Dolce Vanity | UK Beauty and Lifestyle Blog

11/02/11 - Link Love

2012-02-11T08:43:00.000Z

Chanel La Ravissante Rouge Allure Velvet is the little glimpse of summer we've been waiting for. See it in action on My Funny Valentine.

The Pink Sith asks: Did you know that Nordstrom Rack has Stila makeup palettes? Well now you know, and knowing is half the battle.

At theNotice, Rae solves the Great Beauty Blogger Problem: taking photos after the sun's gone down. Check out her classic smokey eye to see the proof for yourself.

At Love Lust & Fairy Dust, Jude warns us to never underestimate the power of a Tom Ford Lipstick. Check out her cautionary tale with a very happy ending.

Beauty woo me thinks red hair is like Marmite.

Curious about Kevyn Aucoin's makeup line? Check out Krasey Beauty's swatches and review of some key pieces!

Want soft lips? Check out Jenn from Spiced Beauty's L'Oreal Le Balm in Rose Elixir review.

Want to know how to create beautiful side swept curls? Madame B Fatale shows you how!

We all need a little sunshine in a bottle to brighten up dreary winter skin. Miss Beauty Nerd is painting herself with Benefit's new Sun Beam!

Mariella at Musing on Beauty experiments with Makeup Geek Eyeshadows and creates a quad with her favorites.

At Lipstick Musings, Shannon is shocked to find out there actually IS great organic skin care out there! She's starting with Hollybeth's Rose Geranium Facial Moisturizer. Come see what the fuss is about!

Love Chocolate and The Body Shop? Then don't miss out the latest/greatest The Body Shop Chocomania Collection.

Phyrra gets nekkid with the new Let's Get Nekkid collection from Cult Nails.

Prime Beauty is looking to get in shape and what better fitness coaches than Hans and Franz! Her hair needs some work too and UNITE Haircare really PUMPS HER UP!

Jellyminx shares her top MAC eyeshadow picks. Do you share any of her favourites?

Check out Tracy at Beauty Reflections's new bronzer crush, Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Bronzer in Daydream.

Learn how to create the perfect Valentine's Day look with a subtle, shimmery purple Valentine's Day Makeup Tutorial at Handmade Reviews.

John Frieda "Selected By You Shades" Giveaway { CLOSED }

2012-02-10T20:57:00.000Z

There’s a whole new world of fabulous shades, now available in the John Frieda® Precision Foam Colour Range. Get ready for your best-ever ‘hair day’.John Frieda listened to the public and thanks to suggestions from you their Precision Foam Colour Range has just got bigger!There is now the addition of their new "Selected By You Shades" these 6 new shades range from : - Medium Burgundy, Medium Copper Brown, Dark Natural Blonde, Medium Ash Brown, Extra Light Ash Blonde and Luminous Blue Black. Six fabulous and lucky women from across the UK, were the first to try out these great shades and you can see the results over at www.facebook.com/johnfriedauk

I have ONE of each shades up for grabs!!

HOW TO ENTER :

Leave me a comment under this post ONLY :

- Telling me why you deserve to win one

& which colour you would like

Good luck. This giveaway will run from 27th January - 10th FebruaryUK ONLY!

I'm Lovin'

2012-02-10T15:16:00.000Z

A few things that I've been using lately : L'Occitane Verbena Body Salt Scrub*, Soap & Glory No Clogs Allowed, Lucas' Papaw Ointment & Body Shop Round Body Brush

Body Shop Round Body Brush £7
If there's one thing that should be in all our bathrooms its a body brush, helping to get the blood circulating "reducing cellulite" and brushing off dead skin.

With it's small knob to hold it as you brush, I love how the size is just right to get a good hold and control over the brushing.

L'Occitane Verbena Body Salt Scrub £26.00*
This may just of become my HG body scrub. When I tell you it's nourishing - it's really nourishing! Its a blend of salt and oil so not only are you exfoiliating but your feeding your thirsty skin as you scrub.

Did I mention the smell ? Amazing ( me being biased ? - How ? Citrus scented ) Divine. Blend of oils such as lemon, geranium, orange and verbena. You just don't want it to end, the scent follows you and my skin hasn't ever felt so nourished especially with these harsh winter days.

Lucas' Papaw Ointment £ varies
Truth be told, never did hear of this multi tasking ointment until this year *GASP* Yeah I was introduced to it while on my AOFM course. It was very handy for various things while doing make-up. Loved it on my lips...I actually purchased this for my working make-up kit and it's now been firmly in my personal kit. Why?

Because I've now ditched the vaseline as this transparent but thick ointment is soft on the lips and a little goes a long way. I don't feel greasy as I do with other lip treatments.

Soap & Glory No Clogs Allowed £10
I really needed a deep cleaning face mask so I decided to try out the S&G No Clogs Allowed. It works as a self heating mask - masks like that, I love. It also comes with a sponge to wipe off :)

It's directions state that you should use once or twice a week and use a grape sized measure onto your face and wet your hands and scrub. This is where the heat starts as I scrubbed it got warmer and even started to turn blue. You can either then scrub it off or leave on for 3-5mins and use the sponge to wash away for a deeper clean.

Have you purchased anything lately that your loving ?

Shielo

2012-02-09T14:32:00.000Z

Last year I took up the personal challenge to start going natural with my hair. Natural to some are different to others my version of natural wasn't so much stopping relaxing my hair as I don't do that to start off with but it was to use ingredients that are more natural. Excusing any cones & sulfates.

The Shielo shampoo I have contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate so I didn't use it but my nan isn't fussed with things like that so she has been using it occasionally. Yet they are a CRUELTY FREE! :)

Condtioner : This has been used regularly in my routine, I do use more than one conditioner in my hair as I need one that is going to help remove the dirt and another that is more rich in moisture. Sheilo volumizing conditioner comes in the middle in my routine. Just after my dirt removing conditioner. Considering I wash my hair every 2-3 days and I've had this conditioner since around last November it's lasted me well.

Key Ingredients :

Keratin amino acids : Keratin is an extremely strong protein which is a major component in skin, hair, nails, hooves, horns, and teeth. The amino acids which combine to form keratin have several unique properties, and depending on the levels of the various amino acids, keratin can be inflexible and hard, like hooves, or soft, as is the case with skin.
Soy Protein : Provides structure and support for thin or weak hair.
Hyaluronic acid : Strengthens, conditions and replenishes hair providing shine.
Acai Berry Extract : Rich in antioxidants and natural caffeine stimulates the scalp and protects hair against free radical damage.
UV Protectants : Guard hair and shield colour against the sun's damaging rays.

Leave In Protectant : Confessional .... I rarely use a protectant. Terrible huh especially in the days when I use to always straighten my hair. I've got into the routine of using this. Spraying it on when my hairs damp and combing through with a wide tooth comb. Have I noticed a difference? Yes as my hair doesn't feel as dried out but I couldn't be 100% it's this protectant specifically or just the fact I am using one.

Key Ingredients :

UV Protectants : With natural antioxidants from white tea enhance colour protection.
Shea Butter : adds a protective moisture barrier to seal the hair shaft.

Volumizing Shampoo : $28.49

Volumizing Conditioner : $24.99

Antioxidant Leave In : $19.99

Available online from Shielo

Nail Art I'm Lovin'

2012-02-09T08:00:00.000Z

My addiction to tribal inspired nails has been burning for nearly a year. Flicking through a magazine, I notice the above picture in a nail art piece. Sure enough I began to fall in love with the design. The Nail Rock Tribal Gold Designer Nail Wraps shall be mine. I have an unopened pack of Nail Rock Black and White Stripes only because my nails haven't been in the best state - getting back there! I'm missing nail art.

Glitter has really grown on me since I managed to start growing my nails last year. Before I use to think grown women and glitter is childish. When used right, it looks fantastic! Another example are these nail designs each nail with a different look but all involving gold.

Gold Diamantés
Loose Gold Glitter
Thin Chain
Gold Crackle Polish

Different fingers a different design, I like the chain effect but of course it wouldn't be practical daily and for someone like me who non stop has my fingers through my hair.

These may have to be my favourite that I want to try. Think there really funky, gradient nail design / wrap or polish with clear nail nail tips with a CND ( creative nail design ) on the tips. Love them!

Images : Cosmopolitan Magazine

Are you a fan of nail art design ?

Lash Out : Sleek Mascara

2012-02-08T18:25:00.000Z

Sleek MakeUP is hitting us now with their ultimate mascara : LASH OUT!
Mascara is apart of our routine day or night and we all want a mascara that gives us the effect of voluminous, long just BAM in your face lashes without the use of false eyelashes. The hot pink casing that just stands out with the urban inspired graffiti print, it stands out in your mascara pot.

LASH OUT has an intense carbon black formula that lengthens and volumises lashes. So normally what helps gives us that effect? The Brush.

LASH OUT's brush is narrow and specifically designed for reaching the inner corners of lashes. Making sure it costs each lash. If you look closely the nylon brush is formed spirally.

Sleek says "The spiral brushes the formulation through lashes evenly from root-to-tip, without sticking together at the base"

let's test this out!

My eyelashes with nothing on, just curled with an eyelash curler.

This is my first coat of Lash Out

Second coat

I didn't want to go any further than a second coat because I could see it would go down the spider legs route. What I do like is the narrow brush as it does make it easier to get into the corners and to get from the root-to-tip. HG mascara? Umm not 100% sure but it's okay as I said the brush I'm loving and also how it does keep my lashes quite separated.

Purchase : Superdrug Stores & Online
Price : £6.99

Winter Glow with KARORA

2012-02-07T22:00:00.000Z

Over the weekend the winter weather took a drastic turn and snow fell upon us here in the UK! If it's not bad enough that during the winter our skin is dry & dull, sometimes the snow can make us feel even more dull.

I have a thing about wanting 'golden skin' ... people laugh at me when I mention fake tan - the only fake tan I've used is the spray in a can that turned me very oompa loompa looking. With no instant fix I had to wait for days until it became patchy and started to fade.

Unlike KARORA* , it's an organic & natural instant wash off tan - oh hello. KARORA is an Irish brand that is famed for their eco-chic credentials which are bronzed luxury with a botanical twist. So what do I think about the only natural instant tan available on the UK Market ?

small sized drop on my hand...

There isn't much of a smell if any. You can see it's quite dark and bronzed, you don't need a lot to start off with. A little goes a long way - believe me.

Here's my arm :) very winter looking { looks like this all year round lol } exfoliated and moisturised before hand for best results. Taking a small amount I begin to work from my hand upwards.

Afterwards, looking quite alive and instant glow, love it. Doesn't transfer onto anything I touch and washing my hands afterwards is a breeze. Washes right off. Good sign for later to wash off my arm ?! Course. Most importantly - NO STREAKING!

what what, my NY Giants jumper :)

You can see that the hand with my tattoo on isn't as glowing as my opposite hand. Even gives off a nice glimmer when there's flash.

This instant tan is packed with natural goodies for our skin such as :

Grape Seed Oil : - powerful nutrient and antioxidant to keep skin supple and smooth.
Horse Chestnut Extract : - soothes and minimises the appearance of minor veins and blemishes.
Sweet Almond Oil & Macadamia Oil : - fine textured, sweet smelling oils to soften the skin.
Argan Oil : - signature KARORA ingredient to keep skin intensely moisturised.
Pure Pearl Mineral Powders : - evens out skin tone and rejuvenates dull, dry skin for a luminous finish.

Price : £13.50 / 125ml

Purchase : KARORA Cosmetics

Twitter | Facebook

Guest Post : Tried & Tested: Dr Bronner’s Soap

2012-02-07T15:31:00.000Z

Any beauty product that claims to have 18 (count them) different uses piques my interest. Think of the potential time, money, holiday suitcase and bathroom shelf space that could be saved!

Dr Bronner’s Liquid Soap is one of those rare products. Listed below are its alleged 18 different uses. I can’t say I tried all 18 (douche anyone?) but I certainly do think it’s a great product. It’s 100% organic and fair trade and contains only natural oils and fragrances. Apparently Eminem is also a fan and uses the peppermint scented soap to brush his teeth.

I tried the Almond scented soap as a shampoo, body, face and hand wash and found it so mild, gentle yet effective that I had no qualms in using it on a 21 month old baby. It really is that gentle. No SLS, paraffin or harmful chemicals - it simply washes (leaving behind a pleasant gentle almond scent) and was surprisingly moisturising too. Not that I recommend it, but you could just wash n’ go without adding moisturiser to your skin after a bath and you wouldn’t be left with that tight feeling you can get after using some soaps.

I also love the random sayings on the packaging. It’s not often that I read every word on the outside of a product (I normally stop after the ingredients) but when the wrapping is saying things like ‘love is a wilful bird, do you want it? It flies away’ and ‘absolute cleanliness is Godliness’ – how could I not?

Dr Bronner wasn’t a medical Dr but that aside, the soap is great; 70% of the proceeds go to charity and the packaging is 100% recycled. Good for you, the planet and your fellowman. And it’s less than £10 a bottle!

Besides, any soap that tells you that the Moral ABC (whatever that is) is the way mankind can achieve world peace is definitely worth a try!

The 18 uses of Dr Bronner’s Magic Soap:

Shave
Shampoo
Dental
Soap bath
Peppermint is nature's own fragrant deodorant
A drop is the best mint toothpaste; brushes dentures clean
A dash in water is the ideal breath freshener and mouth wash
Use in hand wash dispensers, to clean uniforms and/or your baby
Dilute for ideal body rub
Foot bath
Douche
Hot towel massage the entire body, always towards your heart
Wash pets
Wash clothes, silk, wool and your dishes
Spritzer - body tingles head to toe - keeps cool
3 dashes in water rinses most fruit and vegetables
1/4 oz in qt H2O is a great pest spray
No rash diaper soap

About the Guest Author:
Madeka is the creator of Afro Boudoir. Afro Boudoir is an online fashion and lifestyle magazine created to take an intelligent look at fashion and beauty from a different perspective. We are a little bit obsessed with fashion, make up and all things fabulous and how they relate to the modern woman of colour.

