Nicolaxoxo

Blog Makeover !!!

2013-05-16T16:28:00.000-07:00

Blog Makeover !!!

So since i am back to blogging and a lot has changed in my life since the last time I was blogging I thought it was about time for a blog makeover to reflect the change so ta dah !!! lol . I also thought I would add a bit more to my blogs so as well as make up and fashion posts I will also do lifestyle post and mother and baby post so keeping it current with my life.

So Until Next Time...

Back 2 blogging !!!

2013-05-14T04:43:00.001-07:00

Back 2 Blogging !!!

So it's been a very long time since I last blogged and a lot has changed in my life since then. I became a mother to a beautiful wee baby boy who is now approaching his 1st birthday this month. And being and new mother you can imagine I have been so busy and had no time to myself nor did I really want any I have been embracing motherhood and soaking up every minute of my sons 1st year in the world. But now I have decided to take some healthy mummy time and what better way to do that than my old fav make up and talking about make up lol. So look out for more blogs such as make up, beauty and fashion haul, reviews, baby weight loss or just weight loss and if interested mummy and baby post lol.

Wee picture of me and my son to busy watching spongebob to pose with mummy lol ❤

So Until Next Time

Love Nicola xoxo

UPDATE !!!!

2011-11-18T12:54:00.000-08:00

UPDATE!!!

Hey!!! everyone just thought I would do a quick update since I think the last time I was on my blog was September so it's been a long time I just thought I would give an update explaining way I have been away.

So back in September me and my fiancée found out that we were expecting our first BABY !!!!!!! in may .

And I thought I should wait until my first scan and until I was three months before announcing our very happy news.

So now that I am back expect loads of new post coming soon :-)

So Until Next Time

Love Nicolaxoxo

Elf Haul !!!

2011-09-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Elf Brushes Haul!!!

So last Thursday I decided to try out the elf make up brushes so I placed the order last Thursday and I received It yesterday, So I thought I would do a small haul. So lets get started:

So I got four face brushes and four eye brushes.

Face Brushes

I love how they were sent out all really packaged really cute.

Powder Brush

So the first brush I bought was the powder brush which is meant for powder and contouring but what I plan to use it for is foundation as I was going to get the stipple brush but I heard it wasn't all that so I thought this would just do. And it does a really good job I used it this morning when doing my make up and it was so soft but also blended my foundation really well so I am really liking it.

Complexion Brush

So this is the second face brush I got the complexion brush to use for setting my foundation with powder so this is my powder brush and again I really liked it super soft and blending my powder really well.

Blush Brush

So this is another face brush I got which is the blush brush and again its a really good brush my only thing if I am being picky is that I would prefer it a wee bit bigger and more rounded but other than that its really good.

Concealer Brush

The last face brush I got was the concealer brush I am not to sure about this brush I don't think it's because there is anything wrong with it. I think it's because I like to use my sigma blending brush to blend my concealer so I think its just a case of getting use to using a flat concealer brush but other than that it seems like a really well made brush and does blend in your concealer well just takes a wee bit longer than if you were using a blending brush to do it.

Eye Brushes

Eyeshadow C Brush

I haven't tried any of the eye brush yet but this brush feels really well made and seems like it could really pack a lot of colour on the lid and again like the face brush seems really soft and wouldn't irritate the eyes.

Contour Brush

So I am super excited to try out this brush as soon as I seen it I thought it will be great for the crease of the eyes for a sexy smokey eye look. And just the feel of it feels really well made and I just love the tapered doom shape of it. It feels like you will be able to have plenty of control of placing the colour on the crease and smoking it out so I am super excited about using it.

Small Precision Brush

So for this brush with the shape and look of it I think I am going to use this for lining over my shadows or maybe if I have any blemishes that need covered more precisely this seems like a really good brush for that.

Small Smudge Brush

So this is the last brush I got and just as it says I will use it to smudge out my liner.

So my overall opinion of these brushes are is that I was a wee bit unsure about ordering brushes from elf but I must admit I really like them all and I would really recommend them if you didn't want to spend that much and were looking for a cheaper alternative as each brush only cost £3.50 so you can't really go wrong. But they are definitely really good quality brushes and do exactly what they are meant for and maybe a wee bit more.

So Until Next Time

Love Nicolaxoxo

My Prize !!!!

2011-08-24T04:57:00.000-07:00

My Mac Lipstick Prize

So not too long ago I entered a giveaway on the fabulous billiehoughton.blogspot.com which is a fab blog so if you don't follow her already please check her blog out and follow. So the giveaway was for a mac lipstick in the shade Hue so I entered and I won yeah !!! lol. I was so surprised I totally did not expect to win. So I thought I would do a wee blog post on it and show you my prize:

My Prize

So this is how my prize came in this cute packaging with pink sequins in the pink gift bag. The lipstick was wrapped up in a lovely purple,pink shade of tissue paper and she also sent me a gorgeous charm and in the gift bag she also sent me a lovely note saying congrats on winning the giveaway which was so sweet so thanks again Billie.

My Charm

This is the pilgrim sliver plated tree charm that she also sent me which was so sweet of her its so unique I love it. New charm added to my bracelet.

My Prize Mac Lipstick In Hue

So this is my first time having this shade and I have to say I am in love with this lipstick its so pretty and it not to far off my own lip colour so it just enhances my lip colour Its such a lovely creamy pinky nude colour and even thought it feels creamy it still has that nice shine to it. I think it might become one of my favourites.

Swatches

Yup ! I am definitely in love with this lipstick!

Just want to say a really big thank you to Billie from billiehoughton.blogspot.com I am in love with the lipstick and also my charm it was really sweet of you to send that also your a wee sweetheart. And remember ladies check out billie blog and follow!!!

