Virtues of Beauty

Making Changes

2011-04-03T08:54:00.002+01:00

Over the next couple of days (maybe longer) this blog will be going through some changes.

So sorry for any inconveniences and please bare with me (",)

Vaseline Lip Therapy with a hint of Marmite

2011-04-01T09:00:00.006+01:00

Yes you read correctly, Vaseline has teamed up with Marmite to create a new lip balm! :o

Introducing: New Vaseline Lip Therapy Marmite If you're bored of your run of the mill flavours such as strawberry, vanilla, or even mango, try the new limited edition Marmite offering for only £1.99.

It would seem like the lip experts at Vaseline and flavour junkies at Marmite have gone crazy, but is there truly a place for such a bizare offering? Afterall stranger things have happened, like that one song with Jedward and Vanilla Ice, need I say more!

More information on the limited edition Vaseline Lip Therapy Marmite (RRP £1.99) will be available from 1st April exclusively on facebook.com/Vaseline.

Lauren Brooking, Vaseline Brand Manager said: “I am delighted to welcome Marmite to the UK’s much loved Vaseline Lip Therapy range. Love it or hate it I think the distinctive partnership will bring many benefits to lip balm users. Try it – you never know, you might just like it?”

David Titman, Marmite Brand Manager said: “We’re honoured to be helping the nation enjoy soft lips and Marmite kisses, however, we take no responsibility for the breakdown of relationships following the purchase of this product.”

Love it or hate it? You decide.

Will you be buying this, let me know in the comments.

Ideal Home Show 2010

2011-03-26T09:42:00.007Z

The Ideal Home Show now in its 103rd year, is a great place to pick up handy tips and tricks when it comes to the home and garden.

There are so many things one can do at the show; shop, attend workshop seminars, watch a catwalk show, have a spot of lunch, did I mention shop!?

I went to two workshop seminars, the first by Linda Barker who demonstrated different ways of bringing life back to old pieces.

And the second by George Clarke, as I'm currently renuvating my house, I found Georges workshop to be quite useful.

This was my first time going to the show, and I'd say I was definatly overwhelmed by just how much there is to do and see! I definately left with a lot of inspiration for my own home, and would recommend going to anyone, even if you're not renuvating like I am.

But before going, I highly suggest you plan your day beforehand as this will make the day that more enjoyable, you can visit the website, where there is a schedule for the day.

So if you are a loss for things to do today, I highly suggest a visit! Tickets can be purchased on the door and kids go free.

Today is the last day of the Ideal Home Show.

Gone But Not Forgotten!

2011-02-23T16:00:00.008Z

I started to write this post back on New Year’s Eve, but didn't quite feel up to sharing it with you then.

You may already know that my dad passed away at the beginning of December. It was a HUGE shock to the system and I'm still quite devastated by the whole thing.

My mum and dad are my everything! So much of my character comes from them! - My stubbornness, my OCD, the need to keep things that really should be thrown away. No it's not called hoarding! #sideeye. My love of football, these are just some of the things I have to thank my dad for. Back in the day, I used to help my dad fill in the pools slip; so come Saturday afternoon we would be glued to the TV to watch the results come in. #goodtimes

I miss the little things about him, his hands. The way he would purse his lips together when he watched TV. The straight face he held when he broke wind and I'd stare at him in disgust! - I'm quite positive he was laughing on the inside, but he never showed it! The way he said "bloody hell!" there's so much more I could list, but in short I just miss him!

There have been days where I've just wanted to lie in bed and sleep the day away, just so I don't have deal with it all! To say it's been a challenging time is an understatement! Not only having to deal with everything that came with repatriating him home, but also with people’s expectations of me! - It's been A LOT!!!

In the beginning I cried every day, some days harder than others. Now I don't cry so often! That doesn't mean the pain has gone away, it just means I'm starting to learn how to manage it! - They say time will help heal the pain, but I'm heartbroken, and there is nothing you can do to fix that! - It’s learning how to manage the pain that time helps with!

The last few months have been the most testing of my life to date and I'd like to thank all those that have shown their love, understanding, patience and support.

I could go on and on, but I won’t and I'll stop here and say, that yes I'll be back blogging and filling up your timeline sooner than you know (I have a lot planned) but it may take me a minute or two!

Nwakaibie Daniel Njaka 1936 - 2010

Wednesday's Tweets

2010-12-01T10:14:00.000Z

Today is WORLD AIDS Day.

Last year nearly half a million babies were born with HIV. By 2015, that number could be zero.

Please follow joinred on twitter here.

Wednesday's Tweets

2010-11-24T16:48:00.000Z

Kids say the funniest things! LOL

You should all be following Caroline (@CarolineHirons) on twitter, because ...well just because innit! ;o)

And don't forget you can also follow me on twitter @VirtuesofBeauty.

Lanvin for H&M: Menswear Lookbook

2010-11-21T09:30:00.002Z

For those that are interested, here are pictures from the Lanvin for H&M Menswear lookbook.

Lanvin for H&M: Womenswear Lookbook

2010-11-21T08:55:00.050Z

For those that are interested, here are pictures from the Lanvin for H&M Womenswear lookbook.

Beauty Blog Link Love - Saturday 20th November 2010

2010-11-20T10:33:00.000Z

Emma shows the surprising amount of coverage offered by Laura Merciers Tinted Moisturiser over at BirdsDecorateBranches!

Whitney from Whitz World of Beauty tells the adventure of her Spa Day at Alexis K in Solana Beach, California!

Pink Diva's Beauty Spot has been busy trialling and testing new NIVEA skin care. Check out her honest product reviews on the products and share your thoughts on the brand.

Rachel discovers duochrome nails with the new Accessorize range over at at Queen of Turquoise.

Readers at Lipglossiping.com share their tried and tested tips for recreating the ultimate salon blow dry DIY style!

Beautywoome highlights the rebirth of the early '90s cream-mauve-plum nail.

Phyrra's Indie Spotlight for November is one to be thankful for! It's an exclusive interview with Tammy from Meow Cosmetics.

The Gloss Goss found love in the form of Chanel Extrait de Gloss and ended up going back for more.

Retrodiva has five steps for getting glowing skin just in time for the holidays.

Madame B Fatale talks about how she likes to get hair free for summer.

Join in the weekly This or That fun over at Audrey Dao - Confessions of a Beautyholic.

The Lip Print go pink crazy with Lush's Snow Fairy Christmas treats!

Blaq Vixen Beauty recently learned that the CoverGirl Queen Collection is getting an upgrade in the lipstick collection come January 2011.

Jellyminx reveals a brief history of her hair through some comical photos!

Krasey Beauty takes a look at some of the newest editions to the Ellis Faas cosmetics range, just in time for the holidays.

Do you love NARS Orgasm but hate the price? Katie at My Lips But Better has the scoop on a dupe!

Makeup Zombie has a Blush Showdown featuring the cult classic NARS "Orgasm" blush!

Sarah at IHeartCosmetics decides once and for all if Cloud Nine hair straighteners are better than GHD ones.

Did you miss Toronto IMATS 2010? Don't worry Jenn from Spiced Beauty has the full event coverage here.

Jeweled Thumb discovers a Chanel Paradoxal dupe that has arrived on American shores!

Amy Antoinette has afternoon tea with Alexa Chung at the Lacoste Touch of Pink perfume launch.

Daily Polish finally conquers an 18 month lemming with Jessica's Birds of Paradise...possibly the most beautiful purple polish in existence? You decide!

***

theNotice gets a new "home" (okay, a new url...) and is celebrating with a flatiron giveaway!

Beauty Crazed not only shows you all of the Givenchy holiday fragrance sets, they are giving one away!

Make a Wish Smashbox's Perfect Pencils set on Prime Beauty--it may come true!

Nicki Minaj & MAC Do Pink Friday 4

2010-11-19T10:00:00.000Z

If you're a fan of MAC and a fan of Hip Hop's newest star Nicki Minaj, you'll be glad to hear that they have teamed up to create a lipstick called Pink Friday 4.

The candy pink lipstick goes on sale next Friday, November 26th 2010 and will be available online at maccosmetics.com.

This is a limited edition release and will only be available online for four consecutive Fridays.

Minaj debuted the shade during an appearance on The Wendy Williams Show.

Nicki Minaj’s debut album Pink Friday is released on Monday, November 22nd 2010.

Illamasqua Limited Edition Luxury Handmade Nail Quills

2010-11-18T23:35:00.000Z

Say WHAT!?

...Nail Quills darling! Nail quills!! It's what all the cool kids are wearing nowadays!! Ok, maybe not!

Cult British beauty brand Illamasqua pushes their avant-garde, cutting-edge credentials even further with the launch of their Limited Edition Nail Quills designed and hand-crafted exclusively for Illamasqua by one of the hottest names in nails Mike Pocock.

Unique, extraordinary and extravagant, these tantalising talons are like nothing you've ever seen before.

Two Nail Quills per set, designed to be worn on either thumb, are a perfect matt black with a silver tip. Presented in a beautiful gift box they come complete with nail tabs and glue. Set to become real collectors items. To complete the look, the Nail Quills work best with a matte black nail varnish.

“I was inspired by the contrast between Illamasqua’s new black Nail Varnish in ‘Scorn’ and the bright metallic of the nail wrap I have developed.” Mike Pocock.

Mike, has worked with prestigious fashion titles such as Italian Vogue, British Vogue, W, Harpers Bazaar and Dazed and Confused. He has also complemented the aesthetics of visionaries such as Nick Knight, Steven Miesel and Katy England.

False nails will never be the same again!

A set of ‘Nail Quills’: £35

The Limited Edition Nail Quills are exclusive to Illamasqua.com and the Flagship Store at 20 Beak Street, London from November 23rd 2010.

Watch the following video to learn how to apply the nails.

What do you think. Will you be splashing out for a set of these?

Bargain Hunter: Carnaby Street 20% Off Shoppers Evening

2010-11-17T12:44:00.000Z

It’s that time again! For one night only, you can enjoy an exclusive 20% discount in over 100 shops, restaurants and bars in the 12 streets of Carnaby.

As well as the 20% discount, there are loads more going on in stores including live music, amazing goodie bag giveaways, complimentary drinks, promotions and even more special offers. - You can even have a makeover at Illamasqua and Pix!.

For a full list of shops, bars and restaurants offering 20% off on the night, click here.

This is the perfect opportunity to get some of that Christmas shopping done. Or just treat yourself to a new lipstick from MAC ;o).

To get your FREE ticket click here.

Wednesday's Tweets

2010-11-17T12:00:00.036Z

I couldn't stop laughing when I read these.

Has this ever happened to you? Let me know about any funny "Wrong Number" moments you've had in the comments section (",) xXx

Don't forget you can follow me on twitter @VirtuesofBeauty.

How Much Would You Pay For Cotton Pads? - $20 if you buy CHANEL

2010-11-17T09:30:00.028Z

First it was the temporarily tattoo transfers and now its cotton pads! Whatever next Chanel, W.H.A.T.E.V.E.R next???

Last night over dinner, it was mentioned that ~~Chanel~~ sorry CHANEL had come out with their own cotton pad and honestly I really did think I had heard wrong. But after doing some google-ing there it was! Ladies and gentlemen, there is in fact such a pad and it’s called Le Coton! #sideeye

Here’s ~~how it’s being flogged on~~ the website description...

For the first time, CHANEL brings the highest-quality cosmetic cotton pads to the U.S., lending pure luxury to a woman’s daily cleansing and toning ritual. LE COTON is an exquisitely soft tri-layer pad developed in Japan: its outer lining, made from delicate, handpicked Egyptian cotton, and its inner filling, comprised of lightly entwined, elastic Australian fibers. Combined, this ultra-absorbent, lint-free composition increases the effectiveness of CHANEL Cleansers and Toners, treating even the most sensitive skin to unparalleled gentleness. Each LE COTON pad is generously sized and delicately embossed with the world-renowned CHANEL logo.

Is that really meant to entice me? What a load of nonsense!! Egyptian cotton. Australian fibres. Next they’ll be saying “and pigs can fly!”. Methinks this is a “more money than sense” type of product (I kid, I kid! *no hate mail please*).

I can't see what these do that my £1 pack of double faced pads from Boots can’t do!

