Looks like it's Christmas

Most bloggers will probably try and give you classic christmas songs to enjoy at this time of year - I'm bucking the trend and offering a truely cheesey slice of pop that really takes me back to school discos and crushing on cute boys. Ahhh those were the days. Enjoy now because if you can't listen to terrible music at christmas then when can you?
xx

So far this week

Anyone else sick of all this arctic weather Britain has been experiencing lately?  Sure the white stuff may be pretty to look at but it's also proving pretty debilitating to life in general. 

So here is a moan about snow thinly disguised as a quick update on my week so far.  I have ...

1.) De-snowed/ de-iced my car five times.  Each time being left a sodden, frozen mess with frost bitten fingers.

2.) Spent two hours travelling the four(ish) miles home from work in a blizzard.  To clarify - about one and a half of those hours was getting out of the car park in gridlocked traffic.  Only to find that for the first time EVER I failed to get my car safely tucked up at home and had to park and walk the last half a mile. 

3.) Wasted tickets to the ballet to watch the Nutcracker as the weather made travelling condiitons too hazardous.

4.) Spent more hours than is necessary/healthy obsessively watching weather updates and checking my postcode online for hourly reports.
5.) Eagerly anticipated the few days off I will have for christmas - I seriously can't wait!
Have you been enjoying the weather or has it just got you enraged?

A Little Birthday Treat

Hi guys I'm so sorry posting has been a little light lately - I'm struggling a little bit to be honest due to bad lighting.  I haven't been able to photograph anything as it always seems to be dark by the time I get home and my days off are a rush of a million and one christmas errands.  It was also my birthday this month so I'm desperate to share my new make-up treasure with you.  But I'm thinking I'll do a larger post after christmas with some new goodies as I think Santa may be bringing me some treats too!
In the meantime here is a little gift I bought for myself with some birthday cash...

DVF new season love is life keyring currently available from matches.com

Hope you are all well
xx

Black Friday

Today is so called black friday.  The last friday before christmas and the day that lots of people choose to go out partying meaning the emergency services are at their busiest.  Luckily for me my christmas party was last week so I can snuggle up at home tonight and avoid the crowds.   Here's my fantasy party outfit for 2010.  I am completely in love with those Gucci suede shoes.  My actual outfit was pretty similar but much more budget friendly.

Hope you have a great time if you are out this weekend!

xx

NOTD

 

Nars Orgasm.

I usually use this for my toes but thought I'd change it up and apply to my fingers.  I wasn't all that sold at first although looking at these pictures maybe I have underestimated it.  It is a peach shade which has a gorgeous gold shimmer throughout that looks lovely when it catches the light. 

Deck the Halls....

With my tree up and the rest of the house feeling festive and twinkly, I think it's only fair I lavish some christmas sparkle on myself.  Here's my latest purchase to give even the most average of outfits an instant glamour boost.  

Available for £10 from Love for New Look.

xx

Gone Gaga

I totally don't need another pink lipstick.  In fact, I was looking for something red.  I was just debating between ruby woo, mac red and viva glam cyndi when the mua asked me if I needed any help.  Before I knew what was happening I was asking for viva glam gaga. 

Red scares me so I defaulted to my failsafe pink mode.  I can justify this because this pink is outside my comfort zone - it is so bright and has a definite blue tone so it is a step in the direction of a statement lip.  I've been wearing it with mac vanilla eyeshadow over the lid and loads of black eyeliner for a definite retro feel.

The only problem is I still need to find my inner screen goddess and dip my toe in the waters of a red lip.

What are your red recommendations?

Currently Loving...

"1983" by Neon Trees

I'm hoping these guys (and gal!) get a proper UK release soon but in the meantime I'm obsessively listening to this on You Tube.

There is also an amazing cover of this song by Alex Cornell so check that out too!!!!

xx

Topshop Make Up

When Topshop launched it's make-up range I was interested but not blown away by the selection on offer.  However, that hasn't stopped me picking up a few products over the last few months and I thought it was worth sharing my thoughts on them.  In all honesty I did half expect this range to lack quality and initially purchased for the novely factor.  As you may have guessed by now how a product looks is just as important to me as how it performs and full marks to Topshop whose packaging is quirky, cute and unique.  I'm ashamed to say I bought the lipbalm in sheen purely because I knew it would look pretty on my dresser.  Although pink in the pot it doesn't really have any discernable colour on the lips and not surprisingly just gives a nice sheen.  This works really well on me when paired with a super nude lipstick like Gosh Darling or Barry M 101.  I wouldn't say it has any particularly great moisturising qualities but for £4 it is nice product to have although not one I would necessarily hurry to repurchase. 
Most recently I bought the loose glitter in gilt.  I'm not normally a big glitter fan and it's definitely not a product I will use everyday but the colour is gorgeous and unlike anything I have seen elsewhere.  But without a shadow of a doubt the best products from the Topshop range in my opinion are the blushes.  I have two shades flush and butterscotch.

