Tastes Like Glitter

Boy You Got My Heartbeat Running Away ...

2012-01-26T13:13:00.001Z

Beating like a drum and it's coming your way!

Noticed on BuyaPowa's Facebook page earlier they had something special coming up for O.P.I fans this afternoon ...

If you want it I highly suggest you hurry as the best price is £8 and I don't see these sticking around for too long!

Click to see co-buy.

She's Still Around.

2012-01-23T17:08:00.001Z

I really am still here. I've just been so tired after work since going back last week because I wasn't sleeping well. I hate how my camera is currently performing.

And lastly I pulled an all nighter on Saturday night so I could sleep properly. So here's my 'I was mega tired and hating on every photo I took but thought I'd post anyway' makeup from Sunday, especially since it's the first FOTD I've done with my new hair.

It looked rubbish in this but it was looking beaut when I sorted it out after.

Face:

GOSH Velvet Touch Foundation Primer.

M.A.C Matchmaster Foundation - 1.

Benefit Boi-ing - Light.

Illamasqua Cream Blush - Sob.

Illamasqua Eyebrow Cake - Gaze & Sealing Gel (brows).

M.A.C Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - Light.

Eyes:

Urban Decay Primer Potion.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow - Virgin (all over lid), Sidecar (crease), Darkhorse (outer V).

Nouveau Lashes Noir Mascara.

Lips:

M.A.C Lipstick - Pink Burst. *

* Limited edition.

I skipped any form of liner as I knew my eyes were going to water like crazy. But I couldn't pick a lipstick. I narrowed it down to 4 and got my Tumblr followers to pick. Pink Burst didn't end up being the winner (it's always Girl About Town!) but I got this when M.A.C's Spring Forecast came out (I thought it was last year but it was 2010!!) and I've not reached for it a whole lot. It's such a lovely bright pink with a pearly sheen as it's a Frost.

What have you been wearing recently?

Have you been wearing anything you don't reach for so much?

I will be blogging a whole lot more when I get a new camera, which should I hope *fingers crossed* be in a fortnight or so.

Still Around - 3oh!3.

Benefit's Boi-ing Concealer.

2012-01-17T14:53:00.002Z

I've been meaning to introduce to you my new found staple for quite some time now.

Meet the best concealer that's ever graced my imperfections ...

What www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk says:

This industrial-strength concealer camouflages dark circles, shadows and discoloration for a seamless, natural-looking finish without creasing or fading. You name it, Boi-ing helps hide it!
_________________________________________________________________

Before I got this, I had heard a lot of people swearing this as their 'holy grail' of concealers so when my Studio Finish ran out I dipped my toes into Benefit and bought it.

I love it! The pot is definitely a lot better, it's a lot flatter than M.A.C's so there's none of that horrid scraping of product under long nails.

The colour is almost pale enough for me but it doesn't oxidise so it sits wonderfully under any foundation. It's light and feels like you're not wearing much at all and a little dab goes a long way. I've had this since the end of August and I'm only just hitting pan.

The coverage is amazing. I need a hard core concealer as I have a lot of acne scarring and always have quite flushed cheeks so I like to rid them and start with a clean canvas.

Now compared to the concealer I had before this (M.A.C Studio Finish - 7g at £13.50), it's somewhat more expensive at £16.50 for 3g and it only comes in 3 shades, whereas M.A.C has 15. The shape of it makes it actually look a lot bigger than so I was quite shocked when I researched and realised it wasn't.

But I would definitely repurchase this over and over again. It's such a flawless concealer and takes little effort to blend. Of course the limit colour range means it's going to be perfect for fewer people but if you can get a perfect colour match I definitely recommend!

What are your favourite concealers?

My First Gelicure.

2012-01-13T14:26:00.001Z

I've had more than my fair share of compliments over my nails for the past fortnight.

Especially since I popped this photo from my birthday post up:

I had so many people asking me what polish it was. Unfortunately for those hoping to get their mitts on it, it's actually an NSI coloured gel. Topped with a coat of clear gel suspended with a whole ton of micro holographic glitter. Lovely stuff!

The photo above was taken exactly two weeks ago, the day after I had it.

Even now it's still looking fabulous:

It's so nice not having to worry that I really should take my polish off as it's getting tip wear. I don't have any of those problems (ring finger tip wear is from filing) with a gel mani.

I did wonder if I could commit myself to a colour for three weeks and I think if it wasn't glittery, I just couldn't do it. But the glitter in it reflects light like crazy and it's such a dazzling affect.

I will be sad to see this go in a weeks time but at least I can sleep easing knowing I won't have to remove the ton of glitter. And maybe one day soon I'll treat myself again to a gelicure.

Have you ever had one?

What do you think of them?

Could you commit to a colour for a fortnight or longer?

Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette.

2012-01-11T14:17:00.002Z

A little before Christmas I took a lemming to the Urban Decay 15th Anniversary palette. I was going to get it when it came out but did I really need another Urban Decay palette?

The next day I viewed the coming soon cobuys on BuyaPowa and what did you know, it was there! So I popped my email in the box and waited for it to go live.

Now if you don't know what BuyaPowa is it's a price drop type site. They bulk buy things which means they can give them to us cheaper. The more people that buy the cheaper it is and they offer a whole range of goodies to choose from!

This palette retails for about £39 and I got it for just £29! It was most definitely fate.

