Tag: 20 random facts!

I've seen this tag on a few blogs/youtube and decided to give it a go. Plus I think its a nice way to gain some insight into the person behind a blog. I couldn't think of 50 things so 20 it is!

1. I am a naturally very shy person

2. In rainbows by Radiohead is my favourite album

3. I love Jane Austen novels

4. I want to swim with dolphins

5. I would love to visit Canada

6. I really miss my Nana and Grandad
7. I love my family more than anything

8. I am obsessed with this number

9. I believe in soul mates

10. I hate rudeness

11. I am trying to learn crochet

12. I turn thirty this year *faints*

13.I'm a crazy cat lady

14. Lancome hypnose is my favourite perfume

15. I love snoods..

16. The words snood and doody amuse me

17. I spend far too much time on the internet

18. I think certain things happen for a reason

19. I love shabby chic

20. blogging makes me happy!

Let me know if you've done this tag or if you have a random fact about yourself. I would love to know

New Maybelline Vivids Shocking Coral Lipstick

I am well and truly jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to new products for spring 2013. I was really impressed with maybelline color whisper lipstick I bought (review here) so I decided to invest in another new maybelline product - the color sensational vivids lipstick in shocking coral.

Again, these have already been released in the US in ten shades. They're being released in the UK/Ireland in February. The color sensational Vivids lipstick claims to be maybelline color sensationals most vibrant colour yet with a formula that keeps lips smooth and nourished.

Shocking coral is bright and verging on neon. I find it to be more of a hot pink than coral. The pigmentation is insane. The swatch above is one swipe. The formula is creamy but it does cling a touch to dry patches and I can get around two to three hours wear easily. Even though this is a bright shade, I still think its really wearable and would suit the majority of skin tones. Neon's/brights are going to be a big trend this spring/summer so no doubt these will be massively popular!

*I bought my mine from this ebay seller*

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pots Collection 2013

Eyes shimmer and shine with the pearly glow of M∙A∙C Pro Longwear Paint Pot – now in a rich, creamy formula that dries with a vibrant intensity, delivering illuminating dimension and a lustrous pearlized finish. The long-lasting, highly pigmented colour can also be used as an eye shadow primer

Paint Pots

• Chilled On Ice Frosted white gold
• Let’s Skate Pale pink with pearl
• Vintage Selection Frosted dirty peach
• Let Me Pop Frosted light copper
• Frozen Violet Frosted purple silver
• Blackground Black grey with multicolour
• Antique Diamond Frosted olive silver
• Dangerous Cuvee Frosted cool grey

Brush

• 242 Shader

Finally!paint pots and...they're permanent. Paint pots are one of my favourite MAC products. They make great eye bases or shadows. Are really quick and easy to use and perfect if you have oily eyelids. Antique Diamond and Frozen Violet are new shades whilst the rest have been released before in previous collections.

Available from February 2013

New!Loreal Color Riche Caresse Wet Shine Stain

Ooooh another new product for Spring 2013!
Loreal Color Riche Caresse Wet Shine Stains have already launched in the US and I'm pretty sure they will be available in the UK at some point. I bought mine from this US ebay seller.
They are a cross between a lightweight gloss/stain and are said to be dupe of the YSL glossy stains - Loreal is the parent company to YSL. I haven't tried the YSL stains as yet so I honestly have no idea how they compare.
There are 12 shades of caresse shine stains available (in the US). I picked up rose on and on and pink rebellion. Both of these apply sheer to begin with but can be built up for more intensity. On my lips, rose on and on is a 'my lips but better' shade whilst pink rebellion is darker and leans more of a reddy pink. I didn't get on great with the loreal caresse lipsticks but I really like these. I get a glossy colour for about two hourss with these before they fade to a stain. They're really comfortable to wear, non sticky and feel hydrating. I like the doe foot applicator - I think it makes it easier to apply. I have a feeling these might be similar to the Rimmel Apocalips. I've only just got the apocalips so I will see how they compare. As a lot of people like the Caresse lipsticks, I will guess that the Caresse Wet Shine Stains will be a big hit. Look out for them hitting UK shores soon!