Where you can find Madeka : Blog · Facebook · Twitter

15/02/12 - Beauty Blogger Chain Link

2012-02-05T14:44:00.000Z

"Hey BBCL lovers. Just want to say thanks to Kristie for featuring BBCL over at Blushing Basics while I was on my hiatus! It's hard trying to get back into the swing of things after awhile but I'm getting there"

Want to be included next week ?

You can enter for next week's BBCL here! :)

EOTD : Gold Pop

2012-02-01T12:00:00.000Z

Who doesn't like nudes & golds when it comes to make-up ? I love it, it's the go to look when your creativity stifled. Yet sometimes it can need a slight umph every now and again.

Bold eyeliner either top or bottom can be that way forward. Gold Pop !

Using the gold of your choice and a brown in the crease to define -

liquid eyeliner with a cat eye.

What I Used

BASE :
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Shu Uemura Painting Liner G Gold

SHADOWS :
MAC Antique Gold Pigment
Sleek Au Naturel Palette Regal & Bark

EYELINERS :
Sleek Ink Pot Dominatrix
Rimmel Glam' Eyes Liquid Liner Black Glamour
NYX Jumbo Pencil Milk
Barry M Dazzle Dust Kingfisher ( mixed with MAC Mixing Medium )

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000Z

Jeffrey Campbell 'The Shadow Spike and Stud Bootie'

January Skincare Routine

2012-01-31T13:00:00.000Z

My skin took quite a beating the two weeks I was at AOFM, fantastic skincare products were used but the amount of make up that was used and different brands daily - the late nights it all took it's toll on my skin and it's at quite an irritable place.

Deep cleaning is what it needs, the breakouts and rough feeling it's making me quite sad lol well our skin is our canvas.

I've taken up a new skin routine for the first half of 2012 that includes, Skin Science, Sea Salt & L'Occitane.

Sounds like quite a recipe huh.

Skin Science Bio Active Cleanser* : this brightened and awakened my skin the other morning when it was really feeling tired, dry and just horrible. It's amazing to hydrate the skin.

L'Ooccitane Ultra Gentle Moisturizer* : Light and not oily with 8% shea butter it's sinks into the skin quite fast and you don't need a lot to cover the face

Skin Science Bio Active Eye Contour* : One thing I didn't use much before was eye cream - why? I hear the stories, it's bad - it thins out the skin that's already thin under our eye etc. Yet while at AOFM we used eye cream nearly everyday and I found my eyes felt a lot more revived and even when I took my make-up off there I found myself instinctively reaching for eye cream. Morning and evening I apply this one, it helps the puffiness to go down which was good cos while on the course bags were staple to my face.

Maybe this has to be one of my favourites within my face routine - sea salt.

Whenever I steam my face I always add sea salt - no matter what. I haven't had the chance to steam my face in a little while so I thought well why can't I put a few table spoons into warm water in the basin and soak my muslin cloth and wash my face ?!

So that's what I began to do.

Sea Salt Benefits : -

Helps fight acne, blemishes & other imperfections
Brightens complexion
Keeps moisture sealed into the skin

The sea salt method is very inexpensive. Remember you don't want cooking salt lol - PURE sea salt :)

Let's see how long this routine last for me!

Blog Tutorial : Popular Post Grid Thumbnail Widget

2012-01-30T18:00:00.000Z

As requested by Stephanie, here's how I done my popular post widget :

Go to the layout page and add the popular posts widget { if you haven't already}

Edit the settings to only include 'Image Thumbnail' - Save.

Go to Template / Design - Edit HTML - DO NOT Click Expand Widgets - Search for PopularPosts1 { press CTRL +F and enter it to be taken to the direct line } You should get something like this :
<b:widget id='PopularPosts1' locked='false' title='Popular Posts' type='PopularPosts'/>

Change that entire line to :
<b:widget id='PopularPosts1' locked='false' title='Popular Posts' type='PopularPosts'><br /> <b:includable id='main'><br /> <b:if cond='data:title'><h2><data:title/></h2></b:if><br /> <div class='widget-content popular-posts'> <ul> <b:loop values='data:posts' var='post'> <li><br /> <b:if cond='data:showThumbnails == "false"'><br /> <b:if cond='data:showSnippets == "false"'><br /> <br /> <a expr:href='data:post.href'><data:post.title/></a><br /> <b:else/><br /> <br /> <div class='item-title'><a expr:href='data:post.href'><data:post.title/></a></div> <div class='item-snippet'><data:post.snippet/></div> </b:if><br /> <b:else/><br /> <b:if cond='data:showSnippets == "false"'><br /> <br /> <div class='item-thumbnail-only'> <br /> <div class='item-thumbnail'> <a expr:href='data:post.href' expr:title='data:post.title'><br /> <b:if cond='data:post.thumbnail'><br /> <img alt='' border='0' expr:height='data:thumbnailSize' expr:src='data:post.thumbnail' expr:width='data:thumbnailSize'/><br /> <b:else/><br /> <img alt='' border='0' expr:height='data:thumbnailSize' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-erTXCq61ULM/TmHYAQBZ0GI/AAAAAAAACCs/6cBX54Dn6Gs/s72-c/default.png' expr:width='data:thumbnailSize'/><br /> </b:if><br /> </a><br /> </div> </div> <b:else/><br /> <br /> <div class='item-content'> <b:if cond='data:post.thumbnail'><br /> <div class='item-thumbnail'> <a expr:href='data:post.href' target='_blank'><br /> <img alt='' border='0' expr:height='data:thumbnailSize' expr:src='data:post.thumbnail' expr:width='data:thumbnailSize'/><br /> </a><br /> </div> </b:if><br /> <div class='item-title'><a expr:href='data:post.href'><data:post.title/></a></div> <div class='item-snippet'><data:post.snippet/></div> </div> <div style='clear: both;'/> </b:if><br /> </b:if><br /> </li> </b:loop> </ul> <b:include name='quickedit'/><br /> </div></b:includable><br /> </b:widget>

Save template

If you are using the new template design go to Template - Design - Advanced - Add CSS and enter the code below into the box
If you are using the old template design go to Template / Design - Edit HTML
& search for ]]></b:skin> and before the brackets enter the following:

.popular-posts .item-thumbnail{float:left;}
.popular-posts ul{padding-left:0px;}
.popular-posts ul li {list-style-image: none;list-style-type: none;display:inline;}

You can add more style to it, this is my exact coding :-

.popular-posts{padding-left:8px;}
.popular-posts .item-thumbnail{float:justify;}
.popular-posts ul{padding-left:25px;}
.popular-posts ul li {list-style-image: none;list-style-type: none;display:inline;}
.popular-posts ul li img {margin-right:0px;}
.popular-posts img{width:85px;height:85px;}

Any questions please do ask and I'll try my best to help you.

January GLOSSYBOX - Pretty in Pink

2012-01-30T09:44:00.000Z

January's GLOSSYBOX has arrived and it's their second limited box. Yes just last month we had a special edition one but with Valentine's day not far away here's the Pretty in Pink box.

Contents :-

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner - Emerald Green £9.50 full size
Clarins Extra Firming Night Cream £48.00 full size 50ml
Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream £46.50 full size 50ml
Fab Gentle Body Wash £10.00 full size 226.8g
Murad Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer - Dewy Finish £29.00 full size 30ml

I've never purchased anything from Eyeko before - I've always heard great things about their products but for some reason I've never been tempted before so this Eyeko pencil may be a great way to get me to purchase some bits and pieces. I'll use this in an EOTD this week :)

Quick Swatch

For me this month besides FAB the brands included I've never tried and with the addition of Murad which I've never heard of it's nice to be introduced to these.

Mmm Yum! ♥

Have you received your box yet if not are you looking forward to this months box?

John Frieda Giveaway UK Only - Enter

Layout & Header Design

2012-01-29T15:49:00.000Z

After two weeks of no blogging, I'm quite behind but there's also one thing that I can't ever leave alone and I'm constantly tweaking and photoshopping - my layout.

Last month I was contacted by Denisha from DKDesigns offering to do me a logo/design and when I went on her blog and saw her previous digital art, I couldn't help but take up her sweet offering. I sent her a photo of me and left her to it.

I'm practically using the head everywhere, I'm in love with it. Thanks, Denisha !!

There's also a navigation that's multi-tabbed. I've managed to put most of my posts into categories to be searched quicker. There's still posts that need to be updated (all a work in progress)

All pages are now without the sidebar with a new page that has a "Table Of Contents". Here you'll find every blog post and all brands/labels with their associated posts.

I know a lot of you girls like a lot of my previous layouts - I can't say I have the coding's for them exactly but I think I will include tutorials for them within my blog.

What do you think?

Is there anything in particular you would like to see ?

Any specific tutorial or blog post ?

Lashaholics - False Eyelashes

2012-01-28T17:23:00.002Z

Whenever I did my makeup, I couldn't picture doing an EOTD / FOTD without popping on some false eyelashes. Then I discovered sometimes mascara gave me the effect I wanted but sometimes nothing beats a pair of false eyelashes to add that extra glamour to our look.

Lashaholics style LA07

Think it's time for some new eyelash glue.

These lashes do come with their own adhesive but I never do use the adhesive that's supplied - maybe this time round I should of as my duo wasn't helping me much today.

Lashaholics come in 9 different styles ranging from dainty to super glamorous. I quite like this style as they aren't super long or extravagant - nice for even daily wear. Love how they start off slightly criss cross from the lash strip.

Price £7.99
Available Online from : Lashaholic

What are your take on false eyelashes ?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway HERE! ( UK ONLY )

Andrex Washlets

2012-01-27T20:00:00.000Z

You may of seen the commercial where the lovely Dawn Porter travels the country and introduces people to the new Andrex Washlets. She's on a mission to change the way we wipe our bottoms!!

The new toilet product that is in the form of a wet wipe not as heavily moisturising as a makeup wipe yet I would say it gives you a fresher cleaner feeling after you have released. Did I mention it smells nice too ?

-- Good new way to boost the personal hygiene ?

I found it a bit strange at first to use this wipe because I'm use to toilet paper, like the rest of us. It's nice to have in the toilet just sitting there with a little choice hmm toilet paper or washlet today?

You do get use to it after a while but it's quite hard to break the routine from tissue paper to washlet so quickly but the habit is getting there.

Well what a weird post, knowing all about Laa's new bathroom habits lol - a good one at least hey.

You can join the Clean Campaign and see more over Dawn's videos at Facebook.com/CleanCampaign

Valentines Day with Wahanda

2012-01-25T23:47:00.000Z

Valentines Day is not far away less than a month in fact and Wahanda is right up your street to help you out to find a perfect present for your loved one or why not treat the both of you :)

Gifts include spa breaks and couples treatments from £45.00 or if you can't choose from the one of the many treats why not spoil them with a Wahanda Gift Voucher.

For a selection of Valentines Gift Ideas View Here

John Frieda "Style On Demand" YouTube

2012-01-23T19:14:00.000Z

Recently John Frieda launched their YouTube channel that's based around hairstyles that are in demand for 2012 that are being seen on the catwalks and celebrities and are done in a step by step tutorial for us to try at home.

This one features fellow blogger Sabrina from A Little Obsessed and I love the hairstyle it's kept classic but edgy at the front. I'm thinking I need to recreate some of these hairstyles.

Tell me what you think ?

To watch more and to subscribe go to the official John Frieda UK YouTube

*

Week 2 - AOFM Advanced + Photo Shoot

2012-01-22T20:30:00.000Z

All good things come to an end ...

My official last day was Friday but I put myself down for Saturday to do my photo shoot to complete my week. Nervous - yes but once getting into it, was so exciting it was just so amazing. As for the course : -

Period 20-80s
Textures
Body Painting
Male, Mature & Ethnic Skin
Avant Garde

Here's just a few of the images from the last week.

We also had our shopping day, I didn't pick up a lot to be honest except some MAC Face & Body, Mac Lipsticks Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers & Liner, Brush Cleaner and Lucas Paw Paw; I didn't pick up much because there's not much that I need as of right now. Plus with future discounts with some makeup houses I didn't feel it to be 100% necessary for me

Come Saturday I had my photo shoot :- beauty & editorial.

Model : Sienna King ( FM Agency ) Make Up : LaaLaa Monroe Photographer : © Lou Denim Hair Stylist : Jan Prezemyk

Model : Noelle Woosley Make Up : LaaLaa Monroe Photographer : © Lou Denim Hair Stylist : Jan Prezemyk

I'm so gutted that I've now left lol, imagine I was so nervous and scared I wouldn't get on with anyone and come Friday & Saturday I didn't want to even leave the building. It's great the friendships that you begin to build working intensively with people for 6 days a week even for a fortnight.

Now it's back to the grind with the added extras, I'm quite behind on reviews and emails so I hope everyone can bare with me and thanks for your continued support and to the new followers :)

Week 1 - AOFM Foundation

2012-01-15T22:52:00.000Z

Hey, hey, hey :)

How has everyone been ? Fantastic weekend?!

Soo for me week 1 is over, finished, kaput, no more, onto the next week.

I'm gutted - ONLY because it's my last week.

