Jewellery Haul! Topshop/Accessorize/Dorothy Perkins

I am one of those people who avoid going shopping during the sales, i would rather do it online from the comfort of my own home! However, the day after Boxing Day i decided to go into town and i ended picking up some jewellery. I wasn't looking for anything in particular but some pieces caught my eye and they were 50% off so i knew i had to have them!

I love accessories, such as, earrings, rings, bracelets etc, because it can add some elegance and style to whatever you're wearing.

So, what did i end up purchasing? I bought a lot of earrings and rings! Many of the rings are the stacking style rings because i can wear them individually, as well as together. By the way, this is a picture heavy post!

Accessorize

Mumbai Princess Earrings £5.00

Metallic Beaded Hoop Earrings £5

Ethnic Stone Set Ring £8

Dorothy Perkins

Ring £6.50

Ribbon & Asher Earrings £5

Ribbon & Asher Ring £4.25

Ribbon & Asher Earrings £3.75

Topshop

Freedom Ring £5

What do you think of the jewellery i picked up? Did you purchase anything from the sales?

 

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Bed Head Hair & Makeup

Products Used:

Face:

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation (315)

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (35)

Ben Nye Banana Powder

Eyes:

Wild About Beauty Golden Beach Bronzer*

Bobbi Brown Longwear Eye Pencil (Jet)

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara

Clinque Superfine Liner for Brows (Black/Brown)

Cheeks:

MAC Mineralize Blush (Early Morning)

VIVO Baked Bronzer (Healthy Glow)

Lips:

Benefit Benetint

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Lip Balm

Review on Enrapture Extremity Heated Rollers* HERE

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial!

x

Enrapture Extremity Heated Rollers Review

Recently, I received the Enrapture Extremity Heated Rollers* to review. I have also reviewed their Totem Styler (HERE), which I love and use on many of my clients and I wanted to see if the rollers would match up to the Totem Styler.

When I was in my late teens, I went through a phase of using heated rollers but they didn’t seem to achieve the look that I wanted. I love loose, big, bed head curls with lots of volume. It just screams sexiness to me! I have very thick hair, long hair and I was eager to try these heated rollers on my challenging hair!

You receive 20 rollers in two different sizes, which is great, as there are plenty of rollers for you hair and depending what kind of look you are going for, you can just use one size only. All the heated rollers come with individual clips, which ensure all the hair is secure.

The digital dial lets you know when they are heated and ready to be used and it heats up very quickly. I normally section my hair and use a fine comb, as it makes it a bit easier to put the rollers in. The main product that I use is the Tresemme Heat Protectant, because you are still putting heat on your hair and it is best to protect it. I tend to rub some oil through the hair to give it shine and to smooth the curls.

I love the glamorous look to these curls and it’s a fab way of curling your hair whilst doing your makeup. Heated rollers are a great way to style your hair without spending too much time…..when the heated rollers are in, you can get on with your makeup! Great for when you’re in that morning rush!

Many people ask “why do I need heated rollers if I have tongs?”. It’s actually a very good question and I think it’s important to understand what both tools would do and the results that you would get. I always use tongs for when I am looking for spiral curls, whether it be loose or tight. Heated rollers would be used if you want loose curls with lots of volume. I always think of the Cheryl Cole in the Elnett advert! Also, think of the time that you would spend with each of the tools and if you are restricted with time, heated rollers achieve a gorgeous look quickly.

For me the price is a tiny bit expensive for heated rollers, but it would be great as a gift. The only thing that i didn't like was that the rollers got a bit too hot to handle. I think maybe a heatproof glove would be great.....just a suggestion!

I think the quality of Enrapture speaks for itself and I don’t think you would be disappointed in these! They took take a bit of getting used to, as they are a tad bit fiddly!

Below is a tutorial of me using the Enrapture Extremity Heated Rollers.

All Enrapture products are half price off at the moment from Argos, Tesco, Boots and Debenhams.

Have any of you used the Enrapture Extremity Heated Rollers? What do you think?

Herbalife Herbal Aloe Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner

A few weeks ago I was sent a *Herbalife shampoo and conditioner. I was intrigued to try it out because they were free from all harmful parabens and sulphates and is gentle enough to use everyday.