Bargain Technic Nail Polishes!

Just before Christmas, I spotted these nail polishes in my local Bodycare for a bargainous £1 each. I picked a few of my favourites up - they shockingly had several nice shades! I don't know if these are still in store but I've seen them online on ebay, amazon and a few other random places pretty cheap too. The shades above are;

Carnival - clear with multi-coloured glitter. A dupe for OPI rainbow connection.

Mermaid - clear with blue glitter

Amethyst - purple with blue reflexes

Turkish Sea - metallic blue

Gun Metal - metallic dark grey/silver

For £1 they're a bit of a steal - my favourites out of these are amethyst and mermaid. Turkish sea and Gun Metal are on the streaky side. Though they only need two coats to be fully opaque. Overall I would say 8/10!

♥

New Skincare: Shu Uemura, Monu, Nip and Fab!



Just before the new year I caught a really bad cold and was generally feeling run down. My skin started to look really dull so I decided to treat myself to some new skincare.

I bought the Shu Uemura gentle cleansing oil in gel in the Space NK sale (£12.00 but normal price is £24). The oil in gel purifies skin without stripping moisture to gently remove makeup and impurities. I use it as a regular cleanser rather than to remove makeup. I mix a little with warm water and splash over my face before rinsing. This has definitely become one of my favourite cleansers. It leaves my skin feeling softer, looking brighter and isn't harsh whatsoever. I will be repurchasing as I do think its worth the full price. I really enjoy using it.

I've also had a few blemishes recently. In my night skincare routine, Ive been using the Nip and Fab spot fix blemish gel (£9.95) after cleansing and moisturising. The clear gel acts quickly to reduce redness and contains salicylic acid and tea tree to purify. I've used a few spot treatments over the years and this is one of the better ones I've tried. I noticed that blemishes clear up quicker and that any redness and swelling is reduced.

Another product I purchased is the Monu warming aromatic mask. (£24.95). Aiming to renew and invigorate the skin, this mask contains beeswax and coconut oil to nourish the skin. The mask doesn't dry and has a lovely warming effect. It can be left on skin for 10 to 15 minutes before removing with sponge/cloth and a little warm water. I really enjoy using this mask as it feels really nice on and leaves my skin feeling super soft and looking clear and radiant.

Have you tried any of these products or brands?

♥

Win!Urban Decay Build Your Own Palette Giveaway

Although I like palettes, there's always usually one or two shades in there that doesn't grab your attention and never get used. I prefer to create my own palette. I recently bought the Urban Decay Build Your Own Palette, which comprises of a good karma travel sized eyeshadow brush, walk of shame eyeshadow and five slots to place the urban decay shadows of your choice. I love the palette design. Its so much nicer than your standard black. Walk of shame is a matte neutral shade that is super soft and pigmented. UD shadows are long wearing and some of the best on the market. I'm looking forward to buying some eyeshadows to fill this palette. Unlike MAC, they are easy to depot as they pop out of the container easily. It does work out to be pricey to complete a palette but personally I think the shadows are worth the money, though it would be nice for Urban Decay to launch a larger sized palette as these only fit 6 shades.

On to the competition!

I picked up another brand new palette to give away to one lucky reader.

All you need to do is enter your details into the widget below. The competition is open worldwide and will end on February 11th!

Good Luck!

♥

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ones To Watch: New Products!



There are so many products being launched that I've decided to start a new series called 'ones to watch' - a round up of some of the hottest new beauty products!

First up is Tigi's Bed head straighten out (1), a cream that promises to keep hair straight for 48 hours. It works with heat from straighteners to leave humidity proof, smooth hair.

(2). OPI Euro Centrale collection includes 12 shades for spring, inspired by the history and modern design of Europe. The collection has 8 cream polishes, 3 shimmers and 1 chunky glitter. There are already tonnes of swatches online already. These are released in February.