The palette is highly reflective so taking photos in any kind of good lighting is a nightmare but I tried anyway:

Overcast lighting:

Flash:

When the tray of shadows is popped out it reveals a velvet lined keepsake box:

And I even recycled the velvet tray it came packed in:

15 brand new and never before seen shades. I used a few of them on Christmas day and got compliments from the family.

They are buttery soft and have just the right amount of shimmer, as with any Urban Decay shadows.

I am definitely pleased with my purchase and have been checking BuyaPowa religiously since to see if anything else I've been after comes up.

Have you bought anything from them before?

Would you?

2011 Book Challenge.

2012-01-08T01:46:00.001Z

If you have a Tumblr and haven't heard of BeingBelle, get out from under that rock and go and give her a little follow.

She is amazing and goes out of her way to make everyone feel good about themselves. Such a refreshing change to see someone who isn't constantly fighting with others.

She's also started a little book challenge for this year - Being Belle - Book Challenge.

I've decided to participate in this. I'm not sure if I'll read one book every week but I want to try and read as much as can.

I have Kindle phases. I'll read something really amazing and then I won't touch it for a fortnight or so.

The screen on my Kindle actually ended up breaking on Boxing Day (damn cats!) and I requested a call from Amazon at almost 8 that evening, expecting them to be shut. I was extremely surprised when I got through to an actual person.

A person! Who'd have thought it? They sent me out a replacement and I received it 3 days later. Can we say amazing? All I needed to do was pop my old one in the box and send (at no cost to myself) it back to them.

I was devastated when I switched it on and realised it was broken so it's made me even more determined to read as much as I can.

I've been tucked up in bed since my birthday as I woke up on Friday to be struck down with a horrible cold/flu type thing. Have no idea where it came from. So I've managed to power through quite a few books currently.

Here's how my list is looking currently:

I'm using Listography to keep track of how much I read and how long it takes me.

I will say this now though, The Hunger Games is uhmazing! Literally cannot wait till it hits theatres in March.

It's pegged as the next Twilight. With any luck it'll be as big as that but it's not to be compared and definitely not for young teens. ~~Twilight is appalling in comparison but we won't go there~~.

Have you started any yearly challenges?

Perhaps a Project 365?

Do feel free to link me to anything your doing over the course of 2012 and of course book recommendations!

05/01/1989.

2012-01-04T19:38:00.001Z

Tomorrow I turn 23. Really? 23? I suppose you're only as young as you feel and I most definitely still feel about 20.

I ventured up to Bristol on Friday to go and spend it with Callum and have a belated Christmas/early birthday.

We didn't do much because the weather was rubbish but I posted about it here.

Lots more photos after the cut! :)

Click to read more »

Is Skin Care Really Worth The £££?

2012-01-03T23:33:00.002Z

For a long time now, I've been lusting after Lush's 'Gorgeous' moisturiser. Compared to others in their range, most being around the £10-£13 mark, this is steep in comparison at £37.50 for the full 45g size.

But I received the 'Hello Gorgeous' gift set for Christmas, clue should of been in the name really but I was surprised to find a trial size of this in it.

What www.lush.com says:
This is our ultimate face cream. The one where we didn’t hold back and used the very best, most effective ingredients in nature’s store cupboard, with no expense spared.

We make a light, loose emulsion from six beautiful plant oils. We then blitz fresh pineapples and filter their juice, squeeze fresh organic lemons and oranges, add orange blossom honey water, neroli essential oil, orange flower absolute and myrrh – then blend the whole lot gently through the cream. For a light touch, you want Gorgeous. Its magical ability to melt into your skin is unmatched, bringing with it six gorgeous organic oils and butters, the finest we can get our hands on.

No matter how your skin behaves; Gorgeous is suited to everyone. The emollient oils are combined with fresh fruit to give you a soft, matte feeling, perfect for daytime.
_________________________________________________________________

It's a super rich cream and a little bit goes a long way. The first time I popped it on, I did so without a mirror and I was half expecting to look like a grease ball when I ventured into the bathroom. You know how rich moisturisers can often leave you looking super shiny? This doesn't, I actually couldn't believe how matte it made my skin and I've managed to skip Illamasqua's Matte Primer because of this.

It also smells amazing! I cannot stand to put anything I don't like the smell of on my skin, especially my face. I bought Skin Drink back along without going in store and sniffing it first and I mighty regret it because it smells absolutely vile.

I really do the love this and like I said, a little goes a long way. It's not expensive as some facial creams on the market. Creme De La Mer, anyone?

But do you think it's honestly worth shelling out for good skin care products if you know they are going to work for you?

I vote yes, because after all - you only have one lot of skin and you really should look after it.

What's the most you've spent on a single product?

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012.

2012-01-02T01:40:00.000Z

As we start a new year, I've seen a ton of reflective posts and since I haven't posted in a while, I thought I'd change that.

2011 wasn't my finest year. It had it's up and it's downs. It seemed like a lot were downs but I won't go into that now. It's a new year.

But I start my new year amazingly. I didn't do to much for NYE as I was ridiculously tired but I spent Friday in Bristol celebrating my birthday a week early with my best friends. Post on that soon. It's still left with me a great big smile on my face. :)

This year I have the usual resolutions.

♥ I want to blog more here. I want to make more varied posts and stop my posting from being so sporadic.
♥ I want to travel and see my two best friends more.
♥ I want to save money at some point. Not for anything in particular, just to stop spending.
♥ I've built my confidence up in recent months but I would love to drop a dress size or two. I also want to give up fizzy drinks completely.
♥ I want to stop worrying about pointless things and people that only want my friendship when it's convenient for them. I want to have a more positive mental attitude and just learn to be truly happy as much as I can.

