October Favourites

Afternoon possums :)

Here are my favourite products for the last month:

China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat

I love this because it means there's no waiting for ages for polish to dry and it works wonders on top of China Glaze polishes :D

Eyeko Graffiti Liner in Purple

Great colour and it really does help make eyes look brighter :D

NYX Thalia and NYX Paris Lipstick

Used together, these make a great lip colour combo!

MAC Wintersky Eye Shadow

Gorgeous shimmery pink shadow, absolutely love it!

Primark Hair Bows

These are so cute and great for jazzing up hair

October Snapshot

Hello sugarplums :)

October is at an end, and I think we can safely say Autumn is here which happens to be one of my favourite times of the year

Westonbirt Arboretum
One of my favourite places <3

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Listening to... Katy Perry, Cee Lo Green, Eliza Doolittle, The Script, Joshua Radin, Robbie Williams, Take That

Reading... Glamour, blog posts

Watching... Strictly Come Dancing, X Factor, Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, A Single Father, Downton Abbey, Million Pound Drop, Pride & Prejudice

Buying... Illamasqua products, a clocket, some bits and pieces from e.l.f.

Wanting... a job or a comfortable lottery win, Take That tickets, a Blackberry, for Orange to stop making life so difficult

Trying... Illamasqua, new Sleek products, new Eyeko products

Loving... dark hair, my slanket, winteryness

Planning... my birthday wish list, Christmas presents, IMATS, trips to see friends

Making... cupcakes, flapjack, scones and chocolate brownies

Writing... blog posts, job applications, journal entries

Cooking... cupcakes etc!

Inspired by... retro pin up make up, winter, Christmas

How has October been for you?

Happy Halloween!

Saturday Summary

Morning cupcakes :)

I've decided to quit writing the 'Loving and Loathing' posts. Loathing sounds so negative. And this is my blog full of happy things so I think it deserves a happier post title and style. And I hate writing posts without photos in it. It just seems so boring. So welcome to my new, improved Saturday Summaries filled with good stuff :D

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♥ My tresses have had a colour overhaul this week. I've gone for a chocolate brown shade and I absolutely love it! Next time I mention going lighter - talk me out of it!! I can't believe how much I've missed having dark hair.

♥ Mail this week has included some bits and bobs from e.l.f. and some lovely giveaway prizes from the lovely Ashlie. I'm loving Sleek Rose Gold Blush and e.l.f.'s Mineral Ripe Rose lipstick!

♥ I was invited to the Models Own & Wah Nails collaboration evening next week which was a complete surprise and totally unexpected. I'm really looking forward to it as it means I finally get to visit Wah Nails, and I get to see the lovely Leanne again!! Twice in a month, you lucky thing ;P

♥ This one doesn't deserve a heart really, as I've been battling with Orange this week. However, I think I've finally got through to them. The end may be nigh. Here's hoping!

♥ As you read this, I'll be on my way to Meadowhall for a little retail therapy. (Shh Leanne I need new clothes ;P) However that's not the main reason Ruth and I are going. We're off to meet Michael McIntyre at his book signing. I think today calls for comfy shoes for standing in queues!

I hope you've all had a good week :)

Review: Barbara Daly Long Lash Mascara

Morning :)

A few weeks ago, Tesco launched Your Beauty, and were giving away free cosmetic products in exchange for hearing about our beauty niggles. I received a Barbara Daly Long Lash Mascara in black. Having only tried a couple of Barbara Daly products a good few years ago, I was intrigued to try the range out once more. 

I was anticipating writing a review in my normal style, however I can't find a single thing online about this particular mascara (apart from other blog reviews) so I'll just give you my thoughts on it :)

Product

I say: I have to admit the first thing I thought when I saw the packaging was that it looked cheap. But then, being sold exclusively in Tesco, I wasn't expecting anything particularly glamorous. It also looked a little on the small side, and I'm not overly sure if this was full or sample sized. Baring in mind that by the name, this mascara only claimed to give long lashes, I wasn't hoping for much. Regardless, I tried it out.  And what a good job I hadn't got my hopes up.

Application

I say: This looked like an average mascara wand. The product seemed to sit between the spiralling bristles. One coat resulted in my lashes looking pretty much the same as they did without mascara on. Two coats later and they still didn't look any different. I got nothing from this mascara. No length, no volume, barely any colour difference. Zilch. Nada. A total thumbs down from me.

Price: Unsure but I've seen the RRP being stated as £5.50

Size: 7ml

Available from: Larger Tesco stores - check here

Ratings

Product: 4/10

Price: 10/10

Packaging: 4/10

Overall: 6/10

Purchase: No

Have you tried this or any other Barbara Daly products? What are your thoughts?

Review: e.l.f. Studio Contour Brush

Hello :)

A while ago I decided to invest in some more e.l.f. brushes, and this was one that ended up in my virtual shopping basket. 

Product

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e.l.f. say: This new anti bacterial, synthetic haired Taklon brush is softer and more absorbent and can be used with wet or dry products. Be a professional makeup artist and create a flawless look with this e.l.f. studio brush! The domed bristles pick up a lot of color and deposit it onto the eyelid for extra definition. Adds depth close to the lash line and in the corner of the eye. Use to sweep colors along the lash lines for concentrated colour.

I say: I love the e.l.f. Studio line of brushes, they're fantastic quality and brilliant value. The contour brush is no exception. It's lovely and soft, yet stiff enough to be used in the crease and for smudging colour under the lower lash line. 

Application

e.l.f. say: Dip brush into eye shadow color and tap off any excess powder. Apply to eyelid for high intensity colour.

I say: The contour brush picks up product really well and applies it perfectly thanks to the shape and size of the brush. It's perfectly soft to use on the eyelid and lower lash line.

Price: £3.50

Available from: eyeslipsface.co.uk

Ratings

Product: 10/10

Price: 10/10

Packaging: 9/10

Overall: 9/10

Repurchase: Yes

Do you have a favourite contour brush? Have you tried this?

Wednesday Wants

Morrrrrrrninggggg :)

I hope you're all doing fabby today! My Wednesday Wants has a Christmassy theme to it today!

The China Glaze Holiday Collection

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Ok, maybe not all of it. Specifically Phat Santa, Sugar Plum, Snow & Frosty :)


e.l.f. Studio 11 Piece Glitter Brush Collection

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e.l.f. 32 Piece Eyeshadow Collection

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Last, but not least, and I know this isn't a Christmas product, but it's red haha! So it totally counts :D

Eyeko Cherry Fat Balm

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Are you lusting over any of the Christmassy themed items lately?

Christmas is coming and the elves are busy!

Afternoon sugarplums :D

Can you believe it's almost November? This means Christmas is just around the corner and it'll be here before you know it. Talking of arrivals, the fabulous hard-working elves at e.l.f. have just taken delivery of their limited edition Christmas range of products!

There are lots of gorgeous new products and gift sets, so there's something for everyone whether you're treating yourself or friends and family. Click the banner to go shopping :D

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What will you be asking Santa for this year?

French Manicure with added Fairy Dust!! #

Hello possums :)

This is something I've wanted to do for absolutely ages and I finally decided to go for it. After all, this is how all my other nail art started! I was incredibly pleased with how it turned out so I decided to post it:

*Natural light, sans white tips*

*Flash with tips*

*Dodgy rainy day natural light and white tips*

Products used

Eyeko Petite Polish

China Glaze Fairy Dust

George @ Asda Natural White

China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat

Eyeko Petite Polish is so, so perfect for creating a base for a traditional French manicure. Two coats did the trick and I had beautiful natural pink nails. And it's a total steal at £3.50. You can buy it here. Don't forget you can get a free gift with all orders over £10 if you enter my Ambassador code at the checkout which is E8493 :)

What do you think? Which polishes do you use for a French mani?

^ Beautiful Blushes*

Morning cherubs :)

Following on from my Luscious Lippies post, I thought I'd show you my blush collection. In the grand scheme of things, I have quite a modest collection but I'm always on the lookout to expand :)

Check out my grand total of 9 blushes. D'aww.

I seem to go for similar colours!

L-R: NYX Glow, NYX Rose Petal, NYX Taupe

L-R: Miss Sporty Ohh! Blushed in Peach, 17 Blush & Glow in Strawberry Swirl, Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Dolly Pink

L-R: Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in Peach, Benefit Thrrrob, Benefit Coralista

I haven't swatched these as I think they have all been swatched at some point before in various posts, which you should be able to find via the labels on the left hand side of my blog if you so desire :)

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As you can see, I seem to stick to light pinks and peach shades. If I were to expand my blush horizons, which direction would you point me in? Do you have some favourite blushes to recommend?

Sunday Selection

Good morning petals!

I'm back with another Sunday Selection for your delectation :)

New blogs

LoveLaughLauren

TesJoe's Blog

Art Of Nail

Blog posts which tickle my fancy

Scrangie showcases the China Glaze Holiday Collection for 2010

May rocks some gorgeous matte nails

Muhsine shows us her top ten pink lip products

Charlotte gets me interested in Barry M Nail Effects

Beauty's Bad Habit reviews Topshop's Cream Blushes

Beautylicious Bargains

ASOS are still having a clearance in their beauty section

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Boots have launched Treat Street, a new online shopping initiative which allows you to shop online at various retailers and collect Advantage Card points at the same time. Haven't signed up? You can do so here.

Don't forget that the Boots £5 No 7 vouchers are back again until Sunday 7th November. Perhaps an ideal opportunity to get a few stocking fillers in preparation for Christmas?

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A quick heads up - when Sleek reach 20,000 likes on Facebook, they're going to be offering 50% off everything on their website. If you haven't already liked them, you can do so here!

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Have a good Sunday :)

Loving & Loathing

Hello cupcakes :)

I hope you've all had a good week!

Loving

* China Glaze Midnight Mission Polish from the Vintage Vixens Collection

* Super quick shipping from Illamasqua!

* Winning a 17 Cosmetics Facebook competition

* Getting a £15 voucher for the Icebar in London

* Mary and Matt on X Factor :D

* The CSI game on Facebook haha *geek*

Loathing

* Family stuff

* Orange. For the love of God stop messing me around!

Purple French NOTD

Afternoon sunbeams :)

Following on from the review I posted this morning of e.l.f.'s Purple Pleaser, I wanted to show you how I used it for a twist on a French manicure.

Products used

e.l.f. Purple Pleaser

GOSH Metallic Purple

China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat

Are you a fan of French manis with a difference?

Review: e.l.f. Purple Pleaser Nail Polish

Hello kittens :)

I'm getting a bit slack with my polish reviews, but the lovely Maxime asked me to review this for her which gave me a kick up the derrière. Alas, here we are.

Product

e.l.f. say: This colour-lock formula with chip resistant shield gives long lasting nail color with high shine. Key nutrients give nails that natural shine, infused with Vitamin E for stronger, healthier nails. Our formula is FREE of: Toluene, Formaldehyde, and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP). 

I say: I've not been disappointed with e.l.f. polishes yet, and this is another gem. Purple Pleaser was part of the set of new Autumnal colours that was released a few weeks ago. It's a creme formula so there is no shimmer/glitter etc. It's a lovely pink-berry-purple shade - not too light, not too dark. I love that e.l.f. polishes are 'Big 3' free so you're not putting a bunch of nasty chemicals on your nails.

Application

e.l.f. say: The aerodynamic bristle design glides color on flawlessly, while the quick dry formula gives perfect application every time.

I say: e.l.f. polishes have standard sized brushes. They're not the best but they're also not the worst I've ever used. I found that I needed just two thin coats to achieve opacity, both of which dried quickly leaving a gorgeous glossy finish. I had this polish on for about 4 days before I saw any tip wear.

Price: £1.50

Size: 10ml

Available from: e.l.f.

Ratings

Product: 9/10

Packaging: 10/10

Price: 10/10

Overall: 9/10

Repurchase: Yes

If you've seen anything on my blog that I've bought and you'd like to see reviewed, tweet me or drop me an email and I'll get right on to it :)

Wednesday Wants

Hello dears :)

I'm eager to rush out shopping but I'm attempting to make myself wait until I head to Meadowhall the weekend after next. Incidentally, is anyone else heading there to meet Michael McIntyre?

Here are the items I'm lusting over this week:

Lace Tunic

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Victoriana Top

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What are you lusting over this week?

Review: Eyeko Extra Glow Cream

Hello possums :)

I picked up Extra Glow Cream at the Eyeko event a few weeks ago and have been using it pretty much every day since, so I think it's about time I gave it a review! This one's a bit photo heavy as I couldn't resist showing you the gorgeous packaging :D

Product

Eyeko say: Eyeko Cream with Extra Glow is a multitasking highlighter with all the benefits of your favourite cult classic Eyeko Cream. This NEW dreamy pink cream is loaded with micro light reflecting pigments perfect for creating a soft focus sheen. Petrochemical free. Eyeko do not test on animals.

I say: Having not tried the original Eyeko cream, I wasn't sure what to expect but I was keen to find out if it lived up to it's 3-in-1 claims of being a moisturiser, highlighter and eye cream. I found it to be extremely moisturising and I often mix a little bit with my foundation, which gives me a soft, dewy glow. I've also used it as a highlighter in all the usual places, which again gives me a soft glow. I also find it gentle enough to use around my eyes. Thumbs up Eyeko :D I love Eyeko packaging, and the Extra Glow cream is another cute fave. In terms of practicality there's an extra 'stopper' lid which stops your cream from going all over the lid of the actual tub, which is always good if you're taking it on your travels.

Application

Eyeko say: Add a flattering highlights to brow and cheek bones, your cupids bow, even collar bones and shins for a touch of moonlit magic.

I say: I really love the finish that the Extra Glow cream gives. I find I do have to lightly powder over it to set and touch up towards the end of the day. A definite must have in any make up collection :)

Price: £8

Size: 28ml

Available from: Eyeko

Ratings

Product: 10/10

Price: 10/10

Packaging: 10/10

Overall: 10/10

Repurchase: Yes

If you'd like to purchase you can head over to the Eyeko website. Remember you can use my Ambassador code, E8493, for a free gift!

Have you tried any of the Eyeko creams? I think I'll try the tinted one next summer!