Heidi's Little World

Guerlain le2 Mascara

2009-07-13T13:14:00.001+01:00

Well here's an innovation for you ladies. A mascara that comes with two brushes, one for your upper lashes and one for your lower. A pretty simple thought which makes a world of difference to mascara application. Not only that, but the brushes are actually pretty decent. Its made mascara application a piece of cake for me.

I first bought this mascara at the recommendation of a friend. To be honest my first thought was that it wasn't worth the money. Guerlain products are always so expensive! And I didn't think much of the 2 brush thing. I thought it was a bit of a pain. I really noticed the difference when I tried another mascara after a couple of months. I hated the brush and was not happy with the application.

Needless to say I've now switched back to le2! Thanks Greta for the tip! Definitely worth the £22.

Heids xx

A little note

2009-03-16T09:46:00.000Z

Hello Ladies

Just in case you're wondering what's been up with my lack of blogging this month, I just wanted to assure you all that I have not forgotten you pretties or my darling blog (after the time I put into it I think I have a right to call it that!).

Work at the moment is mad and insane even, and I've not had much time to do anything else except work eat and sleep (oh alright we all know that's a lie - I've been shopping too - I need my therapy!!)

Anyway I will be posting rather sporadically until easter, but then I will be spending a few days in NYC!! Think of the quantities of makeup I will be able to buy and review!! woooohoooo (and here my wallet groans!)

Hugs to all

Heids xx

Nails Inc A&E treatment gives results

2009-02-16T11:58:00.001Z

Hello ladies

You all know by now that when it comes to nail care I am a big fan of Nails Inc. They have a great collection of colours and treatments and I cannot get enough of them!

I am now letting you in on one of my secrets. The one product I rely on more than any other for my nails is the nails inc A&E treatment base coat. I am always wearing this baby. The secret with this treatment is to apply a layer of it every day, one on tope of the other, for four days in a row, so that your nails can absorb the protein and vitamins that are found in it. After 4 days remove and start the process again. After 4 weeks your nails will be less dry, stronger, whiter and you'll just love how healthy they look!

You can buy it at the Nails Inc Website for £11

Heids xx

Brush Tips from MAC Pro Artist

2009-02-04T23:34:00.001Z

Hello Ladies

Recently I got an email from the lovely ppl at MAC where they talked about their brushes.

With so many different shapes, sizes and bristles to choose from it can be difficult to know which MAC brushes are best for what purpose.
To help shed some light on this topic MAC PRO Trainer Dean Rudd shares his top five brush tips:

1. Soft bristle brushes like the #224, #217 and #213 are best for blending powdered eye shadow.

2. Angled brushes like the #263 or #266 are great for eyeliner. Use with MAC fluidline for the perfect line.

3. Firm bristle brushes like the #242 or #239 are perfect for colour application and building colour on the eye as well as application of cream products such as MAC paint pots.

4. For flawless application of liquid foundations use the #187 or #188 and gently buff foundation into the skin.

5. I simply adore using the #219 pencil brush to soften MAC kohl pencils, such as smolder, around the eye to create the perfect smoky eye.

To keep your brushes in good condition remember to clean them regularly with MAC brush cleanser.

To add my points, the MUST have brushes are the 217, 239, 187 and 219. Also, you can clean your brushes in a gentle shampoo such as Johnson's Baby shampoo.

Happy Brushing!

Heids xx

Snow in London!

2009-02-02T11:33:00.003Z

Oh my gosh I had a glorious time getting to work today. Well the tube was a nightmare but the walk in russell sq was so so pretty! I never thought I would ever see this much snow in London. I thought I would share some pics with you! Heids xx

Nails Inc. Glass Nail file is a keeper

2009-01-26T15:09:00.000Z

Before christmas my mum came to london to visit and we did the inevitable and went shopping. My mum's one real beauty passion are her nails and I took her to the Nails Inc counter at John Lewis on Oxford Str. since she wanted to buy a nail file. The sales girl went straight for this nail file and my mum bought it for £15. I thought it was a bit pricey but the lady assured us that its worth it and that since its glass it will never dull. All one need do is re-wash it and it will look as good as new! My mum complained that her nail tips kept tearing and the lady guaranteed that with this file the nail would not tear, in fact it would grow stronger.