Week 1 - Foundation level. We covered this week :-

Natural, Beauty, Glowing skin / Smokey eyes
Bridal
Eyebrows & Glamour
Catwalk & Fashion vs Commercial & Advertising
Contouring / Highlighting
Understanding photography lighting / colours - etc.

Briefly working on a counter I only did a handful of make up on others. The training on that job wasn't good cos it didn't exist and doing makeup on yourself is a lot different than doing it on someone else. That's something I've been trying to get use to as it's quite foreign for me & scary.

I think I've been getting quite frustrated at myself cos I know I can do it but then I do dilly dally when it comes to doing my own make up - were running on a time limit. It's great to see how everyone's progressing and even myself how from Monday to Saturday how much more relaxed and confident I'm feeling. Saturday 21st I have my photoshoot at 9am which is where they bring in a model, hair stylist and photographer and we create two looks beauty & editorial.

{ they may just kill me for this lol}

I wonder if you guys can guess which images are for what topic I studied !?

AOFM - Half way point { New Eyebrows }

2012-01-11T22:37:00.004Z

Just completed my 3rd day at AOFM! Absolutely loving it the girls and guy in my class are fantastic. Also just the 3 tutors we have had already are amazing. I am having fun just like Henessy said I would lol.

Today we did 'Glamour' which involved, eyebrow reshaping, eyelash application, red lips, smokey eyes etc. We was taught by Barbara who is a makeup artist from Mexico dubbed 'The Queen of Eyebrows' by other tutors. Very quick with her craft.

She liked my eyebrows but decided to move the arch slightly outwards to open up the eyes. I was more than glad to allow Barbara on my eyebrows and take charge.

before / new shape.

both new shape.

What do you think ?

Barbara was telling us the story of her tweezers as most of us were in awe of them, long handle and angled, nice slant, she had picked them up in Mexico and has had them for 13 years. Become her signature trade, we was lucky enough to be able to have one as she is now bringing them out herself. I had to snap one up, cos you all know I'm a brow fiend.

Cannot wait to try these for myself, currently shattered - feet, abs and bum - killing but all with a smile on my face lol.

Peace & Love

I Love My Muff

2012-01-06T17:50:00.001Z

I'm all for cruelty free & natural products, especially for the nether regions. It's important that we are gentle with delicate places and the products we use are suitable & safe. I Love My Muff is exactly that.

Founded in 2009 by Ritz Clinging in Canada when she couldn't find products that were natural for herself she set about creating I Love My Muff. The range consists of clean wash,pure spray, soft lotion, fresh wipes and muff maintenance kits and all products are cruelty free, vegan, free of parabens, SLS, synthetic colors and fragrances.

There are 2 different maintenance kits:

Green :- Green means ‘go’ and with this sweet citrus fusion of vanilla, grapefruit and ylang ylang there’s no telling where it will take you.

Fresh, warm and sensual… like the perfect sip of spiced tea and honey in a garden of vanilla and citrus blossoms.

Blue :- Elevate your mood with this spa fresh blend of lavender, clary sage and patchouli. It give’s ‘feeling blue’ a whole new meaning.
Pure extracts of orange blossoms and essential oils of clary sage, patchouli and geranium, invokes a mystical feeling of invigoration reminding you of botanical dew drops suspended in a welcomed breeze.

The blue kit* is what I have. I do have to say it does have this fresh smell to it also reminds me of aromatherapy oils, quite soothing on the nose.

Each bottle has it's own number on the side. You do it in stages as you would do when washing your face.

Step 1 : - Clean Wash - directions Apply a small amount into your palm. Lather, love & rinse desired area daily.

Step 2 : - Pure Spray - directions Shake well. Hold 4-5 inches from desired area. Spray loving and liberally daily.

Step 3 : - Soft Lotion - directions Apply a small amount into your palm. Loving smooth over desired area daily.

Not to forget : -

Red : - Individually wrapped feminine refreshing wipes moistened with extracts of cucumber, chamomile flower, vitamin E and lavender, providing freshness that smooths whenever and wherever you need it.

Simply pop one in your bag !! Just as the slogan says it's no longer a whisper.

Have you ever tried any I Love My Muff products ?

Price : £28 - £38
Available from : Harvey Nichols - Institut de Beauté - BeautyWorksWest

" I Love My Muff " FACEBOOK | " I Love My Muff " Twitter | " I Love My Muff " Official Website

Motives for La La

2012-01-05T23:33:00.000Z

You may know her from being a former MTV VJ, actress, Carmello Anthony's wife & mother of his child or her reality show. However you know her La La has now stepped into the cosmetic world!

Personally I've always had a thing for La La. I love her style and whoever does her make-up needs to let me in on the know how. Having now teamed up with Motives by Loren Ridinger Cosmetics to do an extension on the award winning line.

They will be launching 6 different product categories : - Lipsticks, lip shines, eyeshadows, blushes & shimmer. They will all be in shades that compliment a woman of colour. La has brought names to the products such as 'Dreamer' 'Off Broadway' 'Backstage' & 'Red Carpet'

Having my name on a cosmetics line has always been a dream, one I’m excited to share. Every girl always tries to find that perfect color or shade that suits their personality, and now she can do it easily and affordably. - La La Anthony on Motives Cosmetics

La La is already a part of Motives I've noticed that she endorses products already from the brand such as Pucker Up Lip Plumper in Amber and Nail Candy in Glam Girl

La La made it a point to emphasize colors and products for African American and Latina women, due to the lack of prominence many beauty lines place on ethnic markets. Motives by La La achieves this goal, as the partnership between La La and Loren has resulted in a line that shares their love of makeup through products and colors that give a complete look – eyes, cheeks, lips – for women of every shade.

The availability doesn't seem worldwide, so I'm interested if any WOC and Latina's who try this line to give any feedback.

image sources 1,2,3

Would you be interested in trying out La La's new cosmetic line ?

Daily 24 hour Resolution

2012-01-04T01:03:00.001Z

When it comes to New Years Resolutions it's nearly always the same for us all, lose weight, get in shape, quit smoking, less drinking, less spending. The end of January looms around and we've already ate more than we've burnt off. Had one glass of wine too many and been stressed and reached for the packet of cigarettes and decided that a few more weekends catching the last of the sales won't do us much harm. Got me thinking about resolutions, I think I set some last year I saw this quote today :

“ The greatest thing you have is the 24 hours in front of you. The past is gone; the future is distant. Today you CAN succeed. Set a goal you can achieve in the next 24 hours. ”

So what was my Daily 24 Resolution(s) ? - I didn't give it much thought until a DVD fell on my foot so I am here to share with you my 'get in shape' collection. Erm, okay so right now I may not be the BEST walking advertisement for such a thing but I'm trying - forgive me.

In my stash I have workouts such as : - Beachbody Insanity Workouts - P90X Extreme Workout Series - Brazil Butt Lift - Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred - Pilates for Dummies - Tracy Anderson 30 Day Method - Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis - Zumba - Yoga for Dummies - Davina Power of 3 - Kim Kardashian Fit in your Jeans by Friday - Trish Stratus Yoga

This is my prized possession ♥

Honestly with all those DVDs & not to mention the Wii, I should have a body to make the best body buffs blush. I don't of course and why ? My motivation isn't 100% there. I should be 100% committed but I'm not. For that I am ashamed, we all have motivation it's turning it into a lifetime habit. That's why I made my fitness blog - granted I don't stay on top of it as I should as I don't even stay on top of my workouts..I'll do so good - be sidetracked - fall off the wagon.

I began following Tumblr themed weight loss blogs [ unfortunately quite a few of them were girls who had eating disorders ] I read motivational stories and felt inspired - seeing transformations from women who have been 22 stone and lost the weight themselves, women who have had 3 kids and got the body they've dreamed of. I have no excuses.

I've proven to myself - if you want something you can do it. Nothing is easy. Not a lot of people enjoy exercising but it's a way of life, keeping in shape. The last month my health hasn't been too good. It's scary I'm going on 24 {don't shoot} and feeling 84 I need a health check but not only that I'm taking myself for granted.

Guess this isn't a resolution more so a reality check, I'm not getting any younger and I can't always excuse 'youth' and 'time' as being on my side. I'm learning just focus on the 24 hours, let tomorrow come. If I miss a day - it was the past - Live that 24 hour resolution.

Nailtiques - Current Nail Routine

2012-01-03T19:17:00.000Z

Formula 1 : For Healthy Flexible Nails · Formula 2 : For Soft, Peeling, Bitten, Weak or Thin Nails · Oil Therapy · Cuticle Care Oil *

Hey, Hey, Hey!! Happy New Year.

This week feels like it's flying through, I'll be on my AOFM course next Monday. Can't believe how fast that's come by either. Also thanks for all the get well wishes, I'm still tense but I'm a lot better, thank goodness I had my emails from Sharon and Rella alongside texts to keep me company and my brain functioning lol.

While I was laid up I was getting alot of tweeting in with my left hand (: and mentioned that my nails are in such a HORRIBLE state since Winter rolled about - the breaking - discolouration - urgh it was getting too much for me. Yinka of Vex in the City mentioned Dr LeWinn ( which I have on standby ) while Kashual of BeautyFulfilled recommended Nailtiques. I was then offered to try it out.

OPI Nail Envy helped me on the track last year when I started to grow my nails. It didn't hold up for me the 3rd time round - I tried Nail Tek II :Intensive Therapy - no bueno.

I've now started using Formula 2 to begin the nail repair process, I was advised to continue using this until my nails improved. I'm not putting no time on this it'll be a waiting game. Esther of Fab Fingertips gave me a good tip - WATER! Now during our time exchanging tweets I realised, I had fallen back on my water consumption. [ purchase ]

Once my nails are to my satifscation I will move onto Formula 1! YET in the meantime as I put that at the back of the nail polish drawer...there are two others that are needed in the routine. [ purchase ]

Cuticles are important and need care too. This product has a few uses such as combating dry, flaking toenails and also can be used as a drying agent for wet polish. Used several times a week on the nails and cuticles should help the dry, brittle or flaking nails.
[ purchase ]

I love this cuticle care oil. The rollerball application makes it precise on the cuticle to just roll it along, no excess - no wasting. Perfect! [ purchase ]

After soaking my nails in a homemade nail soak I dry and clean my nails and apply the cuticle care oil before starting my routine over for the week.

Each Sunday -;

I will do a hand & nail soak
Pat my hand and nails dry and add AHAVA Intensive Hydration Mask while wrapped in a towel (if you got hand warmers or hand gloves that'll be perfect) I'll leave it on for 5-10minutes.
Applying the Cuticle Care Oil - massaging in with my finger tips.
Using Formula 2 I apply on all nails
While during the week every other day apply the Oil Therapy

Once I'm happy I'll be using the Nailtiques nail polishes alongside the routine :

Maui & Montoe Carlo [ purchase ]

During these cold months how do you keep your nails healthy and strong ?

Skin Health Spa Giveaway { CLOSED }

2011-12-26T12:00:00.000Z

Skin Health Spa are entering their 13^th year of being at the forefront of the skin treatment industry, specialising in hair reduction & permanent hair removal. Acne & acne scarring treatments as well as skin rejuvenation, muscle relaxation injections and dermal fillers - dermal rollers & much more.

They have clinics in :-

London - Marylebone

London - City

Birmingham - Dorridge

Manchester

Leamington Spa

Cheshire - Nantwich

Boasting a range of treatments that any one of us can find useful such as acne, skin pigmentation and skin rejuvenation for a full list visit their website

images taken from their flagship London Marylebone clinic

GIVEAWAY!!

I was asked if I would hold this giveaway for my readers and I jumped at the chance because come the New Year why not give someone the opportunity to be spoilt :)

You can be in with the chance of winning £100 treatment vouchers to give your New Year a fantastic kick start.

This giveaway will run from 26th December 2011 - 2nd January 2012

Remember this is a TWITTER ONLY contest, you must tweet what's in the box below.

Good Luck!

Just 364 Days Til The Next One ....

2011-12-26T01:03:00.000Z

Hope you all had a great Christmas .... my day hasn't been the best Christmas for a few personal reasons but hey ho - life doesn't change for Christmas - unfortunately but my evening has consisted of going through my Absolutely Fabulous box set ... loved seeing the Christmas special earlier too. Completed my day.

Oh btw .... look at my new banner that's being in the process of designing :

Well hello there me in digital art form (: ... when I was contacted by Denisha of DK Designs I was literally catching flies for supper when looking at her work. Beautiful art work. I'm so excited to see the finished result...may have to use my digital face for everything now.

Dropping asleep......

XOXO

I'll Be Okay...That's What You Want To Hear...

2011-12-20T00:04:00.000Z

Slight blogger hiatus due to a neck injury, I've managed to pop the bones in my neck out of place :( got no feeling in my right arm and my shoulder and neck are in absolute agony. The paramedic said that once the swelling goes down they will pop back by themselves if I'm still in pain go to my GP and seek physio. Don't need to hear that 3 weeks away from starting my course at AOFM. Can you believe all I did was stretch and *crunch* cannot move.

Working with one left hand is no good. My bestie got me some ibuprofen to help with the swelling...this post has taken me forever lol

Hopefully I won't have to resort to the last issue and I'm fine by the end of Dec :)

xoxo

18/12/11 - Beauty Blogger Chain Link

2011-12-18T23:47:00.000Z

Hey so this BBCL will be the last one of 2011. Mainly because next week Sunday is Christmas day *screams* so I decided to skip that and the next one I'll continue from the 26th Dec which will be posted on the 1st Jan 2012.

I know a few of you ladies expressed running BBCL for me for the weeks of 9th - 22nd January. Can you please contact me via my email laalaa@dolcevanity.com and we can discuss what's needed from there. I honestly don't mind if it's more than one of you being a co-host.

