Gok Wan/Pretty Pastels

I love Gok, lets face it I think we'd all like to spend the day with him, the guy is a clothing genius. 

Now on his 9th collection for Sainsbury's you can channel your inner glam whilst picking up your groceries, I couldn't resist these beautiful trousers last weekend, I saw them and just had to have them!

I've never been brave enough to wear printed trousers but something about these just made me want to try them, and I'm so glad I did. For me the trousers mark a milestone in my weight loss, they're a size 10!
I also picked up a top that and cute neck tie scarf that compliments the trousers beautifully, weather permitting I will wear this outfit this weekend, in London so keep an eye out on my Instagram for an OOTN piccy. 

Do you own any Gok Wan clothing? 

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Olay/Regenerist Luminous Dark Circle Hydraswirl

Olay Regenerist Luminous Dark Circle Hydraswirl

Olay's latest offering had me intrigued, the swirly pattern of glitter had me like a magpie,

 it certainly looked the part, is this the wonder cream I've been searching for to combat my dark circles?

 Well after 4 weeks of use, sadly no, but having said that it has been a pleasure to use, and I'll certainly continue to use it up. The sparkly ribbons throughout the cream are great for adding luminosity to the dark and blue, purple undertones that so many of us have under our eyes. The trick is to brighten the under eye are rather than conceal it, as it only makes it worse.

The cream glides on and provides a lovely smooth base for your under eye make up to go on top, I personally use YSL Touche Eclat and then a dusting of Bourjois Java Rice Powder for the ultimate lightening effect. I cant say I've noticed a miracle improvement in my under eye, but it does give instant brightness when applied. I'd say the formula is half highlighter and half gel, it's nice and cooling and applies really easily.

The magic ingredients in this little tub are niacinamide as well as palmitoyl pentapeptide 4 to combat the signs of ageing and to brighten the eye area.

It's pretty pricey at £29.99 and for a 15ml tube is highly priced but 4 weeks in I'm no where near even half way through the tube so it will last you ages. 

This shot shows the eye area with the cream off and then the cream on with my Touche Eclat and Java Rice Powder applied over the top, you'll see the results are pretty impressive! 

This is no miracle cream but it is worth the investment for the effect you get when it's applied. Have you tried this cream? What do you think? 

Shop right now online at Boots.com

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*PR Sample

The Ultrabond Challenge/A Revelation For False Lash Lovers!

I was recently lucky enough to take part int he Ultrabond Challenge, Nouveau Lashes & Amazing PR set beauty bloggers nationwide the ultimate lash challenge over the may bank holiday weekend, the rules were simple: 

Apply the lashes on Friday using the Ultrabond Strip Lash Adhesive, and keep them on throughout your nights of partying, showers, make up application, and really put it to the test. 

We had to upload pics of our lashes throughout the weekend, I have to say I was impressed. 

Ultrabond Strip Lash in my eyes is a revelation for falsie lovers, it's different from other adhesives, it's latex free so even those sensitive to latex needn't miss out on their fave faux lash, it's super sensitive formula doesn't compromise on the hold of your lashes, the proof is in my 3 day trial.

The lashes I was sent to trial were super  lightweight and natural looking which was a great relief because I would have hated looking too glam for day time, these are the Nouveau Lashes in Collection 1, Style 5, these retail at around £9 per pair, and they are so natural feeling, no plastic stiff lashes just fluffy fluttery goodness. 

The Ultrabond Adhesive is so good you only need the smallest amount, it dries clear and doesn't feel sticky on the eyelids, here are my lashes on the first night. 

Throughout my trial I went to the gym, showered, applied make up, took my make up off, slept, rubbed my eyes, and carried on as normal, here they are still looking pretty fresh after a 2 hour gym session on the Saturday morning.....

Here are my lashes on the Sunday night prior to removal, no touch up's throughout, and the only tiny bit of lifting was in the very corner of my right inner corner, I know this would have been really bugging me if I had to go another day of wear but fortunately it was time to take them off. 