In the past I have used sulphate free shampoo and found that it would never lather up as much as other shampoos, however the Herbalife lathers up well and leaves your hair feeling super clean.

I had three people in the house test out these products, my mum, sister and myself. I wanted to see what the results were for all of us, as we lead very different lives and have different hair types.

My mum, who is in her late 40’s loves this and has been using it non-stop. She said her hair is been feeling much softer and smoother and her hair is much less frizzy.

My sister, is a busy student and she tends to use heat appliances on her hair. She found her thick, wavy hair much more manageable and easier to style.

For me the first thing I noticed was the smell! It was divine! The fragrance didn’t smell like aloe vera but instead quite zingy and uplifting. My hair is quite thick and curly and I normally leave it to dry naturally. My hair felt really nourished and moisturized. The only thing I found difficult was to squeeze out the conditioner, as it is quite thick and when you have wet hands, it’s not the easiest to do!

We have all enjoyed using the Herbalife shampoo and conditioner and I was even asked about it whilst using it in the showers at the gym because the smell was so invigorating!

Overall, I have noticed my hair is much more softer, smoother and my curly hair seems a lot less frizzy. I will definitely be purchasing this in the future, but I think my mum and my sister will end up finishing it off! 

Have any of you tried the Herbalife products? What do you think?

Green & Red Smokey Eye Makeup

Products Used:
Face:
MAC Studio Fix Fluid (NC43.5)
Bobbi Brown Corrector (Dark Bisque)
Bobbi Brown Concealer (Honey)
Ben Nye Banana Powder

Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Sephora Jumbo Pencil (Green)
Bobbi Brown Shimmer White Eyeshadow
KIKO Eyeshadow (107, 110, 180)
Inglot Eyeshadow (AMC 50)
Estee Lauder Gel Eyeliner (Black Onyx)
Bobbi Brown Longwear Eye Pencil (Jet)
L'oreal Volume Million Lashes
Eylure Lashes (100)
MAC Brow Gel

Cheeks:
KIKO Shimmer Pearls
Illamasqua Cream Blush (Lies)

Lips: 
Ulta Lip Crayon (Bon Voyage)
Bobbi Brown Lipgloss (Honeysuckle)

Hope you all enjoyed the tutorial!
x      
    

Winner Of MAC Russian Red Lipstick

I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who entered for my MAC giveaway!!!!

The winner is...........

COCO!!! 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I have emailed you to get your details :)

Please don't fret guys, as i am going to have a HUGE giveaway coming very soon!!! Keep an eye out for that!!!

Hope you all have a lovely evening. xx 

A Little NARS Haul. NARS Outlaw, Brousse, Dogon

When i had received an email from ASOS telling me that there was a 20% discount on cosmetics, i knew i couldn't resist purchasing a few bits!

I ended up getting a NARS blush in Outlaw and two duo eyeshadows in Brousse and Dogon.

NARS Outlaw blush is a rosey, raspberry pink with a golden shimmer. I find this highly pigmented, as with all the NARS blushes. I love the colour of this, as it gives me a flushed look to my cheeks. I prefer to apply this with a MAC 187 brush and to stiple it onto my cheeks.

Left: Heavily Swatched. Right: Blended

NARS Brousse is an eyeshadow duo with purple and coolish brown taupe. Like a lot of the NARS eyeshadows, it feels very silky on application and blends very well. I haven't noticed any fallout when applying this, however i do always use Urban Decay Primer Potion. The darker shade can be worn very subtly in the socket during the day and in the evening can be built up for a more intense, smoky look.

NARS eyeshadow duo in Brousse is a beautiful duo! The first colour is a light taupe/green shade and the other eyeshadow looks almost charcoal black/blue. For me, Dogon is very unique and when you mix both shades together, it creates such a beautiful greenish shade! It reminds me on MAC Club eyeshadow. Both shades compliment each other but can be worn alone as well.

Have you used any of these shades? What are your favourite NARS eyeshadows?

How To Get Motivated To Lose Weight

Since going on my year abroad, i have noticed that my weight has slowly crept up, which is a good and bad thing! However, moving back to the family home, i have been finding it extremely difficult to control my eating habits, considering there is always junk food lying around!

