tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12892101306972932602024-03-21T09:50:58.083+00:00Beauty and reverie...Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-59283203682976745682012-07-24T23:50:00.001+01:002012-07-24T23:51:59.355+01:00Anastasia Beauty Express for brows and eyes product review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is the Anastasia beauty express for brows and eyes that I was lucky enough to be sent to review. Although this review has been in the pipeline for a while (my bad) I’m really excited to share it with you. Please note that while the packaging is impossible to photograph it was lovely to look at! <span style="background-color: white;">The packaging is very sleek and inside a cardboard sleeve was this leatherette embossed case that is kept safe and shut with a handy magnet. I thought this was a nice touch as I travel a lot and don't want to risk anything popping open/exploding in my bag.</span><br />
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The products included are from left to right the brow wax cream, the brow powder duo and a matte and shimmer eyeshadow duo. I know this because somebody had the foresight to put a small insert into the box to tell me exactly what everything is. This is the set of shades for blondes.<br />
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There is a mirror in the lid of the packaging but I’d say that’s mostly useful for touch ups. If you’re holding a stencil and a brush I wouldn’t recommend trying to use the mirror in the packaging unless you have to. That said, it’s of a reasonable enough size. I used this kit on a train the other day! If pressed you could probably do the rest of your eye makeup in it. There also aren’t any tweezers included in the kit but if you view it as a makeup item, you’re already getting 5 different products, a brush and some very useful stencils. Which is pretty good going!
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The brush is angled and I was a little surprised to see that for so many products there was a single brush. While I wouldn’t expect something to use for the eyeshadows the only quibble I had was using the same brush for both powder and wax and getting it gunky (for lack of a better word) fast. However, it’s perfectly adequate to do both jobs in one sitting, and would be quick enough to clean off. The hairs are both soft and fairly dense.
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Step one involves selecting a stencil from the box. <span style="background-color: white;">Step two involves applying the wax cream to your eyebrow to prep it. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Step three involves placing the stencil over your eyebrow as shown in the diagram and filling in the area left exposed with powder. </span><span style="background-color: white;">The next step is to remove the stencil and tweeze any straggling hairs outside of this powdered area. Although this means tweezing in the middle of doing your makeup it does make sense in that you’re still using the stencil as a guideline. </span><span style="background-color: white;">The final step is to use the eyeshadows provided to highlight your brow bone, lid and the inner corner of your eyes. If you were to travel with this, you effectively have a whole eye look. The steps are repeated in French on the insert which is admirably thorough.</span><br />
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There is an impressive selection of stencils included in the pack and they are the slim high arch, full arch, medium arch, high arch and petite arch. This is one of the things I haven’t seen much of in smaller brow kits and I think it makes this kit much more comprehensive. After a few tests at matching up stencils I went for a medium arch, I initially thought I’d be using the petite one but given my over-plucking I probably wouldn’t normally match that. There is a small and useful diagram on the insert of the ‘Golden Ratio’ of where your eyebrow stencil should match up in alignment with your nose.<br />
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Here are swatches (from left to right) of the wax, two eyebrow powders and two eyeshadows. The wax is clear and doesn’t give as much of a ‘wet look’ as some products I’ve tried. The powder is buildable and the darkest shade doesn’t look out of place against my currently mid-blonde hair. The eyeshadow is very light and works as a good base/neutral tone. Unless you were to cake the products on all at once, it doesn’t look too much and in fact simply looks groomed and ‘barely there.' My ‘Scouse brow’ fears did not come true in the slightest. There also isn't too much of a red tone to the powder which I found when using my MUA pencil.
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With my ELF kit I’d like to add that I used to put the cream over the powder. Don't ask me why, I just thought early on that it worked better. There is a risk of blonde eyebrows looking dark and overdone with my ELF kit (I use the Ash studio brow kit) due to the fact that both the powder and the gel are pigmented. Although it has two ends to the ELF brush I don't think I've ever bothered to really clean them (shame on me)and the one Anastasia brush gets the job done fine. The Anastasia powders seem finer and offer more of a shade range than my ELF kit.
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I tried using the stencils initially without instructions but bogged myself down in too much product. This time I followed the very helpful instructions on the inside lid of the packaging and it couldn’t have gone better. The trick is to remove the stencil to check out your handiwork before you move onto the next step. I do tend to touch up a little after removing the stencil but honestly my brows look better than I’ve ever seen them. The stencils really help get your eyebrows to look more symmetrical and groomed when working with the product. As far as makeup products go when it comes to achievable immaculate, quick natural looking eyebrows? Anastasia has this one covered!
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Here I used just the brow powders and wax with the medium arch stencil. This should also demonstrate the fact it blends right in with my hair tone!<br />
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Will I be swapping my usual budget ELF option for this? Given the higher price on this product I’d probably want to save this up for nights out but I actually can see myself being able to pull this look off every day. When the cream and powder product in the packaging runs out I might not repurchase this entire kit right away (specifically for budget reasons) but I’m going to treasure the stencils and brush for a long time! The stencil element and clear instructions would make this a perfect gift for anyone who is an eyebrow newbie like me and if you look at it like that it’s an investment. Trialling this product has shown me it doesn’t take that long to get the knack of brows. While I may try out another powder, pencil or cream in the future the stencil is the key aspect of this set and it’s a gem. Altogether this kit represents all of the cosmetic products you'd need.
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The retail price of this product is $39.50 on the <a href="http://www.anastasia.net/beauty-express.html">Anastasia website </a>or £27.50 at<a href="http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/anastasia_beverly_hills/anastasia_beverly_hills-fg_brow_kit.php"> cultbeauty.co.uk</a> but I’m definitely a convert to just how natural looking and effective it is. I would very likely look at Anastasia products and try to somehow work them into my budget/stash in the future! While I can't say this is a super cheap product, it definitely does the job, you get multiple products and it would make a great gift.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-13427461463781766312012-03-30T00:50:00.000+01:002012-03-30T00:50:50.097+01:00Pastel pink FOTDThe other day I watched a youtube tutorial by the lovely Lisa Eldridge <a href="http://youtu.be/mfdyK1dzmuQ">here</a> that was so pretty I had to try and recreate it! This isn't really a FOTD but I had great fun trying this out.<br />
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I used so many different eye shadows and products whilst playing around with this look that I sort of lost count but most of them were from my trusty MUA immaculate palette and my Collection 2000 (Now just Collection of course) Angelic palette. For my lips I mainly used my lilac Barry M 129 lip paint and my Collection lipstick in bubblegum. To finish off the lips I patted a little of one of the pink eye shadows from my MUA palette on top. I used my ELF eyebrow kit in ash and my Accessorize pretty pink baked blusher.<br />
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And finally, on the topic of lovely girlie pinks and purples, how gorgeous are these tulips that Mike got me for my birthday? I love them!<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-66948739844601945672012-03-27T19:28:00.000+01:002012-03-27T19:28:23.169+01:00Anastasia of Beverly Hills Lash Genius review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know that I told you all I'd be trialing an Anastasia brow product a long time ago. Well due to issues in getting samples out to bloggers I ended up getting my parcel quite a few months later than expected but with the fantastic bonus of another product to try. I have been dying to try this because when I heard about it, it seemed far too good to be true.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aGGFLDl3mZ_WcTp1k4_4Bi9PYmyFSAiQSImOTwJgd6vFXJzqcoogFEi36q_PUl0p7YBzEQCFnrf4QF4bAJhlRYrjpNChMM6ZzmJxeYh4N5bLTi6D3eovZZy-JLUTeYnC9fn9CqsEW8uq/s1600/lash+genius+packaging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aGGFLDl3mZ_WcTp1k4_4Bi9PYmyFSAiQSImOTwJgd6vFXJzqcoogFEi36q_PUl0p7YBzEQCFnrf4QF4bAJhlRYrjpNChMM6ZzmJxeYh4N5bLTi6D3eovZZy-JLUTeYnC9fn9CqsEW8uq/s1600/lash+genius+packaging.jpg" title="Anastasia of Beverly Hills lash genius" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anastasia Soare's beauty range Anastasia of Beverly Hills has made bold claims with their new <a href="http://anastasia.net/product.php?productid=16213&cat=250&page=1">Lash Genius.</a> This product primarily works to waterproof your favourite existing mascara. It is a topcoat that according to their website "instantly waterproofs, refreshes, and protects any mascara all day." I must say that I was a little skeptical but excited by this idea. With the summer coming, I couldn't wait to take this product and put it through its paces. On its own Lash Genius simply looks like a mascara in some rather nice packaging, but don't let that deceive you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu41NFC5ISA3gXf-jxplnJN5ZeYjqh4xrwyE1DeJeNUsYq1tUhM9jzhUqQtc6rNAMzWKHrA0zpzkqgldjSJc0DfLmg2YBONm7x0HNdYn0tYwhXcxr8SoYLih6nXHKgP4camFtmig5G47B/s1600/DSC_2174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu41NFC5ISA3gXf-jxplnJN5ZeYjqh4xrwyE1DeJeNUsYq1tUhM9jzhUqQtc6rNAMzWKHrA0zpzkqgldjSJc0DfLmg2YBONm7x0HNdYn0tYwhXcxr8SoYLih6nXHKgP4camFtmig5G47B/s1600/DSC_2174.jpg" title="Anastasia of Beverly Hills Lash Genius wand" /></a></div><br />
Apart from a slightly chemical smell in the tube (didn't notice it at all though from the wand), the product is clear gel-like and didn't irritate my eyes upon application. The brush has quite stiff comb-like bristles and while I was worried it might not cover all my lashes, it actually managed to get through my slightly stiff and already clumped lashes without much trouble. The stiff bristles actually helped it get to the roots really well. I strongly approve of any brush that lets me get to the roots of my lashes properly so this is a tick in my book.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEtD0FRxjU-7t8a6gO552NTBOrl_nwyBhbYujPqPRqZBXHoxe9A-lw-pKA0h0XsWQCCLfnDsoN9XNX3xEIo3By2-e3O6Ng8VeEkOy7F8EcNMStALtUb0WbYQlfpQlGfdWTitQG88an4M2/s1600/everday+eyemakeup+for+anastasia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEtD0FRxjU-7t8a6gO552NTBOrl_nwyBhbYujPqPRqZBXHoxe9A-lw-pKA0h0XsWQCCLfnDsoN9XNX3xEIo3By2-e3O6Ng8VeEkOy7F8EcNMStALtUb0WbYQlfpQlGfdWTitQG88an4M2/s1600/everday+eyemakeup+for+anastasia.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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So here is my everyday eye makeup. I had trouble finding a decent shot of this as by this stage in my photos I might have already applied the product. Can you tell? No? Me neither. What I'm wearing as my usual daily mascara is actually a combination of 2true's Voluptulash and Accessorize's lengthening mascara ... because I like to be awkward. Now I personally know that this combination isn't at all waterproof so I was really interested to see what would happen next.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GkHeV8y-Wo5eI4_rr4YSciFU6iUseXd8iR-cIx2xYpSlhj5_3FMzEfnwrj4htebMCuCJhRjZULPFupNpicFePWHxtLe2l_JPAzYgHWmHWLR0fki0F5PI9OFZerWsM0As8qAEgM4KYUy2/s1600/anastasia+two+coats+lash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GkHeV8y-Wo5eI4_rr4YSciFU6iUseXd8iR-cIx2xYpSlhj5_3FMzEfnwrj4htebMCuCJhRjZULPFupNpicFePWHxtLe2l_JPAzYgHWmHWLR0fki0F5PI9OFZerWsM0As8qAEgM4KYUy2/s1600/anastasia+two+coats+lash.jpg" title="Anastasia of Beverly Hills Lash Genius before" /></a></div><br />
Now the eye with two heavy coats of Anastasia's Lash Genius applied here is on the left. One application of the product actually helped <i>define</i> my already applied mascara and only after two very heavy coats did I notice the lashes looking at all like they had been moved. Lash Genius did very little to disturb the product that was already there and I don't feel I lost the desired effect of my chosen mascaras. All I notice is my lashes are slightly more bouyant? Between each application I left a few minutes for this to dry as I would a mascara - just to give it a fighting chance. This second shot is literally taken about a minute before I threw a lot of water at my face.<br />