(3). Aerin's garden inspired collection features two eye and cheek palettes. Garden in bloom contains three eyeshadows in lilac, lavender and purple with a cheek colour in dark rose. Garden at dusk comprises three shadows in pink, periwinkle and grape with a mauve blush. These look so pretty and are released in Feb.
(4.) Sleek have just released 10 new shades into their true colour lipstick line. New shades include tangerine scream (bright orange) and russian roulette (deep red). Sleeks lipsticks are really good quality so I will be picking up a few of these.

Finally, NYX have launched their versions of urban decays smoked and naked palette. (5) The natural palette includes six nude shades of shadow, whilst the smokey palette includes six shadows to create a sexy evening look. These are already available in the US.

Are there any products you're looking forward to?

♥

New Maybelline Color Whisper Lipstick

Maybelline Color Whisper lipsticks are a new product that are maybellines answer to revlon lipbutters and loreal caresse lipsticks. They are already available in the US but I'm fairly certain they will be available on this side of the pond (though lord know what shades we'll get!). I got the shade pin up peach from this US ebay seller.

 Color whisper is a lipstick/balm that is highly pigmented and feels really comfortable to wear. My lips are on the dry side at the moment but this lippy felt really creamy and didn't highlight any dry areas. I get around two hours wear, which isn't very long lasting but I don't mind as pin up peach is a gorgeous shade and feels really hydrating.

I think color whisper lipsticks will replace my love for revlon lipbutters. Great pigmentation with a comfortable and hydrating feel. Definitely ones to watch out for!!

♥

Beauty Deals and Steals: How to save money!



When it comes to buying beauty products, I like to think that I'm quite savvy at spotting the latest deals and saving money where I can. Even when it comes to buying higher end beauty.

Today, I'm going to share a few tips on how to find fab beauty offers and save as much money as possible.

1. Forums

When it comes to finding really good deals on the Internet (not just for beauty products) one site I always check and have bookmarked is the moneysavingexpert forums - Quick grabbit while you can board
Another is hot deals uk which is another site where users post deal they have found.

Though it is worth pointing out that you have to be pretty quick a lot of the time once a deal is posted and becomes popular.

2. Discount code sites

Similar to above, both moneysavingexpert (here) and hduk have current discount codes posted on their sites.
Another site is voucher codes
Also, if you have favourite retailers its worth following their twitter and facebook pages and signing up to their mailing lists as many post offers in this way.

3. Cashback sites

Cashback sites are a great way to get money back from your online shopping. Cashback sites work in that you register to their site, click the link of the site you want to purchase from and shop as normal. The amount of cash you earn depends on the retailer and how much you spend. For example, The Body Shop often offers around 18% cash back of your spend. The cashback site tracks your shopping and the amount of cashback you earn. It does take several weeks to redeem your cashback - your spend has to be verified by the retailer, for example in case you return something.
The site I use is topcashback which I've never had a problem with but I know a lot of people use Quidco too.

4. Loyalty/Reward cards

This is a really obvious one but these cards really are worth signing up to and using if you spend money in shops such as Boots and Debenhams (which are the two I use).
With Boots you get 4 points for every pound spent but its well worth checking the advantage card machine as they always have extra offers/points on certain spends.
The debenhams beauty card is probably the one I most use as its where I mainly buy my higher end products.  You get 5 points for every pound spent online and 3 points per pound when you spend £25 or over instore. Theres also free shipping for members online and regular extra points offers.

5. Discount Sites

There are loads of sites online offering beauty products at a reduced price. Some of my favourites are cheap smells and fragrance direct.
Though a lot of discontinued stock is offered on these sites which is something to bare in mind.