So Until Next Time

Love Nicolaxoxo

Clothes Haul !!!!

2011-08-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

Clothes Haul !!!!

So on Thursday me and my boyfriend had a day off so we thought we would head into town for some retail therapy. So I thought I would do a wee haul of the stuff I picked up lets get started :

Maxi Dress

Tesco £20

I have been wanting a maxi dress for the longest time but because I am so petite its hard to get one that will fit me in length, So when I seen this I really like it plus it didn't look that long compared to some of the maxi dresses so I tried it on and it fitted perfectly in the length so if anyone is looking for a petite size maxi dress try tesco.

Chino Trousers

Primark £12

Bright or what lol as soon as I seen them I fell in love with them I am crazy about these sorts of bright colours right now and I definitely don't have another pair like them lol and its always nice to have a pop of colour in your wardrobe.

Collared Top

Primark £8

Its just a plain white vest top really but I thought it would be a nice top to pair up with the chino trousers or anything eles really leggings high waisted skirts or shorts it would go with anything really.

Ballerina Flats

Primark £8

Again nothing fancy just simple pair of flats but always good to have in pretty much all colours to pair up with a causal outfit and I don't have a pair in a tanned colour so thought it would be good to have lol.

Chuck Taylor's

Bank £61

So this was a present from my boyfriend he is obsessed with Chuck Taylor hi -tops and he loves his Leather I robot Chuck Taylor's so as soon as he seen these leather women's hi-tops he was like I have to buy them for you. So I now own my 1st pair of Chuck Taylor's thanks baby lol.

So that was my clothes haul I have a giveaway coming up soon so keep an eye out for that.

So Until Next Time

Love Nicolaxoxo

MUA Eyeshadow Palette Review !!!!!!

2011-08-04T03:34:00.000-07:00

MUA Heaven & Earth Eyeshadow Palette!!!

So I thought today I would do a review as I have not done one in a while and as soon as I bought this palette I have been dying to have a play about with it so I thought I could combine that with a review of my kind of first impressions of the colours and pay off so lets get started.

So I picked this palette up at superdrug at the MUA Professionals make up stand for an amazing £4. In superdrug they have an MUA stand which all there eyes,lips,face and nail products are £1 which is just amazing but now they have started a professionals range with the most expensive product going upto £4 which are the eyeshadow palettes. So they have the heaven & earth palette which is the one I picked up and they have another 5 palettes to choose from which are :

Pretty Pastels

Glitter Ball

Starry Night

Dusk Til Dawn

Pop Tastic

These are also all £4 each and all look fantastic and I definitely plan on picking them all up.

So here what MUA are saying about the heaven & earth palette:

A palette of 12 beautiful earth tone shades that blend effortlessly to give a soft shimmery finish. Create a natural effect using the individual shades, or mix colours together to intensify your look.

So as it say it comes with 12 shimmery shades the only thing about this palette is that it doesn't come with any matte shades but there is shades that aren't as shimmery than others you need to look really close to see the shimmer in them were as some are super shimmery.

Top Row Of Shades

Here are the 6 shades on the top row which just with these 6 shades you could do so many cute looks with them.

In these up close photo you can see that some shades are not as shimmery as the others.

Swatches Of Top Row

So this is swatches on just bare skin with no primer and look how pigmented they all are can you just imagine if you have a base on the lid how much more those shades would pop I think that's amazing.

Bottom Row Of Shades

To me in these photo the bottom row doesn't look as shimmery as the top row does so if your not into to much shimmer and that's what would be putting you off well I wouldn't be because as I said in some of them you can't see the shimmer as much as others.

Swatches Of Bottom Row

And as I said even in the swatches I would say there was only really one super shimmery shade in the bottom row. And again this bottom row also with out a base just on bare skin and the same as the top row its super pigmented great colour pay.

So my overall thought about this palette is that its amazing and I can't believe you can get this kind of quality for only £4 I would definitely recommend anyone that's loves make up or even if your just starting out to pick up this fantastic palette. And I will be definitely picking up all the other palettes from this range so expect more reviews on that.

So Until Next Time

Love Nicolaxoxo

Haul Time !!!!

2011-07-29T04:35:00.000-07:00

Bargain Haul !!!!

So yesterday it was vat free day at sally's so I thought I would go and get another couple of things for my kit but I ended up getting a wee bit more plus heading to some other shops lol opps!...so thought might aswell do a haul post so lets get started.

Roo Mini Pouch Pink

Sally's £29.99 Trade £8.81

So this was something I did get for my kit. Its a tool pouch for around my waist while I am working and I love the shade of pink it comes in its such a handy wee thing to have while your working its really comfortable around the waist too I LOVE IT.

Ardell Fashion False Lashes 107 Black

Sally's £3.05 Trade £2.09

I can't help myself but every time I am in sally's I have to pick up a pair of eyelashes its a must when I am there something just draws me to them I think I am a false lashes addict lol.

China Glaze Nail Polish

Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

Sally's £6.49 Sale £68p Trade 49p

So I feel like a went into sally's and robbed the places can you believe it china glaze for 49p I still can't get over it if I had more time I would properly have picked up loads more but I thought I needed to quickly grab them because they have made a mistake lol. Plus not to long ago I was on the china glaze website looking at some that I wanted to buy and the colours I got where all the colours I had picked on the website is that good karma or what lol.

China Glaze Nail Polish

Kiwi Cool Ada

Sally's £6.49 Sale 68p Trade 49p

I am so in love with all these shade but the bright neon ones I picked up are so in for this summer I love them I painted my sister in laws nails with this colour and its lush sooooo pretty.

China Glaze

Sea Spray

Sally's £6.49 Sale £1.69 Trade £1.05

So I was looking for the for Audrey colour and it wasn't there but I seen this one and It kind of reminded me of it plus its such a pretty shade anyway.

China Glaze

108 Degress

Sally's £6.49 Trade £4.19

So this is part of the new collection and it caught my eye straight away its sooo pretty I just really can't wait to paint my nails with all these shade just need to pick which one first lol .

Water Spray Bottle Red

Poundland £1

So this is another thing for my kit I was in poundland getting some juice Irn Bru what else lol when I seen this in this lush red colour so I thought can't go wrong for a £1 plus its huge so got home filled it up and it works great gives you such a nice mist all over the head. Just can't beat a good bargain lol.

Face Masks

White Choc Mask

Mud Mask

Home Bargains 79p Each

I love having girly days when your just relaxing nice face mask on paint nails get hair done and tan done so I picked up a few of these I mean for 79p always handy to have.

MUA Heaven & Earth Eyeshadow Palette

Superdrug £4.00

So I Have a few MUA stuff from superdrug but when I seen this I had to buy it. It has such pretty everyday colours but you can also use for a nice smokey eye for at night time aswell and for only £4.00 I felt like I robbed superdrug too definitely bargain day lol.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation 52

Superdrug £9.99

So I have been hearing really goods things about this foundation so I thought I would pick it up and try it out looks like it's time for another 15 Hour foundation challenge lol.

Bourjois Concealer 51

Superdrug £7.49

So since I picked up the foundation I thought might aswell pick up the concealer too so might have to do a wee review on that once I have tested it out.

So that was my bargain haul I will definitely being doing some review post on some of these products once I have tested them out.

So Until Next Time

Love Nicolaxoxo

My Summer Giveaway Winner Announced !!!!!

2011-07-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

My Summer Giveaway Winner Announced !!!

So here as promised on the 23rd July I'm proud to announce the winner of my summer giveaway is

Evie From xevie.blogspot.com

Congratulations to Evie and a big thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway and leaving your fab dream holiday entries I loved reading them so thank you again and I will be doing another giveaway very soon

So Until Next Time

Love Nicolaxoxo

Gift From Gucci !!!!!

2011-07-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

Gucci Necklace

So the other day my boyfriend surprised me with a beautiful Gucci gift bag and inside a even more beautiful Gucci necklace. So I thought I would show it as my new favourite jewellery piece.

The Gift Bag

I am so in love with the packaging of the necklace form the gift bag to the little gift boxes for the necklace. I love how the gift bag even has such nice detail to it with the interlocking G motif .

The Gift Boxes

I am also in love with the little gift boxes for the necklace. The gift boxes come like a box within a box its such a beautiful touch to the necklace and the excitement of opening it.

The Necklace

The necklace is the classic interlocking G motif. I am so in love with this necklace it so gorgeous and goes with anything you wear its my new favourite jewellery piece and its never off my neck I LOVE IT ♥.

The Necklace On

♥

Don't forget to enter my summer giveaway by Clicking Here !!!!!!!

So Until Next Time

Love Nicolaxoxo

Hair Tutorial !!!!

2011-07-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

How To Do A Root Regrowth !!!

So since I have started this blog I have not done a hair tutorial yet so I thought it was about time I did one lol. So today I am going to do a tutorial on a root regrowth salon style. Lets get started :

Things You Need

Tint Bowl

Tint Brush

Cutting Comb/Setting Comb

So once you have everything you need take your chosen tint colour and read the instruction carefully you should always read the instructions for every hair colour you use as different brands may have different mixing ratio or different application times and also make sure you read the correct part of the instructions as for each brand the full head tint may have different development times from the root regrowth and you must always perform a skin test 48hour before use if you are new to the product incase of any allergic reactions. So after you have read the instructions for your brand of hair colour place the amount of tint needed into the tint bowl and then place the amount of developer needed and mix together until creamy.

For my tutorial I am using my sally's tanning head and I am only using conditioner as the head does not have any roots.

Step 1

Using your comb or a brush, comb hair through then section the hair into a hot crossed bun which means section the hair into four two at the back and two at the front so the hair looks like this

and at the back

section off the hair using clips.

Step 2

Now taking the tint apply it from the forehead down to the nape to the regrowth area avoiding the previously coloured area.

Step 3

Once you have done that do the same but on the other side of the head

Step 4

Now that you have covered from the forehead to the nape you then move on to the front side sections and apply the colour from the centre of the head right down to the ear again making sure not to go over the previously coloured area.

Then repeat on other side

Step 5

Now we then move back to the back sections of the hair using your tail end of your tint brush we take about an 1inch of hair in a horizontal section and apply the tint to the regrowth area and keep doing this from the crown down to the nape.

Now repeat on the other back section .

Step 6

Once the back sections are done we move onto the front section and again using your tail end of your tint brush we take about an 1inch of hair in a horizontal section and apply tint to the regrowth area and keep doing this from centre of the head right down to the ear.

Then repeat on other side.

Step 7

Now using the tail end of your tint brush separate each section to let lots of air get to the scalp.

And that you finished all that's left is to wait the development time stated on the instructions if the ends of the hair are looking a bit washed out all you need to do is in the last 10 minutes of development time take a water spray bottle spray over the hair and with a comb brush through the product and leave for the last 10 minutes of development time.

Then wash product thoroughly out with two shampoo's and conditions the hair and that's you all finished.

And don't forget to enter my summer giveaway by Clicking Here

So Until Next Time

Love Nicolaxoxo

Mini Sally's Haul !!!!