I'm also taking up a book challenge but I shall post about that separately.

I look forward to this new year ahead of me.
I look forward to making plans.
I will be happy and I will be strong and I'll do it all with a smile on my face! :)

Make A Wish/Glossybox - December.

2011-12-20T11:15:00.000Z

Some of you might remember back along The Fairy Hobmother from Appliances Online was doing the rounds on blog posts. Well she came and visited me this week and now she's giving you a chance to have your Christmas wishes granted.

All you have to do is leave a comment below with something you've been wishing for, it can be anything (within reason of course and it doesn't have to be beauty related!) and The Fairy Hobmother will check out some of the comments and make your wishes come true!

_________________________________________________________________

I finally have Decembers Christmas Glossybox to show you, though I'm sure you've already seen it a thousand times over this week. I had to show you because it's a cracker (pun not intended) and I really love it!

Instead of the regular pale pink and black box, it comes in a bright festive red with white snowflakes all over the inside.

♥ Rituals Foaming Shower Gel.

A wonderful full sized product. I've never used a foaming shower gel before so it was a new experience for me. I pumped a little out onto my hand and when I started lathering it in, it foamed up a lot and I really mean a lot.

It's very lightly scented Indian rose and sweet almond oil, not too overpowering. It leaves my skin soft and smooth. A truly lovely product.

♥ Nouveau Lashes Noir Mascara.

A quick drying flake free formula. I have to agree with this. I popped it on at 5AM this morning and a few hours later I was rubbing my eyes without thinking about it. Did it flake off? Not one bit.

Apparently it helps with volume too but I didn't see much of that this morning but that was only from one coat.

♥ FAB (First Aid Beauty) Face Cleanser.

This seems wonderful on first inspection. It's free of all sorts of rubbish. It's not even scented which is something that puts me off it smells horrible. I'm looking at you Lush Skin Drink!

The amount of stress lately has taken it's toll on my face so I need to be really strict with my skin care and I need to stop touching my face.

This brand is readily available in Boots. I'm hopeful that I will finally find something that does some good for my skin.

♥ Deborah Lippmann Mini Nail Varnish - Razzle Dazzle with Stripped To Go Sachet.

I've always admired Deborah Lippmann from a far. The glitters are wonderful, especially since there is one named Bad Romance. But the chunky glitters, the thought of the removal scares me.

I since found out that the company is completely vegan which surprised me but I still think it's too expensive for me to be dipping my toes in just yet. Polishes range from £14 - £18.

The Stripper To Go is something I won't be using. I can't use acetone on my nails as I have a gel overlay over the top of my natural nails to keep them from breaking.

Though I will say, £14 for 6 one use remover 'mitts' seems a bit steep to me. When you can pick up some pure acetone for less than a fiver and it removes glitter polishes swiftly.

♥ Cargo Cosmetics Classic Lip Gloss - Tokyo.

A non sticky lightweight lipgloss. It's very sheer, gives my lips just a hint of colour and the old MLBB.

I haven't truly tested it's staying power but my going on the fact it's not at all sticky, I shouldn't imagine it would last too long on the lips.

Did you get the Christmas Glossybox?

Did you think it was a good one?

Don't forget to make your wish in the comments below!

PR sample.

Illamasqua, You're Doing It Right.

2011-12-17T18:10:00.003Z

Whilst we're on the subject of customer service, I would like to commend Illamasqua for having amazing, amazing service.

I received a beautiful Christmas card in the post this morning. Completely surprised by it. I am loving the eye makeup in the image.

Illamasqua never fail to amaze with the extra mile they go to for their customers. Wonderful brand and I've been really glad I got more into them this year, especially since they're a British brand.

I look forward to trying more from them next year!

I thought I'd post again and leave today on a good point. :)

Want The Look Update.

2011-12-17T11:26:00.001Z

Since my last post I'd heard nothing back from WTL.

I decided to keep a little log of things for future reference and to help you understand why I'd advice against using them.

Friday December 16 12.31PM:

Once again I have to call them up to question them on the whereabouts of my parcel.

They still don't know and aren't getting anything from Royal Mail Business Support.

It doesn't look like I'll be getting this order any time soon. And it's looks as though they're doing everything to not give me a straight up refund and dodge around the subject.

Friday December 16 1.01PM:

I get a call back from the girl who's been trying to sort it out for, informing me that she's tracked it down and she assured me it's definitely being redelivered this afternoon. To the right address.

Let's see how this pans out.

Friday December 16 evening:

Why am I not surprised? Not a single show from Royal Mail. I understand that it's a busy period but this is a joke.

Friday December 16 Really, really late evening:

It finally shows up at gone 8PM. If that's classed as afternoon ...

Am I happy with the products? Of course but that isn't down to the company.

Would I recommend using WTL? Most certainly not. 2 weeks later and my parcel shows up after paying for 2 day delivery. Absolutely disgusting service since I was never offered any kind of refund on the shipping charge.

I understand that Royal Mail is half to blame here but the fact I was having to call premium numbers most days to find out where it was, has in fact made this product more expensive than what I originally thought.

Next time I will be buying my Bed Head directly from the hair dressers. Or from Look Fantastic/Feel Unique. Both websites of which I've never had a problem. I'll gladly pay that little bit extra for a product and get brilliant customer service from it.

