Merry Christmas!

Hello Beautiful People!

Image from google

I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas if you celebrate it or a nice relaxing day if you do not, and a happy and healthy New Year.

xoxo

Fashion Fix: New Year's Eve Outfits

Hello Beautiful People!

Before we get into this post of festive frocks and party perfect platforms, don't forget to enter my Christmas/New Year Giveaway here :)

***

As I'm sure you all know, the party season is well and truly upon us with Christmas catch-ups and festive frolics keeping us busy into the New Year.

If you're anything like me you will suddenly find you have absolutely nothing to wear and find yourself descending into a blind panic as December 31st draws ever closer.

With the Christmas Sales approaching there are bound to be some hidden gems still there if you rummage hard enough but if, like me, the thought of rifling through six months worth of clothes in the hope that you will find your size eventually fills you with dread then here are a few New Year's Eve Outfits I have put together that, though reasonably affordable, probably won't be languishing in the bargain bin come Boxing Day!

I will also do a follow-up post soon showcasing how you can wear these outfits time and time again. Think of them as an investment.... :)

Outfit One

Frankie Sandford of The Saturdays stepped out in this gorgeous Zara frock this week. For me, this dress ticks all the current fashion boxes: the pleated skirt is a nod to the ladylike trend; the Little Red Dress is the dress to be seen in at the moment and the longer sleeves and shorter skirt give the outfit balance.

Frankie teemed her dress with a thin waist-cinching black belt, stunning black suede shoe-boots and a box-y clutch. The Saturdays singer also opted for bare legs... brrr... bet she was cold!



I would also opt to wear a belt to cinch this dress in at the waist and love this simple Topshop belt.

This leopard print belt with bow detail, also by Topshop would also work well with this outfit.

Add a pair of peep-toe platform booties from New Look and wear with a pair of black opaque tights (Primark, anyone?) or if you're feeling brave/warm, bare legs. The concealed platform offer added comfort to your feet keeping you on the dance floor all night long and also comes in handy if you've got to walk home from wherever you are -- why are there never any cabs on NYE?!



Add a gorgeous clutch bag like this one from Accessorize and you're good to go!

Outfit Two

This gorgeous Warehouse (also available on ASOS priced at £60) maxi nails three trends: maxi dress; mesh panel and asymmetric. You can't go wrong. If you thought a maxi was just for summer, think again.

The beauty of a maxi dress is that you can get away with any shoes but just because you can wear any shoes, doesn't mean you shouldn't wear fabulous shoes! These platform peep-toe heels with diamante detail fromDorothy Perkins will feel as fabulous under a maxi as they would look with your trusty LBD.



Let your accessories do the talking with these gorgeous earrings from Topshop. Sweep your hair into an elegant updo and let your statement chandeliers dazzle.

Outfit Three

This classy black jumpsuit from River Island will look just as fierce on NYE as it will on a Summer night out.


Statement heels such as these leopard print platforms, also from River Island keep the flared trousers more fashion forward than Saturday Night Fever, unless of course you want to get your Travolta on... in which case, I salute you!

If you're feeling brave, this feather cape from Topshop adds a fashion edge. If not, this fluffy-feathery cape is a cheaper, less out-there alternative.

Outfit Four

You cannot beat a classic LBD for a party, and this Miss Selfridge bodycon dress with beading and cutout detail along the neckline is a classic with a twist.



Bright heels like these gorgeous pink ones from River Island brighten up an LBD and look gorgeous during summer or winter.


A statement ring from Accessorize finishes the look.



I hope you've enjoyed this post or at least found it useful/helpful.

Have a happy and safe festive season!

xoxo

TAG: My Favourites of 2010

Hello Beautiful People!

Firstly, don't forget to enter my MAC/Illamasqua giveaway here:)!

Anyway! I'm off to see Lady GaGa tonight (sooo excited!) and whilst I wait for my hair to dry a little I thought I'd do this post/tag that I saw on the lovely Jessica's blog!