These are a cream to powder formula which have great lasting power.  The colours initially seem a little scary in the pan but apply more sheerly.  Flush is a lovely pink-coral that I relied upon during the summer months.  The other colour in my collection is butterscotch which gives a beautiful golden sheen to the skin.  I would definitely recommend you check these out if you are interested in experimenting with cream blush and don't want to spend a fortune.  Overall, I'm not sure the line lives up to the hype that surrounded its release but it does seem to be expanding, helped by the new collections that launch seasonally so I'll continue to check it out when I'm buying my t-shirts and ballet pumps!
Are there any other great products in the Topshop make up line I should check out?

17 Wild Curls Mascara - review

It is rubbish.
I could leave the review there and I think it adequately describes the product, but for blog purposes I should probably expand.  I went to Boots for some coloured eyeliner pencils and there was a 3 for 2 on 17 cosmetics, I was looking for my extra 3rd item when the packaging for this mascara suckered me in.  Honestly though I think the packaging is probably the best thing about this product.  It is claimed that this mascara will give your lashes 6x their normal volume and hold curl for up to 10 hours.  When I applied this my lashes did appear slightly longer but it had no volumizing effect at all.  But even worse, on me this mascara doesn't last 10 minutes let alone 10 hours.  It is honestly the worst mascara I have ever tried - and I've tried quite a few.  After I applied this and let it dry it took about 2 minutes of wear before it started to smudge under my eyes.  I gave it the benefit of the doubt, wiped the smudges away and carried on with my day.  A little while later I caught sight of myself in a mirror and was actually scared.  I don't think there was any product left on my lashes it had completely melted onto my face.  I looked like I was in Halloween fancy dress.  Not only will I never repurchase, I will never even use this again. 
17 is a range I really love and there are so many great products but a quick search online seems to confrm that mascara is their achiles heel.  Do yourself a favour and stay clear of this.
What is the worst product you have ever tried?
xxx

Currently Loving...

Barry M Glossy Tube in number 2 Pale Strawberry Shimmer

I rediscovered this product recently after it had been buried under a pile of lipbalms and glosses in my collection and mentally gave myself a headslap for forgetting how gorgeous it is. 

This is the colour I wish Mac's Oyster Girl had been.  I love it worn with Gosh Darling and paired with a dark smokey eye.

So far this week

I have ...

image courtesy of fanpop.com

1.) woken up with a severe case of the Quasimodo's.  I woke up on Saturday morning to find my left eyelid swollen to (at least) twice its normal size.  I was freaked out and spent the rest of the weekend with my curtains closed so I could hide in the dark; applying compresses in an effort to reduce the swell and avoiding all human contact.  I'm not sure what triggered the swelling - it's not something I've had before: maybe it was an insect bite or as I'm more inclined to believe a severe allergic reaction to the pospect of returning to work after my two week vacay.  Thankfully, I was ready for action Monday morning and am now fine.

2.) suffered technical difficulties.  My (new) freeview recorder has stopped working less than a month after I bought it.  So far this year I have replaced two lamps, my laptop, the water pump on my car, a freeview box and a DVD player.  I am understandably not a happy bunny and am beginning to suspect it is a conspiracy theory against me.