When i was over in Argentina and Spain, i indulged a lot and it's important for me to get out of that habit of indulging all the time! I have probably gained about 1.5 stones, which is a lot and it's all sitting on my waistline!

I don't want to be super skinny but i want to be a healthy weight for my height (5ft1"). I love the curves i have gained; my boobs, hips and bum because i actually look more feminine, however my gut and thighs is another story!

Below is a picture of me about 2 years ago and i loved the figure that i had back then! I was actually going to my cousins wedding that day! I enjoy looking back at old pictures of me because it makes me feel good about myself and how I KNOW i can get back to that weight. :D

At the end of the day there is no 'quick fix' to lose weight. The healthiest way to lose weight is to eat well and to exercise frequently......simple as!

I have come up with a few tips which have been working for me :)

• Exercise in the morning. This tends to set you up for the day and makes you feel more energized for when you're at work/college/uni etc. Also because you have exercised in the morning, it makes you want to eat better the rest of the day.
• Cut out all fizzy drinks! This is my weakness!!!! However, i have realized that fizzy drinks have so much sugar and other ingredients which isn't good for you. If you are finding it hard, try the sugar free alternatives.
• Drink lots of water. I can't emphasize this enough. Water is so important for your body and i always try to drink at least 1.5-2 litres a day. Remember, other drinks count as your water intake e.g: water mixed with squash, herbal teas (caffeine free).
• I have a sweet tooth when it comes to the amount of sugars in my tea.....i normally have 2 teaspoons of sugar and also 2 teaspoons of honey! I can actually imagine many of your jaws dropping as you read this! Now, i have switched to Splenda and also found a healthier alternative to honey which has much less calories!
• I always have a day when i allow myself to have junk food. The way i see it is that if my body is craving for something, i will have it but moderately! I don't have a specific day, but it's when i know I will be meeting up with friends or going out to dinner. That way i know i can plan ahead and eat good the whole week and treat myself when i'm out with my friends!
• Eat regularly! With my job, my eating schedule can sometimes be off, however with a little planning i can ensure i still eat well when i can. For breakfast i have a yogurt and either toast with honey or boiled eggs and brown toast. For lunch, I try to take a pack lunch to work and that can be pasta with legumes, brown rice & home made curry, tuna salad, grilled chicken and salad etc. Occasionally i get home around 10pm, sometimes even later and i don't eat any form of carbs after then. I will either have a bowl of soup or salad. On my days off, i don't eat carbs after 6pm. I like to plan my meals, so sometimes dinner can be salmon with stir fried vegetables, grilled chicken with roasted butternut squash, baked chicken with green beans etc. For dinner i always have a large portion of vegetables, because it fills you up and is good for you too! I have also incorporated quorn (meat free alternative) into my meals......there's less calories, its healthier and i personally don't mind the taste!
• Snacks! Everyone loves snacking and for me it's biscuits and chocolate bars! I have noticed when i eat well i don't snack and it's only when i am watching tv or slightly bored, i want to eat something! I have been trying very hard to eat fruit instead and yes i know it's boring but at the end of the day it's much healthier for you. If you don't want fruit, try cutting up some carrots, cucumbers or peppers instead.

I have been using only olive oil for cooking and don't use butter etc. When i am out shopping i always check the back of the packet and see the calorie content as well as the amount of saturated fat. I only drink 1 cup of tea in the morning now because the caffeine just isn't good for you. I may even switch to decaf.

I want to say this to all the people wanting to lose weight, regardless of how much it is. Yes, it is damn hard work to force yourself to get out of bed in the morning and do exercise and also watch everything that you eat. BUT, trust me hard work always pays off in the end. Have plenty of patience and faith in yourself.

X

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Shadow Pencils

Many of you know how much i love using eyeshadow pencils, whether it's on its own or layered with a powder eyeshadow. I jumped at the chance of trying some Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Shadow Pencils* because i had heard many people rave about these!

The pencils are super creamy and highly pigmented. I was wary at first because i thought they would crease like the NYX Jumbo Pencils but to my surprise they don't crease at all! There is a wide variety of colours and you can use them as eyeshadow or eyeliner or even as a base.

Left-Right: Rehab, Narc

Left-Right: Narc, Rehab

You have to work quite quickly with the product because it almost sets......do one eye first and then the other. I would apply a thin layer and blend and then apply another layer depending on how intense i want the colour.