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In the picture below however, it's fairly obvious which eye has the Lash Genius on! There is no visible product migration from the left eye and yet on the right hand side I'm sporting the panda look. There are actually droplets of water on my lashes and yet the black pigment on the left hasn't moved. I even screwed my eyes up for good measure before I took this in order to fully simulate what having a good cry looks like. The staying power is quite incredible and although my lashes themselves moved a bit after a soaking, the product did. not. budge. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFmzAEK354C99zyvVxs5C2vGrtxGoFQc-MQlGot_SuQoemRC-APt0Tu7S4rDQxvT_nU5ftFJOlmWtMwVoQ4So2MlEEf2tquqjL_-wcdMrJyQz3kPb7QbAUqLtb5FTE6dw5ivNm4k9v-3s/s1600/anastasia+coated+non+coated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="waterproof" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFmzAEK354C99zyvVxs5C2vGrtxGoFQc-MQlGot_SuQoemRC-APt0Tu7S4rDQxvT_nU5ftFJOlmWtMwVoQ4So2MlEEf2tquqjL_-wcdMrJyQz3kPb7QbAUqLtb5FTE6dw5ivNm4k9v-3s/s1600/anastasia+coated+non+coated.jpg" title="Anastasia of Beverly Hills Lash Genius after" /></a></div><br />
Having left my eyelashes to dry out naturally after this, the eye with a topcoat on looks simply a little clumpier than before and not panda-esque at all. Even having given it a good rub just now nothing came away. I haven't had any real irritation at this stage although by now I'm quite <i>aware</i> that the makeup is still there. However normally I would at least blot my eyes! My current mascaras when combined don't normally fare as well and there was no flaking, smudging or smudging of any kind. Removal with a makeup wipe was actually slightly better than what I normally experience with my daily mascara.<br />
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If you plan on visiting a pool, beach, the movies (Monsters Inc. gets me every time) or any other venue where you might not be able to guarantee a dry eye this Summer; I'm fairly sure that this product could literally save your face! As a precautionary measure, it works perfectly. I know that my Mum has very sensitive eyes and real trouble with mascara migrating, so I'm fairly certain this would probably solve her problems too. As for me, I know exactly when I'd wear this. There happens to be a hot-tub in my boyfriend's back garden so this will be in my makeup bag for the rest of the Summer!<br />
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The Anastasia Lash genius costs $21 and can be purchased <a href="http://anastasia.net/product.php?productid=16213&cat=250&page=1">here</a> and their shipping is worldwide! Other Anastasia of Beverly Hills products are also available at <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=Anastasia">Sephora</a>. I also have my Anastasia brow review coming up soon!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-72803498197831353742012-03-21T22:05:00.000+00:002012-03-21T22:05:45.261+00:00A uni update and some good newsSo I've been awful and haven't updated for over 2 months. It feels bad even to type it. Ouch.<br />
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My last post was a back to uni post and in case anyone was wondering where I went, I think that pretty much accounts for it. Between work, uni, getting healthier since January, visiting the boyfriend in Canterbury and keeping on top of my workload my blogging has completely fallen by the wayside.<br />
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I can tell you all for starters that I've kept up my obsession with budget products, had a wardrobe clear out and have gradually gone back to a darker blonde after impulsively going a chocolate brown over Christmas. Don't ask. I've accumulated loads of products I've been wanting to review but I just haven't found the time. So over the next few weeks I'm going to work through my stash and bring this blog back to life... Also, it's my birthday on Monday so I'll be <i>damned </i>if there isn't be a haul post coming up soon!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-81307884218912956242012-01-17T19:11:00.001+00:002012-01-17T19:17:36.431+00:00Back to uni NOTDI decided to paint my nails last night, which is actually pretty unusual for me! Once you see the picture you'll understand that I don't <i>really</i> have nails and my hands are a state... but I gave it a go anyway. I should have been getting my sleep but instead on a whim I picked out some suitably 'back to school' colours. Here in all their fluorescent and highlighter-esque glory are the shades I chose. At least my nails will coordinate with my notes!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5YenhElF14qLCXnd5IZrArETE8Z558-GhUCHlDo-3IFIoSnqQ-wKLCB_NaWZWxRiZQv4ssWaWsEK10FoWdhfhUqjbDI9FixE3EgkDoaFmGZFhcex5sL3dYCk_WhP6fAX3SWBuqO1e6vj/s1600/highlighter+nails+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5YenhElF14qLCXnd5IZrArETE8Z558-GhUCHlDo-3IFIoSnqQ-wKLCB_NaWZWxRiZQv4ssWaWsEK10FoWdhfhUqjbDI9FixE3EgkDoaFmGZFhcex5sL3dYCk_WhP6fAX3SWBuqO1e6vj/s400/highlighter+nails+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;">Yes I did have a faff with the colours in that photo, but only because my hands were so damn pink.</i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyYox9J_P0ws6SwyY_dLCzULXq3OXIieVWiYQ0XLfptr-GS-u0MRtL2pi90zK93OcRl2OH88X0yKqg8nMVigfZI-NZRA790bxmpg6PXUtOS_vmwslSlHV3V4-WJ36tKS8NPWeQ7-6vo_J/s1600/nail+polishes+neon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyYox9J_P0ws6SwyY_dLCzULXq3OXIieVWiYQ0XLfptr-GS-u0MRtL2pi90zK93OcRl2OH88X0yKqg8nMVigfZI-NZRA790bxmpg6PXUtOS_vmwslSlHV3V4-WJ36tKS8NPWeQ7-6vo_J/s400/nail+polishes+neon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The colours I used were MUA shade 16, Collection 2000 shade 30 'Sherbert Lemon' </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>and Barry M 'Mint Green.'</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span style="text-align: left;">I used these with my steadfast No 7 base and top coats which were a gift quite a while back. Overall I found the coverage on the MUA polish a little thin but easy to apply in 2 coats. The Barry M polish is quite ancient but apart from being a little thicker than it was, is still totally wearable. Finally I've always had a bit of trouble getting application on the yellow right as it's pretty thin and patchy but it's a fun shade. This combination has actually held really well so far!</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-26541885511955301482011-12-04T00:45:00.001+00:002011-12-08T18:28:31.607+00:00New MUA pastel lipstick swatches!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVs9D8S_l6fQpvnoR_6joLscUpgGS8ZZVj8z8iKygVo2QR3rWFerSp3nj-qp5kq5gDIiBpLBtPNAR0Ib7z3bTtg129u1fjTcPRp7qqliFAibsPXWXv30bJhQEmaLqPfFnZ2OILxCVaz_y/s1600/mua+lipsticks+4+14+15+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVs9D8S_l6fQpvnoR_6joLscUpgGS8ZZVj8z8iKygVo2QR3rWFerSp3nj-qp5kq5gDIiBpLBtPNAR0Ib7z3bTtg129u1fjTcPRp7qqliFAibsPXWXv30bJhQEmaLqPfFnZ2OILxCVaz_y/s400/mua+lipsticks+4+14+15+16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Recently in my local Superdrug, I noticed that they had the new MUA £1 range lipstick shades for sale so I snapped them up. Shown above are the old shade 4, and the new 'bare' shade 14, 'juicy' shade 15 and 'nectar' shade 16 in the range. I put these together for a post as they are all pale pastel shades and I wanted to see how wearable they were on my chapped lips!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVx7viC6UAD4jpdie93Lj9wuSb3Gi5BMAXI-6srHsLRCquI_FisMvTd-1496HtFnPF7md8LNB05ypzijNrlsvt5suir0RiE1nwEUKcP2HBK7hg5hrndKIibeZQHQwO4-4ci_u1kwqprZo/s1600/mua+lipsticks+4+14+15+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVx7viC6UAD4jpdie93Lj9wuSb3Gi5BMAXI-6srHsLRCquI_FisMvTd-1496HtFnPF7md8LNB05ypzijNrlsvt5suir0RiE1nwEUKcP2HBK7hg5hrndKIibeZQHQwO4-4ci_u1kwqprZo/s1600/mua+lipsticks+4+14+15+16.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From left to right - 4, bare (14), juicy (15) and nectar (16)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6YT9rnWK3-2SOh2gg3Kg4LrWtHmOX2KIWxsIj-K7vvJlWptHidKS-jZ7FC0fIRHwUL9faihqtFrzA_GxYBos37vFpPaLG3nup8_cqKyHF4xDcfZO7-6HFkD70RJkG1egxhb_NrGFPP-Z/s1600/mua+shade+4+worn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6YT9rnWK3-2SOh2gg3Kg4LrWtHmOX2KIWxsIj-K7vvJlWptHidKS-jZ7FC0fIRHwUL9faihqtFrzA_GxYBos37vFpPaLG3nup8_cqKyHF4xDcfZO7-6HFkD70RJkG1egxhb_NrGFPP-Z/s1600/mua+shade+4+worn.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shade 4 from the original MUA range is a very sheer and quite glossy pink. It feels a bit more like a tinted balm in that sense. It's so sheer that when applying it it's can be hard to notice the baby pink tint - but it is there! Due to the how slippy this shade is, I don't see the colour hanging around for too long. However I do like the effect and it was very quick to apply.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYe3Vtf6kLOGIL9pgEm0EPqAF6C_H48whfyitv-M1KewyUHplDnLgbOAqndrSDBqxpx68uFr4f8kKiDXttTqe9i4cccxArV5DTUIjscJ5bfTkxLEcNYCPY6as5qiWhsztOvRYGfBSPVq96/s1600/mua+shade+14+lipstick+bare+worn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYe3Vtf6kLOGIL9pgEm0EPqAF6C_H48whfyitv-M1KewyUHplDnLgbOAqndrSDBqxpx68uFr4f8kKiDXttTqe9i4cccxArV5DTUIjscJ5bfTkxLEcNYCPY6as5qiWhsztOvRYGfBSPVq96/s1600/mua+shade+14+lipstick+bare+worn.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now this is 'bare' or shade 14. Much to my own surprise I really liked the tones in this! This shade doesn't make me look that dead and it doesn't look like I'm wearing foundation on my lips. Instead this is a very subtly peachy beige that tones down the natural pinkness of my lips. Impressively it didn't drag or gather at all in the dodgy patches of my lips. This was creamy to apply and once on it wasn't sticky or slippy at all. For this reason I think that shade 14 would wear longer than the others here.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwg0Ds2bhPdEuxs4d4BNXxnpgRv_cRpo8yPzv8KE0vwrFROtuFW_2l6Vvc2y3BAGsk-XgTZOrzumUO5JpvzLBteDkYsXhE1CJRs_NAmyYDu3gYsF1Id_UwvSzzVi4xkQ-e6TGoxxFZa_53/s1600/mua+shade+15+juicy+worn+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwg0Ds2bhPdEuxs4d4BNXxnpgRv_cRpo8yPzv8KE0vwrFROtuFW_2l6Vvc2y3BAGsk-XgTZOrzumUO5JpvzLBteDkYsXhE1CJRs_NAmyYDu3gYsF1Id_UwvSzzVi4xkQ-e6TGoxxFZa_53/s1600/mua+shade+15+juicy+worn+2.jpg" /></a></div>Unfortunately while shade 15 or 'juicy' was my favourite in colour, it had the most difficult consistency and application. While this lipstick is pigmented, it is also quite sheer and had a tendency to slip and show up my damaged skin. However, this is a gorgeous pinky peach and a true pastel shade that really pops. While it looks quite pale here, it's lovely and vibrant. I think that with a bit of blotting and some balm, this could still be worn in all weathers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmgGtod7OJTsl5fMXMVgxDwsExNJJMpGNjJp6OaWjG9tR3OaTzb95JVpKWC4RZUZ23w7k9r33AvvxpioR_3SzN3s8_U0jPuVejkoYusJwZdkG8KqyqMqa3PaqWPtXlDyZ1a0pQEfYD16A/s1600/mua+shade+16+nectar+worn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmgGtod7OJTsl5fMXMVgxDwsExNJJMpGNjJp6OaWjG9tR3OaTzb95JVpKWC4RZUZ23w7k9r33AvvxpioR_3SzN3s8_U0jPuVejkoYusJwZdkG8KqyqMqa3PaqWPtXlDyZ1a0pQEfYD16A/s320/mua+shade+16+nectar+worn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Shade 16 or 'nectar' is actually the most similar to shade 4 of the original MUA lipstick range. It's very sheer and very glossy but instead of being pink this lipstick is a coral orange. This would probably normally be considered more of a summery shade but I will be wearing it no matter what. This lipstick makes a bold shade a lot more wearable. It also livens up my lips whilst still looking vaguely natural. This may be sheer and glossy but it doesn't seem to budge as easily as shade 4. It doesn't have the most even application but my lips aren't in the best state at the moment so I don't think it's really the fault of the product!</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-28277891824459762322011-12-01T00:39:00.001+00:002011-12-01T00:47:56.100+00:00Christmas crafts - A DIY advent calendar!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOZ53KJkdkhu6SHgstIoeiG59OT7WtFPyszVuQFBMx3FSl0K3thjYSFSuuz221yVlYtnXpao0Bn8ZIOm93OuH3tkLqLkI_-te9uzj-rd0ZvA36XwdTCyKbbpGiCPJm-kKkpHuzSbp44__/s1600/advent+calendar+contents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOZ53KJkdkhu6SHgstIoeiG59OT7WtFPyszVuQFBMx3FSl0K3thjYSFSuuz221yVlYtnXpao0Bn8ZIOm93OuH3tkLqLkI_-te9uzj-rd0ZvA36XwdTCyKbbpGiCPJm-kKkpHuzSbp44__/s400/advent+calendar+contents.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few weeks ago I decided that I'd start a craft project for one of my boyfriend's Christmas presents. We're in a long distance relationship so I wanted to give him a present that'd keep him feeling Christmassy while he was still stuck away at uni. Finally it is finished and here are a few shots of my homemade advent calendar along the way. I've told him not to peek at this until he unwraps it tomorrow!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPEv5_GMbu6kfeDR2QNGjUXUCA1_MVY8GV3CWfC5A-ScpkSATkrx0opx7lokpY4jKUKDroqYR9tLvdeyHsb6aBERiAgfpiSgX_uUIX00TAJ2EuP0f6d6rRprYeXmgGk8xX95ZyUGQaPjh/s1600/assorted+gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPEv5_GMbu6kfeDR2QNGjUXUCA1_MVY8GV3CWfC5A-ScpkSATkrx0opx7lokpY4jKUKDroqYR9tLvdeyHsb6aBERiAgfpiSgX_uUIX00TAJ2EuP0f6d6rRprYeXmgGk8xX95ZyUGQaPjh/s320/assorted+gifts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I started off by collecting 25 sweets that I knew he loved. The good thing about <i>making</i> him a chocolate advent calendar was being able to pick all his favourites!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOH2ll9lAcsqJDYfatmh13wlblBnAxu5uU0NnR5RGD5CNqT1Zvop2BTa3v1b8t_9a6fOZa8eaXORJkjBMrkkO5n64DjZaids4fy-I3xDhvypsmjUJwJy-O-pB2EoWWvEfhx01_USHF0aw/s1600/present.