6. Ebay and Amazon

Ebay is a huge minefield but there are genuine sellers on there and a lot of good bargains to be had. Liz Earle have an official outlet on there selling stock slightly cheaper than the rrp.
Another seller I would recommend is beautyzone2007 - a US seller stocking genuine china glaze, essie and opi at cheaper prices.
Amazon also have a good selection of beauty products, especially fragrances at reduced prices. I tend to bookmark pages of products and check them every now and then as prices tend to fluctuate, for example, real techniques brushes were reduced before xmas. Also checking the best selling list is a good way to spot offers.

7. Magazine Subscription Gifts

Subscribing to a magazine is a great way to get free beauty products. My favourite site is magazine boutique. There are often deals, such as six issues of glamour for £6 and 12 issues of instyle for £12 plus a free gift. I've had free perfume, skincare and cosmetics. Just make sure you cancel you subscription before the automatic re-subscription starts.


I hope some of these tips were helpful

If you have any moneysaving tips let me know!

♥

Look Beauty Loud Lips and Fresh Cheeks Blush

Loud Lips in rock candy £3.50 (usually £7)
Fresh Cheeks Blush in melon £2.50 (usually £5)

When I first heard Look Magazine were launching a beauty range, I was a bit sceptical. However I've read a few good reviews and I guess if you like the products,it shouldn't really matter if its linked to a magazine or whatever.

I recently bought a few bits from Look Beauty as there's currently 50% off the website. The loud lip lipstick and fresh cheeks cream blush both caught my eye. The packaging is fairly basic. The lipstick box has a cute print and the case itself feels pretty sturdy. Same goes for the blush, which has a mirror on the back!

The loud lips lipstick in rock candy is a bright matte pink. The pigmentation is really good but I find the formula quite drying on my lips and it does highlight any dryness so lips really need to be moisturised before application. The lipstick also has a medicinal scent to it. Its not detectable once applied but its not something I'm fond of either.

The fresh cheeks blush in melon is love. Melon is a coral cream blush that drys to a semi matte finish. It's insanely pigmented, a little goes a long way. I apply this with a sigma angled kabuki brush and find that it lasts throughout the day. Despite being bright in the pan, it adds a natural flush of colour that's really pretty!

Have you tried Look Beauty?

♥

Whats in my bag!



The whats in my bag tag is one I always enjoy reading, probably as I'm quite nosey!I like to see what people carry with them on a daily basis.

My current handbag is the one from Zara that quite a few people blogged about last year. I jumped on the bandwagon as it was only £20. I prefer bigger bags because I like to carry quite a bit with me and have some room for shopping bags if I go into town.

I carry the general things - phone, keys etc.  I use a cath kidston phone case as a purse as I didnt check the measurements and its too small for my phone.

I like to carry my pocket filofax and cath kidston notebook with me. They're not too bulky for carrying around. I like to have them with me in case I need to jot something down such as an appointment or if I get any blog inspiration - you never know!I'm trying to be more organised in 2013.

When it comes to makeup,I only really generally carry the basics. My makeup bag is from Primark. I love their cosmetic bags as not only are they super cheap but they're a good size and can be wiped clean. Very practical.

I usually travel with lipbalm - I really like hurrah balms and the rose and co cherry kiss is tinted if I want a bit of colour on my lips. I also need a blotting powder - the NYC is my current favourite. Its really cheap,the powder keeps my oily skin under control and it has a powder puff inside so theres no need for a brush. I also take a concealer and travel size mascara with me. I like to have a hand cream and hand sanitiser. I'm a huge germaphobe!seriously I am always using hand sanitiser when I'm out. The soap and Glory hand maid gel is my absolute favourite. I love the scent - it doesn't have the strong alcohol smell that other sanitisers have and it doesn't dry my hands out either.

Let me know what kind of things you like to have in your bag!



