Real Techniques Brushes

All you make up lovers will know how important a good brush is, application of your make up is key to creating a flawless finish, and to me the one area you can never skimp on is the brushes you apply your face with, everyday!

I discovered Real Techniques brushes a few months ago, I have been picking one a month up to build up my collection. I started off with the foundation brush, which I was not at all disappointed with and for £9.99 it was worth every penny.

The brushes in the Real Techniques range are all colour coded and each colour corresponds to a key step of makeup application, Orange for Face, Purple for Eyes & Pink for Finishing/Setting.

These brushes can be washed (I have a post upcoming on this) and dried and they look brand new, to me a good quality brush is one you can re use time and time again and it still gives perfect results every time.

All the brushes are made with ultra-plush, synthetic taklon bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free.

The most recent additions to my collection are the....

Eyeshadow Shading Brush £6.99

This brush is a wonderful all rounder for all your eyeshadow/brow make up and gives you ease of application and great control as well as easy blending.

The details on each brush is really cute & they'll look fab on display on your dresser. 

Lash & Grooming Brush £6.99

This lash & brow groomer is a 2-in-1 brush and comb to separate and define your lashes and tame your brows.

Check out the full range of Real Techniques Brushes at Boots.com

Which brushes do you use to apply your face?

CF xxx

Ted Baker Beauty Accesories

Ted Baker Beauty Accesories have just landed in Boots nationwide & online, so you can now adorn your bathrooom with the cutesy designs on offer.

These nail files are like a mini peice of artwork, printed on both sides of the files, almost too pretty to use.

£5 for all three, simply pop one in each of your bags, or keep one in the car, at home and one for spare. These would make a really cute inexpensive gift.

The range also includes Nail Clippers, Scissors & Lash Curlers.

If your a Ted Baker gal pop into your local Boots to see the new range :)

CF xxx

Mark Hill Hair Products



Mark Hill Shampoo, Volume Spray & Conditioner all £6.29, Serum £6.49

You'll have no doubt seen Mark Hill products in Boots, you cant miss the statement packaging these babies are in. Animal prints, bright colours and screaming girly fun, these are goodies you'll want on show in your bathroom.

I reviewed the 'Big Night Out, Get Ready To Party' Shampoo & Conditioner

Supersize Me Volume Spray & the Glam Goddess Serum

If you've ever struggled to get your hair into shape for a night out then you might be surprised at how much this stuff helps. Having freshly washed, silky hair doesn't do much for backcombing or trying to get big hair for that girly night out.

These products literally plump the hair and seem to add a little texture without making it feel weighed down or full of product, smells divine too.

I would never have  thought that a good do could start with the products you wash your hair with, but these certainly do help.

Pop a couple of drops of serum on to banish frizz, and add shine.

Currently on offer in Boots on 3 for 2!

Check out the Mark Hill Website

CF xxx

Bumble & Bumble Straight Line Range

Bumble & Bumble 'The Straight Line' Range

 

I've been using this hair care range for a few weeks now, and it's fab!

I have naturally thick and curly hair, although years of chemical straightening have left it annoyingly kinky, and sometimes straighteners don't get all the annoying little bits.

 

The way the shampoo lathers up is lovely, really creamy foamy bubbles, and it really washes out all this build up of products in your hair. Once you rinse the shampoo out it leaved your hair feeling squeaky clean, it's not the nicest feeling... But then comes the conditioner, gorgeous! Creamy and lovely and thick, it instantly detangles your locks, I only applied it from the mid lengths to the ends of my hair and left it on for 5 minutes.

The conditioner smells like coco mademoiselle perfume, delicious! I also added in a pump of my B&B hairdressers oil to my conditioner for an added treat.

If you have kinks in your hair & wanna de frizz your locks then this is the range for you, B&B products have a real way of making your hair shine and look healthy.

Retailing at £23 per bottle for the shampoo and £25 for the conditioner & blow dry balm it's an investment, but it really provides results.

Don't just take my word for it, Bumble & Bumble are so proud of their haircare products they have generous samples for you to try, pop into your nearest Boots and try them for yourself!

Shop online now at the Bumble & Bumble Website

Have you ever tried B&B products?

Happy hair days dolls :)

CF xxx

imPress Manicure *Giveaway*

Hello my lovelies! 

Well thank god January is almost over, I don't know about you but my beauty and body supplies are in serious need of replenishing, roll on pay day! 

The amaze people over at Broadway Nails have kindly given me a super cute set of their imPRESS stick on manicure nails to give away.

I reviewed these nails a while ago, if you need a reminder just click here! 

These are the 'Vamp It Up' set of nails, and will inject a well needed splash of colour to the lucky winners hands.

To enter either like my blog page on Facebook or pop in your email address by clicking below...

a Rafflecopter giveaway or simply post a comment at the bottom of this post, telling me why you want to win.

Good Luck!

CF xxx

*Open to UK only, winner will be notified by email or Facebook no later than the 3rd of February*

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Lipstick

I have recently discovered a real love for Estee Lauder cosmetics, I have been using Double Wear for over a year now, and love it.

So many people think that Estee Lauder is a brand for the more mature women, but this is so not true, in recent years a lot of EL products have been heavily blogged about.

I am not usually a lipstick wearer, and I was given this as a gift so thought I would give it a go.
This shade is called 'Creme Blush' & is a perfect alternative to a bright red, perfect for winter, with a really subtle eye make up.

Here is a swatch...

The thing I like the most about this lipstick is how moisturising it feels when you apply it, and it has real staying power too. You can always apply a clear or shimmer gloss to the top for a bit of extra glam if you want it.

I have photographed the lippe in both natural and artificial light as it promises to be vibrant, colour true & vivid no matter what...

This shade is also a great teeth whitener, the brighter a lipstick the whiter your teeth will appear....



a little make up magic tip there for you if you didn't know it already!

You can find these yummy lipsticks in a spectrum of shades at your local EL counter, usually in Boots or Debehams, and House Of Fraser.

Retailing at £19.50 they are pretty pricey, and it is a lot to pay for one lipstick, but they do last a long time with each application so they are worth the money.

I am glad I ditched the bright red hair, as I think this could clash if not, so I will be experimenting a lot more with lippie this winter, watch this space!

Check out the full colour range by clicking here

What is your fave shade of lipstick?

CF xxx

Argan Oil Haircare...for just £5!

It's getting rather nippy out, some of us even seeing some snow now.
These chilly temperatures certainly take their toll on our bodies, not to mention our poor hair!

I have uncovered a little gem that will breathe life back into your dull, dry and lifeless winter hair.

Back in April I reviewed Moroccan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner, retailing at £30+ I am sure you'll agree it's pretty pricey
See my review by clicking right here!

I am so pleased to have stumbled across these little beauties, and I just had to share!

Introducing Hair Essentials Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner.....

I recently found the Hask Argan Oil on sale in primark stores, at just £2.50, and the newest addition to their shelves is this shampoo & conditioner duo, at just £5 for both! That's right £5, what an absolute steal!

I have bonded hair extensions in and as this stuff is paraben free its even safe for use on the most delicate of hair, so it promises to rehydrate thirsty hair, as well as improving elasticity and give it a healthy shine.

So my verdict...

This stuff actually works! It left my hair feeling very soft and shiny, the shampoo lathers up really well, and as always go for 2 washes the first removes build up of any products in your hair, and the second gives a good clean, then follow with the creamy conditioner. I would say the consistency of both products is a little runny, but for the price you really cant argue.

For best results add a few drops of the Hask Hair Oil to your wet hair prior to drying and you ll have super smooth and soft hair, with a stunning shine.

This hair care range really offers the benefits of a high end haircare brand at a tiny fraction of the price. which leaves more money for make, up clothes & shoes..... need I say anymore?!

Happy hair days dolls :)

CF xxx

Morroccanoil Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

There is only one Moroccanoil® brand on the market. Look for the bright turquoise blue label with the large copper M in the Moroccanoil logo. These are the only genuine, proprietary Moroccanoil® products.

Moroccanoil is a luxury haircare brand, your bound to have seen it advertised in local salons, and is only sold to authorised stockists. 

 In their own words...

The luxury brand, Moroccanoil®, is the originator and leading manufacturer of professional Argan Oil hair products and the fastest growing independent company in the professional salon industry in the USA.

A powerful antioxidant and UV protector, Moroccanoil’s proprietary Argan oil blend is rich in vitamins and natural elements that fortify the hair, including Vitamin F (Omega 6), Vitamin A to improve elasticity, Vitamin E to protect against free-radicals, and Phenols to shield against environmental stressors.

Salon-exclusive Moroccanoil® products have a strong following among leading catwalk, film, television and celebrity stylists who search for the very finest for their A-list clients. Moroccanoil® is a backstage fixture frequently used to create hair for major magazine covers, fashion editorial spreads, as well as for award shows including the Oscars, Golden Globes, Grammys, Independent Spirit Awards and MTV Awards

I have been kindly sent this Replenishing Shampoo & Conditioner to review, and I cant rate it highly enough.

The shampoo forms a lovely rich lather, and leaves your hair feeling squeaky clean, fresh and soft
For chemically damaged hair. Colour safe.

Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo RRP £16

Gently cleanses while infusing hair with argan oil.
This formula is free of sulfates, phosphates and parabens and is safe for colour treated hair.

The creamy lather helps repair chemically damaged hair, leaving it soft, shiny and full of body, improving the hair's overall health.


Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner RRP £16

De tangles and reconstructs hair while infusing it with argan oil, keratin, fatty acids and proteins. This formula is safe for colour treated hair and is free of sulfates, phosphates and parabens.

This luxurious cream helps restore moisture and repair chemically damaged hair, conditioning hair back to its natural health.



Both products are paraben free, and they have left my hair silky smooth and super shiney.
This stuff is amazing at regenerating tired hair extensions back to a glossy red carpet finish.

Have you ever tried Moroccanoil Products? If so what do you think?

CF xxx

Back to the dark side....

Ok, so I have been a red head for 6 months now nearly and as much as I LOVE the colour I loathe the upkeep, its so much work and to say I'm fed up of the pink grout in my shower, not to mention the stained acrylic nails and towels is an understatement.

So I am taking the plunge and going back to my roots, ok so they're not natural but as good as I can get from a box dye ;)

I am reviewing the Loreal Casting Creme Gloss in Dark Chocolate, I figured as my hair is pretty bright that I would need something with a bit of ooomph to cover my firey locks.

As per the instructions I wet my hair first and towel dried it, I then applied Vaseline to my hairline and round the backs of my ears, to prevent staining.

As I currently have my extensions in I sectioned my hair in to smaller easier to work with sections of hair and applied from root to tip combing, through as I went...

This dye only recommends leaving on for 20 minutes, and after reading a few other reviews online saying that this stuff comes out really dark I wasnt going to chance leaving it any longer.

I must say the amount of product in this kit is impressive I have 20 inch extensions in as well as having quite naturally thick hair and it was plenty to give it a good coating.

The dye contains no ammonia and smells really nice, and the creme formula means no mess, a godsend in comparison to my red dye.

After a pretty nerve wracking 20 minutes I was a little aprehensive as to how this would turn out, because I didnt want my hair to be too dark.

After rinsing my locks I applied the supplied conditioner and I must say after drying and styling it, I love the colour.

Feels nice to have 'normal' hair again, even if it does mean Im back to dull and boring.

To be honest I really feel my red hair was a rebellion stage following my break up, Im settled and happy again now & I am 27 years old so maybe time to ditch the teen dye and get a grip, I am happy to let it go for now anyway, although I cant promise it wont ever re appear.....

So here is my before and after...

A nice deep colour for winter and it means I can sport a few bright lip colours without the risk of them clashing with my hair.

What do you think of my new look?

CF xxx

My Winter Survival Kit....

It's that time of year again, and with temperatures set to plummet its better to be prepared for the dry flaky skin and breaking hair and get armed & ready to fight the effects of the winter chill on your beautiful self!

These products are things I cant live without during these winter months..

I also like to change my make up a little to adapt to the season and include a few on trend colours on my winter face, keep an eye out for my winter make up post coming soon!

Click on the product name and price for a direct link to purchase...

From the top left my survival kit consists of:

1. Garnier Ultimate Body Oil £7.99

I reviewed this oil a few months back and it is beautiful! Perfect for use after a bath or shower to lock in moisture, and it smells so good too. The handy spray nozzle makes application simple.

2. MAC Cremesheen Glass £17.00

Only a few days old and I cant get enough of this beautiful stuff already, super moisturising and non sticky, so your hair wont stick to your lips in the wind! Result.

3. Hask Hair Oil £2.50

This is a perfect alternative to some of the high end argan/Moroccan oils on the market, I picked this up in Primark at the till, amazing price, its alcohol free and leaves your hair feeling soft and silky with no residue.

4. Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Face Mask £1.00

Super Moisturising and smells good enough to eat, draws out impurities leaving your skin feeling refreshed. Pop this on your face and soak in a hot bubble bath, bliss!

5. Carmex Moisture Plus Pink Sheer Tint £4.49

I purchased this at CSL last year &  it's a firm fave for my winter coat pocket, you needn't give up your hint of colour for the sake of moisture, this combines the two! Excellent! Smells yummy, feels lovely on the lips and gives a nice natural looking winter pink tone to the lips.

6. Lee Stafford De Humidifier Spray £5.99

This stuff never leaves my box of hair treats, its amazing, and perfect for these miserable drizzly days. After styling my hair i simply spritz it under my hair at the base of my neck and a light misting all over, controls fly aways and frizz & will serve you well in the summer too so its a great investment!

7. TRESemmé Freeze Hold Hair Spray £4.69

Fast drying, no build up professional formula for an extra strong hold, perfect for up-do's and for holding hair in place against the elements, contains a humidity protector too.

8. Lush Snow Fairy £5.99

Candyfloss, sweet as sugar, yummy glittery, goodness in a bottle.

Limited edition around the Christmas period so grab it while you can when you see it, if you can hang on till after Christmas you can pick up a huge bottle for under £6!

9. Black Nail Polish Barry M £2.99

Black nails are amazing at this time of year, I love black nails!

I always used to be scared of them as I thought they might make me look a bit Gothic, but be brave, because I have never looked back since I tried black polish on myself. I prefer Shellac now to normal polish and there is no need to worry about chips.

If you really don't feel ready to take the plunge into the black, try a navy blue or a deep purple instead.

10. Proactiv Daily Oil Control Moisturiser £9.95

I don't use any other skin care products on my face now, since discovering Proactiv almost a year ago I have never looked back. It works for me. I love this daily oil control moisturiser, its fab and keeps the shiney t zone at bay, especially at this time of year when the climate and temperature pay havoc with my face!

What products can't you survive without at this time of year?

Wrap up warm my lovelies :) Happy New Year.
CF xxx

Barbie-esque Nails :)

Had to share my sparkly nails with you all, they are Barbie inspired & I wanted to add a hint of colour to my nails during these dark & gloomy winter nights!

Roll on summer....

I love Rockstar Shellac, so long lasting and hard wearing, no to mention how sparkly it is!

Perfect for all girly girls out there :)

Have you ever had Shellac on your nails, would love to hear your thoughts on it....

CF xxx

MAC Cremesheen Glass

Afternoon my lovelies :)

I've had a very chilled Sunday, except for a trip into town with the Mr.

My what seems to be becoming a monthly treat at the MAC counter (how lucky am I) today he treated me to another new gloss, I go through this stuff like there's no tomorrow, and its so nice to use.

I went for a Cremesheen Glass today... The shade is 'Double Happiness' a stunning pinky/nude tone with a hint of sparkle, goes with anything kinda shade.

The Cremesheen glosses are...

A lip finish that fuses the creamy, sheen-filled nature of Cremesheen Lipstick with the shine of M∙A∙C Lipglass. Soft, comfortable, non-sticky. Use as a top layer to lipstick or on its own.

They retail at £17.00, and I know that's a lot for a lipgloss but dahlings, it is MAC! And you get what you pay for.

What do you think?

CF xxx

Santa was good to me this year...

        I have had a lot of messages asking what goodies I was lucky enough to get this year,

    needless to say as Dan has recently come into my life I was spoilt rotten, his family made me feel so welcome into their home at Christmas and It was a lovely unexpected way to spend the day.

I wanted to share the pictures of my gifts with you, this post is pic heavy but sometimes its nice to just look at pictures and not do much reading, so enjoy!

I got this stunning Hello Kitty Liberty Bag, full of pampering goodies, cant wait to use these! The bag is super sweet too.

In keeping with the Hello Kitty theme Dan bought me this super cute Gingerbread Hello Kitty Bear, she comes complete with a gingerbread wrist accessory, which smells like gingerbread!

And my housemate bought me these little slippers, awww!

I was very excited to unwrap this stunning Kardashian clutch bag, It's so pretty and sparkly I love it!

Goes with everything, and its huge, even has an outside zip compartment, perfect for lippie without having to rummage in your bag!

I am a lover of Yankee's and candles I was really happy to unwrap these & the honey and spice one is divine!

My other housemate did very well with this gift, he bought me JPG Gift Set, which is delicious, this perfume is one of my faves and getting a gift set so you can layer a fragrance always makes it last longer.

Got this cute little gift set with body products in it, which smell good enough to eat...

 And my main gift from Dan was this....
Paco Rabanne Lady Million Deluxe Gift Set

This is no ordinary gift set, oh no, this bad boy is a limited edition, which you wont find in many shops at all, Dan you did amazing with this present, thank you! xx

                                        
                                         Open the lid to reveal an 80ml bottle of fragrance...

The set has a hidden drawer underneath, and it contains extra Lady Million goodies, I got a 5ml miniature, even shaped like the big bottle...

A solid perfume in a charm...

Lady Million Lipstick! Beautiful nude sparkle shade, I will post pics when I use it..

It also comes with a roll on purse spray with a cute charm on it, this set is stunning, I love it soooo much.

Another housemate present was these Body Shop body butters, 5 scents, in a lollipop box, awesome! These butters are really good and smell delicious.

Dan's Mum bought me this stunning bracelet, not a colour I would usually go for but I am sure you'll agree it looks pretty on...

Gifts from my big brother, were so nice to receive!

He knows me well and it shows...check out these chocolates...!!!

 And this Partylite Candle is so beautiful, I love the glass holder & the packaging, the candle smells of forbidden fruit and its divine...

He also sent me a Boots gift voucher which would you believe I actually bought something practical with...

The RRP of this toothbrush was £65 and I got it for just £12.50! Bargain!

What did you get for Christmas? What was your fave and worst gifts?

CF xxx