And the verdict is??? These are fantastic eye pencils and great for on the go. They are convenient just to keep in your handbag. The only downside is that i want all the shades now!

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Shadow Pencils are £14 and can be found at Debenhams or House Of Fraser.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 Makeup

Products Used:

Face:
MAC Strobe Lotion - REVIEW HERE
MAC Face & Body Foundation (C6)
Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate - REVIEW HERE
Bobbi Brown Corrector (Dark Bisque)
Bobbi Brown Concealer (Honey)
Ben Nye Banana Powder

Cheeks:
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge (Calypso Coral) - REVIEW HERE
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish (Redhead)

Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC e/s All That Glitters
Illamasqua Neutral Palette - REVIEW HERE
Estee Lauder Gel Liner (Black Onyx)
Benefit They're Real Mascara
MAC Lashes (20)
MAC Brow Gel

Lips:
MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick (Impressive)
Chanel Lipgloss (69)

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial!
x

Wild About Beauty Makeup Review

I had never heard of Wild About Beauty until recently when i found out that it is a makeup line launched by Louise Redknapp and makeup artist Kim Jacob. I like the ethos behind the makeup brand and that Louise wanted to achieve a natural, fresh look without heavy or complicated makeup.

The Sheer Glow Moisture Tint* £22, is exactly what the name is! It has an SPF 20 and feels super light on the skin. Plus it is very hydrating and makes the skin appear even and luminous.

The Golden Beach Bronzer* £18, gives an instant sun-kissed glow to the skin. It comes with three colours, which is perfect for transitioning your shades depending on the season. This gives a radiance appearance to the skin. I can't use the lighter shades from the trio, as they don't show up on my skin tone, however, I like to swirl my blusher brush around so i pick up the darker shade.

Left-Right: Light-Dark Shades. Far Right colours mixed together

The Nutrilash Nourishing Mascara* £18, claims to add volume and definition, as well as conditioning the lashes and enhancing the growth. In my honest opinion i haven't noticed any growth as such but i found it defined my lashes naturally, although i didn't see much volume. This is a mascara i would pick up for a natural, everyday kinda makeup.

Have any of you tried the any products from Wild About Beauty? If so, what did you think?

Wild About Beauty products can be purchased from HERE

10 MUST HAVE PRODUCTS WHEN STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND

I was reading Sam's Beauty Blog (VIEW HER BLOG) and i came across one of her posts which i found really interesting. It was talking about her chosen products if she was stranded on a island. Now, i just thought it would be some fun to do! I have chosen my products for a desert island, just because i am in cold England and thinking of a desert island seems like bliss at the moment!

10 MUST HAVE PRODUCTS WHEN STRANDED ON AN ISLAND
with Bobbi Brown, Elizabeth Arden, M.A.C

1. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (REVIEW HERE) - This is one of my all time favourite tinted moisturizers and has an added SPF. It's also forgiving in colour, so if i do tan i won't have to worry about matching it exactly to my skin!
2. Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner (REVIEW HERE) - Ok, you all know how much i use the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner! I can't live without it! Perfect for lining your upper lash line, as well as your waterline. I can also smoke up my eyes using this....you never know what hunk i might meet! ;)
3. Benefit Cha Cha Tint (REVIEW HERE) - The ideal multi-use product that is perfect for hot or humid weather. The coral shade looks so beautiful against tanned skin tones.
4. MAC Blot Powder - I need something for my shine! Plus it has a mirror!
5. Bobbi Brown Face Palette (REVIEW HERE) - My concealer, corrector all in one place! Everyday i use Bobbi Brown Corrector in dark bisque, it covers my dark circles really well and brightens up my eye area.
6. Benefit They're Real Mascara - I am obsessed with this mascara! Gives you the false lash look, without your lashes looking clumpy.
7. Clinique Mild Facial Wash - My current everyday face wash.....thought it would double up as a body wash too!
8. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Lip Balm - If i am on a desert island i need SPF for my lips! Remember, you need to protect your lips just like the rest of your face and body.
9. MAC 224 Brush - This is the only brush i would probably use. The bristles are very soft for applying concealor.
10. MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick - You will always need one bold shade of lipstick and this was the first one i thought of! The perfect dark, red lipstick, that can also double up as a blusher!

