Move over Alice, Dorothy's back!

Whilst browsing the shelves at Sally's on Saturday I stumbled across a stand with the most glitzy and glam nail polishes I've ever seen.

Dorothy has clicked her ruby slippers and is back with Chinaglaze's re-promoted collection, Wizard of Ooh Ahz.

Never mind the fact that I haven't sported glitter on my nails since I was ten and I never thought I would ever again but thanks to the gorgeous colours and Lorraine's influence I had to buy a few.

Those that shudder away from shimmer don't be fooled, these polishes have the tiniest and amazingly beautiful flecks of silver running through them, the glitter is neither overpowering or in your face.
The finish on these is almost matte not as shiny as a normal nail lacquer which I love, I was really sceptical when first applying dreading glitter ball nails but this is the finished effect below.

Today I'm wearing C-C-COURAGE, a gorgeous purple which in some lights looks blue and others a true velvet plum. I am yet to try Ruby Pumps but the colour is perfect for vamping it up a lovely cherry red with subtle sparkle.

Two coats and the finish is just right, I didn't apply a top coat and still going strong three days on, these babies have lasting power.

From searching on the Internet from what I can gather this collection was first released in 2008 but is back by popular demand so if your loving glitter nails click your heels and head to Sally's!
xxx

Style faux pas?help me decide, plus I've gone back to my roots!

I try to get away with wearing shades all year round, they not only hide my tired eyes but sunglasses are such a fabulous style statement.

Spring is near and the sun is out almost daily meaning sunglasses are definitely in. I was rummaging through my collection (I have a fair few as I treat myself to a new pair every year) and found these shades by Valentino.

Now this is where you all come in, I just can't make my mind up about them. From first glance they look like nice, simple, black aviator-esque sunglasses but when on I feel like I'm wearing lab goggles or some kind of visor.

Yes, the jewelled detail on the arm is gorgeous but take a look at the photos below to help me decide whether to don or ditch them.
From the side! Oh yes and I've returned to my regular blonde and I have to say I'm loving it. I enjoyed being a more natural blonde and did pull it off for around six months but I just felt a little drab and dull some days so decided to go back to my roots, peroxide ones!

So what to do ladies? Stick them on EBay or keep them for another sunny day? I really would appreciate your opinions style conscious ladies as I'm in a pickle, I want to love them but just feel a little odd wearing them.
xx

Mad about Alice

This is one craze I never thought I'd become obsessed with but everything at the moment seems to be Alice inspired and I'm as mad as a hatter for it all.

Don't be fooled though I'm not a fan of the film which I went to see a few weeks ago and wasn't too impressed, it just wasn't what I thought it would be.

Having said that I'm glad it came out because all the Alice goodies to do with Disney's latest release are lovely!

I had the biggest ordeal trying to get hold of one of these but finally I got the Alice book of shadows thanks to the lovely Pinksealight aka Kelly and NO THANKS to Debenhams who organised the launch very messily.

This is my first Urban Decay product. I have never really been interested in them before, don't ask me why but nothing ever really caught my eye in store.

After using this little set for the past few weeks I have to say I love it, the eyeshadows are all beautiful and the shades offer multiple variations which is fab. The eyeliners are soft and long lasting, I'm loving the blue for underneath the waterline, POP.

Honestly though this is my only negative whats all the fuss with the Primer Potion, I really dislike the consistancy, so watery, I much prefer creamier bases.

All the eyeshadows are slightly glittery, most have a sheen but some are full on glittery which look pretty in the box but on what a nightmare. Drop out all over the place, by midday I have glitter undereyes and on cheeks not a good look.

These are four of my favourites and the ones I reach for the most.
From the left to right, Chessur, a gorgeous tan/gold, Mushroom, a deep greeny taupe, Drink Me, Eat Me, pinky neutral and then Vorpal an amazing grey eggshell blue.

Disney Couture jewellery have also done an amazing new Alice in Wonderland line designed by Tom Binns, I love it all.

I purchased both my items from Accessories Online which I love, they have the best range of good quality but affordable jewellery and amazingly fast service.