3.) On a more positive note I have sorted my Christmas day outfit having purchased a rather lovely sequined top from Next.  It is just the right balance between casual and sparkly!!!  I'm still struggling to find the perfect party outfit though the search continues.
Hope you are all having a good week xx

L'oreal Elvive Full Restore 5 Replenishing Masque - review

I tried a sample of the shampoo from this new line from L'oreal Elvive and liked the sleek and shiny finish it gave my hair.  I already have several half used bottles of shampoo but was looking for a deep conditioner and thought I would give this product a whirl.  It promises to "intensely condition to help restore the visible signs of replenished hair."  The product is essentially just a conditioner, it has a medium-thick although not runny consistency and like the shampoo it does leave my hair looking fantastic.  I have started to use this once or twice a week; smothering the dry ends of my hair and leaving for about 2 minutes before it easily rinses out.  The smell is amazing and does last once the product has been rinsed out. 
After a bad haircut about a year ago I admit that I have tended to leave it a little too long between trims but this gives a noticable difference to the appearance of the length and ends of my hair - ideal if you need a quick fix before a cut.  However, you should be aware that the effects don't last past one wash.  I also wouldn't apply this at my roots as I do think this would make them appear greasy but I have this problem with most conditioners.  Priced at around £5 it won't break the bank and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a nice conditioner that gives short term improvement to the condition and managability of their hair.
What are your favourite new hair products?
p.s. sorry for the terrible camera work, I was rushing to take some snaps before it got dark!

The Bargain of 2010

I should preface this post by saying I am not a bargain hunter.  I hate sale shopping.  I am a neat freak- I like things ordered and pretty.  I like to browse through stores that have spent time and effort merchandising their stock - not those that have hastily assembled sale racks and dumped stock on them.  Therefore, I rarely ever pick up a bargain.  I figure if I really want an item I will be prepared to pay full price for it otherwise it just isn't love.  Having said that, virtual sale shopping is remarkably satisfying.  I was browsing the ASOS website for some winter wedges and saw these little beauties - the very last pair and they were in my size!  Marked down from around the £65 mark to just £14, they satisfy my craving for all things nude.

I think it was meant to be.
edit: these are now back on the asos website for the not so bargain friendly price of £50.

NOTD

 

I blogged recently that the latest crop of make-up collections have left me pretty disinterested which got me thinking about the collections I have really loved from the past.  Top of the list was OPI's 2008 Collection de France.  Parlez Vous OPI? was my first polish by the brand and here is another great, unique and wearable colour - Tickle my France-y.  The picture above (and my sloppy application) really doesn't do it justice.  It is a lovely light beige which in some lights has a strong mauve/pink tone. 

Tres Chic.

Which make-up collection has been your favourite?

First Haul of Winter

I've currently got a few days off from work and what better way to spend it than with a little retail therapy.  I went a little crazy on this shopping trip bolstered by the bumper pay packet I got this month (thanks to all the extra hours I've been working lately!).  I stopped by the Mac counter to check out the Tartan Tale collection but nothing really grabbed my interest so I left empty handed.  Next stop was YSL where I picked up a rouge pur shine in 32 Frozen Mango.  This lipstick is a bright light orange peach in the tube but applies and swatches sheerly.  I personally like the effect it gives straight from the tube - it's practically gloss like, although the MUA suggested using a lip brush for a more pigmented application.  I also bought a few drugstore staples - my beloved Max Factor false lash mascara.  My birthday, Christmas and New Year are just around the corner so I'm returning to my old friend to help me negotiate the increased photo opportunities!  I also bit the bullet and bought Revlon's colorstay foundation (not pictured) in Ivory.  I've never tried this before so fingers crossed it doesn't break me out. 

top: swatch YSL 32 Frozen Mango 

Back to the fun stuff - two of my all time favourite blushes are Nars Deep Throat and Mac Well Dressed - blogland and various reviews have convinced me that I need Nars Penny lane in my life.  A beautiful cream blush that apparently looks lovely layered with Well Dressed - hopefully a combination that I will be sporting all this winter! 

I also caved and purchased Bobbi Brown's longwear gel liner in Ink Black (from my wishlist post) along with an eco tools slanted eyeliner brush.  A quick and tentative test run this morning on the upper lash line confirmed that application is much easier than with liquid liner and I'm really looking forward to properly testing this over the next few days - including on the waterline.

So far I'm really loving all my new goodies and excited to play around with them some more.  What have been your best purchases lately?

xx

Happy Bonfire Night

image courtesy of the guardian

This post probably won't make a lot of sense to those of you outside the UK, but for me, Bonfire night officially signals the start of winter.  It is a great excuse to dress in plenty of cozy layers and warm accessories whilst watching firework displays.  And, just as good, from tomorrow I'll be stepping up the countdown to Christmas.  Unfortunately, rain is making my 5th November a total washout so instead I thought I'd share some of the winter accessories I'd choose to wear if I was out tonight. 

from a selection at topshop, river island and accessorize

If you are lucky enough to be watching fireworks tonight wrap up warm and stay safe!

xxx

Wish List...

