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