A couple of weeks later I got a call from my mum. She was raving about the results this nail file were producing. "its totally changed the texture of my nail tip" she said, "Heid you have to buy one".

So I did. And I must admit I do like it, but the one thing I really don't like is the feeling of your nail on the glass when filing. Just thinking about it makes me grit my teeth. Its a horrible sensation and a worse sound! Still if you're nail mad you will think this nail file a keeper.

£15 online

Heids xx

A Waxing Nightmare

2009-01-25T12:09:00.001Z

Last Friday I had the worst wax of my life. Honestly, it was the wax from hell. I should have known better when I called to make an appointment and asked how long it would take. The response was "I am very fast don't worry about time". Girls, if you ever get an answer like that steer clear of that beauty parlour.

Don't believe it if they tell you that waxing is painful and there's nothing that can be done about it. I have had waxing sessions with beauticians that are brilliant at it. They have a way of holding your skin down when peeling the strip off, and then gently pressing their hands against the waxed area that helps to subdue pain.

Not this lady. She was ripping of the wax off like nothing and I swear my skin went with the hair half the time. For the first time ever (and I've been waxing for 12 years) I had tears in my eyes. And then, when I thought it was finally all over, she whips out a tweezer and starts to pull out my ingrown hairs. Now thats fine, its something I do myself when the hair is ready to come out. But if she found a hair that was deep in the skin, she would squeeze them out with her nails!!! OMG that was the worst pain ever.

My first waxing experience in London has been an utter disaster. The search of my waxing salon in London continues. Anyone got any recommendations?

Later

Heids xx

Nars Blush Orgasm - True to Hype

2009-01-13T22:52:00.001Z

If you're mad about makeup like me, then you need no introduction to nars blush. Not only does the range sport names such as "Deep Throat", "Luster" and "Dolce Vita", but it also contains what may be the most popular blush I have heard of, the magical shade that is Orgasm blush.

I have to say I did not really get the hype. Every time I found myself at a Nars counter I always found myself veering for the blush section. They do have gorgeous blushes, but I felt the need to buy the orgasm shade. Many people say that this shade suits all complexions, but whenever I sampled it on my hand I never saw anything remarkable. Actually I never saw anything at all, it was so transparent. I kept figuring I was too dark a complexion for the blush. And as I always veered for the blush, I always put it back with a sigh. Should I buy it and try it? Or would I just be falling for the hype?

Then one day I don't know what came over me but I was at the counter and I heard myself thinking "Enough is enough just BUY the thing!" (ahh i love my inner voice - it always tells me what I want it to). So I bought it.

Oh my gosh am I happy I did! The blush makes your cheeks glow a delicate peach pink colour that looks beautifully natural. I have to admit at the moment its the only blush I am using, I love it so much!

So I say this to you - of all the maddening makeup hypes, nars Orgasm blush is definitely for real and worth the hype that follows it. Buy online for £18.50 at the Nars Website .

Heids xx

Happy New Year to all!

2008-12-31T18:10:00.001Z

Hello ladies,

Just a quick note to wish you all the best for the coming year and I hope you all have a great New Year's Eve!

All the very best and see you in 2009!

Heids xx

Brush Basics: MAC Eye Shading Brush 239

2008-12-29T11:04:00.001Z

Hello ladies,

I am introducing you today to the mother of all eye brushes, the 239. It is a super brush, able to collect plenty of eyeshadow with its dense hairs. I love it with pigment too since it allows you to apply lots of pigment, giving great effects.

I would say that with this brush and the 217 is all you need for perfect eyeshadow. first apply colour with the 239, then blend with the 217. You will be startled at how much better your eyeshadow looks.

Its available for £16.64 at MAC stores and online

Heids xx

Bobbi Brown Basic Eye Palette - the neutral wonder

2008-12-18T17:57:00.003Z

Ladies!

I know its been ages but life in London has become mega hectic and i still have not been able to settle down into a routine. Therefore my posts have been rather sporadic. Never fear though, I haven't forgotten about my blog and I will be posting as regularly as possible.

To the makeup! I have been searching for an age for a lovely neutral palette ever since my neutral mac collection of eyeshadows finished. Don't ask me why but for some reason I am off MAC at the moment, and am exploring other brands. This is why I ended up finding my way to the Bobbi Brown counter at Selfridges last Tuesday.

Well, its obvious isn't it? Who is the queen of the neutrals? Bobbi Brown of course! I asked about colours and palettes and the makeup artist at the counter suggested this palette as I was looking for matte day shades.

The shades are lovely and are very subtle, just what I was looking for. I like the texture very much and the colour stays on all day, despite the eye rubbing i do suring the day when at my PC. And as its neutral its a perfect gift for someone this Christmas as you can never go wrong with neutrals!

It is currently sold out on the UK website however you can find it for the same price, £31.32 at Selfridges

Heids xx

Brush Basics: MAC Blending Brush 217

2008-11-20T23:08:00.000Z

The second most important brush in my makeup brush collection after the 187 brush is the 217 brush. Honestly, this brush does wonders to your eyeshadow. Ever wondered how some girls and makeup artists manage to get various eyeshadow colours blended together so well? This is the brush that does that!

The brush is very straightforward to use. First apply eyeshadow as you normally would, going for different shades for your different eye areas. Once done grab the 217 brush and gently in tiny circular movements buff and blend the edges away. Voila! the perfect blend everytime!

Its available for £13 at MAC stores and online

Heids xx

Stila Lip Glaze Stick: What a find!

2008-11-19T21:48:00.000Z

I am REALLY not one for lip glosses. They are so so sticky! The only gloss I can put up with is MAC's lipgelee, and even then there are only so many applications I will put on before it starts feeling sticky.

But my my Stila's lip glaze stick is one huge find in my small world. I LOVE it. It looks like a pencil, applies like a pencil, but what comes out is 100% lip gloss. How is that possible? I have no idea but I am not fussed about finding out. All I know is that it works, that the gloss is not sticky, and that you can apply and re-apply as often as you like and you don't end up with any yucky gunk at the corners of your lips.

The colours might look bright on the stick, but they go on very sheer. Available at Space Nk or online at lookfantastic.com for £15

heids xx

Brush Basics: MAC Face brush 187

2008-11-13T12:01:00.001Z

Its high time I got my brush library on a roll. Every week I will talk about one of the brushes in my brush set, what I use it for, and why its important for me. I've decided to start with the first brush I ever bought, the MAC 187 brush.

This brush completely changed the way I applied foundation. Before it I always used finger tips, applying foundation to the 5 "spots" (mid forehead, nose, cheeks and chin) and then rubbing the foundation into that area. The problem with this method was that most of the time I got more foundation on my hands than my face. I hated sponge applicators with a passion, and they always absorbed most of the foundation anyway. Then one day, whilst browsing one of the MAC counters, one of the MAC girls told me about the 187 brush.

Although principally a powder brush for the face, its dense (and soft - my gosh how soft!) hairs allow it to give amazing liquid foundation coverage as well. Here's how to use it:

Apply some foundation to the back of your hand
Dab the brush onto the foundation lightly and apply to a "spot"
Repeat for the other 4 spots
Using light circular motions blend the foundation into your skin for each area.

The result of using this brush is that it gives you that airbrushed look you've always wanted to achieve from your foundation. Perfect foundation application! Then, using the same brush, apply some powder to set the foundation and you're good to go!

The brush is also obviously perfect for powder foundation application as well. It helps to give a medium coverage. For a fuller coverage I would recommend a Kabuki brush.

The 187 brush can be bought at all MAC counters and online. Its £28 but I promise that you won't regret it. Care for it and wash it regularly and it will last and give you value for your money.

Heids xx

Liz Earle Muslin Cloths: The perfect exfoliation tool

2008-11-09T22:41:00.001Z

Skin care specialists can never state enough how important it is to exfoliate, but to do so gently. Besides finding the best exfoliator, the Chanel Gommage, these muslin cloths by Liz Earle are also an important asset, mainly to my morning regimens.

Generally I exfoliate using the Chanel gommage exfoliator once a week, and then on alternate days when I am washing my face in the morning with a cleanser, I will wipe it off with one of these cloths.

The texture of the cloths are perfect for exfoliating the face gently, and not scratching the skin in the process, and they can be washed and reused to your heart's content, just like any old facecloth. Unlike a facecloth though the cloth feels superb on your skin.

Give it a try and buy it online at the Liz Earle Website. A set of 2 is £2.75. Really worth it I promise

Heids xx

The London Vibe

2008-10-30T10:30:00.001Z

Hello Everyone!

After being absent for a short while, I can safely say that I am settling down splendidly in London. Its been all go for the past 2 weeks and have had no time to blog at all. That, however, is changing. I have some really great reviews to blog about Guerlain - I just need to take a few pictures and will post!

Just wanted you all to know that I am alive and loving the London Vibe!

Heids xx

A little update

2008-10-16T15:51:00.000+01:00

Well my ladies,

I have a bit of news. Next week I will be shifting my life from Edinburgh to London! I am very lucky to have found a fabulous job there, so starting from next week I will be blogging from the UK capital.

I am very excited about this from a blogging perspective. Just think, any kind of beauty or skincare product will be at my feet! To top it off there is a dedicated MAC store to get stuck into.

So much to look forward to!

Heids xx

MAC Manish Aurora now available online in UK

2008-10-13T10:43:00.000+01:00

The Manish Aurora collection is another limited collection available on the MAC UK website at the moment. The packaging is fantastic and bright and loud, but I think I will be giving this lot a miss and saving my pennies for the collections to come! I don't see anything in the collection that I feel I NEED to have and that's not available currently.

Do you think there is anything that is a must have from this collection? (except for the fantastic packaging of course!)

Heids xx

MAC Emanuel Ungaro now available online in UK

2008-10-13T10:31:00.000+01:00

The Emanuel Ungaro range of MAC cosmetics is available on the UK website and in UK stores finally! My favorite products from this collection are the cream bases, 2 absolutely gorgeous colours! I am looking forward to buying the Crushed Bougainvilea shade.

What are you buying from the collection? let me know!

Heids xx

MAC Suite Array now available online in UK

2008-10-05T00:44:00.000+01:00

Hello Ladies!

MAC Suite Array is now online on our lovely MAC UK site. How do you all feel about this collection? I am not feeling the eyeshadows much. I have seen some swatches on other beauty blogs and the texture looks quite chalky. It seems to look a lot like theatre makeup.

The eyeliners on the other hand look brilliant and come in some fascinating shades. Try going for the unusual colours, since these are always harder to find!

Both available online here for £11.00

Heids xx

Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask

2008-10-01T15:47:00.000+01:00

I really enjoy using British beauty brands. Don't ask me why, I think its because I love the idea of buying local products in general. I was in need of a mask and thought I would try out the Liz Earle one as I had tried a moisturizer previously and loved it.

Here's what the website has to say about the mask:

Lacklustre skin doesn't stand a chance with this fast-acting, quick-fix mask! Containing purifying white clays and camphor oil, it delivers instant radiance. Avoid use on sensitive skin and the eye and lip area.