I would love to hear what your MUST HAVE products would be!

Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator Review

The name Elemis, i always associate with a luxury spa.....it's the first thought that pops into my head!

My skin has been quite dull and lifeless recently and needed something to help slough away those dead skin cells! Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator* seemed like the perfect product!

I am not a big fan of rose scented products, but when i smelt this, it didn't smell like other rose scented products! This exfoliator is gentle enough to use everyday because it contains micro-spherical jojoba beads. It includes cucumber extract for soothing and refreshing the skin. Additionally there is vitamin C, an anti-oxidant to brighten up the complexion.

The actual exfoliant is a rose coloured gel with the micro jojoba beads. I use it over damp skin and work it all over my face. I focus on my t-zone and chin area because that is where i tend to get breakouts!

My skin felt so soft and it's great to use a product that isn't going to strip the natural oils from my skin. I have noticed the 'bumps' or blackheads have reduced significantly around my nose area.

At £27 it is quite pricey for an exfoliator, however it is a luxury brand and the product certainly lives up to my expectation. I wouldn't use this exfoliator everyday, simply because i will get through the product very quickly.

Elemis skincare products can be purchased directly HERE or can be purchased from other authorised online stores.

Have any of you tried this? What do you think?

MAC Russian Red Lipstick Giveaway

I wanted to do a giveaway linked in with Christmas and i thought MAC Russian Red lipstick is the perfect Christmas colour to wear on your lips!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How to Enter

• Follow the directions ABOVE
• Leave a comment telling me your favourite lipstick (You can comment as many times as you i wish)
• Follow my blog through GFC
• For an extra chance of winning, follow me on my Twitter and/or LIKE my Facebook Page.

Terms & Conditions

1. This is open internationally.
2. The giveaway will end on the 18th of December 2012 at 11.50 PM (GMT Time).
3. The winner will be selected by random and announced on my blog on the 19th of December 2012.
4. You must be aged 16 or over to enter.
5. You must meet the FIRST TWO requirements to enter.

GOOD LUCK!!!! :)

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation Review

I had never thought about trying Urban Decay foundations until now. I knew in the past UD did some foundations but none of them really appealed to me. I love using the products from the Naked collection and wanted to give the Naked Skin Foundation* a try. There were a few things that lured me in such as the ingredients. There is green tea, vitamin E and sodium hyaluronate, that help with soothing, calming and hydrating the skin. Additionally it is oil free, making it perfect for oily skin!

The Naked Skin Foundation works with all skin tones and comes in several shades. The way UD have numbered the foundations is that if it ends .5 it is more beige or slightly pink toned and the ones ending in .0 are for much warmer, golden skin tones.

The packaging looks sleek and reminds me a bit of the Makeup Forever HD packaging but with a metal lid. I like pump style foundations, as the are much more hygienic. Also no air will be getting inside the bottle, which will make the foundation last a lot longer and not oxidize.

The foundation has medium coverage but i think it can be built up for a more fuller coverage. Even when i used this as a light coverage foundation, it evened out my skin toned. I would recommend if you have pretty good skin, then a sheer layer of this foundation would be all you need.

Shade number 7.0

Note: My hand is much darker than my face.

What I'm Wearing:

Urban Decay Naked Foundation (No. 7.0)*

Urban Decay Vice Palette ((Nevermind, Desperation, Black Market, Unhinged)

Urban Decay Lush Lash Mascara*
NARS Blush (Outlaw)
Urban Decay Lip Pencil (Naked)*
 

It has a semi-matte finish and for combination or oilier skins, i would suggest a light dusting of powder. However if you have dry to normal skin, then you can skip the powder. It gives a slight glow to the skin, which i like.......anything to make my skin look healthy and glowing!

The foundation is super light to work with, it doesn't feel thick at all. I find it very easy to buff into the skin and if you're in a rush, you can still apply it with your fingers. This is great for wearing everyday but also for using in the evening because it has buildable coverage.

This still lasts all day on my skin even when i have been out to work in London and returned back home! Overall, i am impressed, although i do set my makeup with the Urban Decay All Nighter Spray. 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation retails at £29 and can be purchased from either Debenhams or House Of Fraser.

Have any of you tried this foundation?