    

I have to say I really put Ultrabond to the test and it didn't disappoint, it will be my lash adhesive of choice and of recommendation in future. 

You can shop the Nouveau Lash Collection right here and be sure to treat yourself to a tube of the Ultrabond Adhesive right here you can keep up to date with all of the Nouveau Lash goodness by following them on Twitter @NouveauLashes and by following them on Facebook 

I'd also recommend following the lovelies at Amazing PR on Twitter@AmazingPRltd I'd like to thank you both for the opportunity to take part in this fab challenge! 

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*PR samples. 

The Jewel Shack/Summer Brights

Check out these beauties! 

Don't really need to say much as these really do speak for themselves, my latest pieces from 

The Jewel Shack, grab your's now, these will do you proud in the sunnier weather. 

'Miami Beach' £23 & The 'Juke Box' £10

Shop the collection now, head over to The Jewel Shack

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Garnier Ultimate Blends/Salon Hair Under £5!

I've recently been using this shampoo, Garniers latest addition to their range are the Ultimate Blends, 6 specialist ranges target all your hair woes. so whether your hair is dull, dry, coloured or just in need of a treat you should give this stuff a go. The bottle isn't overly exciting but don't let that be the reason you stroll past it on the shelves, as the old saying goes, never judge a book by it's cover!

The Sleek Restorer targets dry and frizzy hair, its packed with coconut and cocoa oil, it smells absolutely delicious. It really has transformed my hair and leaves it silky smooth, and really does stand up well to humidity.
I always wash my hair twice and then only ever add a small amount of the Aussie Miracle Mousse to the very ends, I get a really itchy scalp if I condition all over my head just doesn't like it.

It gives your hair a really salon finished look, I love this shampoo. For under £3 a bottle it's a steal!
There are other products in the range that compliment the shampoo, and each range has something different to offer, have a look at the
Garnier Website and diagnose your locks.

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The Jewel Shack/Neck Candy

I recently featured a gorgeous statement necklace from The Jewel Shack, if you missed it shame on you, but you can catch up by clicking right here. 

Well I've been sent a couple of other beautiful pieces of neck candy to review, and I have to say they are equally as gorgeous as my first one. 

Say hello to 'The Peach Bellini' & 'Spearmint Fresh'



The Peach Bellini can be yours for just £10 and the Spearmint Fresh just £12, there's even a ring to match the Peach Bellini Necklace. 

I't'd be so hard for me to choose which one I like most as both are so versatile with so much and so many different colours, for me though the Peach Bellini just hots the spot, I'm not overly keen on the gold chain on the Spearmint Fresh but that's all I don't like about it!

Which is your fave?

Like The Jewel Shack on Facebook now to check out the full collection!

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Latest Hair Fad/Reverse Washing

Ever feel that conditioner weighs your hair down? 

The latest hair trend may be one for you, reverse washing is said to give you the effect of a salon blow dry, adding lots volume and no weighty residue. 

I put this fad to the test and I have to say it didn't work for me, my hair is naturally frizzy and full of thickness and volume, so I don't need any help in that department really, and I rely on conditioner to add a little weight to my locks to keep them in check!

For purposes of the experiment I used Aussie Mega Shine Shampoo & Conditioner, applying the conditioner to dry hair just felt wrong, and I left it on for a full 5 minutes before rinsing it out, it felt like satin after this step, the shampoo lathered up really well after being conditioned as most of the dirt and residue had been washed away by the conditioner. I always do two washes with shampoo.

It combed through fine after rinsing and it wasn't until blow drying that the volume became apparent, it just made locks looks really poofy and not nice, and It left the ends feeling like straw.

For thinner haired girls that are in desperate need of a volume boost then give this a go, it should work wonders for you.
Apply conditioner to ends of dry hair leave on for 5 minutes, then wash with shampoo, preferably twice, let me know if this works for you, I'd be interested to hear your results.