2011-07-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Sally's Haul

So I went through to sally's today to get my sally's trade card and while I was there I ending up picking up something for my kit so I thought I would do a mini haul as its only a few wee things.

Pink Tint Bowl

Sallys £ 3.59 Trade Discount £2.59

As I got accepted for my second year at college I thought for my last year I should build up my own hairdressing kit instead of using the college kit this year. As everyone is all the same and things from my kit either got taken or mixed up so I thought if I build up my own kit I will know what's mine and it won't get misplaced or taken . So I thought I would go for a pink and red themed kit so when I seen this neon pink tint bowl I had to have it for my kit its such a gorgeous pink I LOVE IT.

Tint Brush

Sallys £ 2.39 Trade Discount £ 1.29

So since I got the tint bowl I had to have the tint brush to match lol.

ProTip Pink Comb Set

Sallys £ 7.15 Trade Discount £ 5.69

I also got this protip comb set in this pretty pink colour with this set you get pretty much all the combs you need for your kit you get your cutting comb,dressing comb, setting comb, pintail comb, tail comb and detangling comb. And it comes in this really cute clutch like packaging so they are easy to put away and keep tidy.

So that was my very mini sallys haul please don't forget to take part in my summer giveaway Click here to enter

So Until Next Time

Love Nicolaxoxo

Summer Giveaway !!!!! CLOSED

2011-07-01T02:17:00.000-07:00

Sigma E25 Travel Blending Brush Giveaway !!!

As Its July and the summer is here woohoo. I thought I would do a giveaway for you guys its the Sigma E25 Travel blending brush great wee giveaway for this time of year as alot of use may be going on holiday so it will be ideal to have in your make up bag while on your travels.

The Rules Are:

You must be a follower To My Blog ( So If your not a follower get following so you can be in with a chance to win this sigma brush giveaway )

If your under 18 you must have your partents permission to enter .

How To Enter:

So to enter smiply leave a comment below of your dream holiday destination and your one make up must have you would take with you.

Contest will run from the 1st July until 22nd July and the winner will be announsed on the 23rd July. So get entering and good luck :)

So Until Next Time

Love Nicolaxoxo

Monthly Favourites !!!!

2011-06-30T05:49:00.000-07:00

My June Favourites !!!

Heyy guys so today I am going to be talking about my June favourites I can't believe it's the end of June already this month has flew by. Anyway my favourites hasn't really changed so instead of going over the same things I am just going to show you new things added on the list that I have used almost everyday this month so lets begin:

My Favourite Lipstick Of The Month Of June

MUA Lipstick Shade 7

I am loving this lipstick for this month its been on my lips pretty much everyday since I got it. Its such a lovely creamy pinky nude colour and its not to far off my natural lip colour so it just enhances my lips for a nice everyday look.

My Favourite Nail Polish Of The Month Of June

Barry M Nail Paint In Mint Cream

This has also been on my nails everyday since I got it, Its such a nice colour for summer and goes really nice with the denim trend that's in right now. This has quickly become my new favourite nail paint of June.

My Favourite Self Tanner Of The Month Of June

St.Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse In Dark

So I have been applying this pretty much every other day because it's not summer if you don't have a tan and I hate In these summer months walking around with legs and arms on show looking a horrible ill pale colour so this has been my best friend over the month of June and will probably continue to be throughout the summer lol I love it, Its so easy to apply and gives you a nice healthy summer glow.

My Favourite Body Wash Of The Month Of June

Superdrug Shower Cream Milk & Honey

I am so in love with this shower cream I love my morning showers because the smell of this is so amazing. I have spoke about this before in one of my hauls when I got it because of it's smell, It just smells like holidays and it just gives you that big burst of morning energy you need first thing. IT AMAZING LOL.

My Favourite Heat Protecting Of The Month Of June

Tresemme Heat Defence Spray

So recently I have been getting Blonde highlights through my hair and because of the bleach I wanted to get a heat protector spray so when i apply any heat to my hair it doesn't become anymore damaged than it may already be due to the bleach. So as I don't have a sally's near by and it's a bit of a journey just to go for heat protector spray I just thought I would nip down to Tesco and pick up one until I got to sally's. So I seen the big bottle first so as I was on my way to purchases it when this wee travel one caught my eye so I thought just take this one incase its no good. But it's actually been really good and I have used it pretty much everyday since I got it and I have noticed a difference in my ends so I am thinking of purchasing the bigger bottle.

My Favourite Dry Shampoo Of The Month Of June

Tresemme Dry Shampoo For Oil To Normal Hair

So I have this really big obsession with washing my hair like everyday I hate the feeling of my hair been dirty and I know I should Know better not too wash it everyday as it take all the natural goodness out your hair and I am over stimulating my sebaceous gland which causes my hair to become greasy quicker I know this lol. That's way I have decided to try my hardest and only wash it every 2nd day so I thought I would pick up this dry shampoo as I am not a big fan of dry shampoo but I am really liking this one. It smell nice, doesn't leave the hair looking grey lol and gives you a bit of volume to the hair making it look cleaner as well has controlling the oil from my scalp so its been a favourite of mine this month.

So that's all my favourites of the month of June

So Until Next Time

Love Nicolaxoxo

Award Best Blog !!!!!

2011-06-29T05:31:00.000-07:00

Award Best Blog !!!!

So today I was very excited to find out that Lianne from Frivolous loves gave me an award for my blog which is so sweet. So a big thank you to Lianne for the award and supporting my blog, you should all check out her fab blog and follow.

The Rules Of This Award Are:

1. Link Back To The Person That Awarded This To You:

http://frivolousloves.blogspot.com/

2. Share 7 Random Things About Yourself:

1. I Live In Sunny Scotland lol

2. I Have A Scottie Dog Called Hamish

3. I Have A HND In Art & Design

4. I am Addicted To Irn Bru ( Soft Drink Lol )

5.I am Obsessed With False Eyelashes ( There May Must Haves Lol )

6. I Love The Smell Of Clean Linen

7. I Hate Feet ( Lol )

3. Award 15 Blogs:

elegantdestinies.blogspot.com

littlemissglamourous.blogspot.com

artistforacause.blogspot.com

www.simplydaisybelle.com

lovemakeup-safira.blogspot.com

melexoxo.blogspot.com

glitterandcarousels.blogspot.com

misskatv.blogspot.com

closeupmakeup.blogspot.com

www.lovejoice.blogspot.com

xhhhelen.blogspot.com

thelittlepetite.blogspot.com

www.backbehindthesetimes.blogspot.com

all-made-up-21.blogspot.com

katherinemichelleruiz.blogspot.com

4. Answer The Following Questions:

1. Favourite Colour: Lilac

2. Favourite Song At The Moment: Lil Wayne - How To Love

3. Favourite Dessert: Apple Pie

4. Whats Pissing You Off Right Now: Nothing The Now Lol

5. When Your Upset You: Moan To My Boyfriend,Family Or Friends Lol

6. What's Your Favourite Pet: My Dog

7. Black Or White: White

8. Best Feature: Smile

9. Everyday Attitude: Depends On The Day I Have Had But Usually Good

10. What Is Perfection: Time With Family & Friends

11. Guilty Pleasure: Shopping & Crisps

Thanks again Lianne for my award and to all my fabulous followers hope everyone carries this on and shares the love and by doing so finds some more fabulous blogs.

So Until Next Time

Love Nicolaxoxo

15 Hour Foundation Challenge !!

2011-06-28T04:04:00.000-07:00

Revlon Colour Stay 15 Hour Foundation Challenge !!!

So a few weeks ago I went shopping and picked up MAC pro longwear foundation and Revlon colour stay foundation as I heard that they both were really good foundations and lasted all day. So I purchased both of them and I thought I would put them to the test.

So not so long ago I performed a 15 Hour challenge with my MAC pro longwear foundation from 8am to 11pm without any touch up throughout the day to see if it really does last the 15 hour as it say and it did really well by lasting me all day. So now its time to put Revlon colour stay to the 15 hour challenge . So what Revlon are saying its meant to do:

Want makeup that is flawless and weightless for 16 perfect hours? Revlon has the solution - ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex. Specially formulated for normal or dry skin, this oil-free, moisture-balanced formula gives you flawless looking skin. Makeup looks fresh and feels great for up to 16 hours thanks to the lightweight, comfortable feel from the SoftFlex ColorStay Formula.
Medium to full coverage, with SPF 15 protection

So the plus for me was it last up to 16 hours made for normal to dry skin which I have and its lightweight but still gives good coverage and also protects the skin. So even though it says it last up to 16 hours an hour longer than the MAC pro longwear foundation I am going to be fair and only challenge it to 15 hours also so lets begin.

Warning Bad Photo's Coming Up....SORRY!!

8am Freshly Done Make up Before Work:

Freshly done make up in the morning ( Again sorry about the pjs lol ) using my revlon colour stay foundation using 1 full pump for the whole face and then carrying on with my concealer, powder,bronzer and blush for the rest of the face as normal.

1pm During Work Looking Like S**T !!

That was my make up as of 1pm lunch time make up still looking good and no touch would have been needed.

6pm After Full Day At Work:

My make up was still looking good but I could see around the chin area it was fading away a bit more than the rest of the face but not that bad yet that it would need a touch up just yet.

9pm After My Dinner:

My make up at this time had started to fade away really bad around the chin, forehead and nose area so my

t-zone area and if I was going to do touch ups I would have done them at this point.

Now by 11pm I had fallen asleep SORRY so I don't have a photo for then but my overall thought is that it definitely does not last up to 15 hours so 16 hours I don't think so. I would say you would get up to 10 hours without touch ups needed so it will get you through a busy work day and a few hours after which is still really good for a foundation but after 10 I would say touch ups are definitely needed because if you don't by 16 your make up will have completely faded off your face. So I would recommend this foundation if your looking for a cheaper alternative to the MAC pro longwear foundation or your just looking for something to last your work day without touch ups I would recommend this but don't buy into the 16 hour thing because it won't last that long without a face touch up.

So Until Next Time

Love Nicola xoxo

Another Shopping Trip !!!!!!

2011-06-24T02:54:00.000-07:00

Primark Haul !!!!

So as it was such a lovely day today and I had a free afternoon I thought I would take a trip into primark for a look around and I ended up picking up somethings so I thought I would do another haul today.

Sunglasses

£1

As summer coming in and for the nice few days we get I thought I shoud pick up some sunglasses.

Charm Bracelet

£1

Thought it would be a nice wee fashion piece for summer.

Butterfly Charm

£1

I thought the butterfly was a summery charm for it, its so cute.

Bracelet And Charm Together

Its such a pretty bracelet to wear over the summer and for only £2 for the bracelet and the charm bargain lol they have loads of other charms at primark all at a £1.

Denim Waist Coat

£8

Loving this waist coat it will be so cute for over the summer and you could wear it with anything short, skirts, dresses atc... anything and it will look lush.

Skinny Jeans

£6.50

I needed a new pair of skinny jeans but I usually don't get jeans from primark because I have really small legs :-( and even though they say short there still to long on me but they looked cute and for only £6.50 I can wear them with heels or my wedges to give me some height lol .

So that was my small shopping trip to primark. Just want to say a big thank you to all my followers for following and supporting my blog. I am following all of your blogs too and there all amazing so thank you again guys xoxo

So until next time....

Love Nicolaxoxo

Haul !!!!!

2011-06-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

Mini Haul !!!!!

Today I nip out to the shops to pick up a few wee things and ended up get another few wee things not on the list lol so I thought I would do a mini haul today.

St.Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse In Dark

Home Bargains £2.99

St.Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mist In Medium

Home Bargains £2.99

I love this self tanner always does me proud and for £2.99 you cant complain. I have not tried the mist yet but I thought it would be good for the legs so might do a wee review on that but on a whole I love the mousse so hopefully I will love the mist.

Shower Cream Milk & Honey

Superdrug 46p

I love this shower cream so much it smells amazing, smells like holidays if you know what I mean lol it just makes me feel fresh and happy like when your on holidays its so nice and for only 46p bargain lol .

Nair Hair Removal For Sensitive Skin

Superdrug £2.60

I have never used this brand before I usual use veet hair removal for my underarms and in between shaving days but in my local store they didn't have any of my veet for sensitive skin left so I picked up this instead if I was thinking I could have picked it up in home bargains but I was in a hurry so I hope it works and doesn't irritate my skin if so I will report back.

NYC Natural Eyelashes In Black

Superdrug £1.99 Each

I love these lashes when I am wanting loads of volume look for night out or date night and as date night coming up with the boyfriend thought I would grab some the only down side is they don't come with lash adhesive but if your a lash addict like me you will probably already have plenty of lash adhesive which I do so I don't mind for only £1.99 and they look lush on.

Barry M Nail Paint In Mint Green

Superdrug £2.99

I am probably the only person that doesn't own a mint green nail polish so I thought I should treat myself to this lovely mint green one from barry m. Looks lush can't wait to give it a try.

MUA Lipstick In Shade 7

Superdrug £1

I have a few MUA eyeshadows , polish and glosses so I thought might aswell try out the lipstick I only picked up one they don't have that many shades to choice but they do have your basic shades this one reminds me of ELF mineral lipstick in runway pink also done a swatch of it.

It feels really nice ,very creamy and really good pay off on the lips will definitely be picking up a few more in some other shades from the MUA collection at superdrug.

Make up Look !!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Brown Smokey Eye Look !!!!

This is my brown smokey eye look using my ELF 32 eyeshadow palette.

So lets begin....

Step 1

I begin by using ELF under eye concealer and higher lighter and using the concealer i prime the eyes.

Step 2

Once the eyes are primed i then used MAC colour cream base in hush for a nice golden brown base.

Step 3

After the base i then applied this dark golden brown colour from the ELF palette and pat it all over the eye lid with any c eyeshadow brush you may have.

Step 4

Now the 1st shadow is applied time to use a 2nd shadow in a lighter shade to smoke it out with the lighter shade it gives it a more wearable look.

So taking the 2nd shadow also from the ELF palette place it on the crease to define the crease of the eye using any crease brush to do so.

Then blend out with a fluffy blending brush.

Step 5

Now using ELF under eye concealer and highligher using the highlighter end add it to the eyebrow bone and blend using a smudge brush.

Now using my collection 2000 24 hour felt tip liner in black line the eyelid and then using my maxfactors masterpiece mascara also in black on the top and bottom lashes and your done in 5 easy steps here the finished look.

Here a list of the products i used to achieve this look:

ELF 32 Everyday Eyeshadow palette

From www.eyeslipsface.co.uk

£9.00

ELF Under eye concealer and highligher

Light & Glow

£3.50

MAC Cream Colour Base

Hush

From www. maccosmetics.co.uk

£13.50

Collection 2000 Extreme 24hour felt tip eyeliner

From Superdrug

£2.99

Maxfactor's Masterpiece mascara

Black

From Superdrug

£9.99

Swatches Of Products

Highligh - Glow

Concealer - Light

Hush

Crease Swatch

Eyelid Swatch

Eyeliner swatch

Hope you all like this look and a big thank you to my lovely sis in law for being my model today.

So Until Next Time......

Love Nicola xoxo

Review & Application Of Barry M Instant Nail Effect !!!

2011-06-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Review & Application Of Barry M Instant Nail Effect!!

Today i am going to do a review and tutorial of barry m instant nail effect nail paints. The nail efftect paints from barry m come in four block colours :

Black Magic

Pink Fuzz

Blue Print

White Frost

You can purchases these paints from www.barrym.com,superdrug or boots all four paints cost £3.99. With the nail effect paints you are meant to paint your nail with a polish then let them dry as normal then you apply a single coat of the instant nail effect and then the effect will appear before your eyes. Here barry m statement about the paints:

" Instant Nail Effects is a simple to use nail paint that creates this amazing effect on your nails in one simple stroke. Or play around with it to create different effects."

So i have heard alot about these paints and i had seen them a couple of times when i was i superdrug so i thought for only £3.99 i would give it a try. So when it came time to purchases it in my local superdrug they only had the colour pink fuzz left so i knew they had been selling well but the down side is i had the unpopular colour lol ohwel i thought i will be different then lol. So lets begin:

The Products & Tools I Use When Doing My Nails

My Nail Effect Paint In Pink Fuzz

Barbara Daly Nail Polish In Plum Pudding

Nail Essentials Base Coat

Sally Hansen Strengthening Nail Polish Remover

Doublebase Gel For My Hands

3 Way Shiner Block

Nail File

Brichwood Stick

Cuticle Pusher

Step 1:

I start by removing all previous nail polish with my sally hansen nail polish remover on both hands.

Before

After

Step2

The i take my nail file and begin filing my nails to my desired shape on both hands.

Step 3

Once i have filed my nails i then take the birchwood stick and begin cleaning the free edge of my nail.

Step 4

Once i have cleaned all free edges of my nails i then move on and take my cuticle pusher and push my cuticle down and remove the dead skin.

Step 5

Now that i have pushed and removed the dead skin i then take the 3 way block and i take the dark grey side and begin buffing my nails

then i take the white side and begin to buff again

and then after that i take the light grey side to polish the nail

Step 6

Now that all the nails are buffed and polish i then take the nail polish remover and remove all nail dust away and then take the hand cream and apply all over the hands.

Step7

After you apply the cream we then apply our base coat.

Step 8

Once the base coat is applied to all nails we then move on to taking the nail colour and applying our 1st coat

And then apply 2nd coat once 1st coat is dry

Step 9

Now once you have applied the colour take the nail effect paint and using one single coat apply it to the nails.

And once you have applied a single coat to each nail we wait for them to dry and we are left with the end result.

So my overall thought of the nail effect paint is that its amazing gives such a unique look to your nails because sometimes i just get bored of polish and want something different well i know i do so this is right up my street and i really love the end result my only down side is i wish the application brush was a wee bit bigger cos it doesn't cover all the nail so your 1st instinct is to apply another layer which you can't do but other than that i love it and i think i will be purchasing the rest of the colours.

So Until Next Time

Love Nicola xoxo

Mac Pro long wear 15 hour foundation challenge !!!!

2011-06-08T04:29:00.000-07:00

Mac Pro Longwear 15 Hour Foundation Challenge

So recently i have switched my foundation from mac face and body to mac pro longwear foundation i have had it for a few weeks but i never really put it to the test so on Monday i decided to see if it really did last 15hours and do a 15 hour challenge.

With my mac face and body i liked that it felt really light on the skin but still gave you a flawless face but it just wasn't working for me on long work days So that when i changed to pro longwear . So what mac are saying it meant to do :

" A long-wear foundation that gives up to 15 hours of wear in any environmental condition. Lightweight and creamy, applies smoothly to provide sheer to medium coverage. Even in hot and humid conditions, controls oil to keep skin fresh, natural and flawless. Provides everyday spf protection. "

So the plus for me is its lighweight, last 15 hours and in any environment so on Monday i put it to the test doing a 15 hour challenge without any touch ups and report back the the outcome.

WARNING REALLY BAD PHOTO'S LOL SORRY

8am Freshly Done Morning Make Before Work:

Freshly done make up in the morning ( sorry about the pjs lol ) using my mac pro longwear foundation using 2 full pumps for the whole face and then carrying on with my concealer, powder,bronzer and blush for the rest of the face.

1pm during work :

That was my make up as of 1pm lunch time make up still looking good and no touch would have been needed.

6pm after full day at work:

My make up was still looking good usual by now with the face and body my make up would need so much touch up or completely redone, but with this i would say no touch up was really needed.

11pm Challenge complete end result:

By 11pm my make had started to wear of my face specially in my t-zone area so on the fore head, nose and around my mouth. So by this time my make up would definitely need a touch up.

So my overall thought is that it really does last up to the 15hours and that's with no touch ups throughout the day but by the 15hours you would

definitely need to touch up your make up. I would recommend this foundation for long work days as it really does last the day with you.

So until next time

Love Nicola xoxo

Review Of Nicky Clarke Compact Rollers !!!!

2011-05-31T05:12:00.000-07:00

Review Of Nicky Clarke Compact Rollers

The box packaging of the heated rollers

So as i said in my may favourites i recently purchased these Nicky Clarke compact heated rollers as i was away with my boyfriend and we were going to a show in London and i wanted to create volume to my hair without spending ages curling and back

combing my hair. So i looked online and seen these for only £15 and also saw they were compact size so good for travel as i was away. So quickly got myself down to argos and purchased them. I didn't really have that high exceptions for them when i opened it i thought as long as it does something to my hair. But to my surprise they really did work giving me the volume that i wanted and also good hold throughout the night.

This is what the heated rollers came in and the statement of what it says on the front of the box:

"Nicky Clarke 5 star salon tried and tested classic compact rollers with heat ready indicator 12 rollers worldwide usage and storage bag"

This is the storage bag opened shown you all the handy size rollers and places for the rollers.

Statement at the right hand side of the box:

- 12 heated rollers with easy to use clips.

- Thermoplastic rubber retains heat for longer lasting results.

- Compact system heat 6 rollers at a time.

- Worldwide usage for home use or at abroad.

- Compact heated zip bag with cord storage.

- Heat ready dot turns from red to white when ready to use.

- Power on indicator lights.

This is the rollers comes with 6 black and 6 red and 12 clips. 1 red and 1 black roller has ready dot that turns from red to white when they are ready to use.

Statement at left hand side of the box :

"Whether you want curls or waves, my heated rollers style your hair whilst helping keep it smooth and natural looking. The compact heat storage bag and worldwide usage means you can create curls wherever you are in the world"

As it says at the each side of the box all very true with just a few minor cons with regards to the clips and the heat system. The bad points to these are i would not say the clips are all that easy to use doesn't really grip the hair so it might be good to buys some grip clips they are a lot easier to use and would hold the roller better, But to there defence it wouldn't really be compact so i can see why they don't supply them but even to purchases just to have if you don't find them easy to use. 2nd con is the heat system only heats 6 at times so every time you take one out you need to replace it as soon as so the roller can heat up enough to curl the hair. That's my only minor complaints but overall its a very good product and i would recommend buying this for travelling if your going on holiday it will fit in your suitcase or hand luggage easy or even for home use if you don't want one of the bigger ones as this is also easy to put away and doesn't take up much storage space. And for me it was definitely a good purchase did exactly what i wanted it to do and i will definitely be using it for home, travel and also in my hairdressing kit its a must have for on the go volume.

So until next time.....

Love Nicolaxoxo

My May Favourites

2011-05-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

My May Favourites !!!!!!

Heyy guys so today i am going to be talking about my may favourites and i am going try my hardest to do one of these every month so lets get started.

My favourite foundation of the month of may

Mac Pro Longwear Foundation

This has become my new favourite foundation as of late i used to be in love with mac face and body well i still love it but it just wasn't working for me on long work days as i do hairdressing so i need something that would last all day and as i work with a hair dryer i needed something to with stand heat but with the face and body it looked good for the start of the day but by the end of the day it had melted of my face. So that when i found the pro longwear and it does what it says it last the full day even with heat and by the end of the day it still looks good. So i have found my new love in mac pro longwear foundation hehe.

My favourite concealer of the month of may

Mac Select Cover up Concealer

So i don't really stick to one concealer every time i go to mac to buy my usual foundation,powder and bronzer but when it comes to concealer i don't know why but i never stick to one. So i can safely say i have tried all of mac concealer and i must say i really love this

one with this a little goes a long way. It blends so well and brightens

up your under eye and and where eles you need it to. I am

going to make this my must have concealer i love it .

My favourite loose powder of the month of may

Mac select sheer loose powder

This is my absolute fav loose powder now for me loose powder is a must have with my make up and i have being using this from the begin and i don't think i will ever change it gives me this flawless finish to my make up. Also gives me the matte effect i like but still makes me have this nice glow to the skin all i can say is i love this powder soooooo much its a must have.

My favourite bronzer of the month of may

Mac mineralize skinfinish natural

I love this bronzer sooooo much i never use to use bronzer with my make up beacause i felt it made me look like a disco ball and no matter how little i used it just looked way over the top. But when i first ever went into mac just to have a look not to purchase lol one of the mac sales girls came up to me asked me what i was looking for then asked if i would like a demo of the products of course i said yes anyway she made it look amazing the best i have ever seen my make up so before i knew i left with foundation, concealer, powder and to my shock BRONZER. And when i left i was so mad at myself for letting being talking into buying all this stuff especially bronzer something i never wear what was i thinking of course i looks amazing she is a trained pro . So the time came i put my concealer, foundation and powder and it looked amazing i was thinking great but just wait until i wreak it with bronzer i put it on and i have never looked back its amazing the best bronzer ever i don't know how they do it but i love it no disco ball for me just natural looking glowing skin.

My favourite blush of the month of may

Sleek blush Pixie Pink

I love this blush so much when i tell you i have had this blush for all most a year and i use it everyday and i still have not hit pan i am not lying its amazing. The colour is so pretty it looks so pink but it just gives your cheeks a nice healthy look. This has been my first purchase with sleek and i must say i am so impressed not only with the product but also with the packaging it fits in with my mac so well and when if ever i run out lol i am defo going to repurchase.

Elf everyday 32pc collection

I am really loving this palette it has all the colours i love and would usually go for its also really good for travelling because its not like a big size palette its big enough to fit into my make up bag. I mean for only £9.00 you can't go wrong so many nice colours for during the day and so many for a night look as well what can i say i love it .

My favourite lipstick of the month of may

ELF Studio Lipstick In Natural Nymph

I don't always like lipsticks but i must say i love this one its such a nice nude lip colour its so creamy and matte and makes my lips feel so moist and not dried out like some lipsticks do i love it.

My Favourite make up remover wipes

Primark face wipes

Okay let me start by saying these are the only face wipes i am ever going to buy thats how much i love them. I have had the worst time with trying to buy face wipes to remove make up because i have the most sensitive skin ever i have had so many bad reactions to face wipes it got to the point where when i did find ones that didnt have a reaction to my skin i was paying like £5 and for me £5 for face wipes at only 25 wipes no thank you i will just stick to good old soap and water to remove my make up. But couple of weeks ago i was at the till in primark where i saw these wipes at the till for a £1 so i thought why not only and £1 if don't work i can use them for cleaning up but i was so wrong the are amazing and i have not had one bad reaction and i am now on my 5th packet i mean 2 pack of wipes for £1 that work for my skin i am in love lol.

My favourite nail polish of the month of may

Barry M nail paints in coral

I am loving this colour at the moment its so pretty for coming into summer and makes your hands look so pretty and looks really nice with tanned skin i am really loving it for this month.

My favourite perfume for the month of may

Guilty by gucci

I really loves this perfume at the moment it smells so good i would say its more of a night time scent than a day time but it smells so good and defo last long but you need to re use.

My favourite hair product of the month of may

Nicky Clarke travel heated rollers

I got this when i was down in Birmingham with my boyfriend and we were going to a show in London and i wanted a lot of volume in my hair but because my hair so fine i got alot of but it so fine its hard to get volume in my hair so i thought might as well use heated rollers but i didn't want to buy a huge one because i was travelling so thought £15 travel size that will do i didn't havemmuch high exceptions for it when i opened it but its seriously so amazing it heats up good and gives your hair volume with nice curls. Very good purchase.

So until next time.....

Love Nicolaxoxo

My 1st Ever Blog

2011-05-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

My 1st Ever Blog !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have done it woohoo my 1st ever blog and post and so far slowly but surely i am just getting to know how it works and just trying it out see how i like it.

so expect to see all things hair and beauty related so all good girly things like hair and make up looks, product reviews and some fashion and make up haul stuff too.

So Until Next Time...

Love Nicolaxoxo