Hope you guys are finding this useful (: and I'm glad to keep running it if you are finding it so.

17/12/11 - Link Love

2011-12-18T23:46:00.001Z

Jen celebrates earth tones with this FOTD atMy Funny Valentine.

Want luscious long lashes? Amy Antoinette shows us the impressive results of Rapidlash.

Fleurissante shares her impressions on Chanel Holiday 2011 collection.

Phyrra shares with you her new favorite way to follow all her beloved beauty bloggers... on the Kindle Fire!

Take a sneak peak at the new Sigma Extravaganza Complete Kit and grab the Sigma Brushes coupons at Handmade Reviews.

Feeling the holiday blues? FabDiva20 has made it look cheerful for the Holidays with herFOTD Holiday Look #1: Bright Blues and Purples!

Gouldylox tried a new BB Cream from 3LAB that contains some seriously high-tech skincare. Is $95 too much to pay for a BB Cream with stem cells? At the very least, it looks amazing. See for yourself.

The Pink Sith asks: What do dragons, lipstick, the Welsh and the Utah Saints all have in common? Find out when you read about Shiseido Perfect Rouge in RD514 Dragon.

Midnight Violets shares her favourite red lip products, perfect for Christmas - and the rest of the year too!

Christmas is almost here! Musicalhouses does a Christmas gold and green eye look, and a Christmas gold nail look to match!

It's officially Winter! Check out Hellcandy's favourite hand creams to see your mitts through the colder weather!

Will you wear mascara during the Zombie Apocalypse? Tracy at Beauty Reflections thinks that CoverGirl 24HR LashBlast is perfect!

Are you ready for the holidays? Anita shows you some festive nail ideas over at Pleasureflush!

---

Battle dry winter skin by entering Audrey Dao's Holiday Giveaway to win her favorite skin care products!

Prime Beauty is gifting one lucky reader her TOP holiday beauty pick, Tarte's Lip Service LipSurgence Collection. Enter now!

Is your skin holiday-ready? Over at theNotice, Rae is giving two winners a chance to win the Skin Tight Body Lotion of their choice. Don't miss this party-approved Prtty Peaushun review and giveaway!

Countdown to Christmas with The Good Spa Guide - Day Twelve

2011-12-18T10:30:00.000Z

On the twelfth day ofChristmas my true love gave to me: The gift of something extra-special

It takes a lot to impress The Good Spa Spies. We've triedalmost every lotion, potion and treatment out there, and because we'reindependent we always tell it how itis! That's why we're so pleased with the launch of our new luxury online boutique. Eachand every brand and product have been hand-picked by the Spies as theyrepresent our very favourites! This Christmas we've got the most amazing choiceof glorious spa gifts, from the delicately decadent to the extraordinarilyextravagant! There really is a present for everyone under The Good Spa Treethis Christmas!

All credit goes to :- Carrie at The Good Spa Guide

Soap & Glory Big Splendour

2011-12-17T11:18:00.002Z

The fabulous Boot's offer of the week well until 22nd December. Saved the best til last maybe?! Well asides from the Boots No7 one but I'm going to talk about this bundle here.

Comes in quite a big carry case with a nice red ribbon attached to the zip.

Once unzipped you will see a drawstring bag .... with your goodies inside ( there was a cardboard box that held the contents but that was to keep the shape and contents safe )

So what's in this big bargain bundle for £25 :

Clean On Me -Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel

The Righteous Butter - Body Butter

Pulp Friction - Body Scrub

Face Soap and Clarity - Fresh Facial Wash

Heel Genius - Foot Cream

Hand Good - Hand Cream

Mist You Madly - Fragrant Body Spray

Sexy Mother Pucker - Lip Plumper in Candy Gloss

Calm One Calm All - Bubble Bath

Off Your Face Wipes - Cleansing Wipes

Such a great deal -even though it won't stop me stocking up in 2012. I already did a throw out of things and now I'm ending up preparing for 2012 already lol.

Did you get one or planning to for yourself or a loved one?

Countdown to Christmas with The Good Spa Guide - Day Eleven

2011-12-17T10:30:00.000Z

On the eleventh dayof Christmas my true love gave to me: The gift of perfect toes

A pampering pedicure is the perfect way to attaining trueparty perfection! Even in the depths of winter, those peep-toe skyscraper heelsare a must-have this party season. To make sure you're looking your very best,indulge in a luxury pedicure in preparation for the festivities. A pedicure isa great little spa treatment that doesn't cost the earth, but does make youfeel like a princess – perfect!

All credit goes to :- Carrie at The Good Spa Guide

Ann Summers In Control

2011-12-16T13:24:00.000Z

It's the party season right and we all want to feel fantastic in our dresses. Me included! I decided to invest in the Ann Summers - In Control Cami Suspender reading reviews on their website helped and didn't a lot of people had issues with the sizing, not being able to zip it up, can't get it past the hips etc.

I found an Ann Summers Party Rep who advised me :

If you want to use the cami suspender with the bra pads inflated then I suggest you go up a band size but keep your cup size the same. Example: If you're 34C then get it in 36C

If you don't want to wear the cami suspender with the bra pads inflated then go up a band size and down a cup siz. Example: Again if you're 34C then get it in 36B

So I did that. Perfect. Of course I'm using the inflatapads, I need all the boosts I can get (:

These are the Inflatapads

The big bump you see in the middle is where you inflate the pad and the grey/white one is where you deflate the pad.

see my mini xmas tree (:

Do you drop a dress size - Yes indeed .. a little squeeze but hey it squeezes in that waist. Lifts your backside and boosts your bust. Money well spent - YES. I put on a dress I was given for my 21st that I haven't been able to wear since then and it fits lol. I'm a size 14 and fit back into those 12s.

I would show you the back but well it's got a mesh backside lol. It's gorgeous, I'm ecstatic with it. Shame for those larger busted ladies as it only goes up to a DD.

* edit : The suspenders are detachable and also the bra straps (: thanks to Jo for reminding me with her comment.

£55 from Ann Summers online / instore

Countdown to Christmas with The Good Spa Guide - Day Ten

2011-12-16T10:30:00.000Z

On the tenth day ofChristmas my true love gave to me: The gift of time

Love, romance, friendship and quality family time are oftenforgotten in this busy life. The finest gift you can give each other thisChristmas is the promise to spend some time together. Why not indulge in a couples' spa break,a girlie spaescape or a mother and daughter package. Leave your phones at home, stepaway from the stresses of reality, and just have fun catching up with gossipand enjoying each other's company.

All credit goes to :- Carrie at The Good Spa Guide

December Glossybox

2011-12-15T11:46:00.001Z

10 days until Christmas & here is the last Glossbox for 2011. Their first Christmas box and it's quite a goody. Got a few full sized products and the glitter polish is divine may have to take off my AVON - Twilight Blue and put that on this coming Christmas week (:

1.Cargo Cosmetics Classic Lip Gloss - Morocco
2.Deborah Lippmann Razzle Dazzle Mini Nail Varnish w/ Stripped to Go Sachet
3.FAB Face Cleanser
4.Nouveau Lashes Noir Mascara
5.Rituals Foaming Shower Gel - Indian Rose and Sweet Almond Oil

I have to say the Rituals... 'Yogi Flow foaming shower gel' smells delicious, I think I'm going to try and do a last minute Christmas shop and order some bits in for people.

Did you get your December Glossybox yet ?

Countdown to Christmas with The Good Spa Guide - Day Nine

2011-12-15T10:30:00.000Z

On the ninth day ofChristmas my true love gave to me: The gift of shining eyes

Sleep! Seriously, lovely readers, we can't stress thatenough. Getting a decent night's sleep is the very best way to be bright andbushy tailed each morning. If you find it hard to switch off at bedtime, run abath, add a few drops of a soothing bath oil, turn down the lights, soak andinhale the aroma, and let yourself relax! If you suffer from dry, tired eyesthen pop along to your opticians for some advice – they'll be able to recommendthe very best eye drops to keep you looking sparkly even after the Christmasfestivities!

All credit goes to :- Carrie at The Good Spa Guide

Countdown to Christmas with The Good Spa Guide - Day Eight

2011-12-14T10:30:00.000Z

On the eighth day ofChristmas my true love gave to me: The gift of a centred mind

Meditation is a glorious tool. Manyspas now offer guided meditation classes to help you learn the art ofcenteredness. More than that, once you've mastered the basics you can findpeace and tranquillity just about anywhere – even in the middle of TopshopOxford Circus on Christmas Eve! A gift indeed!

All credit goes to :- Carrie at The Good Spa Guide

Valentine's Day with Marks & Spencer

2011-12-13T15:56:00.000Z

Unlike many other holidays, Valentine’s Day can change a lot from year to year, and varies significantly in different situations. While other holidays, like Christmas for example, have their own traditions that stand for generations in families and across different cultures, Valentine’s day is different, and in ways a bit more unique, because ultimately it is what you make it. Of course, there are certain general traditions, like giving flowers and chocolates to loved ones, etc. However, particularly with regard to your significant other, what you do for Valentine’s day may be different each year, and may not resemble what someone else might do. However, with all of this potential variety in mind, there is one store that can satisfy just about all of your Valentine’s Day needs – head to Marks & Spencer, and you will likely find everything you need.

To begin with, for holiday seasons and events, this store offers a wide array of floral arrangements, which you can browse online or in stores. Of course, there are hundreds of places to find flowers for Valentine’s Day, but very few of them offer the same level of convenience and efficiency as M&S. You can simply click through different types of flowers and different arrangements until you find something that is sure to appeal to your loved ones. Then, you can have it ordered to directly where that loved one may be, resulting in a lovely Valentine’s Day surprise for them.

Another aspect of the Marks & Spencer store selection that may serve you well come Valentine’s Day is that there is an extensive wine selection. Particularly if you are planning on having a nice, romantic dinner with a significant other, it can be extremely handy to have a nice bottle of wine or two on hand for this holiday. M&S makes shopping for fine wine very easy, as it features a wide selection complete with expert advice and thorough descriptions. The right bottle of wine can really bring your evening together, and make it unique and special.

These are just a few of the more obvious ways in which Marks & Spencer can improve your next Valentine’s Day experience. In addition, there are a number of different sorts of gifts that you could find among this store’s extensive offerings. For example, there is everything from chocolates and delicacy treats to nice clothes, all of which can be used as gifts for loved ones on Valentine’s Day. With a bit of exploration through this store, and some use of the products described above, you can ensure that your next romantic holiday is special for you and your significant other.

Countdown to Christmas with The Good Spa Guide - Day Seven

2011-12-13T10:30:00.000Z

On the seventh day ofChristmas my true love gave to me: The gift of relaxation

Finding time to simply unwind and gather your thoughts canbe hard work! With the gift of spa, you can help someone you love to take sometime out in the New Year.

GoodSpa Guide vouchers are valid for a whole 12 months and are available inunits of £25, £50 and £100. Good Spa Guide gift vouchers are redeemable at over230 spas nationwide so, wherever your family and friends live, you can helpthem indulge in some well-deserved me-time in 2012.

All credit goes to :- Carrie at The Good Spa Guide

Countdown to Christmas with The Good Spa Guide - Day Six

2011-12-12T10:30:00.000Z

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me: The gift of perfect party make-up

If you're planning a big party this festive season, or you're looking forward to your Cinderella moment at a winter ball, then you can make sure you stand out from the crowd with a professional make-up application.

If you're feeling thrifty, just head to your local department store. The lovely ladies on the beauty counters will be more than happy to spruce you up, and if you love the products, you can buy them then and there - making it super-easy to recreate the look over and again.

If you've got some pennies to rub together, The Good Spa Spies recommend a trip to Urban Retreat, Harrods. The lovely Lola did our make-up for a recent event, and it was fabulous! You can choose from a number of different applications, or invest in a make-up lesson to learn some of the tricks of the trade.

All credit goes to :- Carrie at The Good Spa Guide

11/12/11 - Beauty Blogger Chain Link

2011-12-11T18:47:00.001Z

Hey lovelies,

Okay so this weeks BBCL is up (: ... have a browse, add yourself for next weeks → HERE ← if you'd like to be involved. I'm thinking for the new year, I'm going to have to include a partner in crime for BBCL as come January I'm going to be a busy bee. If anyone is interested and can upkeep it for me, do let me know.

OH and btw I've got a guest blog over at Dream Girl Hair ... Please do have a little read & comment mwah.

peace & love

Countdown to Christmas with The Good Spa Guide - Day Five

2011-12-11T10:30:00.000Z

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me: The gift of sparkling nails

A party simply isn't a party without some bling nails! Make sure yours last the distance by investing in a professional, long-lasting nail colour application.

Gelac is a lightweight gel polish that combines the long-lasting effects of a gel nail with the easy application of a regular varnish. The Good Spa Spies found that their Gelac nail treatment was picture-perfect for around a week, so plan in advance to make the most out of your sparkling nails!

All credit goes to :- Carrie at The Good Spa Guide

MUA Palettes

2011-12-10T20:47:00.000Z

I gave in this week and got some new makeup palettes. I've never tried MUA ( makeup academy ) before cos everytime I go to my boots they never seem to stock anything let alone the pro collection.

I've seen swatches and they look quite pigmented. Now keep in mind, I haven't swatched them yet. This is just a haul post so to speak. I'm looking forward to playing with them this upcoming week.

Within 2 days I got my palettes if you spent over £8 you got the 'Immaculate Collection' palette free ( limited time offer ) Seeing as these palettes when for £4 each (: -bingo.

I even got a mua canvas bag too .. didn't expect that.

Heaven and Earth

Glamour Days

Immaculate Collection

You can purchase these from your local superdrug or on their newly launched website MUA Makeup Academy

Have you tried any makeup academy products ?

Countdown to Christmas with The Good Spa Guide - Day Four

2011-12-10T10:30:00.000Z

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me: The gift of a glowing complexion

Our totally top-tip for a glowing complexion is exfoliate – with care! Exfoliating too often or with too abrasive a product can irritate your skin, disturbing its natural balance. So, if you're scrubbing away every day, you may find that your skin gets dry and flaky, or that your pores close and become blocked – leaving you with a duller complexion. Restrict abrasive action to twice a week – the rest of the time use a gentle rinse-off cleanser if you've got oily skin, or a richer oil-based cleansing balm if your skin is dry. You'll be as radiant as Rudolf (without the redness!)

All credit goes to :- Carrie at The Good Spa Guide

Countdown to Christmas with The Good Spa Guide - Day Three

2011-12-09T10:30:00.000Z

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me: The gift of firmer skin

All savvy beauty know-it-alls will be aware that the only way to keep your skin looking firmer, without needles or knives, is to protect your collagen tissue by feeding your skin from the inside. Foods that are high in protein (think eggs, beans, seeds, and those Christmas nuts) and vitamin C (think Christmas citrus fruits and brussel sprouts – yes, really!) are great for supporting collagen production. Eat a balanced diet, exfoliate your skin twice a week and partake of a little gentle facial massage regularly, too, and firmer, younger-looking skin can be your gift to yourself!

All credit goes to :- Carrie at The Good Spa Guide

The Year Of Dream Girl

2011-12-08T21:39:00.001Z

Dream Girl, The Hair Extensions Experts

This was the year Dream Girl became one of the biggest hair and beauty brands on the market.

A new look and a New Face, awards, celebrity followers and a great presence online and offline, Dream Girl the hair extensions expert owned by Dooa has got a lot to celebrate as 2011 comes to an end.

Dream Girl began the year launching a competition for a New Face. Aimed at finding a young model on the lookout for her first big break, the competition would find a face who would match Dream Girl’s sassy and trendy brand. For a company looking to take the next step and make its mark on the national and international stage, the new face would join them on the journey and represent Dream Girl as a fresh-faced young model ready for the global market.

The campaign injected energy and enthusiasm among Dream Girl’s friends and followers on social networking platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Gaining thousands of new friends online, Dream Girl launched the competition digitally, keeping fans and entries up to date with a new weekly blog. Fans even got to vote for the winner from a shortlist of four via Facebook.

Sponsored by glamorous London salon chain O’Sullivan Concept Salons the contest made a real splash, with the Facebook poll receiving hundreds of entries and votes.

The New Face was unveiled at Salon International this October. Like its activity throughout the rest of the year, Dream Girl’s plans for ExCeL were to wow the industry. Live demonstrations, styling with hair extensions by professionals it was an eye-catching display signifying Dream Girl’s ambition. It also coincided with an online re-brand, with a new easier to use website and new logo.
And that’s not all.

A new line in wigs, the Chic Collection, continues Dream Girl’s dedication to quality, beautiful products at affordable prices.

Through Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter as well as the weekly blog, Dream Girl has connected with thousands of new fans and customers this year. Engaging with salons and international beauty titles like Hair Magazine, Elle, All About Soap, Latest Hairstyles, Marie Claire and Hairdressers Journal Dream Girl, the sponsor of this year’s Bubble Awards with All About Soap, has raised its profile, competing with the biggest hair and beauty names in the UK and Europe.

So what’s planned for next year? Well more of the same. Dream Girl is well on the way to becoming the most popular Hair Extensions brand in the UK. Fashionable, trendy and sassy more and more salons and fashionistas are turning to Dream Girl to make them glamorous every day.

Dream Girl, always hair for you.

Countdown to Christmas with The Good Spa Guide - Day Two

2011-12-08T10:30:00.000Z

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me: The gift of gorgeous feet

Stomping the high street looking for last-minute gifts and wearing your glitziest heels to all those Christmas parties will leave your poor tootsies exhausted! For some instant relief, try Payot's Cooling Powdered Foot Gel. A delight for overworked feet, this satiny gel cleanses, freshens, eliminates fatigue, and relieves dry, cracked feet.

If you're in need of mega-pedi but can't get to a spa, fear not! Simply fill a bowl with warm water, stir in some Epsom salts and a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil, and pop your feet in. The salts will soothe your feet whilst the aroma from the oil soothes your mind. Having your feet in a bowl of water forces you to have a sit-down, too. Bliss!

All credit goes to :- Carrie at The Good Spa Guide

Countdown to Christmas with The Good Spa Guide - Day One

2011-12-07T10:30:00.000Z

The Good Spa Guide is all about pampering, wellbeing, relaxation and a little bit of luxury. Gone are the days that a spa experience was reserved for the rich and famous – these days there truly is something for everyone! From a luxurious spa break to an indulgent home-spa experience, we believe that everyone deserves a little bit of spa in their lives.

We're delighted to have teamed up with the wonderful Laa Laa Monroe here at Dolce Vanity to bring you The Good Spa Guide's Countdown to Christmas! We hope you enjoy!

Love, The Good Spa Spies x

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me: The gift of younger-looking skin

Winter plays havoc with your skin. Fact. But you can help smooth away some of the furrowed lines and weathered creases with the right products. The Good Spa Guide loves Germaine de Capuccini's Excel O2 anti-ageing range – you can enjoy a targeted, results-driven professional facial or enjoy the power of O2 in your own home.

The perfect combination is Germainede Capuccini's Exclusive Bespoke Excel O2 Gift Set – everything you'll need to fight signs of ageing and an exclusive discount voucher to be redeemed against a Germaine de Capuccini facial at participating spas. Amazing!

All credit goes to :- Carrie at The Good Spa Guide

The Marie Claire Blog & Twitter Awards 2011

2011-12-07T07:20:00.001Z

The Marie Claire Blog & Twitter awards 2011 are looking for the best writers in the blogosphere & the tweeters their chance to be heard on MarieClaire.co.uk

The winning Blogger will get an opportunity to blog on MarieClaire.co.uk while the winner blogger will get their chance to be heard by being a guest editor on twitter.com/MarieClaireUK

The judging panel for Marie Claire will be judging entries on quality of writing, insider knowledge in your chosen field & style.

How to enter :

You can nominate yourself or put forward another blog of tweeter who you love here

There are 6 categories :
Marie Claire Fashion Blog Award
Marie Claire Beauty Blog Award
Marie Claire Celebrity Blog Award
Marie Claire Fashion Twitter Award
Marie Claire Beauty Twitter Award
Marie Claire Celebrity Twitter Award

Readers, tweeters and bloggers can nominate blogs and Tweeters throughout December.

The Marie Claire team will compile a long list that will be published on marieclaire.co.uk on 9th January 2012. Voting will take place until 20th January and the winners will be announced at the end of the month.

04/12/11 - Beauty Blogger Chain Link

2011-12-04T20:07:00.001Z

Okay truth be told it's been more than a week been over a month *hides in shame* I do apologise on my lateness but we've ended up with a lot of new beauty blogs that have shared their links :

Muslimah Beauty

Wonders of Beauty

Xtinahayden: Fashion & Beauty

Reva M

MrAJBx3- Dare to be Rare

Melanie (AdoraBeauty)

Pinstripes & Petticoats

I also added a new badge :

{ 190 x 165px }

Put your name up for the next Beauty Blogger Chain Link Here

03/12/11 - Link Love

2011-12-03T22:55:00.001Z

The auctions are now open! Head over to this year's BeautyBloggers.org auctions to bid on everything from classic perfumes to the one-of-a-kind (and once in a lifetime) Ultimate Neiman Marcus Experience.

Polish Insomniac shows you the Muppet Glitters - her way!

Miss Beauty Nerd is smitten over Benefit's pretty little scents of Crescent Row. Can you blame her?

How do you feel about orange lip products… with a kick? Don't miss theNotice's love-it-or-hate-it LUSH Chilli Tingle Lip Tint review.

The Beauty Spot goes into outer space with a galaxy inspired look.

Looking for the perfect luxe gift for the beauty lover in your life? Well, Krasey Beauty has the scoop on the new holiday collection from Guerlain.

Addicted to Beauty is shocked by the cologne for cheating men - what's your Alibi?.

Ever wanted to try a bold red lip but were a bit shy? Prime Beauty has five gorgeous red lipsticks for scaredy cats!

At Lipstick Musings, see how a beautiful mistake led to an unexpected new love with the Dior 5 Couleurs Eye Shadow Palette in Rosy Nude!

At Eyelining Obsessions, the No7 Midnight Enchantment blush demonstrates why getting sucked in by pretty online pictures can sometime lead to buyers remorse.

The Pink Sith wonders if Sephora came up the with the Name Foiled Love before or aftre Kat von D's break up with Jesse James when she reviews the Kat von D for Sephora Foiled Love Lipstick in Adora.

Finally! A chart that describes how to apply eyeshadow for Asians! Bun Bun Makeup Tips shows us some incredible tips on where to apply eyeshadow on the Asian eye.

On My Funny Valentine, Jen swatches her new Inglot 10 pan eyeshadow palette and shows you how to depot the shadows with a strong magnet.

Jenn over at Spiced Beauty went crazy at Imats! Check out what she got.

Tracy at Beauty Reflections test out the new Tokidoki 24 Karat Skate Deck Palette.

---

Suffering from dry wintertime skin? Musicalhouses' Dr Organic Manuka Honey Gift Set giveaway is just the thing for you! Giveaway closes soon, so hurry and check it out!

Beauty Crazed wants you to prepare to get really naked! Enter to win nude palettes from Urban Decay, Smashbox, Stila, Sleek MakeUP, 100% Pure and Sephora!

FOTD Using Mii Cosmetics

2011-12-02T17:44:00.001Z

Today I have a FOTD for you guys been a little while since I've done one of these and today my primary products of use on my face have been by Mii Cosmetics who I featured in a post last month here.

The two products are :

Mii Illuminating Face Base SPF 15 & Mii Minerals Divine Illuminator

Mii Minerals Divine Illuminator this powder is designed to give you a pearlescent glow.

You can use this powder all over your body not just your face. It only comes in the one shade Pure Brilliance 01

Comes in a sifter jar like most mineral powders on the market

£18.95 - 2g

Mii Illuminating Face Base SPF 15 this light weight foundation that's described as a colour matching foundation. My opinion it's not one for oily skin it's quite watery. I'm not a fan of the tub they do say you can apply this with your fingers but us ladies with long nails we'll end up with more product in the nail than on our face.

I'm always scared and yes I do mean scared when it comes to venturing into new foundations/powders the top two reasons skin reaction and colour matching. Especially ordering online products it's quite eeek so that comes to my next point with this foundation.

I chose Golden Glow 04 - upon opening the tub I said "Oh damn, this is too dark" my words exactly. What I've been using to apply this is my Daniel Sandler WaterBrush. It applies this product like a dream as the brush itself is easy and soft to work with. No streaking. The advise you to blend this products upwards and to work with your natural contouring. As you can see I have no issues with the colour what so ever - bonus.

£25.50 - 25ml

The Eyes

These don't feature Mii Cosmetics, I just wanted an eye look to go with this golden/glow/bronzed whatever you'd like to call it face.

WHAT I DID

Base : - UDPP - Sin

SLEEK AVOIR LA PECHE PARAGUAYA PALETTE :

Lid : - Sandstone & Parfait on top of Sandstone
on the center of the lid I applied MAC Brash - MAC Spiced Chocolate Quad

MAC Spiced Chocolate Quad :
In the Crease : - MAC Spiced Chocolate
Outer V : - MAC Spiced Chocolate & MAC Sweet Chestnut

Eyeliner : - Bourjois Liner Pinceau eyeliner
Waterline : - Avon SuperShock Gel ( both in black )

Mascara : - No7 Exceptional Definition Mascara - Black

Cheeks : - AVON True Colour Blush - Russet
Lips : - Collection 2000 Cream Puff Moisturising Lip Cream - Angel Delight
Missguided Lipsplash - Missled

*PHEW* That was a long post - kind of. *e-waves* Hey new followers (: thanks for following me xoxo

You can buy any Mii Cosmetics products online at Gerrard International or find a salon/spa here

2True Limited Edition Crystal Nail Polish

2011-12-01T11:32:00.000Z

2True have released Limited Edition collection for Christmas. I have 3 Crystal Nail Polishes to show you and one Krazy Kracked polish.

I like trying brands I've never used before or heard much about because sometimes those are the brands/products that can become a hit for you.

I have 3 shades and they all sparkle (: just like we should be doing this season and not to forget glitter is IN!!!

I'm really pleased with these nail polishes. I'm so far quite sold with this brand, it's a shame these are limited edition as they do give off a subtle nice glitter effect without walking around like you have had a fight with a glitter pot.

Price : £1.99 or £4.99 for 3

Purchase : Available Exclusively from Superdrug

Do you enjoy finding a product that you instantly fall in love with?

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - Sneak Peek

2011-11-30T10:46:00.001Z

Urban Decay Naked 2

Just being released last year Urban Decay's Naked Palette become the natural palette to have in your makeup stash. Now over a year later Urban Decay look to launch UD Naked 2

There doesn't look to be a Urban Decay Primer Potion in the second edition but possibly a (mini) lip junkie

Foxy, Half Baked, Bootycall, Chopper, Tease, Snakebite, Suspect, Pistol, Verve, YDK, Busted, Blackout

Also a double ended brush instead of the double ended 24/7 liner that was included in the first edition

Urban Decay Naked 2 (above) Urban Decay Naked (bottom)

In the US they will make the announcement via email on 1/12/11 to those on their mailing list

I'm guessing the first two maybe Bootycall (maybe Foxy) & Verve. The last looks like Blackout !

Snakebite Swatch

UPDATE : US release December 1st 2011 $50
UK release January 1st 2012 £36 (early January) Debenhams & additional retailers early February
Canada release early February 2012

Sources : Urban Decay Facebook | Urban Decay Twitter

Are you excited for Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette ?

Blogs & Networking

2011-11-30T01:35:00.000Z

I've had a few emails asking me if I have heard the news regarding Google Friend Connect . If you have no clue what I am talking about read this post on the official Google Blog . Keeping it short they are basically getting rid of most of their products and Google Friend Connect is one BUT from what I can understand it's ONLY for NON Google blogs. Blogger.com is a Google product this should not effect us blogger/blogspot hosted blogs so if you have your blog hosted on Wordpress and use the GFC for people to get updates this will be no longer an option as of March 1, 2012.

Regardless what blogging platform that you use there are several ways to get your blog out there and for people to subscribe/follow.

Facebook Page : Some people think it's a great idea to have a Facebook page others find it slightly pretentious. Me on the other hand find it to be a great idea as Facebook is still the social networking site to be apart of. Their pages have a lot of apps and everyone & their mama has a Facebook profile so it's fantastic way for your friends to follow you and to spread the word of your blog.

Follow My Page

Bloggers : I look upon this one as a "Blogger Catalogue" you can search blogs within categories & Country. The have a spotlight feature daily called "Editors Pick of the Day" so not only is there a chance you will be front page featured they also tweet who is their EPOTD. I was fortunate enough earlier this month to be featured, it's worth signing up.

Follow My Page | Read More

Google Reader : A lot of us find Google Reader easier to keep up with our favourite blogs. You can read the entire blog ( if the RSS feed is full ) and catch up. You can put your subscriptions into folders & continue following more blogs than blogger always on your dashboard.

Twitter : Another very popular social networking site, your blog posts can be automatically published to twitter via FeedBurner, Twitter & more. Great way to keep in contact with fellow bloggers and discover new bloggers/companies and latest beauty gossip.

Follow Me

Google+ Page : Since the launch of Goolge+, Google is having an early Spring clean of products and launching new ones. Google+ pages -learn more here- are one of those and are available to us with a range of categories to select. They look identical to the profile pages so there's not much getting use to and as far as I can tell there's no direct feed from your blogs to your Google+ fan pages at the moment ( do correct me if wrong ). It's still fairly early to see what will come of these pages.

Follow My Page

BlogLovin' : You can be notified when your favourite blogs update via your email when you sign up to BlogLovin' -it's optional- but if you are someone who is glued to their email inbox or you liked to be notified asap on when your favourite blog has posted something. This can be one for you. Once again on BlogLovin' you can search new blogs by Country & category.

Follow My Page | Read More

I think networking is important and I also think it's ridiculous that Google is shutting down GFC for non Google blogs. I must admit I'm not the best at social networking but it can work out for the best and there's always sites that your readers will feel comfortable to follow your blog on.

What's your favourite social networking site to use in association for your blog ?

Aromatherapy Associates Oils

2011-11-29T08:31:00.000Z

I love bath & shower oils. If there's nothing better especially in Winter to run a nice bubble bath and drop a few oils into the bathtub - inhale and relax to unwind I don't know what is. Aromatherapy Associates oils are perfect as gifts or to treat ourselves too this Christmas.

Miniature Bath & Shower Oil

£28.50 9x3ml

Beautifully packaged in a gold box with their individual space inside. These miniature oils have their own use targeted to what you need to relax. Complete collection of Aromatherapy Associates bath and shower oils in one box.

Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil : essential oils of vetivert, camomile and sandalwood help to restore peace and tranquillity and promote a restful nights sleep.

Light Relax Bath & Shower Oil : a blend of lavender, ylang ylang and petitgrain help to unwind and ease a tired body.

De-Stress Mind Bath & Shower Oil : combines essential oils of wild camomile, petitgrain, frankincense and rosemary to help clear the head and ease stress.

De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil : the perfect way to soak away aching muscles and joints this blend incorporates lavender, ginger, black pepper and rosemary.

Revive Evening Bath & Shower Oil : an energising blend of geranium, patchouli and ylang ylang to help enhance feelings of self-esteem and pep up the senses.

Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil : a detoxifying, balancing blend, perfect after a little
over indulging after a long flight or when generally feeling sluggish.

Support Equilibrium Bath & Shower Oil :helps to lift the spirits, this floral blend of geranium, rose, frankincense and bergamot is perfect during times of emotional stress.

Support Lavender & Peppermint Bath & Shower Oil : this cooling blend helps clear the head, soothe the body and is recommended for use after a long hot day in the sun.

Support Breathe Bath & Shower Oil : essentials oils of eucalyptus, peppermint, pine and tea tree help to clear a stuffy head and sharpen the mind.

^★ Add one 3ml bottle to a full bath or massage over your torso before showering.

Little Star

£10.00 7.5ml

AA's 'The Shining Stars Christmas Collection' is a limited edition collection that has six stunning gifts and Little Star is one of them. Little Star's packaging reminds me of a Christmas tree decoration but this ones has a hidden treasure inside - Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil

^★ This gift can be a stocking filler or even hang it on the Christmas tree (:

Available at leading hotel & destination spas worldwide. Retail stockists include Liberty, Space NK and Fortnum & Mason or purchase online at www.aromatherapyassociates.com

Are bath oils an essential part of your bath routine like mine?

MADARA® Deco Body Flower Dust Shimmering Moisturising Lotion

2011-11-27T19:34:00.000Z

Mádara eco cosmetics is the brain child of Lotte who in her homeland of Latvia couldn't find cosmetics that were organic and natural. An organic bar of soap was the very first product that originated from Lotte that caused a buzz between her friends that thought it would be a great idea to produce organic and natural cosmetics and thus forming the Mádara brand of eco cosmetics.

Gwyneth Paltrow featured Mádara in her GOOP newsletter on natural & organic skincare that her & her family use. Mádara have such a range of products haircare, make-up, face care, body & bath care of course even organic baby care. One of their body care items that I have to show you is their "Flower Dust" it's a shimmering moisturiser.

The bottle has a pump. At first I had to press it 5-6 times as of course it hasn't been used yet. Yet once out it's very controllable. As you can see above I didn't need a lot for my arms that was two small squeezes and that will do my entire arm...

At first you will have a VERY fresh smell of plants. Pure and clean. It's not very overbearing but if you don't like the smell of plants it's probably not for you. The smell doesn't linger but what it does leave behind is...

Shimmer, shimmer & moreee shimmer.

When you go under a light you will notice your skin has a nice glow to it. It doesn't look like you've over killed on shimmer it's very subtle to the eye.

My skin feels soft & nourished even after the lotion has settled it feels soft to touch. Not greasy or heavy it's a light product.

The lotion has products such as Jojoba oil, Sunflower Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, Natural Vitamin E, Camomile and Rose Hip.

I'm looking forward to seeing deeper into Winter how this product works with my skin. As Winter loves to dry us out skin wise to have a product that is aimed to hydrate the skin will be interesting to find out.

*£22.00 150ml purchase here

To view more products and to shop Mádara Cosmetics visit their website HERE

Do you use a lot of natural & organic products?

Keeping Me In Love With Blogs

2011-11-24T19:08:00.000Z

While going through my blog reader list and seeing who do I still read & who I don't etc.

I began to think ... " What keeps me interested in a beauty blog!? " Like a lot of things in life sometimes when we initially like something over time it loses its appeal to us and onto the next thing unfortunately I can be like that with blogs ....

Content
Content is the main attraction in this circus of beauty bloggers but what keeps me following ...

Reviews : I like bloggers who have researched and for a lengthy time tried out a product. I really dislike it when someone's used something for a week or two and stand by the products marketing claims. It's pretty pointless for me to read if I'm basically just reading an online advert.

Seeing is Believing : When you have photos / videos to back up claims or to see how a product works or even looks on the persons skin. It gives me more of an insight and if I should even bother with the product in question.

Photography : Clear photographs are key for me. I do like admiring the image of a product - seeing it true to life. Something that's been taken in bad lighting with the flash on can be quite off putting.

Text : I don't mind how short or long a post is if it's giving me all the information that I'd love to see about a product review, press release or even a make-up look / tutorial I'll read it all. If you wording StArTs To LoOk LiKe ThIs I cannot cope. I think it's important to show your personality through your blog no matter what reason you do it for hobby or professionally otherwise I feel it's a generic robot whose blog I've been reading.

Interaction / Feedback : I decided to write these as one point. When I read blogs and I'm asked a Q. I will more than likely answer it because your interacting with the blogger alongside others commenter's who will be reading. Your helping out that blogger with answering the question & not to mention picking up tips/views of others. It's a win - win situation the blogger gets feedback and interaction and so do you. My other point on this subject is finding out what YOUR readers like to see, what posts would they enjoy more of, what reviews / looks things of that nature.

* I myself have a vote poll in my sidebar cos it keeps me knowing what you guys want...

Variety
My motto "You don't know, until you try" and over the last 3 years I've dabbled if it wasn't regular guest post by New York & New Orleans Celebrity Makeup Artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis, YouTube videos, Outfit of the Day or Blog giveaways/competitions...

General / Personal Posts : Not everyone is a fan of this, I don't do many 'personal' posts myself but that's because I highly doubt people are really that interested in my daily activities lol but it's nice to view others cos you get more of a feel who they are as a person keep in mind even if people don't do these type of posts I'm not saying you can't get a feel for them cos I bet if you followed them on twitter you'd find out a lot more about your fav blogger.

Help Posts : It's always nice when a fellow blogger doesn't mind to share 'tips' on their insiders view on blogger such as PR companies, Photography, How to Improve, What Works for Them etc. because to begin with blogging is all about sharing especially beauty, fashion, lifestyle, food blogging it's all about sharing it is a community and when a blogger is selfless *thumbs up*

I think that's all I can think of at the moment (:

Please keep this in mind this isn't aimed at anyone this is just my personal blogging reading preference sometimes. I'm no blogging guru lol

I'd love to know what keeps you in love with blogs & going back ?

Christmas Gifts For Mum

2011-11-23T13:34:00.000Z

I often find it hard to shop for my Mum, to be honest she's appreciative of anything but sometimes you just want to find that gift that she loves and you always see her using ETC..

I'm on the quest to help. I'm going to share some gifts that I think any mother would appreciate..

Gadi 21 Minerals - Deluxe Manicure and Pedicure Set

£90 (buy here)

This set is rich in Dead Sea minerals which we know is great for their skin healing properties. This set contains travel hand cream, travel foot cream, cuticle oil, nail trimmer, nail file and buffer and of course a signature Dead Sea Body Scrub

Gadi 21 Minerals - Nail Kit

£30 (buy here)

If your mother is the type who is fussing over her nails and loves to keep them in tip top shape this could be the ideal gift. Also rich in Dead Sea minerals she'll receive a Hand & Nail lotion, cuticle oil, nail buffer and nail file all to keep her hands and nails soft and her nails looking beautiful

BCBonacure Hairtherapy - Smooth Shine Gift Set

£22.20

BC Bonacure is a complete collection of personalised haircare products from SchwarzkopfProfessional. The Smooth shine gift set is to help coarse, unmanageable & dull hair. Included in this set is Smooth Shine Shampoo (250ml) Smooth Shine Conditioner (200ml) Smooth Shine Leave in Treatment (200ml). Smooth Shine is aimed to keep the hair soft and to repair internal damage to prevent future problems. Gift sets are available from Schwarzkopf Salons. View your nearest stockiest here

Aromatherapy Associates - Hand Wash & Hand Lotion Set

£25 ( 2 x 300ml ) (buy here)

Mmm I can smell this one now, lavender, ylang ylang and ho wood are the essential oils that infuse this gift set. Presented in a beautiful Christmas box it's perfect for mum to have especially on these upcoming cold days. View More

What do you find buying your Mother yearly at Christmas ?

Is there a particular band that's ye'ol faithful ?

November GlossyBox - Pre-Christmas

2011-11-21T11:02:00.000Z

November's GlossyBox is out & this pre-Christmas box comes along with an GlossyBox update to let us into what's new and how they are trying to provide us with the most content....

GlossyBox for Men will be launching in December. It'll be quarterly and every 3 months they will receive 7 travel sized products. Read more...

Refer A Friend scheme. For every friend that subscribes they reward 200 GlossyDots. When you reach 1000 GlossyDots you receive a free GlossyBox.

GlossyBox will be making subscription bundles available for 3months, 6months & 12 months - with 12 months being discounted.

GlossyBox are also working hard to create daily content and run exciting competitions that they think their subscribers and my blog readers will love. Check out their brand new blog : www.blog.glossybox.co.uk or their YouTube www.youtube.com/theglossyboxuk

Inside this months GlossyBox

NAIL ROCK Designer Nail Wraps £6.65 per pack full size

ILLAMASQUA Freak Eau De Parfum £59.00 - 75ml full size

DEAD SEA SPA MAGIK Gentle Cleansing Facial Wash £8.80 full size

PHILIP KINGSLEY Elasticizer £52.10 - 500ml full size

ARBONNE FC5 Cooling Foot Créme £19.00 - 118ml full size

I have a pack of Nail Rock designer nail wraps, never used as of yet so I cannot comment just yet on either packets I own.

I love the smell of this new Illamasqua Freak perfume, I can see why this scent is quite popular, it has nice floral kick when first applied and once it settles it's quite dark and alluring.

Top Notes : Black Davana, Opium Flower and Belladonna

Heart Notes : Poison Hemlock, Datura and Queen of the Night

Base Notes : Frankincense, Oud and Myrrh

To me the Dead Sea Spa Magik facial wash couldn't of come at a better time. I'm starting to get little under the skin bumps on my forehead. Invisible but still a pain.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer this is a pre-shampoo treatment, reminding us that to have healthy hair we also must treat and take care of our scalp to maintain that. I'm on my natural journey still and reading through the ingredients so far it doesn't seem to have products that would harm us natural ladies but I'm going to do a little bit more research before include this into my hair routine.

Foot cram is a all around great thing to have and when you find one that is all you need it's perfect. I'm still on that journey so to get a chance to try Arbonne FC5 cooling foot créme is helpful this month.

I'm quite liking this months box ... it's more of a box that I would find useful.

Visit www.GlossyBOX.co.uk to find out how to apply for your own GlossyBox and more information.

Disclaimer : These products have been sent to me to feature/review. I have not been paid for this post nor am I affiliated with the company. All Laa (:

19/11/11 - Link Love

2011-11-20T19:56:00.001Z

Have you heard of Beauty Bloggers for Charity? Tune into BeautyBloggers.org between Nov. 28th and Dec. 12th to bid on some awesome products. The auctions will be open internationally and all proceeds will go to Doctors Without Boarders, so don’t miss it!

Addicted to Beauty is excited to hear about the latest scented mascara - Guerlain's Noir G! Will it be a hit or a miss?

Get them before they are gone - polish insomniac shows you two of the Nicole by OPI Holiday Glitters!

Have you found your perfect fall lip colour yet? Rae, at theNotice, unearths another "hidden gem" in the brand's permanent lineup. Be sure to check out her MAC Desire lipstick review to see it for yourself!

My Lips But Better learns why you should always get a sample before purchasing new foundation!

The Pink Sith tells you a story about an "Ugly Duckling" or sorts and how she was transformed by Votre Vu SnapDragon Body Cream. This story has a happy ending.

Want perfect party nails for this season? Amy Antoinette shows us some sparkle with Models Own Pink Fizz.

Tracy at Beauty Reflections says Deborah Lippmann Stairway To Heaven is winter skating party worthy!

Want a compact powder for great coverage and convenience? Bun Bun Makeup Tips recommends the MAC Studio Fix Foundation.

Have you seen Guerlain's Spring 2012 Collection yet? Anita at Pleasureflush wants everything! What about you?

Kajal Couture shares her 5 Must-Have MAC Shadows that complement every skin tone!

At Musing on Beauty, Mariella tries a shampoo that smells like creme brûlée and keep your color vibrant.

Prime Beauty's Guest Reviewer takes you on a fragrance journey - or should I say fragrance quest? See what she ended up choosing.

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Want to win 3 month's of free nail polish customized to your taste? Enter Perfectly Imperfect's Julep Maven giveaway!

Smashinbeauty is have a Sigma Beauty & E.L.F. Cosmetics Giveaway. Make sure to check it out.

Shivani at Adorable On Your Vanity is celebrating her puppy's first birthday, with a gorgeous namkesake lipstick from Dior, Dior Addict Lipstick in Millie. Come and tell who is cuter!

It's Holiday Giveaway time! Enter to win a Conair Spin Air Brush from Audrey Dao!

Sleek Berry Collection

2011-11-18T23:20:00.001Z

Hey,

Alright so you've no doubt seen this about on other blogs but I'm still putting my two scents in. This month Sleek MakeUP will be launching a limited edition collection "Berry Collection"

This 3 piece edition included Fenberry Blush, Cranberry True Colour Lipstick and Mossberry Kohl Pencil - these are full sized products and there in the vampy but wearable shades for this season Berry (:

All three berry shades are a matte texture. The Cranberry lipstick is a pink-toned deep berry shade, Mossberry as you can see I used under the lower lash smudged into my lower lashes and Fenberry blush on the hollows of my cheek. I found it quite simple to wear these various shades in one look.

Berry Collection launches 23rd Novemeber 2011

Available at Superdrug stores & online at www.sleekmakeup.com

RRP £9.99

Guest Post : How To Get Fantastic Healthy Skin

2011-11-18T00:00:00.000Z

Hello beauties! I am so glad to have this opportunity to post about skin care (thank you LaaLaa). My background as an aesthetician taught me A LOT about skin care and i love sharing my knowledge with others. Having good skin doesn't have to come at a high price, you just need to know the right products to use and how to use them.

Maintaining healthy skin can be as easy as 1-2-3.

1. Find yourself a good face wash! Look for products that contain Salicylic Acid. This is a product that will help improve your skin cell turnover (exfoliate) which has tons of benefits. Helps prevent acne breakout, helps dimish fine lines and wrinkles, and promotes smooth skin. Some of the best dermatologist recommended products are Neutrogena, Cerave, and Cetaphil. All gentle yet effective cleansers.

2. Moisturize. Keeping your beautiful mug dewy soft is a key component. I am not talking oily & shiny, I'm talking fresh, supple, and glowing. Look for a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic (means that it won't clog your pores) and hypoallergenic (means non-irritating). My personal favorite is Aveeno baby lotion. At only $3 a tube is a steal. Plus it is super gentle, non greasy, and good for your skin. If you do have a problem with occassional breakout, look for a moisturizer that also contains Salicylic Acid.

3. Exfoliate once a week. There are several facial scrubs on the market in addition to the expensive facial treatments you can find in salons or physicians offices. Skip paying the price and simply purchase a box of Baking Soda. Baking soda mixed with equal parts water makes a great exfoliant. Exfoliating your skin helps keep it looking fresh and helps to prevent future breakout.

Here's a video tutorial on how to make your own Facial Scrub:

I hope you were able to find these tips useful and if you have any questions, please let me know. You can also find more tips, beauty advice, and a few fashion updates at my blog: http://www.blushingbasics.blogspot.com.

xo,
kristie

About the Guest Author:
Kristie B. (a.k.a. Blushing Basics) works as a makeup artist for local photographers in the Denver metro area. She began her beauty career working as an aesthetician. Always a fan of the arts her creativity expanded to makeup which happens to be her favorite medium. Although being a wife and mother of 3 keeps her busy, makeup provides her serenity.

Where you can find Kristie : Blog · Facebook · YouTube

Thanks Kristie for your professional tips (:

Toni&Guy Touch Control Creative Curler

2011-11-17T15:08:00.000Z

Another day, another post (:

Today meet the Toni&Guy Touch Control Creative Curler

Tuesday I trimmed my hair (more like chopped to me) so when this was delivered to me on Wednesday I was a little eek cos I even though I'm going natural I rarely wear my down in curls mostly it's in a bun or on lazy not doing nothing days I'll have it in two French plaits.

So I washed my hair doing my usual routine and used Shielo leave in protectant using Toni&Guy afro dryer to make sure I leave in enough moisture as possible during this heat process my hair dried fast enough.

This is how my hair is when dried - completely straight at the ends...it's getting back to it's natural curly straight it's kind of reminding me if I relaxed my hair I'm just growing out all the damage that over a decade of constant straightening has done.

Sectioning off my hair I started and what I noticed was this can give various curls when you fiddle about, my hair ended up with some defined curls and some waves lol

The proofs in the pudding as people say, you can see my hair hasn't dried out, it's retained it's shine and it was unbelievably bouncy. Now I'm not sure if that's to do with the products used as well but I was loving walking down the stairs --boing--

I loosened up the curls and viola slap some lipstick on and you've got yourself a look;

Let's get to the nitty gritty of the appliance itself :

It uses a side switch that you slide to switch on/off now I prefer this cos you know you have some hair appliances that your twisting about and you sometimes can switch it off without noticing cos it's too near where you put your fingers.

This curler has no clamp ... sometimes I hate curlers with clamps cos they tend to be quite heavy and extra work as you don't want to put the clamp down and have to hold the hair *extra work*

This has a LCD screen that once switched on will appear :

Now this is where the touch control comes into play ....
There are 5 temperature settings 150ºc - 230ºc and 5 function buttons let me walk you through them :

Touch Control Up( ··· ) Adjust temperature upwards
Touch Control Down ( · ) Adjust temperature downwards
Touch Control ( - ) Ion decrease
Touch Control ( + ) Ion increase
Depress Ion Button - Turn function on / off

If you wanted to lock the temperature on the curler hold down Touch Control Up( ··· ) for two seconds until a padlock appears :

To unlock just repeat the steps as above.

Auto switch off function that activates after 1hr just in case you've forgotten to switch it off.

The only thing I didn't like was that there's no glove to use. Which annoys me cos to hold the hair at the ends and trying not to burn yourself is a pain. I did this twice before remembering I had a glove from another hair appliance. That would be my only con ...

The ion function I like as my hair doesn't dry out and it keeps the moisture in instead of taking it away.

IONIC Technology : Negative ions generated by the joystick curler help to lock in the nature moisture of your hair and reduce static, leaving you with softer, shinier and more manageable hair.

Purchase at Argos & all good electrical retailers
Price : £34.99

Disclaimer : These products have been sent to me to feature/review. I have not been paid for this post nor am I affiliated with the company. All Laa (:

AOFM Make Up is Art

2011-11-16T13:57:00.000Z

Some of you may know that I'm going on the AOFM foundation & advanced combined course in January. Excited!!

I won their book "Makeup Is Art" on twitter a little while ago.

It's a beautiful book to look through for inspiration, tips and it's got some guides to certain topics such as face masks, foundation, concealer, face shapes etc

Contents include :

Skincare, The Face, The Eyes, The Lips, Men, Iconic Eras, Red Carpet, Editorial, Beauty Editorial Advertising, Conceptual, Body Art, Collaborating, Underwater, Adornment, Tools, Catwalk & Backstage, Q&A & Sources & Suppliers.

Such a beautiful book.

You can buy it directly from AOFM at the AOFM site price of £14.95 here

Toni&Guy Afro IONIC Moisture Lock Dryer

2011-11-15T12:20:00.000Z

You all know I'm on my natural hair journey. Tough but I'm getting use to trying to get my curls back. I even purchased a book to help me but that's for a different post.

Even before I started tampering with heated hair appliances hair dryers were never used on my hair besides the first time I got it blown out. Yet I decided to try this as it's aimed at afro hair and it's also to lock in that moisture that we often lose when using heat on our hair.

How?

By using Variable IONIC TECHNOLOGY.

Which is ?

Variable IONIC TECHNOLOGY allows the level of ions emitted by the appliance to be reduced or increased according to your type.

There is three different hair types : Fine, Normal & Thick
Fine hair will require minimum ions while thicker hair will require a higher level of ions.
With this dryer you can also reduce the level of ions to help styled curls last longer or increase the ions for a sleek finish.

Variable IONIC Dial

You can adjust this dial onto three different settings according to the instructions here is the dial colour reference :

Hair Type Ion Setting Colour Indicator

Fine	Low	Orange
Normal	Medium	Black
Thick	High	Silver

You have 2 speed settings and 3 heat settings

Cool shot button ( set your hair style ) & Turbo Button ( extra power for faster drying )

Included within the box is also a concentrated nozzle and a wide tooth pik

My views on it it dried my hair pretty quickly I had my hair in two side French braids (unless I braid my hair I won't get the curls all over as my hair's still on it's journey of growing out the straightening damage). Yet when I took the braids out my hair was dry all the way through and it was incredibly soft to touch.

Buy From Toni&Guy online shop Here
Price : £39.99

Is it important for you that your hairdryer helps you retain as much moisture in your hair as possible with drying?

Disclaimer : These products have been sent to me to feature/review. I have not been paid for this post nor am I affiliated with the company. All Laa (:

Alesha Dixon Announced as AVON's New Beauty and Empowerment Ambassador for 2012

2011-11-15T11:34:00.001Z

AVON announced today their new 2012 Beauty and Empowerment Ambassador TV presenter, Strictly Come Dancing Judge & singer Alesha Dixon.

Alesha is joining an impressive line of celebrities who represent AVON such as Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon and multi platinum recording artist Fergie.

Throughout 2012 Alesha will be appearing in AVON catalogues from February 2012 as well as launching her own range of make-up not to forget she will also be supporting Avon's domestic violence initiatives which I have personally read several times before it's a subject that is close to her. Alesha will act as the spokeswoman for this cause & also the make-up.

Her first step into make-up with AVON will be launching a new foundation called Ideal Flawless. This foundation range will offer Avon's widest shade selection.

Alesha says: “With Avon’s Ideal Flawless, I’ve discovered a foundation that gives immaculate coverage and celebrates my natural complexion.”

Alesha will be taking over the @Avon_UK twitter today. You can tweet her questions from1:30pm - 2:45pm

What do you think of Alesha becoming Avon's 2012 Beauty and Empowerment Ambassador?

The Little Bunny That Did ....

2011-11-11T15:50:00.001Z

When I saw that this little bunny last month was up for sale how could I the owner of 11 bunnies possibly not make this a special #12.

The Worshipblues Emporium is such a beautiful place to get delicate "shiny fings" ...these are pieces you won't find once they are gone. I reviewed this web shop when it was first up and running and I'm not failed every time I visit to see new items.

Upon purchase I got a lovely email thanking me and letting me know I was now an owner of a shiny fing from the Emporium with the lovely descriptive words that you often see throughout her personal blog it gives it that all important touch.

When it was delivered the packaging so beautiful and personal with a letter to instruct you on what your shiny fing do's & don't are.

My bunny Jude <3 he's a little delicate piece that sits so well on my neck, he may be small but he has a big personality.

The Little Bunny That Did

A solitary bunny, fearless and adventurous.

Look for him by sun down, watch for him at sunset. This is the little bunny that DID for he is not just a dreamer!

If your looking for great gifts this Christmas I think The Worship Emporium is a great place to get shiny fings for a loved one.

Blog & Shop Here!

All I Want For Christmas....

2011-11-10T00:06:00.000Z

44 days until Christmas

*readers shoot me virtually*

(that's due to all the Call Of Duty I've witnessed)

Anyway Christmas is rapidly upon us whether we are going to admit it or not.

Traditionally I normally do my shopping 6months prior.

Not this year.

While browsing what to get Tom, Dick & Harry.

I started to make a '~~Wishlist~~' or as my lot call it

'Dream On List'

I'm thinking of just doing posts of what I'd like to unwrap

or even just to give you guys gift ideas for yourself or loved ones (:

Some things are affordable - I could go out tomorrow buy myself,

Others are an investment

While some are more

" Have I really been a good girl for Santa this year...? "

1. Clarisonic Classic £155

I think we've seen reviews up to our eyeballs and beyond regarding the Clarisonic products and I for one have been pretty sold on this deep cleansing brush. It seems no matter how much we really do look after our skin. After seeing the reviews on these...it's not as clean as it appears and I would love one please Santa.

Buy Here

2. Braun Silk-épil 7 Dual Epilator £84.99

Asking for a torture weapon for Christmas may seem a little odd. I say torture but seeing some reviews on epilator's it's not enjoyable depending on some people's pain threshold.
It's something that gets easy over time. I chose this ones because it can be used wet or dry and I'd rather have my pores opened trying this than using it dry until I've got use to the pain.

Buy Here

3. Models Own "Beetlejuice Collection" £20

When I first saw these I thought it was in regards to my favourite film 'Beetlejuice' but reading some established fashion/beauty blogs I believe it's been based upon the iridescent colours of a beetle bug's wings? Correct me if I am wrong but regardless of what it's been based, I would like Fab Fingertips has done some swatches if your interested.

Buy Here

4. Models Own " Pink Fizz" £5

I see this on Holly Arabella's blog and was like WHAT! ..Where has this shade been? I would love you more Santa lol. It's such a lovely shade. I don't actually own any models own polishes but they do look gorgeous and this one is no exception. Alongside Peacock Green, Purple Haze, Magenta Divine, Champagne & Purple Grey.

Buy Here

5. Soap & Glory " Sugar Crush" £8
I've seen a few reviews on this and I've seen nothing but positive things. I'd love to give this a try (:
I always like to have more than one scrub in my stash.
Buy Here

6. Soap & Glory " Scrub' em & Leave 'em" £7.40

Another I'd love to try it's got mandarin & jojoba oil the latter of which I use in my face routine. I could imagine that it's a nice body buff to give the skin a nice boost and feel.
Buy Here

7. Soap & Glory " Flake Away" £6.64
I've been using this for the duration of the year in rotation with the FCUK Body Polish. I adore it so much it's so easy to use and smells divine. Sometimes the grains can be a little stubborn to rinse off for me but it does the job
Buy Here

8. Canon" 600d" £445+
Now if my relatives or friends are reading this they are no doubt saying out loud "This girl's lost her mind this year" lol I probably have. I love & enjoy photography, I already have a good digital camera but come next year I'm looking to take things a step further. This could be a little helper (:
Shop Around Here

9. Stratusphere Yoga Kit $39.99 CAD or $49.99
If you follow my fitness blog you may or may not have noticed I'm quite obsessed with Trish Stratus and her fitness body. I've followed her career and still do and I'm a lover of yoga and she shows that it's not time consuming and you can build up your muscles and tone up. I think this present is more in the pipeline as I've been dropping hints all the time lol.
Buy Here or Here

10. Vivienne Westwood Naughty Alice 30ml £37
Gorgeous bottle, lil charm bracelet to boot ... A smell that's guaranteed to make you feel sexy and comfortable strutting in it.
Buy Here

11. Hugo Boss Deep Red 30ml £27

All time favourite of mine. I LOVE it! I think I bathed in the stuff well I did kind of as I purchased a gift set for myself back in xmas 2007. Everytime I wore it people would constantly ask me what it was. Now that's a fragrance.
Buy Here

12. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle 35ml £45.00

Oh how I dream for a bottle. Chanel where do you go wrong ?
( well there's a few places but that's for another post )
So beautiful, I want to carry this around with me everywhere.
*inhales*
Buy Here

13. Chanel N^o5 35ml £45

It's a classic, my mother has this perfume. Because it's pure it's quite strong, not a daily wear I would say but definitely one for the collection for special occasions. I've come across a good few who don't like the strong smell but I adore it ...
Buy Here

Do you still write up "wishlists" for yourself ?

xoxo

Label.M Launch Two New Unisex Products

2011-11-09T00:00:00.000Z

Christmas is speedily upon us and I'm hoping to have some items that may inspire you for stocking fillers in the upcoming weeks (:

These two products I have been sent are part of the label.m ‘4 C’s Collection’: Cleanse, Condition, Create, Complete.

Label.M Power Paste 50ml £11.95
Power paste ( can I just say I love the scent of this mmm mmmm mmm ) it's a firm wax paste.

It's meant to give the hair a gentle and flexible hold that allows movement and definition whilst leaving your hair shiny and healthy. Cupuaçu and Shea butter that moisturises the hair & provides a gentle hold the beeswax helps to create an fashionable, edgy texture.
It also contains the label.m Enviroshield Complex which helps to protect your hair against UV rays and heat styling.

label.m Power Paste is a ‘Complete’ product.

Label.M Miracle Fibre 50ml £11.95

This lightweight product is to give texture and volume. It's a silky formula not at all sticky. This also contains Shea & Cupuaçu Butters so it keeps your hair moisturised during styling whilst the Keratin Amino Acids (which is derived from wool) & Hydrolysed Soy Protein nourish & soften keeping your hair's condition is maintained.

This product protects the hair against heat styling and UV rays as Miracle Fibre contains the unique label.m Enviroshield Complex.

label.m Miracle Fibre is a ‘Complete’ product.

Available exclusively at TONI&GUY, Essensuals and specially appointed label.m salons worldwide.
www.labelm.com or follow us via twitter @labelmUK

Disclaimer : These products have been sent to me to feature/review. I have not been paid for this post nor am I affiliated with the company. All Laa (:

VIVO MakeUp Review

2011-11-08T11:21:00.002Z

Branding themselves as the MAC of supermarket makeup brands, Vivo cosmetics have a range of affordable cosmetics ranging from £1.50 - £6 ! Below I review three of their products...

Curve Effect Mascara £3*
This mascara comes in three shades black, black/brown, black waterproof.
The concept of the curved brush is to push up the lashes a bit like a push up bra that gives us that curl and lift from underneath. It doesn't lengthen my lashes it does slightly curl them but what I dislike is the drying texture.

Let me explain you know when you see someone has piled on the mascara and it looks lumpy and crisp. I sometimes get that with two coats. When taking it off it's not a smooth experience, I feel like my lashes are coming off too cos of how drying it feels.

Lipstick £1.99*
This range has 9 shades that range from neutral tones to 40s inspired. I was sent Sugar Pink which I find light for my complexion but it's a moisturising lipstick.

There was no lip tugging while dragging it on, very smooth application, sweet smelling. I'm sure I would love to experience more of these lipsticks to see the range of finishes this one was a little sheer on me.

Highlighter £5*
This is my first highlighter to play around with.

I tend to use it more on the top of my cheekbone where the light hits it to give it more of a glow. You only need a little bit to work with.

The brand consists of baked blush, baked bronzer, undereye roll on concealer, baked shimmer palettes, khol eyeliners, false eyelashes and more.

Available in Tesco stores nationwide.

Check out their Facebook for more products & info

05/11/11 - Link Love

2011-11-05T07:22:00.000Z

Miss Beauty Nerd is working on her own skincare line, code name Project M! She wants savvy beauty junkies to help her with the development process - are you in??

Check out these drool-worth bottle shots from the Wet n Wild Ice Baby collection on polish insomniac.

If it's taupe, then you know The Pink Sith is gonna be all over it! Her newest acquisition is the Dior 3 Couleurs Smoky Eyes Palette in Smoky Brown #781.

Love the shiny lid look, but hate the mess? Find out how to fake the glossy eyeshadow look at theNotice. It's perfect for the holidays, and ridiculously easy to put together!

Are you a fan of Lush? Check out Midnight Violet's review of the Christmas Lip Tints.

Beauty's Bad Habit points out the weird and wonderful quirks beauty bloggers develop, because we're a rather unique bunch!

Are your nails ready for Fall? Check out the new Mary Kay Fall 2011 Lacquers over at Spiced Beauty.

Fleurissante gives the reasons to show why Sisley Skinleya foundation isn't worth $190.

Kim Kardashian may not be able to keep a husband, but she can whip up a nifty little polish! Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed takes Kardashian polish (but not marriage) advice and swatches some Nicole by OPI Kardashian Kolors!

Tracy at Beauty Reflections is dreaming of skating parties thanks to the Tarina Tarantino Aurora Jewel Eyeshadow Palette in Diamond Dusk!

Still loving the nude nail trend? Krasey Beauty has the scoop on the new Feel Collection of nude nail polishes, by Zoya!

K from Beautifully Addicted To shows you her new favourite perfume D&G 3 L'Imperatrice.

Remember that popping candy from your childhood? Now it’s in a lip scrub! Hellcandy tries out Lush’s Pow Wow. Click here to read the review.

Pammy's Cover It! Concealer Review Series continues with her review of Maybelline's Mineral Power.

Madame B Fatale shows us part 4 of her Illamasqua products overview!

Perfect Red Lips by Guest Blogger Ancilla

2011-11-04T23:44:00.000Z

Hey everyone!

I’m Ancilla and ever since fall has started I’ve only been wearing bold red/ burgundy lips. I’m the type of girl who doesn’t like to wear a lot of eye shadow on an everyday basis. I like to play up my lips & eyeliner and keep the rest of my make up really natural and simple. I guess you can say I love the classic make up look a lot haha.

I know a lot of people think it’s hard to pull off a bold red lip but there are a lot of different red lipsticks on the market. You can go for a really bright red lipstick or you can choose for a red that has more brown undertones which will give you a softer look. Then you can also choose between a matte and a glossy red. What I'm trying to say is that there are many options, so if you want to try out a red lip I'm pretty sure you’ll find a color where you will feel most comfortable with.

In this post I will show you how to achieve the perfect red lip. The red lip I’m going for is pretty dark & intense. Perfect for fall if you ask me! You don’t have to follow all the steps I’m showing you, you can always skip some parts, but if you are going for a perfect red lip, maybe for a dinner party or an event, this is how I would do it.

Ok, let’s get started!

What you will need is:

- Vaseline or chap stick

- Red lip liner

- Favorite red lipstick

- Red or clear lip gloss

- Tissue

- Concealer and concealer brush

- Lip brush

Before starting with the red lip you want to make sure you don’t have chapped lips. There is nothing more distracting then wearing a bold lip & seeing you have chapped lips, so be sure to exfoliate your lips beforehand. A quick tip is to mix sugar with olive oil & gently scrub it all over your lips. Just make sure you have smooth lips before doing a bold lip :). Then apply chap stick on your lips to moisturise your lips. I like to use Vaseline most of the time.

Ok, so now our lips are all smooth we’re ready to start with the red lip! I’m starting off with a red lip liner. The one I’m using is the expert lip liner from Maybelline in the color ‘terracotta’. This lip liner has a soft texture and is long lasting. I’m applying it all over my lip. So if my lipstick will wear off I will still have a red stain on my lips.

The lipstick I’m using is from ‘Dr. Pierre Ricaud Paris’ in the color ‘Rouge Mythique’. One of my faves for a very long time! This lipstick has warm undertones & is perfect for my skin tone. I’m applying this on my lips with a brush for a more precise application. This is optional of course.

Ok, so now you’ve done that the tissue will come in practice. I’m going to blot my lips with this tissue to get
off all the excess lipstick. Basically I’m creating a stain on my lips. Then I’m re-applying another coat of lipstick. This will make the red more intense & it will last a lot longer!

Basically if you like the matte lip look you’re done with the red lip, but I’m going to show you some additional steps.

I’m going to grab some of my concealer & outline my lips. This will make your lips more defined & gives you the opportunity to erase some of the errors you might have made. I’m using my Camo Quad from Coastal Scents in the color Medium. Be sure to use a color that matches you skin tone almost perfectly & don’t forget to blend it out. You don’t want to walk around with a weird line around your lips haha!

The last step is to apply some gloss on top of the lipstick. I’m only applying it to the center of my lips since I don’t like to have a lot of gloss on my lips. I’m using a red tinted gloss from Essence called ‘Sparkling Cherry’.

And that’s it! Now you have a perfect red lip & you’re ready to go out all night!

I hope you enjoyed this post & don’t forget to take a visit at my blog if you would like to see more :)

Wish you all a wonderful day!

XOXO,

Ancilla

About the Guest Author:
Ancilla, 23, a beauty blogger from The Netherlands. IBasically when I found the beauty community on Youtube & all the beauty blogs out there my interest in make up grew. I even found the courage to start my own beauty channel : )! In conjunction with my Youtube channel I also started blogging. And I’m loving it a lot!

Where you can find Ancilla : Blog · Twitter · YouTube · Beautylish