♥

MAC Year of the Snake Collection

source

This is a snake-inspired limited edition series is 
composed by a group of sexy glittering tone, showing a shiny effect. 
Beauty face powder brightens the complexion, the fashion focus of eye shadow to create a distinctive color contrast and the magical stars fine powder to increase the final dramatic effects.
Lightweight fly Alice mascara to enhance the shape of the eyes, lasting waterproof eyeliner to outline the eye corners, the Aqua Lip demonstrated Mizusawa lure lip. 
MAC exclusive chic packaging, 
containing cosmetic powder, fashion lipstick and 
eye shadow decorated with ornate serpentine pattern fashion focus.

MAC fashion focus eye shadow

Once Upon a Time  - metal vanilla color  
Aztec Brick - Frost Bronze
Altered State  - Deep Frost Blue Purple
Carbon - rich black

MAC magical stars fine powder
Brash, & Bold - bright red 
Push the Edge -  dark purple with pearl 

MAC lipstick
Freckletone

Plumful

Cockney

MAC Beauty Face Powder
Shell Pearl pink ribbon golden pearl 

MAC lasting waterproof eyeliner
Engraved Rich black 

 MAC mascara
Zoomblack thick black 



I love that MAC is releasing a Chinese new year inspired collection and the promo images are exactly the sort of thing I like. Though I think all these are re-promotes or permanent?

It would have been great to see a larger collection on new products.

I'm not sure if this is a worldwide collection or just going to be a small release. Asia is most likely a definite. I've seen a release date of the end of January floating around the web but nothing concrete. I'll update if I find any more information!!

What do you think of this collection?

♥

China Glaze Water You Waiting For



When I saw pictures of China Glaze's cirque du soleil collection, water you waiting for stood out. The name is perfect as it reminds me of a crystal clear ocean. A combination of blue and green glitter. It looks jewel like in natural light.

For a glitter, the consistency is really good. It isn't too thick or gloopy and it only needed two coats to be fully opaque.

Water you waiting for dries to an almost matte finish. For a glitter, the texture isn't what I consider to be gritty or bumpy.

I really like this polish! I got mine from this ebay seller but its also available at beauty bay too!

♥

Laura Mercier Primer

Laura Mercier Primer £28

Until I started reading beauty blogs, Primers always flew under my radar. Having oily skin, its essential for me to find base products that are going to last throughout the day.

Recently, I've been using the laura mercier primer under my foundation to try and battle my oily t-zone and keep my foundation lasting longer.

I got this primer as part of a set in the space nk sale. It was a super bargain at £12.50 (I'll review some of the other stuff in it soon!). I probably wouldn't have looked at it otherwise as it is on the expensive side. That being said, I do think Laura's products are good quality.

The primer has a creamy gel texture, reminiscent of some moisturisers. It feels very lightweight on the skin and leaves it looking healthy and radiant.  The oil control isn't perfect but its recommended for normal to combination skin which I would agree with. I still need to blot my t-zone but I haven't yet found anything that works amazingly well on keeping my skin oil free throughout the day.

The positives are that my foundation seems to hold up better on the rest of my face. My foundation looks smoother and my pores are minimised. For a higher end primer it works really well on skin that isn't overly oily. Overall, a nice treat product but not the best on the market for oily girls.

♥

New Beauty Products for Spring 2013

Spring is almost upon us, which means new products and collections from most beauty brands. This spring sees a combination of pastels and brights hitting the counters. I'm already excited about Rimmels Apocalips and MAC's Archies Girls.

Here's some of the other things I'm really looking forward to.

1. L'Occitane Valentines Collection

I've never tried any L'Occitane products but the new spring cherry range sounds really lovely. Products include an eau de toilette, butterfly soap and soft hand cream.

2. Stila Color Balm Lipstick

Stila's take on the balm/lipstick trend. I love Revlon lip butters so it will be interesting to see how stila's effort compares. I really like the look of Betsey - fuchsia. If you're in the US, they're already available at Sephora. (I wish we had Sephora in the UK!)

3. Clarins Spring 2013 Collection

I've not been that impressed with the clarins shadows I've used in the past but the spring palette is calling my name. I really like that the shades are different to what other brands are dishing up. Its the perfect transition from winter to spring. Its already available at Boots and Debenhams.