Its a great mask to use if you're in a rush as it is supposed to be left on the face for only 2 minutes, unlike most other masks. However, this is a product I would recommend for people with drier skin. I have combination skin and found the after effects to be a little on the oily side. Still, keeping the product on for a short time helps and I love quick fixes! Also the price is great at £11.25 you'll find it on the Liz Earle Website

Heids xx

Chanel Precision Gommage Microperle Hydration Exfoliator

2008-09-28T22:18:00.000+01:00

Hello Ladies,

Here's a bit of a paradox. Its so important to exfoliate you skin, so as to rid the skin of old skin cells to allow the new fresh cells to come through. However, most exfoliators on the market are ridiculously harsh and only end up scratching your face. Ouch!

so imagine my joy when I discovered Chanel's Precision Gommage Microperle hydration exfoliator.

It is an ultra-gentle facial scrub, with a lovely creamy texture. The pearl powders inside give lovely bits that feel quite "gummy". There's not other word for it. Its so soft to rub onto your dry face. The exfoliator needs to be rubbed onto a dry face in circular movements for one minute, and then rinsed with water. The soft exfoliator really does rid dead skin cells to leave a fresher complexion, without any irritation at all.

The only huge drawback really is the price. At £31 for a 75ml tube its enough to scare any buyer, but it does last an age and its only needed to be used once a week. Buy it online for £31 at yesstyle here. Image credit to Chanel's website.

Try it and enjoy the gorgeous texture and super results!

Heids xx

Ode to the Louboutin

2008-09-25T15:40:00.000+01:00

I am in such a precarious position at the moment. I have been dying for a pair of Louboutins for an age now. There is a love thang going on between me and those gorgeous devilish red soles. I need a pair! I want a pair! I must have a pair!!

Prices are so maddening. They're even expensive on eBay (although that just gives me an excuse to buy this season's hottest trends). Here are the 3 Louboutins on my wish list (just to have one pair! What would I do!?!)

1. The Shoe Boot - The metallic purple Sigourney ankle boot

What a gorgeous colour! At first you might think that it might not suit most colours, but it can be worn with black or grey, and it would definitely brighten up any outfit! £535 from net-a-porter here.

2. The Classic Pump - Grey Flannel

A gorgeous day shoe, grey makes a difference from the forever black. £375 and can be bought online from Matches here

3. The Platform Boot - Grey Suede Trotinette ankle boot

Platforms are super in this season. Its all about a statement shoe. And these babies coouldn't do a better job of it. £620 at net-a-porter here.

Aren't they all gorgeous? To be honest, if I could afford it I would go for option 2. The classic pump will never go out of style, so can be recycled every year, Making it more worth the money.

Les Louboutins. Le Fantastique. Le Sigh.

Heids xx

Here's a secret: MAC fix+ will fix your makeup beautifully

2008-09-21T18:26:00.001+01:00

Here is what the MAC website has to say about their FIX+ Product:

An aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of Green Tea, Camomile, Cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energising scent of Sugi. Adds radiance, finishes makeup. Spray it on. Skin drinks it up!

And it sure does. I love the way it helps to set foundation. If you want a dewy look, just spritz some on your face before you apply foundation and your skin will look wonderful!

You don't want to spray this on top of your makeup though, as it will seep your makeup away. Always apply before!

You can buy it online for £10.50 here. A real secret to flawless foundation application and I firmly believe its a must have in anyone's makeup bag!

Heids xx

O.P.I. nail polish: La Collection de France

2008-09-15T15:23:00.001+01:00

The new OPI Mad about France collection has the best nail colours for this season. You can choose from 12 lovely colours. The three here are my favorite three, A oui bit of Red, your classic red nail colour, Bastille my heart, a more wine red, and We'll always have Paris, more of a burgundy colour.

All fabulous colours for the deep reds required this season. All £9.75 and all available from Asos!

Heids xx