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOH2ll9lAcsqJDYfatmh13wlblBnAxu5uU0NnR5RGD5CNqT1Zvop2BTa3v1b8t_9a6fOZa8eaXORJkjBMrkkO5n64DjZaids4fy-I3xDhvypsmjUJwJy-O-pB2EoWWvEfhx01_USHF0aw/s400/present.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I worked out which presents were going to be for which days. I went from small parcels at the start of the month and naturally left the biggest for Christmas day! I simply cut down normal parcel labels to mark them with the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsvnWqTPk6KBBqkkkivhi-PFW2jOXhp9U0YB38MhY4uNbsnIFuL3Xmuj_pw8iajNJpCCJAlM8w_WCqw3nJpiK7UrFyJJXnLvhylv2brnxSAgQdlqWXB0B0R6EuIQB_kft5PT2xWXLikCt/s1600/crackers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsvnWqTPk6KBBqkkkivhi-PFW2jOXhp9U0YB38MhY4uNbsnIFuL3Xmuj_pw8iajNJpCCJAlM8w_WCqw3nJpiK7UrFyJJXnLvhylv2brnxSAgQdlqWXB0B0R6EuIQB_kft5PT2xWXLikCt/s400/crackers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I tried to make the wrapping special to make it hard to guess the contents and to give him something to unwrap every day. Here I used a mini cracker making set to cleverly conceal some treats!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBflxktwQU_AZezwC-N3KEGUwTF78JLxr6N-rAI62giHXMe_navg_wXQf4AOkzFaodX4Qb6hOZxtvy3WOstftj1G_QMme9s8XCXhMZc3NTUDwhvBhj5NG1VWjAUFA7acz7KXmQy3p7a0Nk/s1600/stocking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBflxktwQU_AZezwC-N3KEGUwTF78JLxr6N-rAI62giHXMe_navg_wXQf4AOkzFaodX4Qb6hOZxtvy3WOstftj1G_QMme9s8XCXhMZc3NTUDwhvBhj5NG1VWjAUFA7acz7KXmQy3p7a0Nk/s400/stocking.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I sometimes used things that he could keep and re-use, like this mini stocking decoration that I filled with sweets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMaCXCh2tt_rkjIVkq88OLbrh8cuV_IplLjmjWEa4f39cHTvW-9QPoZ5zHqRan925Oc2EGoZhYfO5bqp4b0NGcg74evQE1J7ySJ_LV-5cBzNmEs8ZWMlGpiTYGO_YACI8DINDLb-p_4pv/s1600/holly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMaCXCh2tt_rkjIVkq88OLbrh8cuV_IplLjmjWEa4f39cHTvW-9QPoZ5zHqRan925Oc2EGoZhYfO5bqp4b0NGcg74evQE1J7ySJ_LV-5cBzNmEs8ZWMlGpiTYGO_YACI8DINDLb-p_4pv/s400/holly.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I suppose the only really crafty element was the wrapping so I tried to have fun with it...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUN_9UIkzVmh54w8PjmaNHsqLbLkOKShtXcRyyYrMfghzHrKoOV-QJCmiPAwTfuHN3PaSm8IRYBb8rX4wCIw0hsEZFapwlA91C2ck1Qw8ZH2GobB9aSWA1slmKM218XMWss9cgkKNRzEJ/s1600/robin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUN_9UIkzVmh54w8PjmaNHsqLbLkOKShtXcRyyYrMfghzHrKoOV-QJCmiPAwTfuHN3PaSm8IRYBb8rX4wCIw0hsEZFapwlA91C2ck1Qw8ZH2GobB9aSWA1slmKM218XMWss9cgkKNRzEJ/s400/robin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I stuck a robin on one of his presents.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMxVT02sOi7DqvMxZA2DlQpB17JYcnxDcIFnjV_f54vUJXJWQL_-dnElh5ma2V9z8Rf51ujewquSf8hMCln6hrI5Q1dATottFNdGSEhknm00FiwZ6F52QA2VZc0YQWxdFMiUjM2YKdn61/s1600/advent+calendar+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMxVT02sOi7DqvMxZA2DlQpB17JYcnxDcIFnjV_f54vUJXJWQL_-dnElh5ma2V9z8Rf51ujewquSf8hMCln6hrI5Q1dATottFNdGSEhknm00FiwZ6F52QA2VZc0YQWxdFMiUjM2YKdn61/s400/advent+calendar+cat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I drew him a little striped Christmas cat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Q0He3hLI6pIjc9bpIIDSiLz_nLI4a4UV5tzsn9j9PKwHK9Eu6psursbsnB_hUI-bH2o9DtYSi3ZZpukR69R-pYCABphBRhxqogc_Ws49OXKv5KXJ-ZqIEke-u4YYe_E7C7VWHrYZrhV9/s1600/wrapping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Q0He3hLI6pIjc9bpIIDSiLz_nLI4a4UV5tzsn9j9PKwHK9Eu6psursbsnB_hUI-bH2o9DtYSi3ZZpukR69R-pYCABphBRhxqogc_Ws49OXKv5KXJ-ZqIEke-u4YYe_E7C7VWHrYZrhV9/s400/wrapping.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nearly everything was wrapped in tissue paper because it worked better with the slightly awkward shapes of some of the gifts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFWAWZroXSyO5m04z0tH-EbBfqPOQKrxJ7kjY7MdIFjRVK5-nqsL7x1RqUj3uudbtqxB4hXOO8Xi0MggzSoD8b9_7yuY_ELzR-30Em9MU8uSRVQR97qL-Rr8cmRw1LxyJmwEBpTVM5WYA/s1600/advent+calendar+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFWAWZroXSyO5m04z0tH-EbBfqPOQKrxJ7kjY7MdIFjRVK5-nqsL7x1RqUj3uudbtqxB4hXOO8Xi0MggzSoD8b9_7yuY_ELzR-30Em9MU8uSRVQR97qL-Rr8cmRw1LxyJmwEBpTVM5WYA/s400/advent+calendar+box.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When everything was complete/ I popped it all in a box...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlfzgP7-WiONUMYnN7IvLgssixojKp1o9O9k4gB0YY8SRJiXb5Z66qbZbdgH163vQAZjdHvAPebZiincJNtRYGs5QRzjA4cn4xhKeYRZzTNfP23fYb7QiG0dZJ1memzrvgcGUBEKNTf4D/s1600/advent+calendar+wrapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlfzgP7-WiONUMYnN7IvLgssixojKp1o9O9k4gB0YY8SRJiXb5Z66qbZbdgH163vQAZjdHvAPebZiincJNtRYGs5QRzjA4cn4xhKeYRZzTNfP23fYb7QiG0dZJ1memzrvgcGUBEKNTf4D/s400/advent+calendar+wrapped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And sealed it up ready for December 1st! While I am giving this to him at the start of the month, I'm sure that gathering 25 little treats would make a good themed gift on the day itself too.I'm really excited to see what he thinks and I hope that he enjoys it all the way through to Christmas day. Fingers crossed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-56367595632166392732011-11-18T15:42:00.000+00:002011-11-18T15:42:00.360+00:00Chit Chat mascara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEM92FEWh0ShjqQWsPsrzIRdbBKK-wBxvUdEJZD1Vc0jqZtrBJUQ7IZE-VNFfWFaW_3DdOfnofwMJCHoL0tiP4roawvyW7KZYKr1kSQD2yW5NZL2zVFJHsvqYY-h9aKEzavW2sY7OM4LZ/s1600/chit+chat+poundland+mascara+label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEM92FEWh0ShjqQWsPsrzIRdbBKK-wBxvUdEJZD1Vc0jqZtrBJUQ7IZE-VNFfWFaW_3DdOfnofwMJCHoL0tiP4roawvyW7KZYKr1kSQD2yW5NZL2zVFJHsvqYY-h9aKEzavW2sY7OM4LZ/s400/chit+chat+poundland+mascara+label.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So the other day I bought a mascara. Not really that much of a big deal. I guess you could say it looks like a lot of other mascaras out on the high street at the moment. The difference? This mascara is part of a relaunched Chit Chat makeup range I spotted in Poundland.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ezYqbBqjvfOVftDTV6vY2qtcMtZgUYR7BLplIc-cCTfepkYC5d8deoNZWdXDLwbZqSOBFPXQS27rupfj3kHnBXaxOufdvRTyJDmkSt8WdMWPDh5QDisnHilklnqh7VwfkqZq4_W1MmQu/s1600/chit+chat+mascara+brush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ezYqbBqjvfOVftDTV6vY2qtcMtZgUYR7BLplIc-cCTfepkYC5d8deoNZWdXDLwbZqSOBFPXQS27rupfj3kHnBXaxOufdvRTyJDmkSt8WdMWPDh5QDisnHilklnqh7VwfkqZq4_W1MmQu/s400/chit+chat+mascara+brush.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
While you're probably thinking I only ever buy makeup in pound shops, I'll be deflecting your attention to the brush. The reason I picked this up was that I strongly suspected a mahoosive mascara wand... and I was right. While the formula itself is really wet, the large brush is what made me try this product. I'm not normally one for brushes as big as this but at the moment my current daily mascara is giving up the ghost and I'm all for experiments. For £1, I could definitely justify trying this out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYncsldEDrXbj1X6K_-1sNEdHMlFZBIAqoGKIgnGjoFoLWXOCc5YGgPkURclRwG-piJmeso2zajKQD7ESEjhx-JZQXWzg2GPuo8yt2Omh2v8axG-WHHl695hSFdJPiZAkNKQgV2v_sr81m/s1600/my+eye+no+makeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYncsldEDrXbj1X6K_-1sNEdHMlFZBIAqoGKIgnGjoFoLWXOCc5YGgPkURclRwG-piJmeso2zajKQD7ESEjhx-JZQXWzg2GPuo8yt2Omh2v8axG-WHHl695hSFdJPiZAkNKQgV2v_sr81m/s1600/my+eye+no+makeup.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Now here is the obligatory creepy 'before' photo of my eye with no makeup on to show my natural lashes. What you can see below is the after.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyieEUZvy35K8qek_TxSG1tpBFjHh0lg_K1mLId2AV0yyLKtUdAM2ygdbHKRODT4KwIwD1IZH6JSStiC5SBAaYRoD5DtIByEwO1uJG5qTab12e5hAgwPleA8CyPeUDpXMs1RWb0a1MbC48/s1600/my+eye+with+chitchat+poundland+mascara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyieEUZvy35K8qek_TxSG1tpBFjHh0lg_K1mLId2AV0yyLKtUdAM2ygdbHKRODT4KwIwD1IZH6JSStiC5SBAaYRoD5DtIByEwO1uJG5qTab12e5hAgwPleA8CyPeUDpXMs1RWb0a1MbC48/s400/my+eye+with+chitchat+poundland+mascara.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The plus points of this mascara are the price, pigmentation and lengthening properties. With one tiny dab of the wand, my lashes were instantly black. Applying this in gradual thin coats seems to be the way forward (which as you might be able to see from my sloppy application, I didn't quite manage) and so it definitely does do what it says on the tin. The wand reached the base to the tip of my lashes fine, however I did really have trouble with the wetness of the formula. Once it was on, it seemed to get everywhere. I also had an issue with getting mascara on my eyelids, which is a pet hate of mine. Finally when I was taking this off earlier, I got major panda eyes thanks to the uber pigmentation. Perhaps it might not be so great if it rains?<br />
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If you compare this to my previous review and photos of the Maybelline New York One by One mascara the photos don't actually differ too much. I'd say that the One by One covers my lashes individually and adds more volume. It also adds<i> a lot </i>more control. But if you can be more careful with your application than I was <a href="http://beautyandreverie.blogspot.com/2011/07/maybelline-new-york-one-by-one-mascara.html">I'm sure the results would be pretty close.</a><br />
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I'll definitely keep playing with this mascara because despite its flaws I have yet to try a better mascara for as many pennies. I almost feel I'll regret saying that when it comes into contact with the air a little bit, it'll probably be better, because I don't want this to die off too soon! Personally I like a little bit more control and volume in a mascara but when I applied this over a base it really gave a lot more impact to the look. Either way I can still see myself reaching for this quite a bit. For £1, I can't really argue with that. Will any of you be checking out the revamped Chit Chat range?Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-84619945347274546802011-11-16T15:59:00.000+00:002011-11-16T15:59:48.055+00:00My first ELF haul!A few days ago I placed an order with ELF, taking advantage of their one of their regular online offers. Not only did I manage to take advantage of free delivery and a code to get a mystery box of free products (worth £10) when you spend over £10. All of these offers made my order (which Mike treated me to) £11 in total. So, even as a gift this was a<i> total bargain</i>!<br />
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This post won't contain any reviews as I've just got these products... but I just wanted to share with everyone what I ordered, and what my free gifts were! As far as value for money goes, I got 10 products for £11 in the end!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBm7uPMsNzQnmbEszN9L_aVzBu1tn9ha7RaAdq9mnqTO4ISPxCMjew3duu6DYiIpn4CCvdtkZakEtcouCIghQ6dltzzP08BUjMPwmloPxV2F3SHAoI4ymK-nn6vTM0kQjhX38uiv0fE3Q/s1600/elf+order+1+eyelid+primer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBm7uPMsNzQnmbEszN9L_aVzBu1tn9ha7RaAdq9mnqTO4ISPxCMjew3duu6DYiIpn4CCvdtkZakEtcouCIghQ6dltzzP08BUjMPwmloPxV2F3SHAoI4ymK-nn6vTM0kQjhX38uiv0fE3Q/s400/elf+order+1+eyelid+primer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Elf eyelid primer (£1.50)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupGBRiP78PetbGE-UJBwHUeseF8Laa9-5NRRq2bmRrDtf3tOMtA8rPEP3eLS58pNKRIRMMudI5iqgL5elV8LQslB0V8byJWhPKmWCdCqI4pzhHWdH6Ypk_oagZCmp36uED-OTsDB5A4zm/s1600/elf+order+1+natural+radiance+blushers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupGBRiP78PetbGE-UJBwHUeseF8Laa9-5NRRq2bmRrDtf3tOMtA8rPEP3eLS58pNKRIRMMudI5iqgL5elV8LQslB0V8byJWhPKmWCdCqI4pzhHWdH6Ypk_oagZCmp36uED-OTsDB5A4zm/s400/elf+order+1+natural+radiance+blushers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Elf natural radiance blushers in 'Flushed' and 'Glow' (£1.50 each)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sCTBWJ1W4OPOZd6LCAkANQqIht6Nk0aWqgvaij4LhSIRlxITEDsHZ9jWWtCpvBOVkBvzjQA4MFeokvyXJeRg4xS9CPXh4MlPTOQpjstj2rqlsSDHqh2MuBKfACFXKEjQ0MwuwFUb2MIM/s1600/elf+order+1+shimmering+facial+whip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sCTBWJ1W4OPOZd6LCAkANQqIht6Nk0aWqgvaij4LhSIRlxITEDsHZ9jWWtCpvBOVkBvzjQA4MFeokvyXJeRg4xS9CPXh4MlPTOQpjstj2rqlsSDHqh2MuBKfACFXKEjQ0MwuwFUb2MIM/s400/elf+order+1+shimmering+facial+whip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shimmering facial whip in 'Lilac Petal' (£1.50)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoP5LtMZ7acM0MVl0D_P4NJSM4momK-yFpbXC433uBj1K8NZsvAse9aT-OWJq3z9FT9tPbLnxJfPHeg0ryhbIg4tKtLEZIjOtn8l0JjpTfXC2yeYYb65nD2xwnczI1hLZYN1QW1P2JuNs/s1600/elf+order+1+healthy+glow+bronzing+powder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoP5LtMZ7acM0MVl0D_P4NJSM4momK-yFpbXC433uBj1K8NZsvAse9aT-OWJq3z9FT9tPbLnxJfPHeg0ryhbIg4tKtLEZIjOtn8l0JjpTfXC2yeYYb65nD2xwnczI1hLZYN1QW1P2JuNs/s400/elf+order+1+healthy+glow+bronzing+powder.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Elf healthy glow bronzing powder in 'Luminance' (£1.50)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggd1vzukdKZVD-zX9RNzwQWpAnswXJ1CuU7NgJzSyFx0ElgNrR35BJCEZS5-1eESXlsZHZ3Cq8OXJHNkbKPtFDzKWuvnhr_CSiMLKDb5tJKtvQSULCgpOIl_BtcsErA0JseJTFTfPRTINz/s1600/elf+order+1+eyebrow+kit+in+ash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggd1vzukdKZVD-zX9RNzwQWpAnswXJ1CuU7NgJzSyFx0ElgNrR35BJCEZS5-1eESXlsZHZ3Cq8OXJHNkbKPtFDzKWuvnhr_CSiMLKDb5tJKtvQSULCgpOIl_BtcsErA0JseJTFTfPRTINz/s400/elf+order+1+eyebrow+kit+in+ash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Studio eyebrow kit in 'Ash' (3.50)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And here are the free gifts...