Things I learned through December 2010

Hello possums :)

Back in October, I saw this fab post over at Lollipop Loves... and decided to have a go at doing it myself. Based on the idea that we learn something new every day, it's a way of seeing what we learnt over the past month. Nothing here is going to get me a phD but they're interesting little tidbits nonetheless.

Here's what I learnt in December 2010...

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001. Mother Nature owns us. I'm talking about snow of course. And the UK's inability to deal with it.

002. Best friends are only such when it suits them.

003. There is apparently a time difference between Newcastle and Lincolnshire. There's something we were never taught in Geography. Sarcasm over ;)

004. Cats and Christmas trees and decorations, specifically shiny mirror baubles, do not mix. They end up at best as new playthings, and at worst teeny bits of shattered plastic all over your floor. Thanks Whisper ;)

005. I really hate having short nails. Grow faster pleasey.

006. The simplest of things can make my week, before it's even properly begun!

007. People can be incredibly confusing.

008. Making decisions is hard.

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009. I am like a small child waiting for Christmas morning when it comes to the postman arriving with goodies that I've ordered. Hehehe.

010. I can never resist a good offer. Ever. I always succumb to the temptation!

011. I will always worry about people. I am a worrier. Oh deary me.

012. The simplest things can put the biggest smile on my face <3

013. Nail polish makes me happy. Especially when it's cheap and cheerful and is surprisingly good quality.

014. I hate Christmas shopping. And queues. And chuggers. But I will always stop for them because I'm too nice like that.

015. I need and want to make some positive changes to my life :)

016. Being a blogger always leads to good surprises!

017. People will always disappoint, and take you for a mug as often as they can. I need to learn to say 'no' more often.

018. I will never enjoy removing glitter polish! But will it stop me from putting it on? Oh no no. It's far too pretty.

019. PJ days are the best.

020. Friends are amazing <3

021. Willow Smith's Whip My Hair is equally annoying and addictive. Eek.

022. Baking is the perfect way to relax. I kid you not.

023. I seem to forever be running late with things. I used to be so prompt. Tsk.

024. Last minute Christmas shopping is never good. Note to self: Be more organized next year! And definitely do not attempt to go to supermarkets even if it is 6am. They will always be rammed with crazy, manic, angry shoppers.

025. I can bury the hatchet on Christmas. Even if it is for appearances sake.

026. The DFS sale does actually end. And their sofas aren't even that nice. Oh and their staff are all vultures. My sarcasm never takes a back seat ;)

027. I can restrain myself from making rash sale purchases. Hallelujah, there is hope!

028. The brain can be a confusing thing.

029. I have a terrible sense of balance. I've been forever walking into things and falling over today haha. Doors, carpets, my own feet. You name it, I've bumped into/fell over it.

030. When it comes to glitter polish removal, I never learn! But China Glaze Ruby Pumps, I will never disown you. You look far too pretty and shiny <3

031. I am rubbish with money. I need an accountant. Feel free to apply within ;)


What did you learn this month?

♥

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Happy New Year my darlings <3 I hope you have a good one!

^ 2010 Favourites ^

Hello :)

Ah 2010. You've been full of great things. But it's time to bid you farewell. I thought I'd do a post on all of my favourite products and brands that I've discovered, tried and tested this year!

It's fair to say that if I hadn't started blogging I probably would never have heard of half of these brands and products so thank you to everyone that's recommended brands and products to me. Although I'm not so sure my bank account would agree ;)

♥

Favourite Brands

Brands discovered through blogging:

OPI

China Glaze

e.l.f.

Eyeko

Smashbox

NYX

Benefit

Make Up For Ever

Urban Decay

Illamasqua

Brands that I probably wouldn't have tried if it wasn't for the blogging world:

George @ Asda

17 Cosmetics

NYC

MUA

Collection 2000

Revlon

MAC

Sleek

Sigma

Soap & Glory

♥

Favourite Products

Eyes

17 Wild Curls Mascara
Clinique High Impact Mascara
e.l.f. Studio Cream Eyeliner
17 Starry Eyes Trios
Sleek Palettes
Benefit Eye Bright
Collection 2000 Glam Crystals Liners

Lips

Make Up For Ever Lab Shine Star Collection Lipgloss
MAC Lipsticks
Eyeko Fat Balms
NYX Lipsticks
e.l.f. Mineral Lipsticks
The Body Shop Delipscious Lipstick in Raspberry
MUA Lipstick in Shade 7
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lip Balm

Face

Maybelline 24 Hour Superstay Foundation
NYC Translucent Powder
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural
NYX Cream Blushes
Eyeko Fat Balms
e.l.f. Studio Brow Kit
17 Blush & Glow
Sleek Rose Gold Blush
No 7 Quick Cover Concealer

Nails

China Glaze Nail Polishes
Eyeko Nail Polishes
China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat
e.l.f. Nail Polishes
Rimmel Lycra Pro Nail Polishes
GOSH Glass Nail File

Skincare

Johnsons 3-in-1 Make Up Wipes
Soap & Glory Clean On Me
Soap & Glory Flake Away
N-spa Indulgent Hot Butter Fudge Body Polish
Soap & Glory Girligo
Soap & Glory Hand Food

Not that I'm a Soap & Glory addict you understand... ;)

Haircare

Batiste Dry Shampoos
Toni & Guy Frizz Smoothing Curl Conditioner
L'Oreal Elvive Smooth Silk Light Leave In Conditioner

I go through shampoo and conditioners like there's no tomorrow, and I'm yet to find a duo that I love. However I will give an honourable mention to Pantene's Aqua Light range.

Accessories

The Body Shop Facial Brush
e.l.f. Studio Make Up Brushes
Sigma Make Up Brushes
NYX Make Up Brushes

Fragrance

Intimately Beckham
Britney Spears Radiance
J.Lo Deseo
Next Just Pink
Soap & Glory Mist You Madly

♥

Which products have been your favourites this year? Feel free to link me to your 2010 Favourites posts :)

On that note, goodbye 2010! I'm looking forward to a bigger and better 2011. Bring it on!

A Glam Rock Gift With Purchase #

Morning ladies :)

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas!! I'll properly be back into the swing of blogging in the new year with some new features, reviews, nail art and much more.

I'd also like to say a huge hello and welcome to all of my new followers, I'm looking forward to interacting with you all :)

♥

Just before Christmas I popped into Boots to pick up some last minute gifts, and I happened to wander past the make up stands and saw this gorgeous item from 17!

Behold the Glam Rock Eye Shadow compact, free with purchases over £6 of 17 cosmetics:

Inside are 6 gorgeous eye shadows (two matte, four shimmer) and a full length mirror.

The six shades are:

Mardi Gras

Glitter Spirit

Punky Purple

Glitter Style Queen

Darkness

Night Sky

Swatches

Top row

Bottom row

The shadows are really pigmented and are perfect for this party season. I know what I'll be sporting on New Years Eve :D Go and grab yours before they go!

Merry Christmas!!

Season's Greetings!

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I'd just like to wish every single reader of Dottie K a very merry Christmas!!

I hope Santa brings you all lots of fabulous pressies!

I'm off to eat, drink and be merry. Probably very merry.

*Cracks open the bubbly*

P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for a special post from me over the next few days :)

Review: n-spa Indulgent Hot Butter Fudge Sugar Body Polish

Morning sugar plums :)

After eyeing this up last Christmas, I couldn't resist picking this lush looking product when I popped into Asda and found it on offer a few weeks ago. I'm a big fan of the n-spa range, they're such great value for large products and they always smell absolutely amazing. I adore the cute little quotes on the front. The one on this product reads: '"Decadence" said the wise man, "is like a sumptuous caramel with a slow-burn creamy sweetness. Soft brown sugar and toffee, like clotted cream ice cream in the summer melting to hot butter fudge."' Cute huh?

Product

n-spa say: Take the indulgent pleasure of Hot Butter Fudge with natural sugar and honey to moisturise and condition your skin, add the wisdom of Nirvana, make time in your day and turn your bathroom into a blissful spa.

I say: I'd never tried a sugar body polish before, so I was intrigued to see the difference between this and my regular body scrub. This particular polish feels just like sugar and it thanks to it's sugary grainyness (if that isn't a word, it is now!) it really helps to exfoliate the skin. I cannot tell you how amazing the scent is. Basically, you need this in your life ;)

Application

n-spa say: Take a generous helping and massage gently into damp or dry skin with small circular movements. Rinse clean to leave skin soft and smooth. DO NOT EAT, THIS IS NOT A FOOD PRODUCT.

I say: I love that this comes with an actual warning. It may smell like a food product, but unfortunately it isn't. I use this in the shower as it's quite messy and you can guarantee I'll get it everywhere if not haha. I take a good handful and apply. After a good massage and a rinse, I'm left with silky smooth skin that smells like fudge. Basically it leaves you smelling AMAZING. If you don't have this, why on earth not? Hot foot it down to Asda now! This would make a fab last minute Christmas gift!

Price: RRP £6.00

Size: 350ml

Available from: Asda

Ratings

Product: 10/10

Price: 9/10

Packaging: 10/10

Overall: 9/10

Repurchase: Definitely!

Have you tried any of the gorgeous Christmassy products from n-spa? Do you have a favourite body polish?

Review: Alva Organic Liquid Lipgloss in Pale Violet

Afternoon :)

After seeing a couple of other bloggers mention how good Alva are as a brand, I had to check them out. When browsing the My Pure website, I found that Alva is one of Europe's leading natural skin care brands, and Alva COLEUR produces a range of certified organic make up and cosmetics. Intrigued at what Alva had to offer, I decided to try one of their organic lipglosses. A girl can never have enough gloss right?

Product

Alva say: Alva Organic Liquid Lip Gloss comes in two colours. Its nourishing and moisturising formula conditions and protects the lips, as well as giving them a full and plumped appearance. The entire range is certified organic by EcoCert®, its also vegan, talc-free and carmine-free. All products in the Alva COLEUR range contain Wellmune®, a patented beta glucan that primes the immune system – this makes COLEUR make-up suitable for those who may be prone to eczema, dermatitis and other sensitive skin conditions. Wellmune® also has anti-ageing benefits. As a side note, My Pure do not sell anything containing sulphates, parabens or phthalates.

I say: I wasn't quite sure what to expect from an organic product, but I was pleasantly surprised at this gloss. The colour is gorgeous, the scent lovely, and the application a complete dream. My lips felt moisturised whilst looking full and rosy.

Application

Alva say: Not a jot. But come on, applying lipgloss is simples!

I say: As mentioned above, Alva Organic Lip Gloss comes in two shades, Pale Violet and Indian Red. I picked Pale Violet, however as you can see from the swatch, it's not violet, it's more of a rosy pink shade. I love the applicator on this gloss, it's a sturdy doe foot applicator, which are hands down, my favourite way to apply gloss. I was surprised at how incredibly pigmented the gloss is. It's a gorgeous shimmery shade that applies perfectly and isn't at all sticky. I found it to be long lasting and it made my lips look slightly fuller, and almost glass like if that makes sense? I love the effect it gives. However this isn't one of those tingly glosses if that's not your thing! The one thing I did notice, was the strong fragrance. Whilst it does smell lovely - sort of natural and flowery - you can smell it whilst wearing which might be a tad off putting if you aren't a big fan of the scent. Overall I really like this, and it's been my most used gloss since it arrived!

Price: £9.70

Size: 8ml

Available from: My Pure

Ratings

Product: 9/10

Price: 8/10

Packaging: 10/10

Overall: 9/10

Repurchase: Yes

What are your thoughts on natural make up? Have you tried any organic cosmetics products?

* I received this product for free from My Pure for reviewing purposes *

Review: Living Nature Lipstick in Laughter

Morning possums :)

After seeing fellow lipstick lover, May, speak very highly of this lipstick, I decided I had to try it myself! If you're not aware of the Living Nature brand, they are New Zealand's most popular natural toiletry and cosmetic brand. They use concentrated bioactive plant molecules in their products which provide the active ingredients for protecting and nurturing the skin exactly the way nature intended.

Product

Living Nature say: Make the most of your smile with these great natural lipsticks from Living Nature. Rich, creamy and formulated with vegetable waxes for easy application. Choose from 10 subtle shades of nature. Living Nature cosmetics are sulphate, paraben and phthalate free.

I say: Having used Living Nature cosmetics before, I was eager to try something different from the range, and after seeing May's mention of this very same lippie, I had to try it. Laughter is a pretty peachy pink colour that applies smoothly and is perfect for day time wear.

Application

Living Nature say: Diddly squat. But again, applying lipstick is simples!

I say: I found Laughter easy to apply and moisturising. It's a sheer but buildable pink colour, which for me, is a 'my lips but better' shade. I found it to last quite a while, but like most lipsticks, it does need reapplying after eating and drinking.

Price: £13.49

Size: 4.5g

Available from: My Pure

Ratings

Product: 9/10

Price: 8/10

Packaging: 10/10

Overall: 9/10

Repurchase: Yes

Have you found any natural cosmetics brands that you love?

* I received this product for free from My Pure for reviewing purposes *

Review: Eyeko Graffiti Liner in Fierce Purple

Morning :)

I swear I have more eye liner than any other make up item at the moment! I've lost count. One that I've been really impressed with lately is this gorgeous eye liner pen from Eyeko!

Product

Eyeko say: Emphasize your eyes in one quick stroke! Create this seasons dramatic eye looks with Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner Pen. The precision brush nib is super easy to control to draw on thick or thin lines. Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner Pen is smudge-proof, fade-proof and long lasting!

I say: I first used this at Eyeko's Birthday Event back in October and was amazed at how vibrant the colour was, and how easy the liners were to use, even if we were drawing on other people haha. Eyeko popped a couple of these in our goodie bags which was brilliant as I'd been wanting to try them, but had never used a felt tip pen type of liner before. The Graffiti Liners are so ridiculously easy to use! I got it right on the first go - a perfect winged line that stayed put all day, but are easily removed with a make up wipe :)

Application

Eyeko say: For fool proof eyeliner dot across the upper lid as close to the lashes as possible then simply join the dots! Wing it, flick it, have fun with it! Team with lashings of Eyeko Magic Mascara for a flirtatious flutter!

I say: A great tip from Eyeko there, if like me, you've not used one of these before. It's a pretty fool proof method of application. Colour can be layered for a more intense look. I found that it stayed on all day without smudging or fading. Brilliant!

Price: £5.00

Shades: Jet Black, Eye Brightening Blue, Fierce Purple

Available from: Eyeko

Feel free to use my Ambassador code, E8493, at the checkout for a free gift with orders over £15.

Ratings

Product: 10/10

Price: 10/10

Packaging: 10/10

Overall: 10/10

Repurchase: Yes

Do you own any Graffiti Liners? Which shade should I try next?

* I received this for free at the Eyeko Event courtesy of Eyeko

A package fit for a goddess!

Morning sugar plums :)

A couple of weeks ago, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had won Fee's gorgeous luxury giveaway.

A few days later, these lovely goodies arrived!

Clockwise from bottom left: Barbara Daly mirror in a leather case, The Goddess Experience by Gisele Scanlon, No 7 LE lipstick in Poppy, No 7 Hot Cloth Cleanser, Ciate Paint Pot in Boudoir, and Ciate Under Wear Base Coat.

I was in need of a new base coat, and I haven't worn red polish in ages - I have a good excuse now!

How gorgeous does this lipstick look?

A spot of Sunday shopping

Hello snowflakes :)

The snow is back. Erm yay? Well, finally I've received all of the parcels I was waiting for. Want to see what was inside? Get comfy and take a peek!

Make Up Geek

I'm sure you've all heard of Marlena from Make Up Geek. If not, where on earth have you been? She's one of my favourite YouTubers. Back in November there was 20% off at the MUG store for Cyber Monday, so I took the opportunity to order a few bits and pieces!

Clockwise from left: NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Boho Chic, Coastal Scents Gel Liner in Deep Plum, MAC Melon Pigment sample, MAC Vanilla Pigment sample, NYX Round Lipstick in Tea Rose, Black Ring

Swatch time!

Sigma

For Black Friday back in November, Sigma offered free worldwide shipping - erm hello! I took the opportunity to make my first Sigma purchase and picked up a couple of brushes - the E35 Tapered Blending brush, and the L05 Lip Brush.

Do you have any Sigma brushes? Do you have any recommendations?

Sleek

Remember the 50% sale back in November? Yes, the one that annoyed and vexed a lot of people. Well, a few days ago I finally received my order. I don't know whether I'd been forgotten about as a lot of other people had received their orders, but I had my shipping charge refunded and the parcel arrived by Recorded Delivery. A little bit amazed? Well frankly yes. What did I order?

L-R: Storm Palette, Hide It Concealer, New York Eye Dust set.

In the New York Eye Dust set from top L-R - L-R etc etc:

Innocence, Blue Lagoon, Eden, Scuba, Dirty, Hypnotic, Sunfest, Fantasy, Starry Eyed, Outrage

If you would like swatches for any of the Sleek products, drop me a comment and I'll get right on to it :)

Did you take advantage of any sales or offers recently?