This was my first experience with something going missing and it stressed me out. Which people failed to understand. My money was taken but I was left without any products to show for it. How would that make you feel?

I sincerely hope it doesn't happen to me again any time soon. Fingers crossed.

I really hope these last couple of posts have helped some of you, even if it's just a few I'll be happy, to not make the same mistake I did.

Want The Look(.com)? Hell No I Don't!

2011-12-15T19:17:00.000Z

I wasn't planning on coming back just yet but I feel I need to let my followers know my experience with http://wantthelook.com.

2 weeks ago I had my hair cut off mega short. Click to see. My lovely hairdresser used the new TIGI Bed Head Candy Fixation Mega Whip Marshmallow. It smells divine and I would have bought it from the hairdressers then, only it was sold out as it's been super popular.

I then took to Twitter to ask for places I could find Bed Head at a cheaper price, Feel Unique, Look Fantastic etc. Someone suggest Want The Look to me. As it was cheapest there, I popped a hair spray from the same range in my basket too and checked out.

Knowing I needed it pronto, I opted for 2 day tracked delivery.

Order placed - December 3.
Estimated delivery - December 6.

I opened up a PayPal dispute as I'd had no dispatch email and heard no replies from emails.

So I waited as patiently as I could. And I waited. Wednesday (December 7) rolled around and still nothing so I called them up with every intention of cancelling my order. Why I let them talk me into keeping it, I don't know.

They informed me that they let me order something that was out of stock, hence the no dispatch yet but failed to tell me and let me pay for premium delivery anyway. They told me they'd just got the Mega Whip in so did I still want it?

I quickly mulled over the fact I would have to wait for a refund, order somewhere else and wait again for it to be delivered so went ahead and said yes I did want it. But they were still charging me the premium delivery fee. I personally think as a good gesture of not informing me my parcel wasn't being dispatched, I shouldn't have had to pay this.

Order dispatched - December 7.
Estimated delivery - December 9.

So I closed the PayPal dispute as it was finally being dispatched, I was actually going to get it this time!

My Mum was home all morning Friday and then I came home and waited in all day. Someone was at that house all day.

Still nothing.

Monday (December 12) rolls around and I call them again, to question them on the whereabouts of my order. They inform me Royal Mail tried to deliver it on Friday.

Like I said, I was at home all of Friday. There was no card left so I was unable to pick it up. If it wasn't able to be delivered, why was no card left?

So they gave me the tracking number as I hadn't received it and I initially rang up the Royal Mail to arrange a redeliver. I soon gave up when the service was just taking me through at least 11 automated menus and I still wasn't getting anywhere.

So I went online and did it that way.

Screenshot of the email:

I changed the delivery address (which you're allowed to do) as I was at my Dad's house this week.

Estimated delivery - December 14.

So he waited in till I got home from work. I waited and waited. Still nothing, so once again I called them up.

I was informed it had been attempted to delivery to 46 (original house number) street name (of the second email). A mixture of both addresses?!

But no one was in so it was once again at the sorting office and I was without a card. The girl I spoke to called Royal Mail customer service to ask what I should do as I didn't want to wait another 3 days for a redeliver.

She called me back and told me to go down to my sorting office with ID and I should have no problems getting it as it should be there.

Off I went and explained the entire cock up that they've made. I waited and I waited and I fricking waited for the woman to look for my parcel.

She then informed me it hadn't been bought back.

But it wasn't delivered, so where the eff is it? Out I stormed, came home, slept, worked.

In the middle of my split shift today I called up the girl and told her what had happened yesterday. She asked me where it was?! Because I would know, right? I'm just doing this for shits and giggles really.

She was extremely short with me and told me she'd ring the customer service once again to see what to do. She never said she was going to call me back or make any form of contact to get back in touch with me.

So I was left feeling thoroughly annoyed.

I finished work at 6 and came home to call them once again, only to find they shut up offices at 5. Wonderful.

I tried to open a dispute on PayPal but alas, as I've already done it, it's not letting me do another one.

I tried calling their customer service, only to be speaking to a robot the entire time and finding noway to speak to an actual person.

This is getting beyond a joke now.

December 3 I ordered on 2 day delivery, it's now December 15 and still nothing.

I am disgusted by the lack of service from WTL. I'm having to call them to find out anything about this and I honestly have a feeling I will never see this parcel or my money back.

I'm now over £20 down and empty handed.

I honestly have no idea what to do now. It feels like I'm bashing my head against a wall.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this? How did it sort itself out?

Did you manage to get your parcel/refund in the end?

I'm half tempted to just give up and forget about it but that's just too easy, isn't it?

That One Product You Just Love To Hate!

2011-11-23T17:06:00.001Z

We're all beauty bloggers here, so I'm going to take a wild guess that there's at least one product in your stash that you love to hate. Amiright?

With the amount of things we buy, there's got to be something that looks wonderful but just doesn't do it for us.

This is mine, O.P.I's Sand In My Suit (2 coats):

It's beautiful isn't it? Definitely a mannequin hands-esque polish.

This was my very first dip into the world of O.P.I's and it was one of the first polishes I was drawn to long before I was actually blogging myself, just reading instead.

So what makes me hate it?

The formula. This put me off buying any others for well over a year. It's super thick (lawd knows why I haven't thinned it out), I mean really thick. To the point where the ball bearing doesn't move at all. The brush gets all messed up and it took forever to dry even with Seche Vite on top.

Because it was so thick the slightest knock on the side would leave a nice big gouge in my nail. It would make more sense to just remove that nail and repaint it, no? But I used to get frustrated and take the whole lot off because it usually happens on at least 2 or 3 nails.

I'm currently sitting with it over the gel overlay I currently have on my nails and so far, so good. Look at me, I've probably jinxed it.

I still hate the formula and barely wear it because of this but it's such a nice colour. I think I'm going to have a try at thinning it and if it doesn't work, I won't be too hurt over it. I don't often wear a nude nail.

Graze Box #3.

2011-11-23T14:48:00.000Z

I've been meaning to post this box for ages, bit late. Oops!

Want to try your first box free and get a second half price?

You don't even have to stay signed up after the free box! Click here and use the code LMJJNZ2.

Fruity Ploughmans (bramley apple and pear chutney with roasted poppy seed flatbread) (90 kcals per punnet)
I love these dipper punnets and they're bringing new ones out soon. I was unsure of this when I got it. Pear and apple chutney? I don't like pears but its not too sweet, just the right amount of tang to go with the flatbreads, which I love. I love anything covered in seeds though.

Fruity Sundae (strawberries, pineapple and cherry sultanas)
I hate sultanas and raisins. I can eat white grapes by the truck load, I've been trying to eat them when I get them sent to me but I just can't. The strawberries and pineapple however, bit of an odd combination but tasty non the less.

Chedder Gorge (cheese cashews, baked herb bites and salsa corn sticks)
Cheese cashews are ... Odd to say the least. I wasn't a fan. Loved the rest of it, made a change to have something savoury. But the cheesy cashews were a definite no from me.

Golden Honey Nut Cashews (196 kcals p/p)
Loveeeee! Definitely one for when you're craving something sweet. Delightful crunchy. Not usually a fan of entire punnets of nuts but this was yummy but they were far too sweet for me to finish them all.

I just noticed they've stopped doing these though. How annoying. :(

Box rating: 16/20.

I've been a bit too poor to be getting them weekly. I miss my Tuesday delivery but hopefully that will change soon.

Glossybox - November.

2011-11-21T14:20:00.001Z

There's been a lot of talk in the beauty community recently about beauty boxes. They seem to be popping up a fair bit now so they're nothing new.

I've only experienced Glossybox. I had the last two months prior to this (the one with the HD Brows and the one with the Leighton Denny polish).

I think the idea is good in some aspects. You get to try new things, maybe things you'd not heard of before or things that were too expensive to buy in case you didn't like.

Though I do think it's sometimes hit and miss. I'd heard today through the grapevine that is Twitter, that people had been demanding refunds for this months Glossybox because there weren't any full size products (excluding the nail wraps).

May I just remind you what you signed up for ...

'Receive 5 luxury product miniatures from high-end brands every month' ... Maybe I'm reading it wrong but it doesn't say anything about full size products there. Though of course, it is nice to open it up and find something full sized. That's not how Glossybox is being marketed.

Don't expect something full sized every month, that way you won't be disappointed.

Any how, enough moaning. Onto this months box:

♥ Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps.

I've loved the look of these for a while now but I just don't think I could apply them right. They're like an at home DIY Minx, without the faffing about of a hair dryer.

I'm going to keep these for when I next get my nails done and ask the girl that does my nails to pop them on for me! So I'll post about that when I do.

♥ Philip Kingsley Elasticizer.

I've read so many posts on how amazing this is. Will it live up to the hype? I am eager to see what results this will have on my hair but it claims to be super moisturising and to give bounce and shine.

♥ Arbonne FC5 Cooling Foot Cream.

A minty, non greasy cream which hydrates rough, dry skin and soothes, cools and comforts tired feet. Sounds just like what I need after I've been on my feet all day at work.

I just tried it and smells lovely and sinks in extremely quickly. I can't usually use foot creams as they are too greasy and have to be rubbed in for ages. I'm that tickilish, I can barely touch my feet so this is definitely a winner.

♥ Illamasqua Freak EDP.

I already posted about this here. I love it and this is a great way to try it if you can't get to an Illamasqua counter. My closest is almost 5 hours on the train ...

♥ Dead Sea Spa Magik Gentle Cleansing Facial Wash.

A special blend of all natural ingredients to cleanse the skin and fight off bacteria for a deep, invigorating clean.

This feels quite mousse like in texture, I'm used to cream cleansers so that was a bit weird. It's very light though. I'm not a fan of the scent, seems a little old lady like to me but it's left my skin oil free and still feeling hydrated.

Hopefully the bacterial fighting properties will help clear up my skin!

I actually rather like this Glossybox, though I think I might be one of the few that do.

PR sample.

Illamasqua Skin Base (02).

2011-11-19T23:56:00.001Z

Foundation is a bit of a funny one to review, isn't it? There's so many different coverages and finishes. Which can work well on different peoples skin types.

This is my first foundation review, I believe, so I hope you stick with me and it's not too boring for you.

I should probably also start off by saying my skin is combination. I get super dry patches but I also get an oily t-zone. I am an NW15 in M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid but it's not quite pale enough. I also recently purchased the new Matchmaster foundation which they've made a paler shade 1.0, not even that is pale enough.

I like my foundation full coverage, matte, lightweight and breathable. Is that too much that I'm asking for?