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnPWuO3dU0l2KmZ4-2VhoNRs5bdUKDC1WDTEUSNhKtMOxrWpMsthT-o2SVGtg-36rw6CBzP3VsFOWCHwkEFfXiApe-59AanFjW6_CE1LqqFYD7st3OQPAk5ya6U9gwyHVRqCX6gN3Hbts/s1600/elf+order+1+free+gift+nail+polishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnPWuO3dU0l2KmZ4-2VhoNRs5bdUKDC1WDTEUSNhKtMOxrWpMsthT-o2SVGtg-36rw6CBzP3VsFOWCHwkEFfXiApe-59AanFjW6_CE1LqqFYD7st3OQPAk5ya6U9gwyHVRqCX6gN3Hbts/s400/elf+order+1+free+gift+nail+polishes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nail polishes in '1572 Golden Goddess' and '1573 Twinkle'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNLt6s1ABNrF2AI2XD80pQGKNTJrYsBHbIOYFfywzexIMWcxyx_gQfgI188NYlNE1tvzxi0BQQ28ejRNrc95hVH6M_BX7BUsphyphenhyphenxr44FMTn0D9joEre3zlTlCgUjxXdkwxKLflXIMjBRJ/s1600/elf+order+1+free+gift+shimmer+pencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNLt6s1ABNrF2AI2XD80pQGKNTJrYsBHbIOYFfywzexIMWcxyx_gQfgI188NYlNE1tvzxi0BQQ28ejRNrc95hVH6M_BX7BUsphyphenhyphenxr44FMTn0D9joEre3zlTlCgUjxXdkwxKLflXIMjBRJ/s400/elf+order+1+free+gift+shimmer+pencil.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shimmer pencil in 'Boldly Bronzed'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFj-5AcvVPDVnp2Rlc5Hb1paANI5kiah5Q6ZTHdGLUvyjF7AYzzLlg7yu4sgERsHwUXQAxYiW7TTe5jPSS0Ufq-PzETI2CT48MHmectKIKPxe-q-zFB7_JmJunufOzqMhl_cXT77OgYi97/s1600/elf+order+1+free+gift+mineral+powder+brush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFj-5AcvVPDVnp2Rlc5Hb1paANI5kiah5Q6ZTHdGLUvyjF7AYzzLlg7yu4sgERsHwUXQAxYiW7TTe5jPSS0Ufq-PzETI2CT48MHmectKIKPxe-q-zFB7_JmJunufOzqMhl_cXT77OgYi97/s400/elf+order+1+free+gift+mineral+powder+brush.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And my personal favourite, a cruelty free bamboo powder brush!</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-90688767737306755632011-11-15T20:40:00.001+00:002011-11-15T20:42:59.336+00:00MUA professional matte foundation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finding a foundation is never an easy task. I spend forever in shops trying to swatch as many as possible but still seem unsure of what to buy. Due to how pale and pink my skin is, I have trouble finding a light shade that'll even out the pink without making me look like a ghost. After quite a bit of swatching in superdrug on Saturday, I couldn't resist trying the new MUA professional matte foundation for £2 and I'm so glad I did!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoVNmu-W-0GN0Glb-MMDsVJoPB6HYHU9za743RxTk9XgeVOt4y2Xc1epaeWwgaPbi5ORSh1Y1ZCamMqUDuiSaV946gMIr2wAe7XvLbQVSOhSVSZYwxU1IRAJJATN-u4RvH-ArhYpUp5jT/s1600/mua+pro+foundation+soft+sand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoVNmu-W-0GN0Glb-MMDsVJoPB6HYHU9za743RxTk9XgeVOt4y2Xc1epaeWwgaPbi5ORSh1Y1ZCamMqUDuiSaV946gMIr2wAe7XvLbQVSOhSVSZYwxU1IRAJJATN-u4RvH-ArhYpUp5jT/s400/mua+pro+foundation+soft+sand.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The shade has enough yellow tone to even out some of the pink in my skin. It is what I've been looking for shadewise - a non-orange and non-ashy shade, that's sheer enough to blend with my skin whilst providing decent coverage. The consistency of this foundation is quite thick, but it doesn't settle into every dry area of my combination skin and similarly it doesn't instantly dry patchily on my skin. It takes a while to blend in due to the thick, slightly tacky consistency to apply it (I use my hands to apply foundation 99% of the time) but once it's on, it has great coverage without making me look like I'm wearing a mask. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimn34zsgqkv8-FPjk1eo8E60rkjbDC9m-uMIfKKjCYbasEINZTV7fC5jAqGkz7QIFMUeOByG4zsNKoeUwfvyL73o3mur9kdYr3_uCLgNSd36-Vs-7MPwTYdmfnXkdHJQtx5Qnn0267U9q/s1600/mua+pro+foundation+soft+sand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimn34zsgqkv8-FPjk1eo8E60rkjbDC9m-uMIfKKjCYbasEINZTV7fC5jAqGkz7QIFMUeOByG4zsNKoeUwfvyL73o3mur9kdYr3_uCLgNSd36-Vs-7MPwTYdmfnXkdHJQtx5Qnn0267U9q/s1600/mua+pro+foundation+soft+sand.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was surprised by how light it felt as one major problem with cheap foundations I've swatched seems to be the strange muddiness and dodgy formulas. I didn't find it drying but I would note some shine and fading (mostly under my eyes where I normally conceal) after about 6 hours of wear. Also, despite the fact that it was quite a thick formula, I didn't need immense amounts of the product because it could be blended before drying out. I don't mind the fact that it wasn't as matte as I was expecting but I would say for those with particularly oily skin, it might not be the best idea. Above is a swatch of the foundation straight out of the tube and below it is blended right out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdSu1YizyN6z5EBr8unpdn932lWFGPBRG6HO8TC_DIxcpqRDi3RX_i9b9DuqD-OHhCB_nkeCM7OLdE_YIUQ-FxTtNjda66Y2Wdd6GgaxIEBgu5ySoBzzft5jW6NM6ZWq5rzp6xXzHL7Zc/s1600/mua+pro+foundation+soft+sand+blended.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdSu1YizyN6z5EBr8unpdn932lWFGPBRG6HO8TC_DIxcpqRDi3RX_i9b9DuqD-OHhCB_nkeCM7OLdE_YIUQ-FxTtNjda66Y2Wdd6GgaxIEBgu5ySoBzzft5jW6NM6ZWq5rzp6xXzHL7Zc/s1600/mua+pro+foundation+soft+sand+blended.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here are the all important before and after photos. Firstly, I'm going to warn you outright that I'm wearing absolutely no makeup in this photo. Zilch. Nada.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWnmdyVUHREJaT08Xy4iqm3LSjlMbN0LnFhR6FS8HdVcOtq8PFhhrqhCyA6WFqxXZITPxAcJ5VUOB8pa6yKiu702AEKc-yuFsIS7ktQbi-ZY4DeRQMDO4A8n1jZOITnrS8KAmh-ga0qJe/s1600/me+no+makeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWnmdyVUHREJaT08Xy4iqm3LSjlMbN0LnFhR6FS8HdVcOtq8PFhhrqhCyA6WFqxXZITPxAcJ5VUOB8pa6yKiu702AEKc-yuFsIS7ktQbi-ZY4DeRQMDO4A8n1jZOITnrS8KAmh-ga0qJe/s400/me+no+makeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So there it is, and I even have a spot for the occasion! Aren't you all lucky. Now, I'd like you all to compare this monstrosity to the photo below, where I'm wearing only MUA's professional matte foundation in soft sand. This product boasts it is "velvet smooth" and will leave a "long-lasting finish."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUPLdh7or-eA-RPUwN3XjZHeU7FgiCSjFqsm7rYz1ldYnNzPMXLp-c_0vS-iLvXRsRQV4e3F7WUH5uN66debvTe9dVhOsvjVrtE7KalZsUhgiuX8Trr_2aRp4Ax7e9FoiFu3DpB1xjCta/s1600/me+with+mua+pro+soft+sand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUPLdh7or-eA-RPUwN3XjZHeU7FgiCSjFqsm7rYz1ldYnNzPMXLp-c_0vS-iLvXRsRQV4e3F7WUH5uN66debvTe9dVhOsvjVrtE7KalZsUhgiuX8Trr_2aRp4Ax7e9FoiFu3DpB1xjCta/s400/me+with+mua+pro+soft+sand.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>I have to say I was seriously surprised to see such a difference. The redness in my cheeks and around my nose has been reduced (which is something that I suffer from all year round). Also, the dark shadows under my eyes have been pretty considerably reduced. While I do look a little shiny, I actually don't think I look like I'm even wearing makeup. There are still quite a few freckles and admittedly that great big blemish visible, but I think that this foundation covers what I seek to cover. While I wouldn't describe this effect as matte, it was definitely smooth and I'm seriously impressed for £2!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPT2FFJhF30DMgsfoVFdtaiICFSHihxaTz0sjbzzof0xSduhcaR-fVc51Xh6D14BTydTDhKtKRXWfnVjAlgjUZTLVIRCEsH-GzStfwVTo16lA5RWBGY3f3DGs9bG10DscOAMablEOkMwxJ/s1600/me+with+mua+pro+foundation+and+collection+2000+powder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPT2FFJhF30DMgsfoVFdtaiICFSHihxaTz0sjbzzof0xSduhcaR-fVc51Xh6D14BTydTDhKtKRXWfnVjAlgjUZTLVIRCEsH-GzStfwVTo16lA5RWBGY3f3DGs9bG10DscOAMablEOkMwxJ/s400/me+with+mua+pro+foundation+and+collection+2000+powder.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Now this last photo is just me with a dusting of collection 2000's powder over the top which is my every day cheap powder product. Instantly the dewiness is toned down and my skin looks matte and even. While I normally top up my foundation and powder combination with a touch of concealer (yes spot, I'm looking at you) I think that for £2 this is great. After a day of wear today, I can probably say that it did probably fade somewhat around my nose and undereye area but I'm not adverse to topping up with powder to mask shine. For £2 I think this is a nice and light formula and cheap alternative in a sea of dodgy foundations.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-42772134403587647162011-11-12T23:29:00.000+00:002011-11-12T23:29:12.845+00:00The blonde brow dye-lemna part 2So here is the second post in my brow series, this time focusing on the lowest budget products I've found available on the high street.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy74YpRorepz-SQtbHQRn8kE37Yad7M4Ntl_oCLWgrDZQ-eptbhqAYr351vlRI39kvbZugkGbrwLcF6prxwD6z-Ejc0QwEH3mGhkqdjDOVlApxLIfFVChO_l27sfTBpB_6FxtsXRpQiWGw/s1600/natural+brows+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy74YpRorepz-SQtbHQRn8kE37Yad7M4Ntl_oCLWgrDZQ-eptbhqAYr351vlRI39kvbZugkGbrwLcF6prxwD6z-Ejc0QwEH3mGhkqdjDOVlApxLIfFVChO_l27sfTBpB_6FxtsXRpQiWGw/s320/natural+brows+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
For starters, here is a picture of my light brown eyebrows before I do anything to them. Yes they're unkempt, and yes it's bugging me too. I hope that we can move on from this together. And below you can see a picture of my made up eyebrows (complete with silly facial expression) next to my hair, which as I established in <a href="http://beautyandreverie.blogspot.com/2011/09/blonde-brow-dye-lemna-part-1.html">post 1</a>, is naturally brown.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9T3aiaMl1HYbMVMkd_bYqEa8ioIJ1_cj2YzbeoMdaBk4QP6cjnSi40QQVX1JQWOTozlYaDNgV13dssNyRlvQNE0G6d1-hEpH_126O8jOrR9Ly8xq9ihksQ133FrqQhOiv0cfnaD21K_Uc/s1600/me+with+mua+brow+pencil+and+clear+mascar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9T3aiaMl1HYbMVMkd_bYqEa8ioIJ1_cj2YzbeoMdaBk4QP6cjnSi40QQVX1JQWOTozlYaDNgV13dssNyRlvQNE0G6d1-hEpH_126O8jOrR9Ly8xq9ihksQ133FrqQhOiv0cfnaD21K_Uc/s1600/me+with+mua+brow+pencil+and+clear+mascar.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Now, I do confess that these products were the first ones I'd ever bought with my brows in mind. I know that there are many reasonably priced products out there (several from ELF for starters) but due to convenience my first brow product purchases were pretty predictable! Day to day, I've been using 2 products that in total come to the price of £2 and only one of them is specifically designed for eyebrows! From the price tag you've probably also already guessed that they are by MUA. My daily brow products at the moment are limited to MUA's clear mascara (shade 1) and their eyebrow pencil in blonde.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXabpDcgg8kub2C9I5-In25u_qb9dZ14hw3bkV8RkIO-WVleDCWwPC2kQ8h6nsDucSQCMgA-SyextaUvFcYCViYjjEXNA-DH3MNkP6JLVSmCB9C8C8hnglFkhn7HfbYBghZs7kkY5ObJj/s1600/mua+brow+pencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXabpDcgg8kub2C9I5-In25u_qb9dZ14hw3bkV8RkIO-WVleDCWwPC2kQ8h6nsDucSQCMgA-SyextaUvFcYCViYjjEXNA-DH3MNkP6JLVSmCB9C8C8hnglFkhn7HfbYBghZs7kkY5ObJj/s1600/mua+brow+pencil.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This pencil impressed me from early on. The consistency of the product is incredibly soft and the tone is quite ashy and not too vibrant. While it is easy to work with this pencil due to its softness, I can just as easily be quite heavy handed with it due to the instant colour payoff. I also don't actually use the comb on the other end of the brush as I prefer using a mascara wand to blend away the sharp edges of the pencil and comb my brows into place at the same time. One criticism I do have is that the pencil can verge on the slightly orange tones if applied too heavily. Properly strawberry blonde girls should have nothing to fear, but it can be quite noticeable if I'm not careful.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdGeUOIpGxuj7h8Z4cQCUJyEr030L5ik1keYoe7qvaedZTxSbMvhxqeukkrNJTplgaTTnm1GGgOTavhyvavoNJHDHpYyauU3F1YNxxp892UOfB0p5juMEp22MwqNrGmbKSH4yIgl8kBEF/s1600/mua+not+so+clear+mascara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdGeUOIpGxuj7h8Z4cQCUJyEr030L5ik1keYoe7qvaedZTxSbMvhxqeukkrNJTplgaTTnm1GGgOTavhyvavoNJHDHpYyauU3F1YNxxp892UOfB0p5juMEp22MwqNrGmbKSH4yIgl8kBEF/s1600/mua+not+so+clear+mascara.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Now, here is my not so clear mascara! The brush has in fact over time picked up a lot of the pencil's pigment and so the tube is a delightful murky beige. I've been meaning to pick up another one, really. Also, while this mascara does blend with the pencil's pigment and make it look a lot more natural, it does have some shortcomings. Firstly, it doesn't set my brows all day and I do unfortunately still sometimes have those moments where I look in a mirror and see that the hairs are totally skew-whiff. Also, it can leave some wet product on my brows for quite a while after application so I often end up dabbing this away.<br />
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While I do like both of these products I'd say that the pencil is the standout buy that I'd highly recommend. As you can see, while I make do with this routine it's far from perfect. I'm in the process of looking at my options and hope to have some follow up to this with alternative products!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-85649451054569900682011-11-09T23:18:00.002+00:002011-11-09T23:22:23.459+00:00Impulse Very PinkI was recently contacted by Impulse about trying one of their latest fragrances 'Very Pink.' So when it turned up in the post (as a pr sample), this is what I found!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowHCAm2g-yglRNED9RIyjXhqntoaypyBRojBcuvno2r9TdlkmfASgQXg0bp2uNNJ3Fl8RRs6IuVQc-ELtmzk031HNS1EQu4-pp0uqaJuTprUAQjDsABOoGq_hHECXUQ9dSRurkETmH0h_/s1600/impulse+very+pink+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowHCAm2g-yglRNED9RIyjXhqntoaypyBRojBcuvno2r9TdlkmfASgQXg0bp2uNNJ3Fl8RRs6IuVQc-ELtmzk031HNS1EQu4-pp0uqaJuTprUAQjDsABOoGq_hHECXUQ9dSRurkETmH0h_/s1600/impulse+very+pink+heart.jpg" /></a></div><br />