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Clarins/Colours Of Brazil Summer Collection 2014

The clocks have changed and we have even seen a hint of the sun lately, summer is on it's way.

As soon as I saw this collection it immediately put me in the mindset of sandy beaches, pina colada's and poolside glam, and I cannot wait to use these products on my holidays this year!

This collection is awash with bronzes, azures, golden tones, shimmers and textures, the palette's have some fantastic detailing on them to giving them a real tropical feel. They ooze luxury and sunny days.
Clarins have very cleverly brought Brazil to their newest collection, Brazil will be in the spotlight a lot this year and I have no doubt this collection will be a sell out too! 

The highlight of this collection is definitely the 'Colours Of Brazil' Quartet and Eye Liner Palette (£39) it's limited edition, this one has 4 matte and satin shadows and an intense royal blue eye liner, along with the precision application brushes.

Don't let the blue liner put you off, it may scream 90's at you in the pan but it really is gorgeous when on the eyes, brightens and compliments a tan, this is such a versatile colour and can be used dry for a subtle effect, or wet for evening glamour without the heaviness of a black liner. 

The Summer Bronzing Palette Compact (£30) a sumptuous pan of terracotta and brown hues all encased in an aztec South American style compact, complete with mirror, sweep this across your cheeks down the bridge of your nose and across your décolletage for instant radiance and a sun kissed glow.

I really do love the fact this palette is a matte finish with no shimmer particles so you wont be left looking like a glowing beacon when the temperature heats up.

Lip crayons are so convenient and putting the summer lip colours in this collection in this formula are on the go friendly. This collection boasts 6 shades, from a light baby pink to a bronze toned coffee shade, I have to say the coffee isn't for me at all, I much prefer my brights when on holiday, the My Pink shade is one that reacts to the PH in your lips to create a unique personal shade.

These retail at £18 each and they are packed full of shea butter for moisturising softness and a pop of colour.
The wear time on these is a good couple of hours, although if your in and out the pool then you may need to reapply more often.

I've been reviewing three of the lip crayons this week, they smell divine, sweet scented and they glide on the lips beautifully....






From the top shade 01, 03 and 05 at the bottom.

Finally the 'Truly Waterproof' Mascara (£21) is a perfect addition to your summer make up bag, available in black and a gorgeous striking blue shade

It's continuous 12 hour formula protects lashes from the harsh effects of chlorine, salt and UV rays.

This beautiful Brazillian inspired collection hits Clarins counters on the 29th of April, get there quick to treat yourself to the essential in summer make up that'll take you from day to night with a few staple pieces in your make up bag.

Be sure to check it out online at the Clarins Website

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Estee Lauder/Double Wear Glow All Day BB

When Estee Lauder launched their newest addition to the Double Wear I had high hopes, but I have to be honest, It just didn't live up to the hype for me. 

Loved the look of it on my colour match in store, looks great spread on the back of your hand, the crushed pearls give a beautiful and very radiant glow, and as it has the DW foundation in it it provides great medium coverage, the real test was in the week that followed I put this to the test during a typical working week and I am gutted it just didn't suit me. 

The formula is a thick creamy consistency, it's a lot thicker than your standard DW liquid foundation, and the  Intensity 2.0 colour matched my skin tone perfectly (I wear Fresco in the Double Wear) 

left product dispensed and right product blended in

I primed as usual before applying the all day glow, and it does go on really well with your normal foundation brush, the effect is very brightening and looks flawless on application, I always set my base with my trusty Ben Nye Banana Powder. The real test for me is during the day my not to oily/combination skin just doesn't need all the moisture this stuff provides and unfortunately by midday I was looking a little on the shiny side. In the days that followed came the dreaded break outs. 