When I made my first trip to Cardiff, I was finally able to see Illamasqua foundations in person. Although right before I went I heard a lot mixed things about this, the colouring was perfect so I was sold strictly on that. The SA offered me a sample but I just went and bought the full size.

What www.illamasqua.com says:

Inspired by the cult Asian market Beauty Balm creams, Skin Base Foundation is a brand new, refined formula unlike anything on the UK market.

Easily blendable, it effortlessly creates a perfect complexion, and like the entire Illamasqua foundation range, is undetectable in a professional HD environment.

Suitable for all skin types, it smoothes, softens and conditions your skin whilst providing natural, buildable coverage.

_________________________________________________________________

According to Illamasqua's foundation matrix this is the correct shade for an NW15. I don't agree with that, although this is perfect colouring for me it's significantly paler than NW15. Skin Base in 02 is the next shade down from pure white.

Let's see it on:

(I don't edit my skin in Photoshop, just get rid of spots)

This is a favourite of the Pixiwoo sisters and in a recent video Sam made a point of explaining the best way to use this. Stipple it into the skin (I used a M.A.C 187). Then buff it in with either, the same brush or a buffing brush. I used M.A.C's 109, it sheds like you wouldn't believe but I personally found it easier than using my 187.

Am I loving this? In a word, yes!

Unlike M.A.C's Studio Fix, which can sometimes feel extremely heavy and like my skin is being suffocated. It's lightweight but has plenty of coverage, a touch more would be perfect but concealer helps with that problem. It also doesn't oxidise, no matter how long you leave it on for. The colour at the end of the day is the colour you put on to start with.

I wouldn't recommend this if you have dry skin though. I've seen a couple of reviews where people have mentioned how much it accentuates the dry patches and I have to agree. That would be my only negative though.

I've also began mixing this in with my other slightly too dark foundations to lighten them up.

It's pricey at £25 for 30ml, slightly less for your money than M.A.C (Studio Fix £19.50 30ml/Matchmaster £24.50 35ml) but I am glad I finally got to see the colours in person and purchase something much more suited to my pale complexion.

Lush Magic Wand Bubble Bar.

2011-11-19T01:34:00.001Z

I'm dreaming of a ~~white~~ Lush Christmas ...

If there's one thing Lush do amazingly, it has to be their Christmas range. I am rather partial to Snow Fairy so when I know the Christmas things are coming out, I get super excited.

I couldn't pass up this cute little wand!

What www.lush.com says:

A reusable bubble bar star that gives mounds of sweet-smelling foam.

This is a solid version of our best selling Snow Fairy shower gel for those who prefer to bath.

The magic of this version is that you can wave your wand under the water until you have the amount of bubbles you want – then you just stash it somewhere safe to dry off, ready for when you next bath.

We’ve included pink ribbon and a bell, because if you are going to wave your wand, then you need some added drama and special effects!

You should get several baths from this, depending on how much bubbly magic you want in your bath. Each one will leave you smelling of candy floss and pear drops. Baths don’t get more yummy or more girly than this.
_________________________________________________________________

It's a bubble bar on a stick! But with the regular bubble bars they are softer, making them easier to crumble. This is slightly harder so you can swish it around in the bath. I felt like such a fairy swishing it around, magical.

It creates wonderful baby pink coloured water. Maybe it's because it's not a 'normal' bubble bar but I wasn't expecting a ton of bubbles from this. I don't think I used enough but it created plenty. The scent was just lacking slightly for me.

I think I need to try it again with more swishing next time and edit this post accordingly.

It's a lovely product, slightly novelty for some but really nice non the less.

I can see myself getting a good 5 or more uses out of this. After using I popped it back into the clear plastic bag (I store all my Lush in sammich bags) and it looks almost brand new still.

What are your favourite Christmas scents (from any brand)? I'm definetly a fan of the more fruity, sweeter ones over the wood type scents.

I also changed up my blog to suit the season so if you're viewing this on Google Reader, please do click through and have a little looksie!

Get To Know Me.

2011-11-18T21:20:00.001Z

I love reading these kinds of tag posts but I haven't seen any going around recently till I saw Ronnie (Bows & Curtseys) post this so I had to steal it!

Vital Statistics:

-Name: Actual name? No comment but if you know it that's cool. ;)

-Nicknames: Bicky, Bick, B, Oi You!

-Birthday: January 05 1989.

-Place of Birth: I was born in the same town I live in still *sigh*, North Devon.

-Zodiac Sign: Capricorn and a lot of the qualities seem pretty accurate.

-Male or female: I was female last time I checked.

-Occupation: Personal shopper.

Appearance:

-Hair colour: It's naturally very dark brown but I dye it black.

-Hair length: It's shoulder length now but I'm getting it cut again when I get paid.

-Eye colour: Super dark brown, sometimes they look black.

-Best feature: I think my eyes and I get the most compliments on them.

-Height: 5'3". I'm pretty tiny compared to everyone else I know.

-Braces: I had both kinds when I was in high school. I hated them but they've done wonders for my teeth.

-Tattoos: I have a fair amount of them but not enough! Everyone always asks to see them, I'll get round to a post one day. I have numerous stars, I'll like them and what! Random little thing I drew on the side of my hand (picture above). Dead swallows that were drawn for me on my feet and some rubbish writing on my wrist that needs covering up. just can't decide what with.

-Piercings: I've had so many in my time that I've honestly lost count. I only have my tongue and a 12mm stretch in my ear left.