With an undeniably pretty pink heart motif, this 75ml fragrance is sweet, but not overpoweringly so. In fact, while this fragrance does contain vanilla, I find that the citrus notes of the pink grapefruit notes are clear from the second you spray it and lovely. They compliment each other really well as the vanilla just takes the sharper edge off of the fruitiness. While it does have some, it's not too heavy with musk and is quite light, if musk isn't your thing.<br />
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What I really love is the thoughtful addition of the easy to seal twisting lid, which allows you to carry it around wherever you need without fear of it leaking. I regularly throw my makeup and beauty products in the bottom of bags and suitcases so this is a great reassurance! This has meant that I've taken it with me to work several times this week. Although it wears off after a couple hours of lugging book trolleys around, I still think that this fragrance is great for everyday wear and I love the pink grapefruit in it! You can buy Very Pink for £1.99 at Superdrug and as Impulse is widely stocked, I doubt it'd be hard to track this down and give this fragrance a try for yourself.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTKTFejDQx8szK4eLhyphenhyphenhjkBRmaDfd9k5GGgstFWypm1qu2mEWRkeXCuJWBUlc9-9W6ysTt3HQsXSYp-Ql_JeE1gRgnN8SUlGMYQAKjSZoRuXLQwyORAitOVrB1QY4zsVJD9DODuSWTY0v/s1600/ImpulseForLipsyDress%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTKTFejDQx8szK4eLhyphenhyphenhjkBRmaDfd9k5GGgstFWypm1qu2mEWRkeXCuJWBUlc9-9W6ysTt3HQsXSYp-Ql_JeE1gRgnN8SUlGMYQAKjSZoRuXLQwyORAitOVrB1QY4zsVJD9DODuSWTY0v/s400/ImpulseForLipsyDress%25281%2529.jpg" width="339" /></a></div><br />
Not only do they have the fragrance out, but they've also teamed up with Lipsy to create a very pink limited edition dress only available on the <a href="http://www.lipsy.co.uk/store/party-dresses/lipsy-for-impulse-very-pink-dress/product-is-DR04698_083">Lipsy website!</a> You can get £10 off it too with the voucher code VERYPINK.<br />
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Have any of you tried this fragrance yet?Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-76028796451737769002011-10-12T19:27:00.001+01:002011-10-12T19:28:10.486+01:00Revlon Golden Affair sculpting blush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_AOpRgSYG8qcEZ1JCbxpvGQAt7GILSfNhHzC6mXf42mUocePicZznE6L9f-t5lBa9JGGdSKUOVvlVdM8FOePBCs_QsejtsuW4dukw92ZFusDX06h4HIZP30kx_WeWVxQIFS58hdG1xZn/s1600/revlon+golden+affair+blush+berry+daring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_AOpRgSYG8qcEZ1JCbxpvGQAt7GILSfNhHzC6mXf42mUocePicZznE6L9f-t5lBa9JGGdSKUOVvlVdM8FOePBCs_QsejtsuW4dukw92ZFusDX06h4HIZP30kx_WeWVxQIFS58hdG1xZn/s1600/revlon+golden+affair+blush+berry+daring.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Here is a fantastic budget buy I snapped up the other week! Whilst staying with my boyfriend, I popped into Poundland Canterbury and fell head over heels for this Revlon Golden Affair sculpting blush. I saw it in a slightly deeper shade over at <a href="http://artdonatella.blogspot.com/">Artdonatella's blog</a> (check out her post <a href="http://artdonatella.blogspot.com/2011/06/could-it-berevlon.html">here</a>) quite a while ago and loved it on sight. So when by chance I found this limited edition product in a slightly lighter shade for £1, I knew I had to have it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlKGbioL-FKdZX-VY_CIzvmuCXvRBKWf0ClKqypeY8NVEaN4mSuevAazrJkaP60us8ZGyqHRVBthD3q3bjpfvHSCao4oDU7pBM9vG0oBPFRtkEsEa-1-_11Sv4j31GOiGLBQhRF_hi5h1/s1600/revlon+golden+affair+blush+pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlKGbioL-FKdZX-VY_CIzvmuCXvRBKWf0ClKqypeY8NVEaN4mSuevAazrJkaP60us8ZGyqHRVBthD3q3bjpfvHSCao4oDU7pBM9vG0oBPFRtkEsEa-1-_11Sv4j31GOiGLBQhRF_hi5h1/s1600/revlon+golden+affair+blush+pan.jpg" /></a></div><br />
One thing you can't ignore about this blush is how good it looks in the packaging. The packaging itself is simple but isn't that cheap. The design of the blush itself is gorgeous. Call me fickle but I was totally in love with it even before I got to try it out!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37vcgvq59qmnoqh42cyQIvFDaFokw-DQKWpyVRxeu0mLamKcczheYhT1iMv1ZQ1r4bKwBZLyJedDWx2wDmPzycMQvTxaBBaRJMdnXxlARqBrMPU5-8padA11CoqLLV88Oy6UlO2h7w-C_/s1600/pan+erosion+revlon+golden+affair+blush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37vcgvq59qmnoqh42cyQIvFDaFokw-DQKWpyVRxeu0mLamKcczheYhT1iMv1ZQ1r4bKwBZLyJedDWx2wDmPzycMQvTxaBBaRJMdnXxlARqBrMPU5-8padA11CoqLLV88Oy6UlO2h7w-C_/s320/pan+erosion+revlon+golden+affair+blush.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Unfortunately, when I started to swatch and use it a considerable amount of the gold lifted. I'd say about 80% of the gold is sprayed on very lightly so my blush went from how it looks in the picture above to how it looks in the picture below in one use!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQGJbjU7rRAcOnK9H1M51KbuYGzmgTFp8Si7Obu6XXAm1T-1p8zHcm-pjhO4Eq93hN-mKqXj_hdR63_PdgvGCkD1NRbpIkO6rBlVt35i_xzjNzURpIwEg_4UaYGAEWBisGDjgb-9lEH2j/s1600/revlon+berry+daring+blush+swatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQGJbjU7rRAcOnK9H1M51KbuYGzmgTFp8Si7Obu6XXAm1T-1p8zHcm-pjhO4Eq93hN-mKqXj_hdR63_PdgvGCkD1NRbpIkO6rBlVt35i_xzjNzURpIwEg_4UaYGAEWBisGDjgb-9lEH2j/s1600/revlon+berry+daring+blush+swatch.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The shade I found was 'berry daring' which although not their darkest shade, looked pretty dramatic at a first glance. When initially applied or swatched the shade is a deep crimson with some vibrant gold shimmer. From these swatches I hope you can see the punchy pigmentation. On the left is the crimson base on its own, the centre swatch is the sprayed gold and the second is the two combined.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVcL7geljEtrS00D0nCUmiheW7yfD5FDJGEzeRrdZ2DUrwmQ_TNASEzbpiKPzlqDXtWrQp2voS4iSOEDYSWBy3jDXylSIMjw3P41T9AF00LLEyxXg-LqXC_Mu_QkD_vpgvK5pIVpTnDyR/s1600/cheek+without+blusher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVcL7geljEtrS00D0nCUmiheW7yfD5FDJGEzeRrdZ2DUrwmQ_TNASEzbpiKPzlqDXtWrQp2voS4iSOEDYSWBy3jDXylSIMjw3P41T9AF00LLEyxXg-LqXC_Mu_QkD_vpgvK5pIVpTnDyR/s1600/cheek+without+blusher.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The intense pigmentation and deep berry tone to this blush were both slightly scary to me when it came to application. As you can see from the shot above - I'm pale and pink with lots of freckles. I loved the berry tones, I loved the look but I didn't want to end up looking like a panto extra! Below is a shot of me with just foundation (and some rather worn in eye makeup) so you can compare it to the after shot later on.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDABxxu8BZwjamWlvg6_Y8lDo0AgePBlMiIzMVpl-gXXEvmpxKUmxirzHlnHzaWYXsSrAgfOG28BRTh7yD_8vFLsrtV-miWCu9Tp_Yu3VV5acwVqHFimsTg6hqF-VByLGdY1pFD3PI9F6s/s1600/revlon+blush+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDABxxu8BZwjamWlvg6_Y8lDo0AgePBlMiIzMVpl-gXXEvmpxKUmxirzHlnHzaWYXsSrAgfOG28BRTh7yD_8vFLsrtV-miWCu9Tp_Yu3VV5acwVqHFimsTg6hqF-VByLGdY1pFD3PI9F6s/s320/revlon+blush+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Upon application I can actually understand why it's called a sculpting blush. Don't ask me it how it does it, but I can definitely see some contouring that wasn't there before in the after shot. I applied this very quickly and am hardly a blush expert, so I'm over the moon that it has such a pretty effect so easily. Admittedly I did apply barely a dusting and did blend quite a bit but still, this took seconds to achieve.<br />
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Although this blush is awkward to track down, it's a gorgeous product that is very cheap for such lovely pigmentation and presentation. I had been looking for a berry toned blush and I think I've found a stunner!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-44214034176210904432011-10-10T00:28:00.000+01:002011-10-10T00:28:53.506+01:00Giveaway winner and discount code!I'm updating at a very late hour to get a few points of good news out! Firstly, congratulations to<b> Leila</b> who has been contacted by So...? and won herself some goodies as mentioned in my last post.<br />
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Secondly, if you're after any So...? products yourself then they currently have a promotion running where you can get 30% off all So...? products bought from their website (minimum order £15). The discount code you need for this is <b>ALL30_0911</b> and this is valid until the 15th of October.<br />
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Finally, I'm starting a new part time job in my uni library on Wednesday and am extremely excited! I hope that everyone has a lovely week and I hope to get some proper posts to you soon.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-32027559222604730902011-10-02T01:59:00.002+01:002011-10-04T23:48:43.502+01:00So...? Kiss me review and giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxHuT4Tvo3sfzAdQ2ditg8-PxUQ_WHb2ySKezWR6dTfJhLdwPI8JO2mdPULFRrYlwOFN7Vi3W_Rm3djcaqmlH8fcK8306ffbDa-5WgV9z7U1JJLg3s4U4UO28mia2CXeInMwKkDVI2sU4/s1600/so+kiss+me+products+side+by+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxHuT4Tvo3sfzAdQ2ditg8-PxUQ_WHb2ySKezWR6dTfJhLdwPI8JO2mdPULFRrYlwOFN7Vi3W_Rm3djcaqmlH8fcK8306ffbDa-5WgV9z7U1JJLg3s4U4UO28mia2CXeInMwKkDVI2sU4/s320/so+kiss+me+products+side+by+side.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Recently I was given the oppurtunity by So...? Fragrances to try out their So...? Kiss me body spray and eau de toilette. I have always been aware of the brand but have finally got a chance to try out these two products myself when they arrived in the post last week!<br />
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This perfume is a girly scent packed with a lovely blend of fruity blackcurrant and vanilla notes with a sweet dose of vanilla and woody musks. The fruity notes were the first thing I noticed but after a while I was left with a quite sweet musk. I've worn vanilla scents in the past but this perfume is definitely more distinctive than that. I was actually surprised that the fragrance was quite so musky!<br />
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The perfume I tried was 50ml and was simple in design but easy to hold. Yes, this actually matters to me. I've got tiny hands and am pretty clumsy, so I can tell you all that this product is<i> foolproof!</i> For a £10 product (via <a href="http://uk.sofragrance.com/shop_land"><http: "="" 50ml="" eau-de-toilette="" shop="" size="" uk.sofragrance.com="">So...? website</http:></a>) I do think the design is quite basic but I can say that the bottle is in no way awkward. The body spray I tried was 75ml and was printed with the So...? Kiss me lips motif that I really like. I'd personally love to see the lips theme continued onto the perfume bottle or in the shape of the lid?<br />
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I actually think that I'd wear this on a date regardless of the name. The sweetness that lasts on the skin is rather nice, so for a lingering vanilla scent on a night out I'd probably reach for this. The perfume also lasts for a few hours on the skin. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of musk, but prefer the fruity notes in this fragrance... Which is unsurprisingly where the body spray won me over!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBiJLpxlZ4z2KWAIsyuyOpGKqnD3hPLIKlSAVJvbu9Ix0gnwvSF0xOjXN1Pfao1nrrBzudQKPhqE1JpxRFMPBFNCvaa7njRQo51ubTIFsI2aIDaS07gG3q_ciQ8SQOF9FAgjOvZ7Z8U4m/s1600/so+kiss+me+body+fragrance+spray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBiJLpxlZ4z2KWAIsyuyOpGKqnD3hPLIKlSAVJvbu9Ix0gnwvSF0xOjXN1Pfao1nrrBzudQKPhqE1JpxRFMPBFNCvaa7njRQo51ubTIFsI2aIDaS07gG3q_ciQ8SQOF9FAgjOvZ7Z8U4m/s1600/so+kiss+me+body+fragrance+spray.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
The body spray is lighter than the perfume and I find it much brighter for it. While the musk in the perfume can mask the light fruity notes, as soon as this spray is used you can smell berries with a good dose of pineapple. And although the blackcurrant is there, I'm not reminded of squash at children's parties! While this spray unfortunately doesn't last for as long as the perfume, I use body sprays daily and have reached for this product a lot more. It's definitely my favourite and I've been wearing it a lot!<br />
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'So...? kiss me' body spray has a fragrance that I think would be great for the winter as it is lovely and warm but not overpowering. If this comparison makes any sense to anyone, it reminds me a bit of the 'Diva' Batiste fragrance which I really like. <i>Anyone? </i>I can definitely imagine myself keeping this in my bag during the day while I'm at uni. What I like most about it is the warmth and clear berry notes. Anyway, for £10 and £2 respectively, these products are definitely an option for anyone looking for an afforable new fragrance this autumn! <br />
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So...? Fragrances are definitely budget friendly and provide numerous options for gifts and little treats! I'm going to personally investigate more of the offerings from this brand and I'd definitely say they are worth looking into! I'm very pleased to say that So...? have given me the chance to give away one of each of these products. <b> </b><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>To enter for the giveaway...</b></span> <br />
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- Like the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/So.FragranceUK"><https: so.fragranceuk"="" www.facebook.com="">So...? Facebook page</https:></a></b><br />