Skincare

Cleanser - Pond's Cold Cream

Toner - Sanctuary Pore Refining Toner

Moisturiser - Pond's Hydro Nourishing Cream

Special Treatment - Sanctuary Youth Boosting Warming Microbrasion Polish

Face Mask - Sanctuary Five Minute Thermal Detox Mask

Exfoliator - Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Scrub

Eye Product -

Lip Product - Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

Haircare

Shampoo - L'Anza Hair Repair Protein Plus

Conditioner - L'Anza Hair Repair Leave In Protector

Mask - Aussie 3 Minute Miracle

Hair Dye - 

Hairspray - Elnett

Miracle Product - Schwarzkopf got2b Guardian Angel Heat Protecting Spray

Electrical - GHD Straighteners

Make up

Foundation - NARS Sheer Glow/Vichy Dermablend

Concealer -

Blush - NARS Orgasm

Powder - Chanel loose translucent

Bronzer - NARS Laguna

Highlighter - MAC Pearl Cream Colour Base

Eyeshadow - Inglot

Brows - MAC Spiked

Mascara - Max Factor False Lash Effect

Lipstick - MAC Impassioned

Lipgloss - Chanel Rouge Allure in Imaginare

High-end Brand - NARS

Drugstore Brand - Sleek

Others

Fake tanner - Fake Bake

Teeth Whitening - Crest Advanced Seal

Tool - MAC Eyelash Curlers

Perfume - Gucci Guilty

Soap - Dove

Shower Gel - Lush Snow Fairy (I stocked up!)

Nail Polish - Barry M Pink Flamingo

Top Coat - Sally Hansen Diamond Shine

Hand Cream - Soap and Glory Hand Food

Cuticle Cream - Lush Lemony Flutter

Miscellaneous

Magazine - I buy too many!

Celebrity - Cheryl Cole

Album - Rihanna - Loud/Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday

Songs - Katy Perry - Teenage Dream

Film - Alice in Wonderland

TV Show - Only Way Is Essex

Online Retailer - ASOS

Event - Magnificent Seven Boxing

Other Retailers - Topshop, River Island, Zara, Primark, French Connection, Forever Unique.

Designer Brand - Marchesa (to look at, not to buy!)

Well that brings me to the end of this post! If you do it then leave a link to your post below so I can check out your answers :)

xoxo

[CLOSED!] Christmas/New Year Giveaway!

Hello Beautiful People!

Long time no speak! Doesn't Christmas shopping just take over your life in December?! It certainly does mine and let's not even get onto wrapping which I avoid like the Plague until Christmas Eve!

Anyway, 'tis the season for giving and as a thank you for all your wonderful support and comments this year I am going to do a Christmas giveaway.

Keep reading to find out what the prizes are and how YOU can win!

Winner Number One will receive: the MAC Lipstick of their choice; Sleek Sparkle palette and a mystery gift.

Winner Number Two will receive: the Illamasqua nail polish of their choice; Sleek Sparkle palette and a mystery gift.

Now for the important (read: boring!) stuff....

Rules 

• You must be a follower to enter.
• If you are under 18 then you must have parental permission and be willing to provide me with a mailing address.
• This contest is open internationally.
• All entries must follow the guidelines below or they will not be counted.
• You must enjoy your prizes ;)

How to Enter

• Comment below and tell me WHICH MAC lipstick you would like to win (please no PRO products as I will not have time to go to the PRO store) and which ILLAMASQUA nail polish you would like.
• For entries to count you must answer this question: What has been your favourite ever present?
• For a second entry post a link to this blog on your blog/make a post about it.
  
• Leave me an email address so I can contact you when you win!

Closing Date: 1st January 2011 at 11.59PM.

Winners will be chosen at random using random.org.

Please note: the images above are generic images from Google as the prizes will be 'custom made' so to speak.

Enjoy and good luck!

xoxo

Quick OOTN

Hello Beautiful People!

I went for a meal and a few drinks with some lovely friends on Friday night so I thought I'd show you what I wore. The pictures aren't great quality because I grabbed them on my phone as I was leaving because I was running late as usual!





Dress: Topshop
Blazer: H&M
Belt: Primark
Necklace: New Look
Leggings: Topshop


I teamed this with flat ankle boots as it was icy out and about four pairs of socks!!


Have a good Sunday!

xoxo

Dear Santa: Christmas Wish List

Hello Beautiful People!

As I'm sure you're aware, Christmas is fast approaching and I still need to start my shopping! In the mean time, I thought I'd share with you some of the things I'm hoping Father Christmas brings me this year... even if I have to don the beard and red suit myself, some of these babies must be mine before 2011!!


ASOS PERFORMER Multi Buckle Platform Shoeboot (ASOS - £55)
They also come in black and I'm not entirely sure which I prefer. Maybe Santa likes both too..

Green Chelsea Girl floppy felt hat (River Island - £20)

Also available in equally gorgeous purple, I'm in love. I'm not really a hat person and part of me knows I'm likely to just stick this in the back of the wardrobe but you never know until you try and I absolutely LOVE these hats at the moment, they're so glam!


Your Dreams Come True... When You Wish Upon a Star bangle (Disney Couture @ ASOS - £28)


Now where would we be with some beauty products... and a few bottles of perfume....

Shu Uemura Magical Windfall Lashes (Selfridges £17)


CHANEL Rouge Allure Lipgloss in Confidence (Selfridges - £22.50)
I already have this gloss in Imaginare and Insolence and it's fast becoming my favourite gloss of all time. Long wearing, non-sticky and with absolutely no shimmer.


Honourable mention: Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Toilette (Boots - £48 for 50ml)


So, there's a few products I'm lusting after this Christmas!

What are you hoping Santa brings you this year?

xoxo

Lash Love

Hello Beautiful People!

As you may have seen if you follow me on Twitter I decided to clean my makeup out this afternoon and realised I have a bit of an obsession with false lashes. I had quite a few pairs of Ardell lashes that I had yet to try and seeing as I had nothing better to do, I thought I'd give them a whirl.

Face

Vichy Dermablend Corrective Foundation in 15 Opal
MAC Cream Colour Base in Pearl
Benefit Coralista

Eyes
Sleek Bohemian palette: nude/oyster on the lid, black along the lashlines.
Sleek Kajal eyeliner in Nocturnal
Max Factor False Lash Effect mascara
Ardell 109 lashes

Lips
Rimmel Lipliner in Eastend Snob to line and fill in the lips.
Revlon lipgloss in Peach Petal


I'm SO glad I tried the lashes out because I absolutely LOVE them. They may actually be my new favourites. They're so natural but add some glamour.

Here's a closer look:

Yes, I know, I need to get my brows threaded again, I simply haven't had time! Just look at the lashes ;)

And seeing as I look so miserable in the above pictures, here's a silly one for good measure!

What are your favourite falsies?

xoxo

Blush Blunders to Beauty

Hello Beautiful People!

Do you ever get a bit carried away with the blusher?



Ever find yourself channeling Noddy after being a little too heavy handed?


Despair not, even Noddy had Big Ears to offer tips and guidance! Here I've complied a list of helpful hints, tips and tricks for applying blusher. Think of me as your Big Ears....


A rosy complexion of clear skin and flushed cheeks has long been associated with health and vitality and subsequently is a look we all seek. You will often see very fresh, rosy cheeks in ad campaigns that feature minimal makeup.

A seemingly difficult beast to tame, blusher comes in a variety of different forms: cream, powder, liquid, gel; shimmery, matte, frosted and so forth.

With so many finishes to chose from, and so many shades to chose from it's no wonder many people end up rocking the Noddy look. There are however a few simple steps you can take to ensure your blush always looks supermodel fierce and a few quick fixes for when your blush is more clown college than Chanel.

Firstly, make sure you have selected the right shade:

• Those of you with a paler skintone, much like myself and our pal Noddy, should avoid colours that are too bold. If you are going for a deeper colour such as plum then do not apply directly to your face. Instead, apply to the back of your hand first to take most of the product off of the brush.
• Those with an olive or deeper skintone can afford to be bolder with colour choices. Depending on how deep your skintone is, you can get away with anything from bright fuchsia to red! Lucky, lucky ladies. As before though, remember it is wiser to build the colour up by applying a small amount at a time.
• Peachy/coral colours will suit most skin tones but those with tanned skins may find golds and bronzes more flattering. If you're slightly more sallow then you may find peach/coral are not the shades for you.

Now we have the colour sorted, let's talk brushes. Too thin a brush and you risk those 80s-esque stripes, Adam Ant style (stand and deliver, your blusher or your life! Most apt.!), too wide a brush and you risk applying too much product over too wide an area. The size of your brush will largely depend on your face shape and preference. I tend to use a MAC 109 brush or a power brush -- slightly big but I've learned how to control it and apply only as much product as I need and only in the area I need.


So, we have the right shade and we have the right brush, now, let's not get too carried away and start aimlessly applying the product to any area that looks like it's part of our cheeks! Much like contouring, where you apply your blusher will affect how your face shape looks. You can cheek killer cheekbones, slim a wider face or widen a slim face, all with a swipe of blush!

Here are some other tips on how to apply blusher to suit your face shape:

• If you have a round(er) face, follow your cheekbones. You should find you're applying your blush at an angle that will add shape to a round face.
• If you have an oval face, bring the colour up into your temples. You should apply in a motion that looks like a rounded tick.
• If you have a long face, apply your blush in horizontal stokes. This will add some width to your face.
• If you have a square face, keep the colour concentrated on the apples of your cheeks. A circular blush will soften a square face.

I tend to apply the colour a little behind the apple of my cheeks and blend upwards in a circular motion.

The key thing to remember is to blend! Harsh edges are not attractive, nor are they natural!

Correctly applied blush should 'lift' the face.

If after all that you've still gone a little bit overboard with your blusher, here are a few tips on reigning it back in without removing all of your makeup and starting again:

• Take a clean makeup sponge or tissue and dab at the colour, removing any excess. Remember that you will be warming the skin when you do this and that will naturally cause redness so stop at regular intervals, allow any redness from heat to cool again and assess whether you need to continue taking back the colour.
• Apply a translucent powder over the top. It doesn't sound as though it would work, translucent: clear after all, but it does the trick.
• Take what is left on your foundation brush and blend!

I hope you've found this somewhat useful! It was a little long-winded but I hope you've picked something up from it :) Information gathered through personal experience and years of reading various beauty books and pages in magazines!

Oh and FYI, the 'Noddy' blush is Pomegranate by Sleek and it is absolutely stunning when applied correctly!

xoxo

My Experience With Crest White Strips Advanced Seal

Hello Beautiful People!

You've probably seen a million posts on Crest Advanced Seal White Strips before now throughout the blogging community but as I have finally finished my box, I thought I'd make it a million and one by adding my opinion into the mix.

Now, because I started using this product quite some time ago now, I do not have any before and after pictures to show you. Instead, here is what I was aiming for:

Just kidding... well.... no really...

Anyway, as I'm sure you're aware you cannot purchase Crest White Strips in the UK. Not in any store or pharmacy at least; I think this is due to the product containing hydrogen peroxide but I'm not certain so don't quote me on that. After much searching I finally picked up a box on ebay for between £20-25. I can't remember the exact amount or the seller but they arrived the next day! Quality service.

After reading the instructions carefully I unpeeled my first set of strips and adhered them to my teeth. Not the nicest feeling in the world I must admit and it took me a few uses to get used to the feeling.

What Crest Say

You have to leave the White Strips in place for 30 minutes and it is advised you do not apply to freshly brushed teeth.

As with all teeth whitening products, Crest White Strips may cause sensitivity.

You may notice temporary white patches on your teeth immediately after removal. They will fade after a few hours.

Crest inform you that you cannot use the White Strips for more than 14 consecutive days but I did not find this to be a problem as I will detail below.

My Experience

I found the process of applying the White Strips relatively easy. You simply peel them from the plastic backing, apply to the front of the teeth and fold the remainder over to secure on the back of the teeth. Once they're in place they are in place! Apparently they are so secure you can drink whilst wearing them but I did not test this theory out. Despite being securely adhered, they're not immensely difficult to remove though they do leave some residue which is removed by brushing your teeth.

After about three days, perhaps before, I noticed my teeth were looking whiter and brighter. Not drastically so (no Cowell gnashers) but after such a short space of time I wasn't expecting a massive difference.

However, I also noticed after three days that my teeth were very, very sensitive. I suffer with sensitive teeth anyway so I was prepared for some additional sensitivity, however after three days I was woken up in the middle of the night by quite a severe pain in my bottom teeth and decided I needed to give the product a break.

Even though I only used the product for three days, my teeth remained whiter for about 8-10 weeks. After this time I decided to try the product again to see if my teeth would react in the same way. Surely enough, after three days the sensitivity demanded I take a further break.

This is how my entire experience has been with the product. Whilst the pain isn't unbearable and I could have continued for longer, I was reluctant to do so in case the sensitivity did reach an unbearable level.

Let me just say, after speaking to a dentist I am assured this reaction is because my teeth are very sensitive anyway. Whilst many people will experience sensitivity with a whitening product, many will not. A friend of mine who has equally sensitive teeth also used the product and did not suffer with any additional sensitivity.

Having finished my last few White Strips I can say that thus far, I have not experienced any sensitivity issues so maybe I needed to persevere for longer.

R'n'R? (Repurchase and Recommend?)

Absolutely! Whilst my teeth were more sensitive, they are noticeably whiter now. I think I will try the 3D White Strips next time. As mentioned before, it is likely I would experience such sensitive with ANY whitening product so I am not putting it down to this product solely and I'm sure spending £25 to find out as opposed t £350 on a far more intense professional treatment would appeal to many people, myself included!



Have you tried White Strips? How was YOUR experience?

xoxo

Quote Me....

Hello Beautiful People!

Sorry it's been so long, I've been so busy! I really wanted to post to let you know I'm still here and normal service will hopefully resume this week!

I have a review to do, I'm going to write up my skincare routine, update you on my haircare and I'm also going to be doing a Christmas Giveaway before the end of the month so keep a look out for that! I just need to work out the final Christmas postage dates so I know when to close the giveaway!

I'm also looking into maybe putting up a new layout... we'll see how much time I get!

Anyway, here are a few quotes on the subject of beauty to keep you ticking over until I return!

• For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it. For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it - Ivan Panin.
• Love of Beauty is taste. Creation of Beauty is Art - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
• Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical - Sophia Loren.
• I don't like standard beauty - there is no beauty without strangeness - Karl Lagerfeld.

Do you have any favourite beauty quotes? Share them with me in the comments.

xoxo