This stuff will cover slight dark circles, and hide blemishes just like your DW foundation and give you a gorgeous glow, perfect for the upcoming summer months, I'm just really sorry to say for my fellow oily gals out there this one just isn't for us, sad I know, the Vitamin E, C & SPF 30 makes it so appealing as a lighter summer alternative I'm gutted I wont be wearing it this year. 

If your a dry skinned babe or even if you have dry/combination skin definitely pop in and grab a sample at your local counter try it out for yourself, it gives great coverage and makes you look so healthy and radiant. 

Priced at £29 for 30ml it's pretty pricey but the consistency means it'll go a long way, shop online at the Estee Lauder Website

I have got my eye on the Double Wear Brush On Glow for my under eyes so I'll be posting my thoughts on that soon, if I buy it that is....

Have you tried the All Day Glow? I'd love to hear your thoughts.....

xXx

Orange Lips/Summer Trend 2014

It's graced the catwalks of spring 2014 and with red carpet babes sporting the tangerine lip trend at some pretty big events I thought it only right I put together this feature.

When you think of spring/summer make up trends you always go down the pretty pastel and shimmer route, but not this year. 

Is it really possible to make this fashion show trend wearable on the high street? I would say YES, orange is so similar to it's sister shade of red meaning universally it's a shade that suits everyone, and that's the only thing that holds people back from taking the plunge and braving these vibrant hues. 

I've scoured the beauty counters and been doing my research to bring you my orange fave's and for those of you who really aren't brave enough to take the plunge into the deepest brightest shades I've added a lighter alternative.

Bourjois Rouge Edition in shade 19 'Corail En Vogue' £7.99 
This is for those of you who want to sport the orange lip trend but just aren't brave enough to go bold, this is a beautiful creamy coral lipstick, I don't find the wear time to be very long but it's really good value for money.

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Sheer Rush Lipshine 'Poppy Shock'  £19.50
This is a beautiful lipstick, it has tiny particles of shimmer throughout, so again it's not a bold colour yet still allows you to wear an orange lip whilst providing a little toning down.
For the price I dont think the wear time is very long at an hour max, but if you like a bit of sparkle in your lippie then this one's for you.

Clarins Rouge Eclat Lipstick 'Juicy Clementine' £19.50
This is my personal pick of the lipsticks the colour is so bold, it applies evenly and helps to combat any dry patches on the lips thanks to it's super clever formula, it's packed with vitamin E so this would be great on holiday. With a wear time of a good few hours and the gorgeous packaging I really am sold on this one.

MAC Lady At Play Mineralize Lipstick £20 & Revlon Colourburst 'Unapologetic' £7.99
I've chosen to include both of these shades as they border like more on the pinky oranges, but I know some of you may feel braver sporting a pink than a bright orange, MAC Lady At Play is a beautiful neon orange with a hint of fuchsia pink in it, I love the formula of the mineralize lippies and it's a firm fave in my make up collection.
Revlon Colourburst Lip Balm is another great option if you want a more pinky orange, this one I do like if I feel in the mood for sporting a matte lip effect this is my go to product, this almost stains the lips so it has a great wear time to.

The main advice I can give you if you are rocking the tangerine dream is to keep the rest of your face neutral, a nice dewy (but not shimmery) complexion with a slick of mascara and eye liner can add all the definition you need to your eyes and your bright orange lips will set the look of nicely, the statement here is the lips, so let them do all the work. Personally I cant wait to wear this trend on holiday this year, a sun kissed canvas to apply it on will only make the colour 'pop' even more.

If you want more here are a couple of my other 'tangerine dreams'

Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick 'Riviera' £24 
Liquid to matte finish lipstick that glides on, stays put for hours.



 Lime Crime Lipstick 'My Beautiful Rocket' £11.00
Bright, Bold, Statement lips, cruelty free and has unicorn packaging!

Are you embracing the tangerine trend this year?
Let me know what your must have orange hue is, be brave, this trend really will suit you all, I'm happy to help suggest a match for you as always feel free to get in touch if you need my advice.

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