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- The competition is open to UK residents only.<br />
- The competition is closing on the 5th of Oct 2011 at 11.59pm. Good luck everybody!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Products reviewed here were supplied to me by So...? Fragrances, but the views stated here were my own!</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-71722349541357967652011-09-13T22:51:00.001+01:002011-09-13T22:53:06.611+01:00Sleek lipstick in rose petal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VSGvr9lMNfDf9reC-3-DG1TeqdYM6CoAuKGrzRhEXRKebUf0yapTwdm1eusplVeQUlyMkp0sHa4BWHr9wdKbb8CkKE21KVeJkb4dZdLfr4-eCS1t3pywqVeKQqO-ysdFWauth1c3hY-1/s1600/sleek+true+colour+rose+petal+lid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VSGvr9lMNfDf9reC-3-DG1TeqdYM6CoAuKGrzRhEXRKebUf0yapTwdm1eusplVeQUlyMkp0sHa4BWHr9wdKbb8CkKE21KVeJkb4dZdLfr4-eCS1t3pywqVeKQqO-ysdFWauth1c3hY-1/s400/sleek+true+colour+rose+petal+lid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm not sure if anyone else is familiar with this phenomenon but I often find myself inheriting makeup from my Mum. Whether it's too dark, shiny, bright, or just plain wrong on her, makeup in my house often is given a lovely new life when i get my grubby mitts on it. Case in point with this Sleek true colour lipstick in Rose petal.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnYoHnsSW4runvwD-wsTz4JF1vB0sBRkTxiSq3HpbDVxoGLr7DhziMvwEOvJNdjBdgYfjYzE8Te_ZrTXtqpAOT3jBC7AA_Ges3_dkEv1Vem_Q-LVHk-X_WK2LC-G9QvEgF_iUAXh7wT66/s1600/sleek+true+colour+rose+petal+lipstick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnYoHnsSW4runvwD-wsTz4JF1vB0sBRkTxiSq3HpbDVxoGLr7DhziMvwEOvJNdjBdgYfjYzE8Te_ZrTXtqpAOT3jBC7AA_Ges3_dkEv1Vem_Q-LVHk-X_WK2LC-G9QvEgF_iUAXh7wT66/s1600/sleek+true+colour+rose+petal+lipstick.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The thing I love about this lipstick is the fact that I can't quite pin down the colour. It's got a bit of pink, a bit of gold and a bit of coral in there but it isn't too garish. It also applies <i>far</i> better than the previous Sleek lipstick I had tried (Amethsyt). Contrary to my previous experience, this lipstick glides on and provides an instant rose-gold sheen that looks pretty without being too dark or too shiny for an everyday look. Rose petal also doesn't dry my lips out or accentuate any existing damage (looking at you again Amethyst) which will be a godsend over the next few months. When blotted, the subtle shimmer remained without looking patchy or losing too much colour.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FE3k2rTYvdXNT-2H_5QQNlhjVqwLNs0XuEAHP3QT1kDBJ7296NdFn2OI1iH1QtRiEwHsqyTJ1tML7M8qxcQoo1ZwbXOsMjsy23zbTBjyFgl5_tLylwwkLdaeyjSG_3hacA78HnONYfG8/s1600/sleek+true+colour+rose+petal+swatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FE3k2rTYvdXNT-2H_5QQNlhjVqwLNs0XuEAHP3QT1kDBJ7296NdFn2OI1iH1QtRiEwHsqyTJ1tML7M8qxcQoo1ZwbXOsMjsy23zbTBjyFgl5_tLylwwkLdaeyjSG_3hacA78HnONYfG8/s1600/sleek+true+colour+rose+petal+swatch.jpg" /></a></div><br />
In this photo I'm wearing very minimal makeup but I do think that the shade of the lipstick works well with my pink based skin tone. Despite the fact that the lipstick is so shimmery, I don't think it looks too OTT for a daytime look. So when the temperature plummets I will be reaching for this in the mornings as a my-lips-but-warmer shade. Finding everyday lipsticks is 10 times harder than finding statement brights so I'm considering this a success!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicN6hFoLK7O-Imx89Td9kVTL7Bx1HqT3z3IDAVwxhyphenhypheng12BPfwpGx27K_EH-Sarv0ik_esZd-CBjEbtTHM8deiBbPP4CpYoHXpn4MzrfT-TXuZB_l3RCqUbUzusmtQxndhwi7fA4jjt5J2b/s1600/rose+petal+fotd+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicN6hFoLK7O-Imx89Td9kVTL7Bx1HqT3z3IDAVwxhyphenhypheng12BPfwpGx27K_EH-Sarv0ik_esZd-CBjEbtTHM8deiBbPP4CpYoHXpn4MzrfT-TXuZB_l3RCqUbUzusmtQxndhwi7fA4jjt5J2b/s1600/rose+petal+fotd+final.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So naturally when I looked this lipstick up on the Sleek website, it wasn't there! Just when I finally find a lovely autumnal shade, fate snatches it away. I suppose I'll just make the most of it while I can. I'm 100% sure there are highstreet dupes available, but I strongly suggest you all have a dig around to see if you've got a hidden autumnal gem lurking in your makeup bag somewhere! My faith in Sleek lipsticks has definitely been restored.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-15557548875865878902011-09-08T14:03:00.003+01:002011-09-08T14:08:26.203+01:00The blonde brow dye-lemna part 1If anybody reading is unaware of this - my hair has not always been blonde. Well, unless you count up until the age of 5 but <i>really</i> my hair became naturally a mid-brown shade and stuck there a long time ago. However that natural colour has been concealed for the best part of the past 5 years due to my experimentations with home hair dye kits and I've since been been red, orange, purple and this year I happily settled on blonde.<br />
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The main difficulty with going blonde from purple was exactly that - going blonde from purple! What I can't ignore though having got past that is the constant need to maintain the colour. Topping up to cover my roots is the first obvious must but recently, I've had another problem...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmYsDVRZtJsxcS7F-GL6RK9P7B7-YMnkszVb5J4AuvZ0aIYZl9eyWLNAfn2VgS0SgoCelNKj8l4hAidgU7aFsD5KfSUoUkK28Ugy_-LCs6EKi54T_b8IQWQHUALZlzDw7-rtQUC2dIlCI/s1600/natural+brows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmYsDVRZtJsxcS7F-GL6RK9P7B7-YMnkszVb5J4AuvZ0aIYZl9eyWLNAfn2VgS0SgoCelNKj8l4hAidgU7aFsD5KfSUoUkK28Ugy_-LCs6EKi54T_b8IQWQHUALZlzDw7-rtQUC2dIlCI/s1600/natural+brows.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My eyebrows have always been quite fine; but their bland brown tint this has made them actually pretty difficult to integrate with the more vibrant hair colours I've tried. Here they are in their plucked-but-natural state. While they are just about light enough to look inkeeping with my shade of blonde, I find that day to day they do still need a bit of attention... And yet more attention I pay to my eyebrows the worse they seem!<br />
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While I'm happy with my hair as it is now, since going blonde I wouldn't dream of putting on my face without at least some pencilling and combing of my eyebrows! So in the following <b><i>blonde brow series</i></b> I'm going to show you what they look like naturally, my current budget go-to products, and compare them both to a higher-end product I'll be trialling by an industry expert.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Brf_ZKmUnCdYdnn2tLi4HI2skcHWoaFG0qLDdqPCnU4fOdtmp8wCEFYMseAUUOjatzUI5RU86eC52uZs7rL2RsOfI4ucLqf2nxPsXI0w9Yg4PAT9dsgDqQImERMvCsZgoJuYEN6zpRtR/s1600/Brows3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Brf_ZKmUnCdYdnn2tLi4HI2skcHWoaFG0qLDdqPCnU4fOdtmp8wCEFYMseAUUOjatzUI5RU86eC52uZs7rL2RsOfI4ucLqf2nxPsXI0w9Yg4PAT9dsgDqQImERMvCsZgoJuYEN6zpRtR/s1600/Brows3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://anastasia.net/">Anastasia Soare of Beverly Hills </a>has been an eye and brow guru to Madonna, Oprah and Jennifer Lopez. With products that boast a focus on skincare, clinically tested formulas and a recently expanded range of shades, I was definitely intriged to be offerered a chance to trial her answer to my daily problem of unkempt brows! Her products are available in <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=5746">Sephora</a> and in the posts that follow, I'm hoping to investigate just how much of a difference a total shakeup to my brow routine will make. I'll see you all in part 2!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-59642786473658033802011-08-26T16:03:00.002+01:002011-08-26T16:06:04.932+01:00Giveaway winner and update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvoS4uokOZzoyVJhr58mpGqp4Ne_LluoqPhvwEeISn267F0A08cJlVC9qkX6fdtiw__VE5Nnp9doaycOnsfl998_ElPk3cBa11OEhQCDOydPPSDZ1xsxHtm677wIneRUF-SMuUL3uHxim/s1600/oban+holiday+snap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvoS4uokOZzoyVJhr58mpGqp4Ne_LluoqPhvwEeISn267F0A08cJlVC9qkX6fdtiw__VE5Nnp9doaycOnsfl998_ElPk3cBa11OEhQCDOydPPSDZ1xsxHtm677wIneRUF-SMuUL3uHxim/s1600/oban+holiday+snap.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Apologies for the delay in posting but I've been away in the wilds of Scotland! Above is a holiday snap from Oban where I recently spent a week with my boyfriend and family. All in all it was a lovely trip in a gorgeous setting and on our first day I even saw a wild otter bumbling around!<br />
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Back to blogging and I've got some news for you all in the form of a<i> </i>winner for my earring giveaway.<i> </i>Random.org declares that the winner is... <span style="font-size: small;"><b>Yana</b></span> whose favourite piece of jewelery is a pair of Topshop pearl bow earrings. Thank you to everyone that entered.<br />
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Finally here is a link to the guest post I wrote for Lauren at <a href="http://www.budgetbeautyqueen.com/">Budget Beauty Queen.</a> She asked me about one of my holy grail items and you can read about that<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <a href="http://www.budgetbeautyqueen.com/2011/08/blog-series-part-13-beauty-and-reverie.html">here.</a></b></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-16154343158533058722011-08-10T14:07:00.000+01:002011-08-10T14:07:18.359+01:00My Lazy Oaf love letter!Lazy Oaf is an awesome brand. There we go, I've said it. Ever since I discovered them I've been on their website almost constantly and here is the reason why...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrFvYVRDtLa8fHP-HFYPK578P8jn47NtyxPKE7OHrCHzzRKONc4z6cQlJYWrPunacn2h5RyIPQHfpBqd5b6BfO1pu6nWdGbphbpvsAIW_jrviMoAms_9PG0OmQ1-py04viuAuzD9mWvHk/s1600/quackers_lrg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrFvYVRDtLa8fHP-HFYPK578P8jn47NtyxPKE7OHrCHzzRKONc4z6cQlJYWrPunacn2h5RyIPQHfpBqd5b6BfO1pu6nWdGbphbpvsAIW_jrviMoAms_9PG0OmQ1-py04viuAuzD9mWvHk/s400/quackers_lrg.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lazyoaf.co.uk/womens-t-shirts/c22_26/p2091/Lazy-Oaf-Quackers-Crop-Tee/product_info.html">Quackers crop tee - £30</a></div><br />
A graphic design brand based in London with a shop just a stone's throw away from the ever chic Carnaby street, the words I'd use to describe Lazy Oaf are 'really damn cool.' Their signature is a bold, playful style that updates omnipresent pieces like bobble hats and rucksacks that often get left behind by fashion. With mens, womens and unisex pieces this brand has definitely got something for everyone and its tongue firmly in its cheek.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GBoASnn7b8CPtJsQ-7gWIWaF6vP12QmewzYI20F8oLpD6OKEYsmr3vnOjuVa7aKkkFhr9mr1_RSGQMTwTT2rvwnnWLNcxm9NQdGnKRwS3L2LM0kEqEkYO7KH8pFlIEMxHEa1hM4T3jOm/s1600/minniecreepers_lrg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GBoASnn7b8CPtJsQ-7gWIWaF6vP12QmewzYI20F8oLpD6OKEYsmr3vnOjuVa7aKkkFhr9mr1_RSGQMTwTT2rvwnnWLNcxm9NQdGnKRwS3L2LM0kEqEkYO7KH8pFlIEMxHEa1hM4T3jOm/s400/minniecreepers_lrg.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lazyoaf.co.uk/accessories-Shoes/c72_161/p1987/Lazy-Oaf-X-Underground-Minnie-Creepers/product_info.html">Minnie creepers - £85</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrwPG6RnwmGk7ydnSdgIFftPZWsJ-zgoDZaKQrR4nu0-go4c9aE5emP2X2mxk25xPEZHzyunymnuGDopwiXjJlvqM_LjrGq6Eh4iDYca6bO4kiZwYbanFEUQ0Upnut-fvvRPBg4xZQp_E/s1600/spacebag_lrg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrwPG6RnwmGk7ydnSdgIFftPZWsJ-zgoDZaKQrR4nu0-go4c9aE5emP2X2mxk25xPEZHzyunymnuGDopwiXjJlvqM_LjrGq6Eh4iDYca6bO4kiZwYbanFEUQ0Upnut-fvvRPBg4xZQp_E/s400/spacebag_lrg.jpg" width="332" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lazyoaf.co.uk/accessories-bags/c72_78/p2143/Lazy-Oaf-Space-Pack/product_info.html">Space pack - £55</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1kqnZkwvfuypvj-JCvsW8XYgMsEozGOUQgsMisPCXi1C-BT51iMF2AAXwA_VGRiFdl0a90Ebs4ua7H17feJVdM5cMZFkOdZXNhB8dR1P5j-qh1vLZBeOHqmndHLzPCzrax9ZDPmZv-Ke/s1600/melonskirt1_lrg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1kqnZkwvfuypvj-JCvsW8XYgMsEozGOUQgsMisPCXi1C-BT51iMF2AAXwA_VGRiFdl0a90Ebs4ua7H17feJVdM5cMZFkOdZXNhB8dR1P5j-qh1vLZBeOHqmndHLzPCzrax9ZDPmZv-Ke/s400/melonskirt1_lrg.jpg" width="330" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lazyoaf.co.uk/womens-skirts/c22_137/p2140/Lazy-Oaf-Watermelon-Skirt/product_info.html">Watermelon skirt -£38</a></div><br />
Lazy Oaf have the uncanny knack of taking regular pieces of clothing and making them endlessly covetable! They even have a range of cards and stationary with their fantastically kitsch designs. They have managed to take witty design and branch it out from the fashion staples of shirts and dresses into something of a lifestyle. After all, who doesn't love a wonderfully designed statement piece? Somehow this year, I'm sure my student budget will stretch to accommodate one!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Images taken from lazyoaf.co.uk with prior permission.</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-83832244601197011692011-08-05T13:52:00.000+01:002011-08-05T13:52:40.734+01:00How to fix a rewritten blogger post<div style="text-align: left;">I'm going to ask for a quick show of hands as to how many of you fellow bloggers write directly into a new post. We all do it sometimes. The best laid plans are all very well but with a rush of inspiration I regularly find myself tapping away and saving my post as a draft... But what if by accident the post then gets lost or deleted? While I have some of my content backed up, some of it is very spur of the moment. What if all of that hard work suddenly ends up evaporating into cyberspace? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a post inspired by some panicked tweets I saw from a fellow blogger! Sophie over at <a href="http://www.beautycfw.com/">Beauty Comes From Within</a> had lost a post while trying to edit some pictures. Luckily, at 1.30am I managed to recover and email her back the lost post before she had to contact a PR company because it'd vanished! Although this is an answer to a very <i>specific</i> problem, it's one I've also suffered from myself -</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>How to recover a lost blogger post that you never backed up!</b></span></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you (like me and many others) are used to typing into saved drafts and having 40 tabs open at the same time, it's an easy mistake to make! Typing into the wrong window can suddenly overwrite a lengthy post and lose you valuable content. Combine that with saving and publishing and it can screw your tags, your continuity and all your previous writing will vanish. However, there is a simple solution if you notice your mistake quickly that should help you straighten it all out.</li>
<li>Google have an incredibly useful feature where they offer a 'cache' for indexed sites. This means that if a website is offline or unavailable, they have a record of some of the recent content. How recent this record is tends to change from site to site (I'm guessing it's related to traffic and size), but here is how you can use this to your advantage -</li>
</ul><ul><li>Search for your blog on google. I did this to demonstrate so here is what you will see if you try it!</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFxpBLG-NUm-qRhW-cs6nhcszlMdHMxtUqjxHQChAQlXliU9nZ8sYLIW0Jg4h09adnQ8DGT3ZoMIBX0Sqh9Uq2es9maBA3x8iR-5VZU4_Xu_Y4haPQaWv5md3IwhcpoDIEvX48kmcq-N_/s1600/cache+help+post+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFxpBLG-NUm-qRhW-cs6nhcszlMdHMxtUqjxHQChAQlXliU9nZ8sYLIW0Jg4h09adnQ8DGT3ZoMIBX0Sqh9Uq2es9maBA3x8iR-5VZU4_Xu_Y4haPQaWv5md3IwhcpoDIEvX48kmcq-N_/s1600/cache+help+post+1.png" /></a></div><ul><li>I've pointed this one out with the help of MS paint (you're all seeing my true techy skills in action here!) because the one thing you need to look for is the cache button. If it shows up, you're in luck! Now click it and you should end up...</li>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjms0Lzn8pL9DO-fYn62R-HH-xBXi78xLOSUJ37T819BSAS2jTYYKh4iv8zEYAqaLEkjKg-pMDSl1gLqU4F-5RoVhsVxlppFRhNsvxSmpckkRNldZNnGwMtf6R0sU4qRmC7CiFvOfaRgq/s1600/cache+help+post+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjms0Lzn8pL9DO-fYn62R-HH-xBXi78xLOSUJ37T819BSAS2jTYYKh4iv8zEYAqaLEkjKg-pMDSl1gLqU4F-5RoVhsVxlppFRhNsvxSmpckkRNldZNnGwMtf6R0sU4qRmC7CiFvOfaRgq/s1600/cache+help+post+2.png" /></a>
<li>Viewing a saved version of your blog! Google for me didn't have posts saved as recently as Sophie's but frankly, I haven't been posting all that much lately so I can understand that! What you view here is a sort of 'remembered' version of your blog from the last time that Google skimmed over it. From here you should be able to sift through your content as it was on that date! The grey bar along the top tells you what that date was.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp9hBzmV1OUczz_g6lk5MJSFJviDz_dQKEs04ZvTrmvdwiMdajrSDg5-CSm9MliZMS49sTMNLe8VFRoXEXXxwT9uclI6TZvNFvDlAmF_Ii4Vv6PNcHdoNj5bg9KkCyrtMVHvu8YIyxVDZ/s1600/cache+help+post+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp9hBzmV1OUczz_g6lk5MJSFJviDz_dQKEs04ZvTrmvdwiMdajrSDg5-CSm9MliZMS49sTMNLe8VFRoXEXXxwT9uclI6TZvNFvDlAmF_Ii4Vv6PNcHdoNj5bg9KkCyrtMVHvu8YIyxVDZ/s400/cache+help+post+3.png" width="400" /></a></div><ul><li>Here is a larger image of the bar so you can all see the date. There is also the option on the far right to read some more about the cache system and it explains it far more concisely than I have here!</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiymw6RvRLgbKpWsy8bFxe74jZLieLNbR3bg4RlzR4smREi3JSpNauknTCrXhAL3yYUApLj9XYXRDjZ62jrYFUjQEaBovz3z8057F7sfhJuaZj-rdR0oMtJgzMdy44wI5U0BpYMqu9z2p-/s1600/cache+help+post+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiymw6RvRLgbKpWsy8bFxe74jZLieLNbR3bg4RlzR4smREi3JSpNauknTCrXhAL3yYUApLj9XYXRDjZ62jrYFUjQEaBovz3z8057F7sfhJuaZj-rdR0oMtJgzMdy44wI5U0BpYMqu9z2p-/s320/cache+help+post+5.png" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>With the ability to look at a saved version of your blog, you also can copy and paste this older saved content back into its rightful draft and move whatever you overwrote it with safely into a new post! While this may seem incredibly simple for those of you who already know it, if this is news to you I hope that it can help in the future if you're ever stuck in the same situation Sophie and I have been in! Even if <i>you</i> haven't backed up your content lately, it's worth checking to see if Google have! </li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>So there you have it, I hope that this quick guide will help if you ever get caught in a panic-stricken moment! Although the method is very simple, it's very useful knowledge and as I found out at 1.30am - it's a nice feeling to save someone else from this trouble! x</b></i></span> </div><br />
<ul></ul>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-39049277536565423962011-08-04T22:33:00.000+01:002011-08-04T22:33:19.835+01:00Peacocks blusher and bronzerTwo of the most interesting items I picked up in my haul are the blusher and the bronzer that I picked up a Peacocks cosmetics sale at £1 each. There was even an offer of 10% student discount on so one of these was picked up for me by my boyfriend at 90p!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xiQ0cetiarkAm2QpAQpWwQQPdv112RB55juLSvRnpIbPaOj55u5Rv8UrAIJiPSZvFKpoBgKmKYMyNFS0rmDYJKvfqHv-6wcH0SD1yk9TbONLw5a0pWnQ03hip1ZhGpJCLp22kxnQ7WzJ/s1600/peacocks+evie+glam+bronzer+and+blusher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xiQ0cetiarkAm2QpAQpWwQQPdv112RB55juLSvRnpIbPaOj55u5Rv8UrAIJiPSZvFKpoBgKmKYMyNFS0rmDYJKvfqHv-6wcH0SD1yk9TbONLw5a0pWnQ03hip1ZhGpJCLp22kxnQ7WzJ/s1600/peacocks+evie+glam+bronzer+and+blusher.jpg" /></a></div><br />
While the blusher carries a pretty gold shimmer and looks an almost apricot shade, it shows up on the skin as quite a natural flush of pink. I thought that due to the low price, it might give quite a heavy-handed dose splodge of colour or be hard to blend. In fact, the base of this blusher (and similarly the bronzer) is a fine gold shimmer underneath which a gentle tint builds. I like the illuminating qualities this gives the fact that it can be blended so lightly.<br />
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I couldn't resist picking up the bronzer too although there wasn't an unboxed example on display to peek at. I was quite surprised at how dark it was when I opened in and might not have bought it had I seen it but I'm glad I did. Though the colour looks deep, the fine shimmer particles lift the shade and make it good for applying an easy summery contour. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-EvW50kf6HZWBpF-ZtbACNy6curmVUuskz7y83_-pnXvRE1KOPRKSwyvCwwQqx_OQkD1mpdJdiqYt9TcEgSLITQmb0mJn-pydyK19bWOF3xrxhxQA9b57qiqb-ugFtd1lNdqaDcp2mm1/s1600/peacocks+blusher+bronzer+pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-EvW50kf6HZWBpF-ZtbACNy6curmVUuskz7y83_-pnXvRE1KOPRKSwyvCwwQqx_OQkD1mpdJdiqYt9TcEgSLITQmb0mJn-pydyK19bWOF3xrxhxQA9b57qiqb-ugFtd1lNdqaDcp2mm1/s1600/peacocks+blusher+bronzer+pan.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I've actually been wearing this instead of my Accessorize blusher because while the Accessorize blusher is a similarly shimmery pink, to build the tint, you need to build the shimmer. With the Peacocks blusher I find that you can build the colour a lot quicker without needing to layer up on the product as much, making it a preferable shade for summer!<br />
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One of my favourite things about the bronzer is the fact that it isn't cakey. While the shimmer is clearly gold, on my skin this product also doesn't create orange layers like some budget examples I've tried. A little goes a long way but it can of course be built up. I wore this dusted over a light base on the hottest day of the year so far and was extremely pleased with the results!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieekDEi9HhaP-WVmnmPC_-FHjBGXZ7OTfAAEPyKKluhOul24aaBdxZx_o9rCILrreVAft1d0SDAYxilPFHEqElkW2IzGoZA6jNPNY5wcBj-zxytBy0dDqz4-4SedqKDqGvlSjNQMezIWl/s1600/peacocks+blusher+and+bronzer+swatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgieekDEi9HhaP-WVmnmPC_-FHjBGXZ7OTfAAEPyKKluhOul24aaBdxZx_o9rCILrreVAft1d0SDAYxilPFHEqElkW2IzGoZA6jNPNY5wcBj-zxytBy0dDqz4-4SedqKDqGvlSjNQMezIWl/s1600/peacocks+blusher+and+bronzer+swatch.jpg" /></a></div><br />
For my pennies, I recieved two boxed block powder products weighing in at 13.5g including a small brush. Now, I have actually used the brush (as I normally use supplied eyeshadow applicators) mostly out of my own laziness but I have to say they're not great. They do shed and mine seemed to be a a bid dodgy but I don't really mind for the uber cheap pricetag!<br />
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I feel almost guilty for saying that I didn't look twice at these products when they were at their full price. I believe they were originally £3 each, but then again bronzers and blushers aren't usually everyday products for me. I think that the bronzer has found its way into my heart as a distinctly summery product that I wouldn't necessarily splurge on but I'm glad I found! The blusher has become my current favourite for wearing in the evenings. I know that I'm fickle, but these two products are definitely some summery sale treats that I would advise you all to check out!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-19731273483826853742011-07-27T18:08:00.000+01:002011-07-27T18:08:43.568+01:00A quirky little giveaway!I'm still amazed by all the support my blog has gained over the past few months and though I've been a bit sporadic lately, I'd like to say thanks for all of you for sticking with me. This is a giveaway for all the people that follow me and leave regular comments, even when I don't make regular posts! <br />
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Jewelery is one of my obsessions and I always look for things a little bit outside of the box. I love discovering quirky little finds online, at stalls or in charity shops and I rarely leave the house without a silver ring or some bizarre studs! I am a bit of a magpie and even make jewelery in my spare time...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3OBtKyRgmeOuaFTur3xPzvaN9WWleLcy3USrxYmBHuDZpnrmfwFm45qqKlRHe0UT2QThcOOtbyXUScbRlw6EmeoE5rOV1sxhC7fi4Vrf6uMvHJycz6mCtTi7nCp9u4ZC5aUk9TP2-vUp/s1600/giveaway+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3OBtKyRgmeOuaFTur3xPzvaN9WWleLcy3USrxYmBHuDZpnrmfwFm45qqKlRHe0UT2QThcOOtbyXUScbRlw6EmeoE5rOV1sxhC7fi4Vrf6uMvHJycz6mCtTi7nCp9u4ZC5aUk9TP2-vUp/s1600/giveaway+earrings.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So for one lucky follower, I've got a pair of my rather quirky handmade marshmallow earrings up for grabs. Unfortunately they aren't edible but they do look pretty convincing if I can say so myself! All you have to do to win them is comment and tell me -<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><i><b>What is your favourite piece of jewelery?</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>There are a maximum of <span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>3 possible entries</b></i></span> per person and the closing date will be midnight on the 9th of August. This giveaway is open to all my followers in Europe, Canada and the US. You must be a follower of my blog to enter and when the giveaway ends all of the valid entries will be put into a list and a winner will be chosen at random!<br />
<ul><li>1 entry for commenting with your answer and gfc name</li>
<li>1+ entry for tweeting about the giveaway (please include your twitter name)</li>
<li>1+ entry if you mention the giveaway on your blog (please include a blog link)</li>
</ul><i style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Good luck everybody and I look forward to hearing about your favourite pieces!</span></b></i>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-35571003271730873572011-07-24T22:06:00.000+01:002011-07-24T22:06:43.828+01:00Rimmel Glam'eyes mono eyeshadow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZWZDBa-1mvTe-reg64L8fR6T9tgUwC48eFIib3rMd6JzdoSNx1z-tS_a0-UUDdLHV05v6_zFIJO_vbAMXjDvWTOldILjXGFXAXm4HkfzkWwInGZML5m2kPlM6lAM_nyaqirOxkjRavfo/s1600/rimmel+solo+eyeshadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZWZDBa-1mvTe-reg64L8fR6T9tgUwC48eFIib3rMd6JzdoSNx1z-tS_a0-UUDdLHV05v6_zFIJO_vbAMXjDvWTOldILjXGFXAXm4HkfzkWwInGZML5m2kPlM6lAM_nyaqirOxkjRavfo/s1600/rimmel+solo+eyeshadow.jpg" /></a></div>Although at a glance this eyeshadow may not look like the most interesting (or to be honest the most loved) of cosmetics. I inherited this from my Mum who is exceptionally pale and actually found it too dark. However, on me I think that shade 130 'Tribute' is a perfect taupe crease colour!<br />
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Despite dustiness, I think this shade provides something that I've rarely had at my disposal - <i>a gorgeous substitute for brown</i>. Cosmetics in chocolatey shades show up as seriously dark on me and take a lot of blending! Even paler browns seem to just look quite wrong so I tend to favour shimmery gold shadows. Fortunately, Rimmel have found a pretty balance between the two that applies and blends very easily.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTEhKlkXXTMy-WXQ25eL5uzmmHlVGLU94sxt_2BtV_OlSqTy2FAIz12dzO_4iAilh1F_l220EkIMAb0XOPLYJCHRimsJKdFl04UnAAG09oEbmEyxI0QfiWI3EZOvKkjZfcj9vjIAIRaDG/s1600/rimmel+solo+taupe+pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTEhKlkXXTMy-WXQ25eL5uzmmHlVGLU94sxt_2BtV_OlSqTy2FAIz12dzO_4iAilh1F_l220EkIMAb0XOPLYJCHRimsJKdFl04UnAAG09oEbmEyxI0QfiWI3EZOvKkjZfcj9vjIAIRaDG/s1600/rimmel+solo+taupe+pan.jpg" /></a></div>Yes the shadow is rather dusty in the pan, but take a look at that shade! On the back of the packaging Rimmel add that this shade complements both blue and green eyes. Upon recent application and inspection I can agree that it does actually bring out green shades in my eyes. The rather dusky gold shimmer has always seemed to me to be a brown with lilac undertones, setting it apart from several other red based golds that I have. A light application gives a subtle gold shimmer covering and heavier application can be blended easily for a smokier look.<br />
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The consistency isn't as soft as some I've come across and it isn't overpoweringly metallic. I find it is a lovely neutral with just the right amount of shimmer. While the wear is quite average I find it depends on blending and eyeshadow combinations. When worn alone I've experienced some annoying creasing but no more than when I wear some of my Accessorize shades which are far softer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u09oEyms6Qmv0EQdCF6Eoy_RpeMGMwVh9oFLjwZ1uqchewGAPMFatIEnfQsw01x65f0VZRWICt9CKp_mPGdkO5Ka0VsimFSXrs0Fu-d9CFQ0FfACBHh6ZxcX-rqiOfM3iJjISf23AxaN/s1600/rimel+solo+eyeshadow+swatch+130+tribute+glam+eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u09oEyms6Qmv0EQdCF6Eoy_RpeMGMwVh9oFLjwZ1uqchewGAPMFatIEnfQsw01x65f0VZRWICt9CKp_mPGdkO5Ka0VsimFSXrs0Fu-d9CFQ0FfACBHh6ZxcX-rqiOfM3iJjISf23AxaN/s320/rimel+solo+eyeshadow+swatch+130+tribute+glam+eyes.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><br />
Finally a pair of swatches for your delectation. On the left is a very light sweep and on the right is a built up application. The left clearly shows the shimmer which is very fine and very pretty. On the right I think is where the shade shows its substance and gives some colour payoff. While it isn't particularly dramatic I think this shade is definitely a go-to colour that I'm glad to own! Rimmel mono eyeshadows normally retail at £4.49 and are very widely available. Considering this fell into my lap for free I think I can call that a very happy accident!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-63889269730443986262011-07-16T23:49:00.000+01:002011-07-16T23:49:11.119+01:00An extremely thrifty haul!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3P6DIJ9eHh7zWPVPjP2DqN60XzNcYyDf6e62h08Jk6PacHiT23hLCr3ZvsOFOYqAqK6AMqxd_fbWY-P78xg_qZyyDXuNNy8D0g7yknLTGsREMFy8RLfIvZVby37H7PaWagaAuoxwonRo/s1600/haul+shot+budget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3P6DIJ9eHh7zWPVPjP2DqN60XzNcYyDf6e62h08Jk6PacHiT23hLCr3ZvsOFOYqAqK6AMqxd_fbWY-P78xg_qZyyDXuNNy8D0g7yknLTGsREMFy8RLfIvZVby37H7PaWagaAuoxwonRo/s1600/haul+shot+budget.jpg" /></a></div><br />
If you look at the pictures above, would you really believe it if I told you that every single item had been bought for £1 or less? I know I wouldn't but I've been pretty lucky on my shopping expeditions lately! Here is a little guide to the budget haul I've collected where all of these items still left me with change from a tenner!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsbBqyeLecMjPTEFBthP63ajuEpy6v_pWcA8mFXiR0_A93JLTkb241G_46R73hZ2ihyphenhyphenDMZrsB7jHI9k8fBYdGG_zVTf57wWHr7Jj4zUn5ej35e75L86YVOPTurNtVC1zo9hcWuJKYSnpD/s1600/rimmel+wet+n+wild+eyeshadows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsbBqyeLecMjPTEFBthP63ajuEpy6v_pWcA8mFXiR0_A93JLTkb241G_46R73hZ2ihyphenhyphenDMZrsB7jHI9k8fBYdGG_zVTf57wWHr7Jj4zUn5ej35e75L86YVOPTurNtVC1zo9hcWuJKYSnpD/s1600/rimmel+wet+n+wild+eyeshadows.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The Rimmel solo eyeshadows and the wet n wild solo eyeshadow were a chance find at Poundland. I'm a great lover of pound shops and when I noticed the various brands that had cropped up out of the blue at my local store I was delighted. Among the racks were NYC, Revlon, MeMeMe and several other brands I immediately started to flap about. However as I was in a hurry, these were all I got! I'm sure I'll be returning soon to pick over the rest of the spoils. All 3 were exactly £1 each and the cream shade makes a <i>perfect </i>highlighting colour.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEAQ54v_kqVIhr8phqenOYkv_nxEUGYQLZ6-o7Qu-2alIfELwwfxTREgOy5Ct9JG-aAkiPAg2BksA8ipK4prOT-SHKE3cKIxqvjoL8V3loBjPDhIyjZwskog4W20dvXCm9er2MQWNgWHq/s1600/peacocks+blusher+and+bronzer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEAQ54v_kqVIhr8phqenOYkv_nxEUGYQLZ6-o7Qu-2alIfELwwfxTREgOy5Ct9JG-aAkiPAg2BksA8ipK4prOT-SHKE3cKIxqvjoL8V3loBjPDhIyjZwskog4W20dvXCm9er2MQWNgWHq/s1600/peacocks+blusher+and+bronzer.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm not sure where I found out about the Peacocks cosmetics sale but I'm glad I did. Whilst bumbling around the store the other day I made my way over to the beauty products that I normally skim over and found two products that caught my eye. The first was this stunning peachy/gold bronzer and the second a shimmer packed bronzer. My boyfriend picked up the blusher for me which was £1 (reduced from £3) and he even got his 10% student discount off it, making it just 90p. The bronzer we picked up later on for £1.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QpoKEPgB8nuBTquvbadVE_vzwo8WCJYkScmvuy8VT5APwstJJNMKFnCBkEA5AaHdH95IhDhEiOIhmwgyizjwLOH2lVHlxIFBuKBSBxN0XniGWbJ4bmoGzAdaP5qUL3R3bIcoJigKAKsU/s1600/la+colors+wildflower+palette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QpoKEPgB8nuBTquvbadVE_vzwo8WCJYkScmvuy8VT5APwstJJNMKFnCBkEA5AaHdH95IhDhEiOIhmwgyizjwLOH2lVHlxIFBuKBSBxN0XniGWbJ4bmoGzAdaP5qUL3R3bIcoJigKAKsU/s400/la+colors+wildflower+palette.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The LA Colors palette came from a store that boasted prices of 99p or less... I'm sure you'll start to see a theme in my shopping habits soon! I bought it because I'd been mooning over a Sleek palette earlier that day and wanted to see if I could get equally pigmented bright shades at a much cheaper price. I'm completely in love with this palette and I'm sure it'll get its own review soon as despite the seemingly awkward shades I've been reaching for this constantly! Again I'm going to have to return and pick up some of the other shade selections on offer. The palette was 99p and I've worn every single shade!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnwsczdcl0M90htUYGywIKw9dUoW7TsXkmPz60p_Zwt3UxZb9-2iTUZjW78hlFIIJK_S5XcusTUyfwoOwzjSN0lBK9wuEuO6Q7cPB4DHt7Bxt5hseRMSdopZ4X0zSvhQPPTqKjwhtrf4m/s1600/mua+eyeshadows+and+lipstick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnwsczdcl0M90htUYGywIKw9dUoW7TsXkmPz60p_Zwt3UxZb9-2iTUZjW78hlFIIJK_S5XcusTUyfwoOwzjSN0lBK9wuEuO6Q7cPB4DHt7Bxt5hseRMSdopZ4X0zSvhQPPTqKjwhtrf4m/s400/mua+eyeshadows+and+lipstick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
By now I'm sure my love affair with MUA products is common knowledge. Whilst browsing in Superdrug the other day I couldn't resist expanding my collection of their eyeshadows with these shades (6 on the left and 7 on the right) which go wonderfully together. I also bought their lipstick in shade 1 and while I am still having trouble pulling off deep reds, I bought this to play with. Each product was £1 each.<br />
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For 9 items I don't think that £8.89 is a bad price to pay. I've had a lot of use out of several of these products so far and the quality has been great. Individual reviews will follow and I'm sure that they'll pop up in future looks. Turns out I can still sometimes haul on a miniscule budget, fantastic!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1289210130697293260.post-38666985486209474582011-07-06T16:25:00.001+01:002011-08-04T22:36:17.814+01:00Maybelline New York one by one mascaraSo after something of a break from spending and blogging, I'm back! I'm sorry for the lack of warning but I'd like to say thank you for the continued support that has been trickling in during my absence. I hit 100 followers today and I'll take that as a hint to shut up, knuckle down and get on with the reviewing!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg885RE1GZs8amtLEW6mPBQLssCbNkASkMv_Umt6VupJkcd63hHCUty8ooiR2bcIrSfwZPpajpW6WtzPnh7HFyHuIV17K7UtK6goIa9PgIaAnSrPyUNZC7l18cBosp7D_XWL2D9nFeYmgGT/s1600/maybelline+the+one+by+one+volum%2527+express+mascara+packaging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg885RE1GZs8amtLEW6mPBQLssCbNkASkMv_Umt6VupJkcd63hHCUty8ooiR2bcIrSfwZPpajpW6WtzPnh7HFyHuIV17K7UtK6goIa9PgIaAnSrPyUNZC7l18cBosp7D_XWL2D9nFeYmgGT/s400/maybelline+the+one+by+one+volum%2527+express+mascara+packaging.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I never really thought that I'd review many mascaras for this blog simply because I don't own or buy many! I try to stick with an everyday mascara with a good wand for defining and not too wet a formula that doesn't clump or crumble away. I use it until it runs out and then I panic. The process of buying mascaras is a painful one because apparently, finding a product that fits all of my criteria is nigh on impossible! No matter how many reviews and swatches I look at, I still feel utterly befuddled in the shops.<br />
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When I bought this mascara on impulse, it was pretty out of character but I had my reasons. For starters it was the last one on the display! Despite the fact that I had read <i>no reviews</i> of it, I'd heard good whisperings about Maybelline mascaras in general. Priced at £6.49 (reduced from the regular price of £8.49) at Superdrug it was cheaper than the Rimmel option I was looking at and there was one glorious selling point that won me over in the end. Encased in the plastic packaging, for all the world and I to see... was the mascara wand.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCW8a4UEnaOBvhBSJFiNhHnn1nNudd_4tngBxd_JY9rglvMV2QEvhgrdO94apYRjzS0iGQ6gPi6QpMRANUyZd3VWpUyaEgBBQJRR5A1Trhtx5N7Wfr5wShiOsCwOE_bPA5knhjYdCexTv/s1600/maybelline+the+one+by+one+volum%2527+express+mascara+brush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCW8a4UEnaOBvhBSJFiNhHnn1nNudd_4tngBxd_JY9rglvMV2QEvhgrdO94apYRjzS0iGQ6gPi6QpMRANUyZd3VWpUyaEgBBQJRR5A1Trhtx5N7Wfr5wShiOsCwOE_bPA5knhjYdCexTv/s400/maybelline+the+one+by+one+volum%2527+express+mascara+brush.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>For me the make or break part of any mascara is the wand. While I mostly ignore adverts, claims, the names (this one especially is a mouthful) and the differences in price, I can't compromise on the wand. I'm not a fan of giant clumpy bristles and I don't think I could work with a tiny comb so it totally mystifies me as to why 90% of the products I could have bought that day didn't show me what I consider to be the <i>main selling point</i>!<br />
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I'm highly reluctant to buy a mascara - budget or otherwise - only to open the tube and find a product I just can't work with! So when I looked at the Maybelline display and actually <i>saw </i>this wand with the rigid defining effect of a comb but the chance to get greater coverage, I handed over my cash for the snappily titled Maybelline New York the one by one volum' express mascara. Try saying that when you're tired!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4bgR94BLiQtBCFXlN38vc1K3nS6ZMyFp14tSLo_l4VaoCnTkcYvYfWuh6OJc3gidQgTzC3Q6iUN48_vP8AIJC0cEwRt5GZ6Jub_WGsI2sxszNQpBbE2fPDn70wN9ZmqxOmWHYjWOIPpp/s1600/makeupless+eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4bgR94BLiQtBCFXlN38vc1K3nS6ZMyFp14tSLo_l4VaoCnTkcYvYfWuh6OJc3gidQgTzC3Q6iUN48_vP8AIJC0cEwRt5GZ6Jub_WGsI2sxszNQpBbE2fPDn70wN9ZmqxOmWHYjWOIPpp/s1600/makeupless+eye.jpg" /></a></div><br />
When it comes to mascaras I am firmly of the belief that everyone has different preferences, so showing is often far better than telling. One person's holy grail item can be another's clumpy nightmare so for illustrative purposes in all its bloodshot glory here is one of my eyes with no makeup. For comparison purposes, this is what my lashes look like naturally...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdgjkFAw55fEG9Zo1gm_iZgH8X4MteFbDu3ZD-CpMmD3AmAiLbX3Kcf2UGLPy-QGq2tDbG9b7aklwcnbwpQXqRqSTUHayZostmR6QGiImywH72Y5i5DzOjMWRbJii5XhxxyAPwSHElrkb/s1600/maybelline+the+one+by+one+volum%2527+express+mascara+worn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdgjkFAw55fEG9Zo1gm_iZgH8X4MteFbDu3ZD-CpMmD3AmAiLbX3Kcf2UGLPy-QGq2tDbG9b7aklwcnbwpQXqRqSTUHayZostmR6QGiImywH72Y5i5DzOjMWRbJii5XhxxyAPwSHElrkb/s1600/maybelline+the+one+by+one+volum%2527+express+mascara+worn.jpg" /></a></div>And here is my other eye with the Maybelline mascara and perhaps a little bit of undereye concealer. Now the difference is pretty impressive to me. My lashes look well defined and an awful lot longer without looking spidery! The clumps I experienced with this formula were minimal although I'd definitely say that as it is new and rather wet a little goes further than I thought it would. The rigidness of the wand allows me to get the product right to the base of my lashes and comb it outwards from there.<br />
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All in all I'd consider this to be money very well spent and this is now my new everyday staple. Due to the newness and the fact that very little air has reached the product, I allow my lashes a little while to dry and apply light coats rather than one heavy one just because I am <i>that </i>picky about clumps. I'm rather pleased with this purchase and strongly feel that other brands are missing a trick by not giving the people what they want and showing off their wands! What do you all think of the before and after here?Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01421086440407791363noreply@blogger.com7