4. Too Faced Boudoir Beauty Spring 2013 Collection

I haven't used a too faced product in years but this may be the prettiest collection I've seen in a while. A heart shaped blush is a combination of three blushes that can be swirled together for one pretty shade, whilst the fresh and flawless palette has everything needed for the perfect complexion.

5. Agent Provocateur Petale Noir Fragrance

Just released, petale noir is an oriental floral,with notes of magnolia, rose and sandalwood.

6. Chanel Spring 2013 Collection

I love these polishes from chanel, especially fracas - an intense fuchsia and emprise - a nude beige.

7.  Rimmel Scandal Eyes Eyehadow Stick

I am loving Rimmels new products. The scandal eyes kohl liners are really impressive so hopefully the eyeshadow sticks will be too. Tempting turquoise is a gorgeous shade!

8 and 9. Sigma Eye Shadow Base Collection and Bare Ready Foundation

Sigma have some amazing makeup brushes. 2013 sees them branch out into cosmetics. I'm really interested to see the eye shadow base pots - MAC paint pot dupes maybe?

I've never got on well with bareminerals foundations but the bare ready range is getting some great reviews. The foundation is already available at selfridges but there's also quite a few on ebay too!

What beauty products are you looking forward to this spring?

♥

Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Foundation

£31.00

Foundation is an absolute staple in my makeup bag. Truth be told, I'm not confident enough to go without out.

I currently rotate four foundations in my routine. One of them being Giorgio Armani Face Fabric foundation. I use shade 1 which is light enough for my pale complexion.
Face Fabric is described as a second skin finish. Its a matte foundation that gives a soft focus finish. I usually blend with fingers as the texture is soft, satin and almost powdery.

The main reason I really like this foundation is that its super light. Virtually weightless in that it really does feel like a second skin. It evens my complexion, blurs imperfections and minimises pores. As its lightweight, I only use on days that I don't feel I need much coverage. It doesn't hide any major blemishes but its nothing a little concealer wont fix.

On my oily/combination skin, It lasts most of the day. Although I do set it with powder and blot any oily areas.

This is the most expensive foundation I own but it makes my skin look flawless and I love its light texture,so for me, its a good investment.

Best for: normal/combination skin

♥

Frederic Fekkai Advanced Shea Butter Pot De Creme


One of my favourite things about this time of year is the winter sales. This year, I've been fairly good. I set myself a budget and decided only to buy things that I would 100% use. Its so tempting when you see things that are reduced to crazy prices but I've tried to be sensible and not buy things just because they're super cheap.

One of the things I bought was the Frederic Fekkai Advanced Shea Butter Pot De Creme (what a mouthful!). It was reduced from £33 to £9.50 at ASOS although its now sold out (its reduced to £16.50 at space nk). Fekkai is a hairdresser to the A-List so I had high expectations.

The pot de creme is a moisturising styling cream that smoothes hair. I use it either on damp hair before blow drying or on dry hair after styling. Its a very rich fruity smelling cream. A little to heavy to be used as a styling cream. I find it works better as a leave in conditioning treatment and I only use a small amount on the ends as a little goes a long way. It leaves my hair feeling super soft and silky.
A new staple in my haircare routine,the original price tag is a little too steep for my purse,however I will definitely purchase again if I can *fingers crossed* find it on offer!

♥

MAC Archies Girls: Betty and Veronica // First Look

Its been a long time since I was this (think mega) excited about a MAC collection. I usually love initial pictures then my interest fades away once I've seen swatches and reviews. However, I'm really hoping that this is going to be a gem of a collection. If its grabbed your interest then I've found some images to wet your appetite.

*I posted some initial images here*

bright betty



daddy's little girl



something sweet



ronnie red



spoiled rich quad



pearlmatte powder//caramel sundae quad//ronnie red lipstick//mall madness gloss

brushes



source





♥