep some tape, remember the days at school when you had to use this to cover your earrings? God I hated it! However I bought this for when I broke my toes last year and I've just had it since - I may need it for a bandage one day, who knows! Its good if you have no plasters too!
I have the obligatory tissues - you just have to have tissues!
I also have Olbas Oil which is a dream for when you have a cold! Add a few drops into boiling water, put your face over it and cover your head with a towel - it will seriously help you clear your airways!
And I have tweezers.. I wont forget when I had a thorn stuck in my foot and couldn't get it out. Tweezers are definitely good for more then just eyebrows!

A thermometer is a must - mine was a few pounds from Lloyds Pharmacy. You really need a thermometer if you don't have one!

Yes, another female product. I had super bad Cystitis at the same time as Thrush, and I've have had it a few times as well after that so it does come in handy to have.

I also have nurofen which I need to buy more of since having these constant headaches. Nurofen or Ibuprofen is something I always have in the house!

Plasters are amazing! I love these particular ones, although I do think they never stay on when you go in water, but I haven't found a plaster that has yet really! However these are very durable!

Anthisan is great for all them bites you get especially in the summer! Definitely an essential I always carry round with me!

Hope you enjoyed this and gave you a few ideas my lovelies!

Emma Victoria

xoxox

Why I WON'T Purchase Benefit Anymore

UPDATE - Benefit have personally emailed me and others who tweeted and/or wrote blog posts in regards to this issue. I have personally been in contact and listened to what Benefit have had to say in regards to what happened. They are deeply sorry and completely wish they could take back the remarks made. I'll be personally talking with them further on how they can redeem themselves after this issue. Watch this space!

------------------------------------------------------

Source - Twitter

So, It's rare I normally break my blogging schedule as I usually post

on a Saturday but yesterday there was an... 'incident' over on twitter which sparked rage with Benefit Cosmetics Customers in the UK.

The incident, for those who haven't seen or heard about this on Twitter; was in regards to this tweet posted by Benefit UK over on twitter... It may seem like 'fun' to tag onto trending topics on Twitter - but from a Brand who should know much better?

Yes. It may be 'funny' to some to follow this hashtag on Twitter - but you don't see a hashtag of #MakeaMovieASkinny (no offence to any of my slim followers - I'm just using that as an example on the other end of the spectrum).

Source - Twitter

Benefit promptly deleted the tweet - but that doesn't mean it went unseen. Many people picked up on the tweet and started tweeting Benefit asking why they made such a body shaming tweet considering part of their clients are plus sized or not of a slim build.

Source - Twitter

They then made things a million times worse for themselves at Benefit...

They apologised for 'any offence caused' - now I studied English Language at college and many others picked up on this as well... They apologised for those who got offended for what they said; not apologising for the remarks that one person on their social media team made. Sorry, really is the hardest word it seems.

So after chatting to many ladies over on my personal twitter I and Bethany Owen (a lovely MUA I was chatting to in regards to the subject) got a tweet from the Benefit US page...

Source - Twitter

Source - Twitter

Now I will definitely give credit to the US sisters for picking up on the damn right stupidness of the tweet made by the UK sister page. But really? Their US sisters had to apologise for the UK page?
Thank you to the lovely people over the pond at Benefit for realising the mistake was made... but I don't think anyone was really happy with regards to Benefit UK - why should Benefit US apologise for a mistake Benefit UK made?

They also sent me a lovely tweet (left) in regards to me saying how it doesn't really make me feel any better about myself after what Benefit UK posted.


Was it over? Nuh uh.

Benefit UK Tweeted out:
"We made a big mistake. We joined a hashtag in bad taste. We truly believe beauty comes in all shapes & sizes. Please accept our apology."

Frankly Benefit UK? I won't. I accept Benefit US's apology as they reacted as soon as they heard of the incident. But not Benefit UK.
You tried to defend your remarks by apologising for the offence people took - not an apology of your actions until around 12.30 midnight? Ironic no? That a majority of people would be in bed by then anyway - this tweet should've been released straight after the offensive tweet was posted.