-Glasses: I wore glasses for pretty much my entire childhood and had to have numerous eye operations because I couldn't see. I cringe at glasses I used to have. I think I need them again though because my sight is honestly terrible.

-Righty or lefty: After breaking my arm, I had to learn to use my left for a year and a half but since I barely write any more it's dwindled to a scrawl so, right.

Your 'Firsts':

-First best friend: I got moved schools when I was in Year 2 and the first friend I made was a boy named Ben. We ended walking to school every single morning through primary. As he was a year above me it didn't really last through secondary.

-First award: I think probably something when I was taking swimming lessons.

-First sport you joined: Swimming/netball. I hated the latter, I've no idea what possessed me to choose it.

-First real vacation: I always used to be taken to Cornwall and various places around the UK when I was a child. I first ventured out of the country when I was 15 to France. I can't remember but it was quiet and very picturesque.

-First concert: My Dad took me to see Good Charlotte when I was 15 and it was seriously the best. I got to catch a glimpse of them before hand and the gig was just totally amazing. I still love them now.

Favourites:

-Movie: I love the Saws! No one understands why but they are disgustingly lovely. Despicable Me (so glad they're making a second one!), The Nightmare Before Christmas.

-TV show: I never watch TV shows actually on the TV. Strange, I know. Family Guy is my all time favourite. Then I find myself watching Supernatural, Desperate Housewives, Celebrity Juice.

-Colours: Bright blue, pink and red.

-Song: I honestly couldn't choose! No way. I love too many of them.

-Candy: Dairy Milk (although it's not candy!), Reese's Pieces. I can't think of much else.

-Store: Any department store with a M.A.C, Lush.

-Book: True Blood set, Coraline.

-Magazine: Vogue.

-Shoes: I have so many of them but my Jeffrey Campbell boots or this years Winter boots.

Currently:

-Feeling: Sleepy but productive.

-Single or taken: Half single. ;)

-Eating: Nothing.

-Listening to: Demi Lovato's Unbroken album. Love it so much.

-Thinking about: Christmas presents and plans to see my boys.

-Wanting: Payday. :( So I can get more than half a months wages.

-Watching: Nothing!

-Wearing: Sweats and a tshirt (jammies).

Future:

-Want children: I really don't know! Sometimes I think yes but the brats at work put me off so much.

-Want to be married: I believe so.

-Careers in mind: Anything to do with makeup. I would love to work at Lush too. I'd come home smelling amazing.

-Where do you want to live: In the middle of nowhere, in a nice big house.

Do You Believe In:

-God: Nope.

-Miracles: Maybe.

-Love at first sight: With 'things' not people.

-Ghosts: Not really.

-Aliens: Nope.

-Soul mates: If there's one for me, someone bring them to me. Otherwise nope!

-Heaven: No.

-Hell: No.

-Kissing on the first date: Sure!

-Yourself: Most of the time.

My Movember Contribution & A Wishlist.

2011-11-18T13:52:00.002Z

All grown myself ...

Honestly!

Alright, not really. This was sent to me ages ago by my beautiful bestie and I've finally found a use for it.

Do you love it?

FOTD is here.

I've not really updated this week. I had some issues at work which I've been worrying about for the last month. If you follow me on Twitter, you've probably seen the tail end of them.

They finally sorted themselves out and I kept my job. I went in with my mind set on the worst, that way I wouldn't be shocked by the outcome but thankfully it never came.

I'm still poor as anything for a fortnight, till I get reimbursed next pay day.

After the stress of the last month and what it's done to my skin, I'm feeling a little treat purchase coming on after Christmas. As a hitting work targets/still having a job/Christmas/birthday present.

Current lemmings:

I'm more drawn to the camera than anything else and I know it'll be a worth investment.

Phosphor Appear Watch.

2011-11-17T12:49:00.002Z

I've been meaning to do this post for quite some time. But getting a good photo proves difficult. It doesn't truly capture the dazzling glitzy lustre of the Swarovski crystals that cover the entire face.

Check out my lovely little beauty:

Ordinarily, I'm not a fan of watches but I'd been looking for something a bit different and when I saw this video from Leesha (xsparkage), I knew I had to have it.

One might say, love at first sight.

You have to admit though, it's not like anything you've ever seen on a watch face before. Amiright?

I bought mine from Twisted Time, which have amazing customer service (more on that a bit later).

This is what they have to say on how it works:

The new Phosphor Appear (Formally Phosphor Reveal) watch line skillfully blends design and technology to craft the ultimate fashion timepiece.

Driven by Micro-Magnetic Mechanical Digital (M3D) technology, the Phosphor Appear watch utilizes miniature-sized rotors adorned with Swarovski crystals that revolve to reveal numerical or chronological information. With each minute, an electrical pulse generates an electromagnetic field that changes the position of the crystals on the face of the watch, to elegantly display the passing time, while producing a distinctive sound unique to the Phosphor Appear digital watch line.

The basic ''time'' mode features a 12-hour display, with the hours positioned above the minutes on the face. The watch face also offers a ''seconds'' mode and ''off'' mode, showing an entire face of crystals with no time display.

Pretty neat, huh?

Originally I wanted the white. I've been lusting after white watches ever since I clapped eyes on a Chanel J12. Just like black, they're timeless and match everything. So I ordered the white as a treat to myself and as it was the last one in stock, it was clearly meant to be!

I was so damn excited to get it, it seemed to take forever to get here. When in reality it was 3 days or less. So imagine my horror (remember this is the white I ordered here!) when I opened it up to find an obvious red stain on the strap.

The strap is leather which I'm more than aware of, can often come with minor blemishes but this was quite big and extremely noticeable on such a crisp white background.

I was gutted! So I fired off an email to the shop owner and asked if I could replace it for a red one as I'd bought the last white one. He was completely wonderful about it and as soon as he received my return, sent a red one out straight away.

Now I have the red one, I'm glad I do. I much prefer it over the white as the white had black crystals instead of red on the face and it just looks to me like there's something lacking. The strap on this one has a very subtle shimmer too. It's not obvious but it gives it a little lift.

All in all a wonderful, robust (I've bashed it about so much since buying it in the Summer), quirky watch.

I've had so many compliments from people of all ages. Even male OAPs!

An expensive but worthwhile purchase in my opinion. Do check out Twisted Time if you're looking for a new watch. I guarantee you'll find all sorts of against the norm watches, that will make your wrist a talking point.

Models Own - Beetlejuice Purple Blue.

2011-11-11T16:20:00.002Z

Ahhhh. Another Beetlejuice polish for you, this time it's Purple Blue.

Models Own say this is a vibrant punch of indigo fuchsia. Out of the entire collection, this has to be the one with the most dramatic duochrome. All the others are quite similar in pairing (green/gold, blue/purple, black/dark green, gold/pink), but this looks two totally different colours on the nail.

Here it is with two coats:

Isn't that purpley pink duochrome strong? This looks to be the strongest of the collection as I didn't have any trouble photographing it in it's true form.

It also has very finely milled glitter which lifts the polish and gives it something extra. The colour reminds me of M.A.C's Glitter Reflects in Transparent Teal. They're almost clear flecks but they shine bright blue when the light hits and these are similiar in colouring. Bright blue but they also dazzle pink.

In very dull or overly bright strip lighting, it looks a pretty boring brown with a touch of purple and some blue glitter. Take it away into some proper daylight and it just comes alive!

Unexpectedly, this is my favourite so far. Again, the formula was a tad thin on first coat but it fixed itself on the second.

Inspiration #5.

2011-11-10T18:35:00.001Z

No copyright intended.

Models Own - Beetlejuice Aqua Violet.

2011-11-08T16:07:00.001Z

How does one photograph a duochrome nail polish? That I'd like to know, I had quite a lot of difficulty capturing the true beauty of this amazing duo.

The first of the Beetlejuice polishes I've tried.

Here it is with 2 coats:

An amazing coloured blue that turns a deep purple at certain angles. It has occasional flashes of deep green and pink but that was impossible to pick up on camera.

It seems quite watery and thin on the first coat but I also found that with Gold Rush. It fixes itself when you apply the second coat. I found when I had applied the second coat, I had to run the brush over it as lightly as possible as it has a metallic like finish and it helped avoid prominent brush strokes.

I love this polish. It's such a pretty colour.

Forgotten Favourites #1.

2011-11-07T18:50:00.002Z

Since we're all beauty bloggers here, I'm sure you, just like me have a ton of products. I love mostly everything I have but something new always comes along and it gets pushed aside whilst I make room for the new lipstick or mascara in my life.

I know a lot of people do 'Project 10 Pan' but I don't buy a lot any more so I don't feel the need to ban myself.

Instead I'm going to pull out old products I've been neglecting of late and start using them more regularly again.

♥ M.A.C Liquidlast Liner - Blue Herizon.
I bought this on my first trip to a M.A.C counter and was instantly drawn to the brightness of the colour. The formula is an odd one though, I must say. I can't explain it but it's quite tacky.

Here's what M.A.C says:

A rich colour liquid eye liner that combines long-lasting wear with a non-smudge, non-flake precision line. Goes on effortlessly. Applies with its own brush to draw a perfectly defined line. Available in a wide range of classic and trend shades.

Oh M.A.C, why you lie? It doesn't come in the array of colours it did any more. They discontinued all bar Point Black and I really don't understand why. This has an overall 4.7/5 rating on the website.

There is a few issues like it takes a while to try and if you open your lids up too quick and you get that annoying mark on your lid, you all know what I mean, it will not budge! But this eyeliner is amazing, seriously, so good. It does not budge and I have a hard time getting it off at the end of the day.

Such a beautiful colour though. I usually tend to wear this when I want a snazzy eye but really can't be bothered with too much colour. Effortless.

♥ M.A.C Lipstick - Girl About Town.
I Back-2-M.A.C'd for this back in December now and although it might be a touch to bold for regular daytime wear, I still wear it on occasion.

I love it, it's such a wonderful, long lasting colour that leaves a slight stain behind so your lips stay coloured long after the lipstick leaves your lips. Some people hate that but I personally think it helps hide fading so much.

♥ Illamasqua Cream Pigment - Delirium.
I received this as part of the Toxic Nature collection and at first, was really underwhelmed with the colour. Illamasqua describe it as a 'rose taupe with a matte finish' and I personally don't find myself levitating towards those colours, let alone wearing them.

So it's been sitting in my dressing table unloved ever since.

Only last week, I decided I wanted to try my hand at contouring. I've been too scared to before (hence not having a colour to do so) because I feel it would look odd on such a chubby face.

Non the less I've been using it as a light contour whenever I've one my makeup since and I love it. Hollow would probably be a better suited colour but Josh (Petrilude) always insists on using what you have, so I'm doing just that

Here they are all on my visage: