- Summer Bright Eyes + Lips.

Here is a quick FOTD look that I did the other day using some bright eyeshadows (I cannot for the life of me remember what I used as I write this, but I will try and update! - You know you have too much make up when you can't remember what you used only a couple of days ago!).

So, The sun was shining, and that always makes me want to wear bright eye make up. I paired it with bright duo coloured lips, which are bright pink and orange in the centre. I blogged about those the other day.

Do you get inspired to wear summer brights when the sun shines?

- Two Colour Lipstick Loving!

It's simple, summery and looks effective!

I love this two tone lip look. I used a bright pink on the outer corners and around the edge of the lips, and then just filled in with an orange lipstick. I really like how it looks.

What do you think of using two lip colours to create a different look?

OSiS Dust It VS Clynol Powder Punch.

Hey Lovelies.

Today I'm going to be giving you my thoughts on these two products. The OSiS Dust It Matte Texture Dust, and the Clynol Powder Punch Texture Powder.

They are basically both the same product, that are awesome for mattifying your roots, as well as adding volume and texture.

OSiS Dust It: Clynol Play With Me Powder Punch A powder pack of energy Clynol's new Powder Punch texture powder is fantastic stuff! As the latest addition to our Play with Me styling range this little pot of product delivers guts and hold for guys and girls alike - and is small enough to carry in your handbag or briefcase! Transform your look to match your game: rework restyle and keep 100% control of your look - anytime anywhere... You'll love the separation and hold with a matt finish making Powder Punch a super versatile styler.

Clynol Powder Punch: OSiS Dust It Mattifying Powder Feel the difference - Perfect for root volume! Schwarzkopf Osis Dust It Mattifying Powder is an innovative powder consistency that can be applied direct to the hair or rub through with your hands. It provides a matt finish with lightweight texture and separation - OSiS Control Level of 1 for Light Control. Its amazing formula is suitable for all hair types. Schwarzkopf Osis Dust It Mattifying Powder doesn't affect the natural movement of hair and provides light natural style control. How to use: ?Sprinkle small amount of powder into your palms and rub together. Rake through dry hair and lift into style for a matt finish and natural touch.

My Thoughts: Both of these products are very similar, from the packaging to what they do. They are packaged in a small container, containing 10g of product, and there are small holes at the top of the tub where you pour the dust from.

The powder has a weird feeling, it feels very dry and matte on the fingers, but works wonders on the roots. I like to sprinkle it in, and then ruffle my fingers through my hair, it instantly adds super volume and makes the hair look very matte, so it acts as a dry shampoo if you have oily roots.

I like both products, and they aren't too different, but I prefer the OSiS a little more than the Clynol because it doesn't feel as heavy in the hair, and is easier to manage, where as the Clynol feels quite strong and it's a little more difficult to work your fingers through the hair.

Both products hold well and create great volume and texture though, but I would recommend the OSiS. I personally prefer it, and it's cheaper too!

PR Samples.

Your Link.. My Link.. Let's share.

Image from weheartit.

Hi Guys,

I have had a little play with my blog and created some new pages, some of you may have noticed.

I want to add some more links to blogs in my OTHER LINKS area.

So, if you want to add me to your blog roll, I'll add your link to my link page, and we can share the love.

Just leave me a link to your blog below, and the name of your blog.

Thank you!

- Liz Earle's Lush Superskin Bodycream.

I think I'm in love.

Liz Earle Says: This divinely aromatic, ultra-rich body cream is formulated with 25% plant oils – making it our most intensive body moisturiser ever. With East African shea butter, organic rosehip oil, antioxidant cranberry seed oil and pomegranate extract, natural source vitamin E, plus the divine scent of neroli, this luxurious cream helps mature or very dry skin look and feel visibly plump and smooth.

My Thoughts: This cream is marvellous. I've been using it religiously for the past month and I love it. I have some dry patches on my legs and arms which have completely vanished. Since using this my skin is smooth beyond belief, I'm addicted to how soft it leaves me that I couldn't imagine not applying after a shower or bath. It is soooo moisturising.

The scent is fresh, and long lasting - I've had random people telling me I smell good, and it's this cream. I've read some negative reviews about the smell, but I really cannot see, or smell anything wrong with it, It's the usual fresh natural scent that I love from Liz Earle. I like it.

I love the packaging, The tube is massive and you don't need to use a lot of this to cover large areas, it spreads well, and soaks in nicely, without leaving a sticky greasy feeling. It's moisturising, smells good, and leaves my skin feeling great. I love it!

Available from Liz Earle Stores, and Online.

- - -

Oh, and whilst on the subject of Liz Earle, I don't know if you've heard, but the exciting news is that they are going to be bringing out a sheer skin tint very soon I hope this means it will  be followed by other lovely make up related products.

 

If you are interested in hearing first about the sheer skin tint, register your interest here.

PR Sample.

- Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics: My thoughts.

Hi Lovelies,

I am here with a very exciting post about some very exciting goodies today!

I have been so so desperate to try some goodies from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics for ages, and I got a nice package in the post a few months ago, however, they were hit with a big, fat and unreasonable customs charge, which I couldn't afford right away. But I managed to finally pick them up, and as soon as I played with them it was instant true love!

I don't know what I expected to be honest, but from the numerous reviews and raves that I had seen over you tube an other blogs, I knew that there had to be something special about them .. and there really is. I have four of the lip tars and three of the eye dusts, and I think that each item is awesome.

I had always heard about how little of a lip tar is needed to get maximum pay off, and enough to cover your lips - but I never realised exactly how little is needed, it is unreal! Literally the smallest, tiniest pin prick of a dot of product is enough (maybe too much) to coat your lips! I have never tried anything like it. The pigmentation is amazing, they are smooth and have a subtle hit of mint flavour to them - I am in love with them. The four colours that I have are NSFW, Demure, Cha Cha and Hush.

They are all very me and I would wear them on their own, or it is fun to mix them to custom mix your own colours. If you have been curious about lip tars I highly recommend them, I am sooo eager to get more colours now, these could be the only lip product I need in my life!

So, onto the eyeshadows, wow, these are as incredible in pigmentation as the lip tars are - Gorgeously bright intense colours that blend like butter and are so eye catching. You get a decent amount of product in the jar, and they can be used either wet or dry, although they look like they are applied wet when they are dry! These get a massive thumbs up from me too - and I need more shades!

Looks with these, coming soon

I am highly impressed with these products, and I cannot wait to get some more, I would love to try the nail polishes too.

What have you tried from OCC, any suggestions?

You can buy OCC, here.

- Polish Your Pout With Sleek Pout Polish!

I thought today that I would do a post on my Sleek Pout Polish Collection. I only have three, but I really like them all. The pout polishes are lovely pigmented tinted lip conditioners with SPF 15 in them, so perfect for protecting your lips in the Summer.

Sleek Say: A tinted lip conditioning balm formulated with natural oils such as Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Extract and Vitamin A, C and E to help condition the lips and lock in moisture. It also includes SPF15 to help protect the lips from sun exposure.  Using a lip brush or fingers, apply a small amount to the upper and lower lips for a sheer wash of colour and gloss.

They're great to pop into your handbag when you're on the go. You can easily slick them on with your finger, but I would say be careful, because they are pigmented! I prefer to use a lipbrush to apply them. They are quite stick on the lips, which makes them last loner - and they do last really well.

Here are some swatches:

So there you have it. My pout polishes! I definitely want to try some other colours. They're so handy and cute. Do you own any of these / Which are your faves?

Available from Superdrug, and Sleek Makeup for just £4.30.

- Soap and Glory: Hand Food.

Do you feed your hands?  ... I never used to bother with hand creams, but this one which I received as a Christmas gift in a set changed that. It's addictive, and I love it.

It's from Soap & Glory, a brand which I love - I'm yet to try a product that I dislike. This stuff is excellent, It smells gorgeous, it's thick but it soaks in really quickly, leaving me with smooth soft hands for hours. The scent lingers too, and I can't stop smelling my hands all day.

I would definitely recommend this hand cream if you are looking for a good quality, reasonably priced hand cream. It ticks all of the boxes for me!

This is the same tube that I got at Christmas, and I do use it! Such a small blob of this goes a long, long way, as you can see in the above picture.

Hand Food is available from Boots.

- Illamasqua Skinbase Foundation.

I was sent these samples of the new Illamasqua Skinbase Foundation to try out a few days ago, and today I wanted to share my swatches and initial thoughts.

What Illamasqua Say:
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.

* * *

My initial thoughts are positive, the shade range seems to be pretty good and I like how it looks on me. I was sent shades 01, 02, and 03. I wasn't entirely sure which would be good for me, so I was happy to have options. The 01 is white, which would be good to tone down darker foundations, or maybe for halloween. Shade 02 and 03 mixed are good for my skin tone, i mixed a little of the two and it gave a good finish. 

Me, sporting shade 02 and 03 mixed.

The foundation is more full coverage than I had expected, but I like that. It blends in really smoothly with fingers or a brush (though I prefer my fingers) and leaves me with a fresh and glowy looking complexion. The staying power is reasonable, though I did get oily after about 5 hours or so, but that's normal for me. 

Overall I like it, I like the finish it gives, and the coverage. I would definitely consider buying a full size when I next need a new foundation. 

Here are my swatches:

Have you tried this foundation. What are your thoughts?

-- Tough Times...

FYI - This post was typed up on April 23rd.

Hey Blogerellas.. It's just me.

You might have noticed that I haven't been blogging/you tubing. or tweeting much recently, and when I have I have probably been complaining about being poorly. Well I have been - I've had a shitty time of it for the last month or so. If you don't want to read a woeful post about my poorlyness, close the page now..

Back in 2009 I was rushed to hospital for an operation on a Pilonidal Abcess (click here to find out what one of them is. I do not have a hairy ass, btw!) .. which came out of nowhere. It was really a really scary time for me, and it was all so unexpected.

Well a few weeks ago I started feeling similar pains again, So I rushed to the docs to get it checked, and it was the same thing again - But we had caught it earlier that the first time (Sugery was the last resort - but it got so bad that it was the only option back then) .. I was given antibiotics and told to go back if it didn't go away. For the next few days I was uncomfortable, you can't sit properly, move properly, or do much really - I was an emotional wreck, crying lots, very depressed. Anyway, within a few days, to my surprise the abcess burst .. I was assured by my boyfriend and mum that this was good, so I went back to the doctor who confirmed it was positive.

So now I had a wound area that had to be dressed by nurses, daily. Everything was ok, but a doctor suggested that I carried on with another week on antibiotics, So I took them. By now though, I had started to get an awful and agonising pain in my abdomen, I had no clue what it was, but after a bit of research and some online reviews I came to the relisation that it was the strong antibiotics I was taking - The abdomen pain was so bad that I couldn't breathe properly and I couldn't sleep - So I stopped them, and went back to the docs asap. He said that everything seemed to be doing ok on it's own, and just to keep the area clean and keep coming to dressing changes.. So, no more antibiotics.

For the past couple of weeks I have been going to the nurse every other day, with my boyfriend changing my dressing inbetween .. All was feeling good the nurses were positive and I felt that I was getting back to myself.... Until last weekend - Things started to get more sore than they had been, my BF said he couldn't see anything wrong, and so did the nurse when I saw her.. But I knew it was feeling worse and I was getting a little paranoid - Then the next time my BF changed it I told him where it was hurting and he said there was a small red lump there. Sigh.

So whilst visiting the nurse the following day, I told her. She asked if I would like a doctor to check it for me, to which I agreed. The doc came in, took a look and squeezed it, hard. It hurt, but I stayed calm, knowing he was only doing what he had to. The fact that after four weeks that there was still discharge (Sorry!) coming from the wound seemed crazy to me .. but as he squeezed the 'newer' lump, he said it is connected to the same wound (which was positive) ... So basically, it is another abcess, but that is oozing already through the same tract as the last one was .. He prescribed me more antibiotics, but advised not to take them unless it got worse over the long easter weekend .. He also told my BF to keep an eye on it, and it it gets larger, or stops discharging and the pressure builds, I should see a doctor. . Oh, and he also said that if it is no better within two weeks, he thinks it will be a good idea to refer me to a specialist at the hospital, where the out come will no doubt be the same as what happened in 2009 .. an operation, and months of follow up nurses appointments.

I don't really know why I am telling you all this - I guess I just needed to talk about it - I'm over emotional at the moment, I'm sore and I'm down ..

 (More recent update 10 July)

So, up until just before the end of June I was still visiting the nurse, for dressing changes, So about 3 months. It was up and down in that time, We would think it had started healing because the dressings were clean, but then it would start again.. That happened three times I think. My doctor did refer me to the specialist, and I waited weeks for an appointment, which I went to last Monday (4th July).

One day, a few weeks ago though, it did stop, and began healing. My nurse said I could stop going there anymore, and that my BF could keep an eye on things. She said if it got bad again to call her, and that I should call the hospital about the appointment I had, to see if they thought it necessary to see me.

So all was well, I was feeling a bit happier and less painful. I called the hospital on the Friday before my appointment. I spoke with a nurse who advised that I went anyway, just to have it checked out by an expert.

My BF had noticed just the day before my appointment that there was a small raised white lump - But I couldn't feel anything from it, so we went on as normal. I went to my appointment, saw a rather snotty specialist who didn't want to listen to what I had to say really. He checked me out, saw the lump, squeezed it, and then told me of my options.

1) Leave it, hope that it carries on as it is at the moment (not bothering me much) .. With the risk that it could turn very bad and infected again and need immediate surgery (as in 2009.)

2) Have Surgery, have whatever is under the surface removed.

He advised option two, and I nodded and agreed. I left the hospital last week an emotional wreck again. I thought I was getting better, and didn't expect that.

So now I'm waiting again. He has written to my doctor and I just have to wait and see..

I'm not sure of what else to say really. Some of you said I should post this, So I wanted too. I'm trying my hardest to be positive and just get on as normal at the moment..

That's all for now guys... So, how are all of you? .. Keep smiling! :)

Well done if you made it this far!

- Smokey Eyes, Plum Pout.

Hey Fellas!

Today I have an old fotd post for you (I did it about two weeks ago) ... On the lips I wore Revlon Colorburst 'Plum' Lipstick. My Colorbursts are getting lots of love at the moment. They are amazing.

On the eyes I just did a neutral-ish smokey eye with my Urban Decay naked Palette. I love that thing. :)

I hope you are all having a great weekend, I think I'm going to treat myself to a Lush bath!

- Disco Pink Glitter Nails.

I love bright pink nail polish, I think it is one of my fave shades to paint my nails. This polish was a free gift with purchase that my mum got a few years ago, and she gave it to me. I really like the Max Factor formula, It is very opaque and dries quickly, and applies smoothly. It reminds me a little of Revlon Polishes.

This is a lovely creamy bright vibrant in your face pink (Disco Pink #704), which is perfect for Summer. I jazzed it up with Gold Dust from the Accessorize range, which is a lovely fine gold glitter polish.

Pretty, huh? :)


PS: Thanks for all of your well wishes for my hospital appointment. I'm thinking of doing a more in depth personal post about stuff at some point.

- Shimmering Summer Sand FOTD.

Hey Lovely People, I hope you are all enjoying the lovely sunshine. I have had a nice relaxing Sunday at home!

I had a play with make up this morning (as you do) and did this look, So I took some pictures and thought I would make it a face of the day. I'm not sure what to call it? That's the best that I could do!

It's a little pic heavy, But I hope that you like it.