I guess it's that time of year when all the make up brands offer up some new goodies that have us reaching in our pockets or batting our eyelashes at loved ones and dropping not so subtle hints - "cough"christmas"cough".  I have to say I've been pretty underwhelmed by most of these new offerings but there are still a considerable number of products on my mental wish list.

Barry M nail paint in Dusky Mauve.  Anybody know if this is a dupe for Chanel Particuliere, some swatches I've seen put it in the same family?!

Collection 2000 Big Fake False Lash Effect Mascara.  Collection 2000 have some great mascaras at budget friendly prices and with party season fast approaching big, fat and fake are a prerequsite.

Mac 219 Pencil Brush.  For smoking out eyeshadow on the lower lash line and applying an inner corner highlight.

Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Eyeliner.  I've been back and forth on gel eyeliner for a while: desperate to try but scared I'll find it too much effort (an extra brush to clean) but I figure if I'm going to give it a try it might as well be with Bobbi Brown which is highly rated by celebs and the beauty community.

What are your current lust haves?

Style Crush - edition two

Rachel Bilson.

A total style crush of mine - she has some fabulous clothes, gorgeous hair and her make up is always natural and pretty.

I've loved Rachel Bilson ever since the OC - when everyone was gushing over Mischa Barton as Marissa, I was admiring best friend Summer. But it's over the last few years that Rachel Bilson has really upped the fashion stakes. I love her relaxed approach to day wear: casual separates and accessory overload, which is really easy to emulate for a fraction of the price (although I'd obviously love some Chanel and Chloe arm candy.)

This seems to be a mantra that Rachel Bilson carries into eveningwear too - keep it simple and elegant but wow with some killer accessories. 

It's not hard to believe her whole wardrobe was burgled (how devastating must that have been?!)

xx

 Images courtesy of InStyle

Buried Treasure

I was having a little clearout a few days ago and stumbled across these little beauties hidden underneath a pile of junk in the bottom of my wardrobe.

I had completely forgotten I even owned them - having picked them up in the sales for about £5 a few years ago but never quite finding the right occasion to wear them.  They completely satisfy my current craving for all things nude toned and I love the fact that the heel bears a faint resemblance to Brian Atwood's gold Gaynor platform sandals!

Have you discovered any purchases you had forgotten about lately or am I the only one who does that?

xx

I'm late to the party

Mac's Venomous Villains collection launched at the beginning of the month and considering how excited I was before hand I'm a little late jumping on the bandwagon. (Unfortunately real life means posting has been a little MIA recently - sorry guys and girls).  This doesn't mean that I was too busy to fit in a spot of shopping though.  Having done some research on the interwebz I already knew what my must purchase items were going to be and happily added them to my virtual basket and checked out in double quick time happy in the knowledge that my little mac parcel was on it's way.  As I checked my e-mails the next day, I was horrified to discover that one product had been sold out at the time of dispatch.  I don't live all that close to a mac counter/store but I thought it was worth putting in a little effort to get my hands on some disney goodies and see if there was anything else in the collection I could impulse buy!  Imagine how I felt when said item was again sold out!  I quickly hotfooted across town and eventually got my eager little hands on it!  Grade A for effort me thinks!
So here are said products

along with a few Benefit goodies I picked up (as I had to travel to mac I figured it was worth visiting a counter I can't get locally!)

 Evil Queen Beauty Powder in Oh So Fair (the pesky out of stock product), and my pick of the collection, Maleficient Lipglass in Revenge is Sweet.

How gorgeous is that?  Don't be put off by how dark it appears, when applied it is completely wearable - I'm actually starting to ration it as a special occasion only product as I'm scared I'm going to run out too quick!

I know a lot of people really hated the packaging of this collection but I've gotta say in my opinion it really isn't that terrible on the products I purchased, although looking at the collection in store, certain products could have been packaged a lot better (cruella eyeshadows I mean you!).

From Benefit I picked up the Bad Gal eyeliner pencil and Erase paste concealer in no.1 - first impressions of this are that it's a tad greasy - anyone else get that? But I do think I applied too much product so I'll experiment a bit and let you know how I get on!

What have been your must get products from recent beauty collections?