But for those that differ and have been won over by the description or if you simply like a lil’ luxury in your life, a pack of 100 pads will set you back $20! - Surprisingly $20 seems rather cheap (for Shaa-nell that is! ;o)). Hmm maybe I'll add it to my Christmas wishlist! Which one of you lovely, sexy readers will indulge me? ;o)

Let me know what you think. Would you spend $20 on cotton pads? (albeit handpicked Egyptian ones)

*Le Coton is not currently for sale in the UK.

Happy cleansing ;o) xXx

Lanvin for H&M

2010-11-16T12:24:00.001Z

A COLLECTION FULL OF MODERN AND PLAYFUL CLASSICS

Lanvin’s exclusive collection for H&M will be available in around 200 stores worldwide from Tuesday November 23rd 2010.

There are two separate collections; Womenswear and Menswear. The womenswear was designed by Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin, and the menswear by Lanvin’s men’s designer Lucas Ossendrijver.

The womenswear collection comprises of dresses with breathtaking cut and joyful colour, as well as pieces full of Parisian glamour and accessories with playful joie de vivre (that's joy of living for my non French speaking readers ;o)). For the men, it’s a whole new wardrobe of covetable updated classics, like tuxedos made for daywear and jogging pants, adding a whole new sporting twist.

“[A] designer’s work is usually tailored to a very small group of people, but the collection for H&M was about trying to translate the dream of luxury to the masses. It was almost like going back to school for me.” Alber Elbaz.

Womenswear Price Range
Dresses: £69.99 - £149.99
Skirts: £34.99 - £59.99
Coats & Jackets: £34.99 - £199.99
Shoes: £69.99
T-Shirts: £24.99 - £29.99
Accessories: £7.99 - £34.99

Menswear Price Range
T-Shirts: £14.99
Cardigans: £39.99
Coats, Blazers & Jackets: £29.99 - £149.99
Shoes: £59.99
Shirts: £29.99 - £34.99
Trousers: £34.99
Tuxedo: £149.99
Accessories: £14.99 - £29.99

I'm loving the campaign photos shot by photographer David Sims.

Pictures of the collections to follow.

Be a Christmas star with Boots & win 1 million Advantage Card points!

2010-11-15T20:59:00.001Z

Fancy winning £10,000 worth of Boots points? Yes? Well here’s what you’ll have to do...

Simply (she says) film yourself creating your own perfect party look, along with five key steps to achieving that look and upload here.

The overall winner will win 1 million Boots Advantage Card Points, worth £10,000, and five runners up will win 100,000 points each, worth £1000. Just imagine all the party make-up or Christmas gifts that you could buy!

All entrants will have the chance to star in a compilation video that will be featured on Boots.com, plus the Boots YouTube channel and Facebook page. The lucky winner and runners up videos will also be showcased at the end of this compilation video.

Click here for full instructions or simply follow these easy steps:

Complete your makeup base first (before your start filming) – ready for that touch of sparkle!
Using a webcam, camera phone, digital camera or video camera, film yourself applying your chosen look, talking through the steps if you wish (5 minutes max)
Enter your video in the competition by uploading it here*
Explain in 5 key steps how to achieve your party look - this will help others benefit from your makeup secrets!
Share your video on your Facebook wall or with friends.

* All entrants must have a permanent Boots Advantage Card
* The deadline for entry is 5th December 2010. Winners will be announced on 12th December 2010.
* Terms and conditions apply

To view the demo video click here.

What better way to practice your party look, achieve Christmas stardom and win a fabulous festive prize!

GOOD LUCK (“,) xXx

Gucci Collaborates With Jay-Z For Book Release

2010-11-15T18:16:00.004Z

Music mogul Jay-Z has partnered with Gucci on the release of his first book, Decoded. The book is based on the hidden meanings behind the rapper’s songs and journey through the hip hop experience.

The partnership is part of a collaboration between Jay-Z and search engine Bing to expose every page of the book in a unique way before its official release tomorrow, November 16th 2010.

The Bing ~~treasure hunt~~ interactive experience enables fans to decode the 36 songs in the book with clues leading to meaningful locations (Miami, New York, London, Las Vegas and Los Angeles), that have inspired Jay’s lyrics. Clues will be can be found on Jay’s Facebook and Twitter pages, Jay-Z.com and on a dedicated Bing site.

On November 11th Gucci revealed two of the pages in the windows of its Fifth Avenue flagship, printed on the lining of a one-of-kind leather bomber jacket designed by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini collaboration with Jay-Z. The display will remain on view until Nov. 16, when the book goes on sale — and then the jacket will be gifted to Jay-Z.

Once the specially created bomber is discovered at Gucci, fans are instructed to text in a code found at the location and are encouraged to upload an image of the decoded page. Any player who locates a page online or in-person is entered into a draw to win the page they have located, signed by Jay-Z (Erm, so you only get ONE page?? #DPMO). Other places where pages from the book can be found include the bottom of the pool of the Delano hotel in Miami and underneath plates at the Spotted Pig restaurant in New York.

Decoded by Jay-Z is out November 16th 2010.

nailgirls: The Black Revolution

2010-11-13T10:17:00.000Z

Inspired by this seasons key colours and trends, and using their celebrated 4 free, long lasting, high gloss, nail strengthening formula, nailgirls Winter 2010 Colour Collection Elegant Goth showcases 4 colours;

Black #4 a true black injected with silver glitter to emulate the glitz and embellishment for high high voltage glamour.

Burgundy #5 a black base saturated with deep plum tones, the graduation of this polish adds a hint of playfulness to classic black.

Brown #2 a velvety chocolate hue with an intense shot of deep cocoa, makes this super wearable and an on-trend shade.

Blue #5 a deep inky navy blue-violet. This strong navy colour pushes through the blackened base to create a vibrant nail polish. Team with black accessories to turn the ink electric.

Lynda-Louise creator says: “Our winter colour collection takes inspiration from Kinder Aggugini, who’s AW10 show combined deep and dark fabrics with gothic hair and makeup. The base of our range is black, with just a hint of colour to add some punch. We’re reworking gothic glam with an effortlessly chic and glamorous edge.”

Price: £10 each, Size: 15ml.

Available to buy at nailgirls spa, online at www.nailgirls.co.uk or call +44 (0)207 359 2772 for mail order.

The Body Shop Announces 'Create an Original' Competition

2010-11-12T13:30:00.002Z

The Body Shop has announced its 'Create an Original' competition, offering customers the chance to join the Body Shop and create their own product.

Customers who believe they have what it takes can enter a new competition which offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one individual to work with The Body Shop team in the UK and create a new product for people around the world to discover.

The company launched this international competition to coincide with the introduction of two Body Shop originals that will help spark nostalgic fragrance memories, namely the new special edition Raspberry Ripple Bath & Shower Gel and Watermelon Body Lotion.

For the chance to win, customers can enter the competition online at the Body Shop website with November 30th 2010 being the closing date for entries.

Along with their original scent, customers are encouraged to share the story behind their scent suggestion and it could be bottled into a limited edition shower gel sold internationally.

The three people whose scents are shortlisted, will be whisked away to spend three nights in London in January 2011, with a friend. There they will become personally involved in bringing the original idea to life, spending time with The Body Shop product development team. Whether crowned the winner or not, each person shortlisted will also receive a supply of their fragranced shower gel to enjoy in the comfort of their home.

The original, natural and ethical beauty brand will make sure that the winning product is enriched with Community Fair Trade aloe vera. The pioneering Community Fair Trade programme now benefits over 25,000 people from marginalised communities around the world.

Ooooh this sounds like a GREAT competition. I've already got my idea, have you?

GOOD LUCK ;o) xXx

Forever 21 Finally Opened For Business in UK

2010-11-12T12:17:00.001Z

So it's official the first UK Forever 21 store has opened its doors for business!

With Amber Le Bon as the face of the UK campaign, the first phase of the store rollout sees a new store opening today in Birmingham's Bullring Centre, followed by Dublin on November 13th.

The UK store will carry all Forever 21 brands, except Forever 21 kids and Twelve by Twelve. The Dublin store will in addition to Forever 21 apparel and accessories encompass all of the Forever 21 brands, including:

I ♥ H81 a lifestyle brand for women.
21MEN a line for men of all ages.
Forever 21+ a plus sized line.
Love21 a contemporary women’s line.
Forever 21 kids.
Twelve by Twelve a couture-like aspiration line designed exclusively for Forever 21.

These new stores aim to serve as a one-stop-shop for personal, professional and family lifestyle fashion needs.

But why Birmingham and not London? Here's what Lawrence Hutchings Hammerson Managing Director UK Retail had to say:

"Forever 21's decision to open their first store in Europe at Bullring reflects both the centre's and the city's appeal as a fashion destination. Bullring benefits from a young, trendy shopper base and I am certain that Forever 21, a proven, success worldwide brand, will flourish at the centre."

If Birmingham and Dublin are still a little far out for you and you want to have a look at what Forever 21 has to offer visit the website here.

Bargain Hunter: 50% Off Sleek MakeUP

2010-11-11T18:27:00.003Z

THE SITE IS CURRENTLY NOW BACK UP & RUNNING - Good Luck Makeup lovers ;o)

As a thank you for reaching 21,000 "Likes" on Facebook Sleek MakeUP are offering 50% off all products online.

This includes brushes/brush sets and limited edition palettes.

I would advice those who are interested in this offer to be patient!!

The sale went live at 12pm this afternoon and was due to end at midnight tonight but due to high traffic volumes and people not being able to place their orders it has been extended to midnight Friday 12th November 2010.

CODES:
GBP50SLK UK CUSTOMERS ONLY.

EUR50SLK MAINLAND EUROPE USERS or those where the € sign is automatically selected as the default currency upon visiting the website.

USD50SLK EVERYONE ELSE or those where the $ sign is automatically selected as the default currency upon visiting the website.

REMINDER: The 50% off prices will not be shown as you shop the site, only at checkout, after you have entered the voucher code and pressed the button ‘Add Voucher’.

Sleek MakeUP Website
Sleek MakeUP Facebook Page
Sleek MakeUP Twitter

If you have managed to place an order or are going to, please let me know what you are getting. I love to know ;o) xXx

Wednesday's Tweets

2010-10-13T23:30:00.017+01:00

I came across this tweet and it reminded me of a comment my mum had made earlier on in the day.

Simple and SO true!! - Gotta love Oprah! LOL

Don't forget you can follow me on twitter @VirtuesofBeauty.

Bargain Hunter: FREE Ciaté Nail Polish with November Issue of Marie Claire UK

2010-10-11T13:10:00.000+01:00

Free with the November issue of Marie Claire UK is a choice of two Ciaté nail polishes worth £9.

The magazine costs £3.50 and is out now.

Wednesday's Tweets

2010-10-06T23:07:00.003+01:00

Ok so it's that time of week again! *does a lil' dance around room...Feel free to join in! ;o)*

I wasn't on twitter much today, so I don't have a witty tweet to share with you all.

Instead I have this...

The new series of The Apprentice started tonight and one of the best things about shows like this has to be twitter, that and the statements each candiate makes at the beginning of the show.

What do you think of this years candidates?

Illamasqua Announces Nail Varnish Winners!

2010-10-02T00:00:00.001+01:00

In March of this year, Illamasqua gave die-hard nail art fans the chance to design their perfect polish and received 6000+ entries the world over! All submitting a descriptions of their dream nail varnish in 50 words or less, accompanied by an image of their inspiration.

An esteemed judging panel of industry experts consisting of legendary make-up artist Alex Box, celebrated, cutting edge nail artist Sophy Robson, Selfridges Beauty Director David Walker-Smith and YouTube beauty guru sensations Pixiwoo selected three innovative and unique new shades…

Eclipse - “My dream colour is a deep blue purple with greyish undertones inspired by the lunar eclipse, it has a feeling of concealment like hidden sin.” - Dami, Essex.

Shrapnel - “I have NEVER found my dream nail colour, a pink based metallic copper, like a shiny new penny – pure sex!” - Loren, Toronto, Canada.

Raindrops - “Inspired by a photograph I took from the monorail in Seattle, through the rain on the window you glimpse the Seattle Space Needle. I want a polish that looks like raindrops on my fingernails. A light, creamy grey with the sheerest silver glimmer, lightly reflective... like a raindrop.” – Ann, California.

Illamasqua will be retailing these at illamasqua.com and at selected Selfridges stores across the UK from Monday 4th October, with a Waiting List now available!

I really like the sound of Shrapnel, I think it would look fantastic on darker skintones! What has taken your fancy?

Congratulations to all three winners.