These cute stopwatch studs come in both gold and silver with white enamel faces. I just love these on, from far away they look like giant white pearls but up close the detail is beautiful and unique.
They cost around £13 which I think is a bargain for gold plated earrings, I also want the keyhole ones which I will order tomorrow, obsessed much!

I recieved this gorgeous bracelet in the post this morning, this was added to the website last week and I had to buy it straight away!

It is gold plated but not the usual shiny gold, it looks more like a long lost antique key.
This cost £24 but is worth every penny, it is so unique and the gold will stay gold unlike some gold looking jewellery I've bought from the high-street which only last a few weeks.

It seems as though Alice is everywhere at the moment, OPI polishes, Paul and Joe sets and a lot of jewellery is on the high-street too.

Have you been sucked into the Alice hype??
xx

The Body Shops three quid skin saviour

We are all on the pursuit for perfect skin and although I love make-up like all you beauty addicts I wish I didn't have to wear so much of it sometimes.

As women we don't think twice about booking into a salon and spending £50 on a facial or investing our hard earned cash on the latest skincare products and potions in the bid to get a flawless face.

After discovering this little gem at The Body Shop a few months ago I realise now non of the above is necessary, all you need is a few quid and a buffer sponge to give your skin a daily boost.

My skin has been transformed since using this little sponge as part of my routine. It isn't just me whose noticed either, people have been commenting on my cleaner and clearer skin since Christmas.
The facial buffer sponge acts as a gentle exfoliant on the skin when used daily with your cleanser, helping to remove the dead skin cells, clean deeper in the pores and stimulate the blood circulation.

In essence its a similar concept as using a muslin cloth to cleanse your face with your daily wash but much easier to use. The handle makes it easier to hold and move in circular motions around your face.

It is also slightly more abrasive but not at all harsh which means deeper cleansing and leaving the skin refreshed and smooth.

Another great thing about this buffer is that it works with all cleansers, whether you use oil or gel, drugstore or high-end, no matter what you use to wash your face with the buffer will give great results.

I used to exfoliate my face twice a week prior to using the buffer but because I remove the skin gently a little every day there is no need to use a harsher scrubber. If I feel I need that little extra boost I will exfoliate once a week as well.

If you want to unclog your pores and rid your skin of nasty blemishes and imperfections I highly recommend the facial buffer. It would work well on all skin types even sensitive as it really is gentle and I've also read on the website that it's great for dry skin types to remove the dead skin cells.


Has anyone else tried The Body Shops skin saviour or anything similar? Did you see results like I did?
xxx

40 Beauty Questions

I was going to do this fabulously informative tag about my beauty regime and products I love and use daily as a video but as I only get 10mins max recording time I decided a blog version would be better.

At least this way as there's a lot of questions and information to take in you can take your time to read through with no rushing from me speeding through super fast as I'm sure I would of done on YT.

Skincare!!

1)How many times do you wash your face daily?
Twice, I'll wash my face in the shower in the morning to make sure my face is squeaky clean for makeup application and then at night I'll use facial wipes, cleanser on a cotton pad, toner etc simply because I hate washing my face in a sink!

2)What skin type do you have?
As most of you know from my constant moaning and hunt for products to hold back my shine, oily skin on my T-Zone and normal elsewhere.

3)What is your current facial wash?
I purchased L'Oreal's new Perfectly Clean daily wash for oily skin with the cute scrublet thing which helps get deeper in to pores to clean last week so I'm still testing that out. Before that I religiously used Origins Oil Cleanser.

4)Do you exfoliate?
Yes, not as much as I used to since I discovered an amazing product by The Body Shop (post coming) which gently exfoliates with your chosen cleanser and you can use it daily so I don't feel the need to use an exfoliater product twice a week like before. Now only once a week if I feel my skin needs it.

5)What brand do you use?
St.Ives Dermobration scrub which is the best I've used, does the job but not to abrasive on my sensitive skin.

6)What moisturiser do you use?
I'm currently using Origins Starting Over day and night cream which is simply amazing, it is oil free so it is light and non greasy. It also contains Mimosa and various other anti ageing ingredients (you can never start too young) which help to increase your skins collagen levels. If I'm feeling particularly oily then I will use Superdrugs Clarity Shine Control moisturiser in the morning before makeup as it mattifys really well.

7)Do you have freckles?
No, I wish I did though I think they look beautiful and so cute.

8)Do you use eye cream?
Yes, I have pretty dark circles from years of sleepless nights so I always use an eye cream with anti fatigue and anti dark circle properties. I currently use Origins GinZing eye cream which is amazing for the day, it is a pale pink colour with illuminating particles which instantly hydrates and hides tired eyes.

9)Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
No, I've never had a problem with acne or spots although when I was a teenager I did have some horrible white bumps under my skin for a few years that looked like spots but weren't red. I'm not sure if they have a name but they gradually went away, phew.

10)Did you ever have to use Pro-Activ?
No

Make-up!!

11)What foundation do you use?
I'm currently switching between two, YSL's Teint Resist and Bourjois's Healthy Mix. Both are great foundations, if I need a heavier coverage and not so long lasting power I grab Bourjois but if I need my base to last for hours and hours YSL every time.

12)How about concealer?
For my all over face I've currently gone back to Mac's Studio Finish concealer and for under my eyes I use Eve Pearl's Salmon concealer with Estee Lauder's Maximum Cover over the top to blend it naturally and make it last.

13)Do you know your undertone colour?
Peach, a lot of brands now cater for this undertone and I find it much easier to get colour matched now.

14)What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I love them!! Not for every day or all the time but when you go out a pair of falsies can make all the difference to your look and your confidence. My faves are by Shu Uemura, Ardell and FoxyLocksExtensions new ones are amazingly long and natural (review on the way).

15)Did you know you were supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Umm yes but I don't, maybe every 4-5, depends on the mascara really.

16)What brand of mascara do you use?
My all time favourite is YSL's Singulier mascara but I change it up quite a lot as I have so many and I like to give them all a fair go. At the moment I'm loving CoverGirls Lash Blast (MaxFactor's False Lash) with Gosh's Irresistible and Intense over the top.

17)Sephora or Mac?
Well I don't have access to Sephora only when on holiday so Mac!

18)Do you have a Mac Pro card?
Yes, I got it last year at IMATS.

19)What makeup tools do you use in makeup application?
Many, I love sponges and brushes, I can't apply my makeup without them. I use the BeautyBlender sponge to get a flawless finish with my foundation by bouncing product into my skin, I also use a flat topped kabuki to blend. Other various brushes are used for bronzer, blush and highlight. I don't always use eyeshadow brushes though as I apply cream shadows with my finger most days.

20)Do you use makeup base/primer for the eyes?
I usually use a Mac Paint Pot such as Rubenesque, Benefits creaseless shadows or Estee Lauder's Double Wear creams as a base. They not only look great alone but help to keep eyeshadow in place, I would say a eyelid primer is not a must.

21)For the face?
Recently no, my shine control moisturisers work just fine but if my pores are large then I'll reach for L'Oreal's Secret Resurfacing Primer which works wonders.

22)What is your favourite eyeshadow?colour or shade?
I'm always attracted to purples and buy them but the most but rarely wear them. My all time favourite eyeshadow and the one I wear the most is Mac's All that Glitters with Nars Lola Lola, haha I'm a cheat that's 2!

23)Do you use pencil or liquid liner?
Both, liquid always for my lid to create a dramatic line and winged effect. I use pencil underneath and in my waterline to get the smudgy effect.

24)How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Umm, not often I'm always careful and take my time around my eyes as they are super sensitive and prone to watering!

25)What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
Look gorgeous but in reality a nightmare. I won't buy them purely because I have cream carpets and I always spill them.

26)Do you use mineral makeup?
I don't use loose powder mineral foundation, I've tried so many and they just didn't work for me. Liquids seem to suit my skin better.

27)What is your favourite lipstick?
NYX India for nights out and Mac's Hue for the day!

28?How about lipgloss?
I don't wear it much to be honest, looks pretty but I just never reach for it, I prefer lipstick. If I had to pick one it would be Laura Merciers After Hours.

29)What is your favourite blush to use?
In the winter Nars Sin and now it's a little sunnier I'm loving NYX Peach with Mac's Rhapsody in Two over the top.

30)Do you buy your makeup on Ebay?
I have done yes many times, you can pick up some great bargain especially from brands overseas. I wouldn't buy overpriced LE stuff though unless really desperate.

31)Do you like drugstore makeup?
I love it, there's nothing better than finding a great product that doesn't cost the earth, you get pure satisfaction everytime you use it. Revlon, Sleek, Gosh and Bourjois are my faves.

32)Do you go to CCO's?Cosmetic Company Outlet?
Yes when I'm near one, the nearest one to me is about and hours drive and when I can be bothered I'll go. Great way to get old Mac collections and other Estee Lauder company brands cheaper.

33)Did you ever consider taking makeup classes?
Yes, I'm looking into it now.

34)Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
Not really but yes if I have ten minutes to get ready and I'm rushing.

35)Name a makeup crime that you hate?
When bronzer or blusher isn't blended properly, I've done it myself before and I cringe at my streaky face in photos. It only takes minute to blend and a fluffy brush.

36)Do you like colourful shades of makeup (lipstick or eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
Neutral for the majority of the time, I like the idea of colour but just not brave enough to wear it.

37)Which celebrity always has great makeup?
Eva Mendes always looks flawless and beautiful.

38)If you could leave the house using just ONE makeup item, what would you use?
Concealer to get rid of spots, undereye circles and redness.

39)Could you leave the house without any makeup on?
Yes if I had too but if I have time then I like to apply some, it helps me feel more confident and more put together.

40)Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
Haha no, I don't look horrid but make-up makes a good improvement on how I look.

41)In your opinion what is the BEST makeup line?
I probably use the most from YSL so if you have the cash to splash they YSL can do no wrong but if on a budget Revlon is the best affordable brand.

42)What do you think of makeup?
I love makeup, I love how it makes me feel excited when I see new products, I love shopping for it, I love testing it and ultimately I love how it can change how you feel about yourself.

Phew, well done if you got through all that! I'd love to read your 40 beauty questions so your all tagged, let me know if you do it.

Hope this was of some interest!
xxx

Mac Spring Forecast and Too Fabulous

Mac's latest collections hit UK counters this week and although I hadn't planned on investing in much this month as I'm trying to save my pennies for the beautiful Liberty for Mac collection in April, I had to go take a look.

I went into my Mac store the day after the release to mainly get one thing and one thing only, Ripe Peach. To my horror my little store had sold out in ONE day, other beauty addicts pipped me to the post so I left without it.

But I didn't leave completely empty handed, with such huge collections this month I spotted a few gems I had to take home with me.

Spring Forecast was a beautiful collection made up of four separate colour specific sections, pink, coral, plum and amber. This was a great collection for anyone from Mac enthusiasts, those just getting started into makeup or being introduced to the brand.

From Spring Forecast I only picked up two things mainly because I had so many similar products already in my collection, none of the single eyeshadows grabbed me although the quads were gorgeous. The stacked pigments were pretty but knew I wouldn't use them as I'm not a fan of loose eyeshadow.

Victorian lipstick is the most gorgeous bright pink with a hint of coral shimmer, perfect for summer. I love this lipstick so much, it really compliments my skin tone and blonde hair, such a lovely bright but wearable shade.

I also picked up a lovely lipgloss from the Coral section called Ember Glow, if you love your peaches this is the perfect colour. It is extremely pigmented and is not a peachy nude but more of a true orangey peach.

I'm not too sure how to wear this yet as I'm used to paler peaches and don't really know if this suits me. It would look amazing on darker skin tones though.
For me the Too Fabulous collection was the most exciting, all of the Cremesheen lipglosses were beautiful the only reason I passed on them is that I already own three of the re promoted colours and didn't need anymore.

If you don't own any though don't pass Mac without taking a look, they are the perfect lipgloss for the non lipgloss lover, creamy, smooth, pigmented and non-sticky!

Six lip pencils were released with this range and I couldn't go home without a few.
I've just started getting into lipliner, they really help keep your lipstick in place and allow you to create those Angelina lips you've always wanted.
I picked up the two palest colours, In Synch, a gorgeous baby pink which will look amazing with lipsticks such as Angel and Plink. Naked Liner is of course a nude for my favourite barely there lipsticks.

My favourite purchase has to be this beautiful mineral blush, I love Mac's mineral products in general. I have most of their mineral shadows and blushes from previous collections as I find they are really nicely pigmented, give subtle shimmer and are easier to blend than the normal shadows/blushers.

This is Rhapsody In Two.

A gorgeous combination of pale dusky rose with peachy gold. You could use the shades separately as a blush and highlight but swirled together they make a lovely peachy pink shade which I love.

Bottom- Top - pink shade, pale gold shade and mixed together the perfect peachy pink!

If you are not a fan of shimmer then these blushers are not for you, although they aren't glittery they do have quite a bit of shimmer which I like. It allows your skin to look healthy and radiant without being over the top.

There was no need for an additional highlighter when I applied this yesterday as it adds a lovely subtle glow to the skin.

As well as a slight sheen it also adds a nice flush of pink to the cheeks. Rhapsody in Two is a lovely product for those with paler skin tones wanting a pop of colour and a healthy glow.

Although I was a little disappointed I wasn't able to get my hands on Ripe Peach I did pick up some lovely products I know I'm going to love using once the sun comes out!


I'd love to know what you guys got from these huge collections? Is there anything I should go back for? I rush purchased and usually skip past some gems unintentionally!
xxx

Eye love you - YSL's new Dessin Du Regard pencils

Shiny gold packaging can only mean one thing, more YSL, I love this brand and it's products rarely let me down. I was sitting at my dressing table yesterday and thought which brand do I use the most? Where were my 'Go To' products from? The majority of my staple items were by YSL.

When I saw a new stand consisting of two rows of gorgeous looking eyeliners at my favourite counter I had to have some.

WARNING! Before you read on you must understand and dismiss the fact that I AM boring but there is NOTHING boring about this product. The thing I love most about these eyeliners is the amazing range of colours they come in which of course I didn't buy but you don't have to be boring like me!!

There are around 12 colours in the range, I can't tell you the number precisely as I can not find these anywhere on the web. I swatched them all and wish I'd taken a picture to show you all but the colours ranged from dark purples,blues,greens to bright aquas, lilacs and even a baby pink which would look amazing on those with darker skin.

The pencils are double ended similar to the Estee Lauder Double Wear pencils which I also love, one side is the pencil and the other a smudger (if that's a real word).
They have an angled rubber hoof shaped smudger on one end which is perfect for creating a smokier, lived in look for your eyeliner which personally I prefect to a perfect line.

These eyeliners are incredibly long lasting, I had the swatched on my hand for over two days and yes, I do wash!

The consistency is smooth and non scratchy, they are soft but not as creamy as the Estee Lauder eyeliners.
They are pricey at around £16 which I know is a lot but think about it, eyeliners are so long lasting, I've had some of my favourites for over a year. They also come with a cute sharpener to keep them in shape.

I was really unadventurous and purchased two brown shades but I just knew that if I was trying them for the first time I wanted colours I knew I would wear. I bought shades 6 and 8.
The top brown which I love is No 8, a really gorgeous reddy shade and below is No 6, a lovely bronze with a hint of deep purple.

Below is the effect given when smudged to create the softer, smokier look.These eyeliners are great if you want a really long-lasting line or a product that gives the gorgeous smudged effect you get when you apply eye shadows over a eyeliner only no need for the powder with the Dessin Du Regard pencils.

I really recommend checking out the colour range because it is simply stunning, there are beautiful shades for all skin colours and they are amazing quality.

For some reason these are not on any other websites yet but has anyone else seen or tried YSL's latest addition to its range?
xxx