Product List:

-MAC Chrome Yellow (Upper Crease)
-Orange From Mememe Fire Eyes Quad (Crease)
-Plum Burgendy From Mememe Fire Eyes Quad (Eyelid/Lower Lashline)
-H&M Black Glitter (Very Outer Corner/Crease)
-MAC Reflects Bronze (Eyelid/Lower Lashine)
-Stargazer White Eyeshadow (Browbone/Inner Corner)
-Maybelline Line Definer (Upper Lashline)
-Blink Intense Kajal Black Liner (Upper & Lower Waterline)
-Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara
-Coloured Rhinestones From eBay
-Covergirl Clean Make up Foundation
-Rimmel Stay Matte Powder
-FCUK Bronzer
-Almay Peach Blusher
-Revlon Colorburst Coral Lipstick (Outer Egde Of Lips)
-Barry M Peachy Pink (Centre Of Lips)
-Soap & Glory Gloss (Centre Of Lips)

There you have it! .. I really like how it turned out.

I hope that you all have a good week. I have an appointment with a Specialist at Hospital tomorrow about the problem I've had for the last 3/4 months. I am very nervous so please wish me luck and send good vibes!'

Ciao!

.. Bright Yellow Nails.

I've had this yellow nail polish for a while now, and have been dying to try it, but wasn't sure it would be for me. However, when I saw Charlotte's NOTD the other day I was totally inspired, and went straight to paint my nails yellow!

On the advice of others I used a base coat, as I had heard that it stains badly.. and I've just spent a week trying to get rid of yellow stains from my Ninja Nails.

Here is the yellow alone, I LOVE it. It's so bright and glossy and gorgeous! This shade is 'Yellow Peril' from BeautyUK and is rather opaque and impressive. I used two coats.

For some reason I felt like seeing what it looked like with nail effects on top... It looked cool, but not as nice as it looked without it, I don't think! I wished I had only put it on an accent nail as soon as I had put it on.

What do you think? With or without?

- June Favourites! ☆

I don't make a monthly habit of posting my favourites here, but I thought I would do it this month!

Here is what I have been loving through the month of June.

☆ Max Factor Lash Extension Effect Mascara. I always loved this, then I went off it - But I love it again! It's a very nice lengthening mascara that looks really natural on the lashes, Perfect for Summer.


☆ GOSH Brow Kit. This is my go to brow kit of the moment. It has three light to dark brown shades, and a brow wax, and I like the cute compact packaging.
 

☆ Tinkle Eyebrow Razor. I LOVE these, seriously. They are perfect for getting rid of little annoying hairs on the upper lip and brows. So handy!


☆ Maybelline Pink Punch Lipstick. This is the most bright lovely pink ever! Pigmented, and fabulously bright for summer.


☆ Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Eyeshadow. This is in the colour 'Smote' I loveee it! It is a gorgeous pigmented shimmer brown that makes my eyes look really blue. I like just wearing it alone on the lid with liner.


☆ Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Liptar. This is in the shade Demure and it is so bright! Liptars are as amazing as people say they are. The pigmentation is unreal. Review soon!

☆ Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush. It lives up to the hype - I think it is amazing. It applies and blends liquid foundation so well, giving a flawless finish. 

☆ Urban Decay Naked Palette. Need I say more? .. Ok! It's all you need for the most neutral to smokiest of eyes. I adore it.

☆ Illamasqua Medium Pencil. This is in the colour 'Hex' (a soft biscuit nude) It is fabulous for brightening the eyes, and so much less harsh than a white for the water line. Love it.


☆ Mememe Blush Box. I love this, it's in the shade pink, and give a lovely subtle fresh looking glow to the cheeks.


☆ Witch Tinted Moisturiser. I didn't expect to like this, I'm not a tinted moisturiser kind of girl, but it has amazing coverage and makes my skin look healthy and glowy! I recommend!


☆ St Tropez Skin Illuminators. Love these! Perfect for adding to your sunscreen for a body glow, or to your cheeks, legs, arms (anywhere!) for a sexy sheen.


☆ Superdrug Apple Optimum Day Cream. This makes my skin feel so amazing. I use it daily, and my skin feels great. Plump, fresh and healthy.


☆ Batiste Brit Dry Shampoo. I love Batiste, this 'Brit' one is no exception, it smells good and does what it is supposed to!