They also tweeted me after my response to their second apology (see right) - I got the usual robot apology that everyone else got.

This was a mistake that could make people become self conscious with their bodies - you are a brand Benefit UK - what sort of idealisms does it give to young girls using your products if you post such offensive tweets?


Overall for me, as a plus size model who built up their make-up portfolio for me to do my make-up on shoots using Benefit products - I will no longer be using these products and I will re-build my modelling make-up box using other brands from now on. Cosmetic brands should be about making people feel beautiful and better about themselves, not make them feel as if they aren't beautiful because of their size.

Also as a beauty and plus size blogger as well as a body positive advocate - I don't stand for people to ever discriminate anyone no matter what their size. You should never skinny shame or fat shame - everyone has a reason as to why their body is the way it is. And as a brand with a PR and social media team you should know much better then to be posting such an opinion on these type of hashtags.

I fully understand that this was NOT the view of the whole company - however it was posted using the companies twitter page - not a personal twitter account. Which, frankly, is disgusting and completely utterly wrong.

I won't ever purchase Benefit products again, and will most definitely not be recommending them as a good brand to purchase from either. Despite having wonderful products, their reputation is completely tarnished for me and many others.

Sometimes something that may seem like 'harmless fun' - can hurt someone's feelings and mock their appearance. If you ever see something like this, then stop, and think how it would feel if someone had said that about you or someone you love. 

Everyone makes mistakes; but some mistakes are inexcusable. Sorry Benefit but you've lost the custom of this plus size model, plus size blogger and beauty blogger.

Rub A Dub Dub - My Basket of Goodies!

Another beauty related post! I thought I'd share with you all my stash of body goodies that I use when I want to feel luxurious, beautiful and when I want to smell divine. This is my little basket of goodies, some of these were gifted to me and others were either given to me, or I bought myself - I have a huge mixture of bits and bobs that I've accumulated! And some of these products may be familiar, others may not! So have a nosy at my stash!

Body Creams
I have 4 different body creams and butters. I'm currently using my Morrisons Cocoa body butter and then will be moving onto my Johnson's cream.
My cocoa body butter is definitely one of my favourites I will repurchase when I run low on my last pot that I have of body cream. Its completely affordable, available at Morrisons and smells divine!
The Johnson's bedtime cream is also super soft and I love putting this on when I've freshly shaved my legs!
I'll be using my Sanctuary Spa Body Butter in conjunction with my other products at the same time (because I adore using matching products!)
And we all know I just love Soap and Glory - vintage, cute, adorable, and bloody amazing products! I've used the righteous butter millions of times before and I've never been disappointed!

Hand and Foot Creams
I'll start with the Sanctuary Spa Hand Cream, I'll be reviewing this in detail with my other SS products at a later date, but what I will say is I love the smell of this and it makes my hands feel fab!
Again, we can see I have 2 Soap and Glory products - I have the Hand Food and Heel Genius.
The Hand Food is a product that, again, I've used a million times. It smells dleicious, and makes my hands feel amazing, especially in the dry and humid summer! I get dry hands quite badly so always have one of these on hand! I currently have a hand food in my handbag also.
I also have really bad dry and cracked heels on my feet (tmi sorry!) and this does help a little. I wouldn't say its a miracle product; but it does help! I probably need something with more strength but this will do!

Soaps
I have all sorts of soaps! These are some that are in my basket! All of these were gifted to me! I love them, they are so cute! I can't wait to get round to using them! My best friend bought me some before (the two on the bottom) and they smelled amazing, so I can't wait to open one of these beauties again!
I also love body shop one as its my favourite thing ever... Shea Butter! I adore Shea Butter - its amazing!!

Body Scrubs
You can't beat a good old scrub! Again you can see I have my ongoing love for Soap and Glory (my friends know me way too well!) and I'll admit, I do have an undying love for Soap and Glory if you  hadn't guessed. These two are great for when I'm travelling as they are travel size - although I haven't been away or travelling for ages, so I might hold them back for when I do.

Body Washes & Gels
Again the S&G Clean on me appears... this has been regularly in my pocession ever since this product was released. I've always had a Clean on Me whether it be travel size or the big bottle - I LOVE it! I also have the SS Body Wash - this smells amazing, and I just love the hue of orange too!
A new product is the Daisy Eau So Fresh Shower Gel - this came with my perfume in a gift set, and I haven't tried it yet, but it smells magnificent!

Body Lotions
Sometimes I don't always grab the body butter - sometimes I like a light lotion, especially in the hot summers! These are just some of my favourites that I have!
I love the So.. Sinful lotion because it smells amazing, and sinful is my middle name!
The Johnsons Baby naturals cream is also amazing, I use this with after sun when I'm burnt in the summer and its smells amazing and makes my skin feel cooler too.
It's a Skin Thing I got as part of a set, I personally find this lotion extremely watery - its not one I'd re-purchase if it was sold singularly.
The Feather and White one I'm currently using along with the body wash - I love this little bottle and its cute!
I haven't used the Marc Jacobs one yet because I haven't used the body wash, but it smells magnificent and is one I'm extremely excited to use!
Last but not least is the good old Vaseline - this is perfect for dry skin which I get badly in the summer - use a generous amount of this and it will work a complete dream!

Body Sprays
I love to smell sexy and demure - its something that gives me confidence to smell amazing. If I smell sexy and divine, then hopefully a man will too (lets hope that doesn't make me sound desperate...)
Again we see the Soap and Glory Glam-A-Lot Soft and Sexy Fragrant Body Spray - its so lovely. It has a demure musky scent and is just gorgeous... I've re-purchased this about 6 times previously after being gifted it.
I also again love the So...? Sinful - its that sort of strong, dominant sort of fragrance, so if you want a subtle application, I'd only use a little of this!

What's in My Cupboard? - My Daily Essentials

I'm doing a mini series called 'What's in My Cupboard?' I've finally got round to re-organising my cupboard into key sections and thought it would give you a little insight as to what I use, my favourite products that I use and just so you can be nosy!

I've found little boxes and cute little bits to put my things into - it means I can be more organised and there is no excuses for me to say I can't find anything I need (I have a habit of getting it out and just 'chucking' it in the wardrobe.. just to complain that I can't find it the next day).

So first let me say, all these products are what I use once or several times daily. These products are all what I find works best for me and products that help with my skin. However, these are always changing depending on me trying new products.

So I hope you enjoy being nosy and I hope that these products just give you a sort of insight into what I use and what I like!





Starting with the most obvious - deodorant! For me Sure works really well, I normally use one of the fragranced ones (the pink one with flowers? I'm terrible at remembering the illustrious name) but I just needed something to see me through till I went shopping again so I got this one for £1 (on discount in Waitrose). It works well, has a fresh smell and keeps me not sweaty and smelling nice throughout the day!





Next is my two wonderful moisturisers, my No.7 Essential Moisture Day and Night Creams. These are still the tester posts, but they are nearly finished and I will have to re-purchase these when I have more money! I love these, they make my skin silky and soft, and definitely make the dry spots and creases on my face feel so much nicer!



Another product I use for moisturising and protection is Sun cream... Not only is it good for just when its sunny but I use mine in tow of using my moisturisers, I only use a tiny little amount but it helps keep me protected all the time. Considering I get burnt for literally walking outside sometimes; by using a tiny amount of sun cream it means that because I don't have any SPF in my moisturiser, unlike some other moisturisers. However, I don't use this daily, I probably use this once every 2-3 days, and in the spring and summer months only.




For breakouts I'm currently using the Simple Rapid Action roll on treatment. This is another product that has nearly run out, however I can't decide whether to re-purchase or to go back to my usual Freederm products that I used to use. This works for the odd small spot with constant use, but definitely not a product for the short term for myself. I do think this is a good product, for the right person - maybe just not for me!





For make-up removal I'm currently using the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water with cotton balls. This is another product I'm running out of, I've got about 1/5 of the bottle left. I'll be honest, there isn't anything I find wrong with this product, it does the job, it gets my make-up off and it doesn't make my eyes sting but I wouldn't say this product does miraculous wonders, because it is only cleansing water. I may repurchase it, I may not, I may see if there is another product for me to try - who knows!

This product is still relatively new into my collection of Essentials. Its Palmers Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks. Yes, I'm a big girl and I have the odd stretch mark, they are especially bad on my boobs and I'll literally do anything to help get rid of them, and even if it doesn't at least its a really nice moisturising cream for my skin! I do like this product, its lovely, feels great, and smells pretty good too! This product is especially good if you are pregnant as well (for any of my pregnant followers!). I'm going to see how I get on with this product, its hard for me to say if I'll re-purchase it just yet, but if it goes as well as it has already than I may repurchase it!




My last product is a hair product. My hair lately, especially with the upcoming summer and heat - my hair can become brittle and frizzy and just plain ugh. The John Freida Frizz-Ease serum, gives my hair that super silky and smooth feel which I absolutely love. Also when my hair is in this horrible state, I do a double hair wash in the shower (Shampoo, Conditioner, Shampoo, Conditioner). I've been using this product in the summers (and after curling or straightening my hair) for the past 7 years - so it is a product I very much love!


Well I hope you enjoyed this post! It was just something I thought I'd do and considering I hadn't done a beauty related post in a while I thought it would be nice!

Emma Victoria

xoxox

OOTW & Tutorial; Halloween Dead Diner Doll

Halloween is only 2 days away! I conjured up this really cute yet creepy Halloween look - it covers adorable retro chic, my favourite brand of clothing and being totally creepy and creative!

Here are the links to last years Halloween ideas!Rockabilly Zombie
Vintage Broken Doll
Seductive Devil
Dead Slutty Barbie Doll

Outfit

Pink Cynthia Doll Dress, Collectif - £89 .50
White Bobby Socks, eBay - £5
Black Creepers, New Look - £12

Make-Up and Hair Tutorial

Step 1 First off you need to prime your face, I used a basic primer which I had come in a set. I primed my whole face so that the face paint would sit better.

Step 2 After priming, prepare your face paint - I used the Snazaroo face paint in White (you can use any strong pigmented face paint - this is the only one I can use as I'm allergic to others). I did about 2 layers of face paint and blended to make it smooth. When doing the first layer, apply and then smooth out, leave to dry before applying another coat.

Step 3 I then went on to use a blue shimmer dust to contour my face, again for a more dead look. I used a angled brush for a harsh line and then blended out using a blusher brush.

Step 4 Moving onto the eyes. I want a very harsh look to my eyes, seeing as I need to look creepy and dead I used dark greys and blacks. I heavily went over my under eye with a black eye-liner and then smudged this out used a Q-Tip. On the actual eyelids, I used a shimmery grey all over the lid, including the inner corner of my eye, and then in my crease I did a thick blended out line of black. I then used my liquid eyeliner to give myself a medium thickness wing. I tend not to wear false eyelashes (personal preference) so I just used my Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara.

Step 5 The next step is the scars. I used the same liquid liner I used on my eyes to make the scars. These are pretty easy and basic and you just need a steady hand. (I also added a beauty spot!) I then made some fake blood, using an old cheap red lipstick I don't used along with some Vaseline, I then added a scrapping of black eye-shadow to make the colour a bit darker. The gloss of the Vaseline in the light gives the scar a fresh bleeding effect (simple but effective!) I then filled the scars in and over with the fake blood. For the scar under the eye I made a gap between the two centre lines of the scar (seeing left above image) - this is an open wound, its the same process, just fill in the gap with the fake blood.

Step 6 The lips - I used my Rimmel Dark Berry Lipstick I got for winter last year (I love dark berry shades for Autumn and Winter). After applying my lipstick as normal, I added some black eyeshadow to the corners and outer line of my lips and rubbed my lips together for a dark red/purpley/black effect!

Step 7 The last step is the hair. I did a simple messy beehive, just cause its simple, easy and easy to make a mess of! I split my hair into two, I put the lower back half into a high ponytail where I want the beehive to sit, and the other half a bun on my head till I have the ponytail where I want. I then back comb the ponytail and fold it over itself, pinning the hair on the underside (use as many pins are you wish on this part, it will be covered over. I then took the rest of my hair, back combed it and put it over the now back combed folded over ponytail and pinned. I then took a comb and just made the beehive messy!

And your done!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! (Go be creepy...)

Emma Victoria

xoxox

OOTW; The Charlotte..

WARNING - THIS OOTW IS JUST TOO DARN CUTE!!!!!!!!

Hello darlings, me again!!

So after Saturday's post being rather a bit formal and sad (please read if you haven't already, it is rather important), so I decided to do the most adorable OOTW possible!!

White Chiffon Headscarf, eBay - £4

Lavender Charlotte Dress, Hell Bunny £30
(Size 16)

Marilyn Cat Eye Sunglasses, Wear it Again Sam - £9.99

Peep Toe Slingbacks, Peacocks - £12

MUA Luxe Lip Lacquer, shade 'Reckless'

Nails
White Barry M Polish
Blue Sparkle Barry M Polish

I cannot get enough of this look, its just perfect and cute all rolled into one! I definitely get that cute 50's teen feel with this outfit, it makes my figure look fab by enhancing my curves and sits just on the knee making it not too short!

I'm currently using a new red lipstick, which I've discovered! I really love the velvet finish to the lips when using this lacquer, although it dried my lips out at first it did give an amazing effect!

Review

Overall this dress ticks all the boxes... The skirt has amazing movement and is perfect for twirling in! This dress is fairly similar to the Gretel in all fairness, it has an adorable trim on the bottom of the skirt, and a thicker trim on the bust and pockets with a ribbon to tighten the top for cleavage (I went for the full on in your face boob cleavage, because I wanted a 'sexier' edge to the cute 50's teen). 

 I also really like the fact this dress has pockets... Sometimes when I go out, I just take my purse and phone and not a handbag, and the deep pockets on this dress make it perfect for me not have to carry everything in my hands. As said above the light material on this skirt is perfect for twirling, I often test without a petticoat just to see how well the skirt flows and this one definitely gets my seal of approval!

Since losing about 15lbs over the past few months, I've dropped drastically in my Hell Bunny sizes in clothes, I used to wear a 20/22 but now I'm actually fitting into 16 and 18's a bit better. I tried on my Bobbi Lee dress the other day and I'm slightly sad in the fact its too big for me, so I'll probably have to tailor that down.

Overall the Charlotte dress is a perfect light dress for summer, I'm completely loving Gingham patterns this summer and this lives up to my satisfaction/collection of gingham!

Love you lots

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxox

My Favourite Top!

A little blog write up following my YouTube Video from the other week! As said, these tops compliment my bust and tummy amazingly and are so easy to style in different ways! 

I have 2 of the Polka Dot Tops. One in Candy Pink and the other in Navy

Buy Here

I also have 2 plain, white and Black, for easy pairings with patterned skirts or for an office look with some cigarette trousers or swing trousers.

Buy Here


I also have 2 patterned tops, one which is a Black and Cherry top, new to the Spring/Summer 2014 collection, and the other being the red gingham top from last summer.

Cherry Top - Buy Here
Gingham Top - Buy Here

I just love the cut of these tops, and they are super complimentary to those with a bigger bust! I love the fact they also have a stretchy bit on the sleeves. You can either wear it with the sleeves up as normal or you can wear them off the shoulder (which by the way looks absolutely adorable!).

I'd definitely recommend this top - its one of my favourites and they are so easy to style with several different outfits!

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxox