Zara Haul

Hi Guys!

I called into my local Zara on Saturday to check out the sale. There were sooo many items at reduced prices.....I was in my element.

I purchased a new parka coat - A black one with fur on the hood, which was £12.99 - Yes you read correctly £12.99. The quality is fantastic and its perfect to wear on really cold days.

I also purchased a plain grey colour woollen jumper, with shoulder pads which was £6.99, however they had many other plain jumpers in a variety of colours starting from £3.99!! The price reductions were incredible - I may have to pay another trip there at the weekend to see whats left.........

Chanel Les Pop-Up Summer 2010 Collection

Check out Chanel's Summer 2010 collection which is available from April 2010. Im desperate for the grey coloured nail polish!!!

Images courtesy of Lushiousbeauty.nl

ELF Haul

Hi Guys!

I made a couple of purchases from ELF yesterday - The tone correcting concealer in rosy beige and a new foundation brush :)

Im hoping they should arrive tomorrow, so my reviews will be up shortly!!

Jimmy Choo High Tops

Woww!! Check out Jimmy Choo's new range of sneakers due for release in May......Dont get too excited thought - Prices are starting from £295.00 a pair! Ouch!!

 (Image from Jimmychoo.com)

RIP

So sorry to hear about the loss of one of the UK's great designers - Alexander McQueen.

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Image courtesy of Now Magazine UK.  

 

MAC To The Beach Collection - Summer 2010

Another MAC launch - Yippee.

MAC's to the beach collection has been slated quite a lot so far on other blogs, due to its 'quirky' packaging. Ive gotta be honest, i quite like it! Its cute and fun with true summer colours!! The colour collections for this range look pretty funky too!!

 

MAC Pret a Papier Collection for Summer 2010

Im not liking the promo images - lets put it that way, but the colours do look the business!

MAC's new summer collection is due for release in the UK around May. The collection will consist of -

MAC Chromagraphic Pencil

• NC 15 / NW 20


• NW 25 / NC 30

MAC Impeccable Brow Pencil

• Dirty Blonde: Blackened Dark Neutral-Brown


• Taupe: Mid-Tone Dirty-Taupe

MAC Studio Fix Lash

• Black Fix: Black

MAC SheerTone Blush

• Instant Chic: Mid-Tone Muted Coral


• Garb: Light Golden SunTan

MAC Mineralize Blush

• Light Over Dark: Light Yellow Brown/ Dark Peach (Frost)

MAC Paint Pot

• Coral Crepe: Soft Coral


• Ground Work: Mid Tone Neutral Taupe

MAC Lipstick

• ArcheType: Sheer Light Gold (Lustre)


• Dressmaker, Dressmaker: Creamy Light Peach Coral (Lustre)


• Made To Order: Creamy Mid-Tone Dirty Coral (Lustre)


• Kraft: Creamy Mid-Tone Warm Brown (Amplified)

MAC LipGlass

• C-ThRU: Peachy – Beige With Shimmer


• Fold and Tuck: Mid-Tone Bright Coral W/ Soft Pearl


• Pret-a-Papier: Dark Reddened Bronze W/ Pearl

MAC Eye Shadow

• TissueWeight: Frosted Pale Peach (Frost)


• Bamboo: Light Beige with Peach (Matte)


• Cut To Fit: Frosted Red-Bronze (Frost)


• Gazette Grey: Dark Green-Grey With Gold-Pearl (Velvet)


• Memorabilia: Dirty Purple (Matte)

MAC Nail Lacquer

• Brown Bag: Mid-Tone Warm Dirty Beige (Cream)


• Originality: Sparkly Copper Bronze (Frost)

Soap & Glory Flake Away Polish- A Review

As per my post regarding my Boots haul last week, its now time for me to give my reviews on the Soap & Glory products i purchased, starting with 'Flake away'.

Firstly, the smell - OH MY GOD THE SMELL.... It makes me want to eat it, it just smells so sweet and cupcakey!! It really leaves a lasting scent on your skin too  - I used it on Saturday morning and still got a wiff of it on Saturday evening!!

The consistency is unlike any scrub ive used before. It is of course very very gritty, but at the same time is fairly soft and greasy. I applied it as i would with any scrub (my favourite being St Ives) working it into the tops of my arms  as i get quite bad dry skin on them and i then washed it off. I must mention though that it does take quite a lot of washing off as the grains seem to really cling to the skin.

 Once i washed it all off, my skin did actually feel like silk (im really not exaggerating!!) Its true to its word as it does actually feel like it polished my skin and almost left a silky sheen on it.

The packaging, as with all Soap & Glory products is cute 1920's style beauty pictures in black and white. I also like the fact that Flake away is in a tub rather than being in a squeezy tube - As the tubes tend to get left over residue stuck on the side which dries and hardens - yakk!!

It is a very harsh scrub so i wouldn't recommend using it more than once  a week.

Pros - Fantastic smell, reasonable price, moisturising, leaves skin silky smooth

Cons - Fairly harsh scrub, not good if your looking for something to use more regularly than once a week.

Illamasqua Spring 2010 Pastels

Im very excited for Illamasqua's Spring 2010 nail collection which consists of mainly pastel colours - Nudge, Caress, Wink and Blow (L-R) The collection is available from the end of this month, however theres already a waiting list......Boohoo :(

L’Occitane Makeup Collection

Im a huge fan of L’Occitane products and was very pleased to hear that they are releasing a makeup range, which should be out in the UK in early summer.

The range will consist of Facecolor Powders, Eyeshadow, Water Tints (for cheeks), Face Illuminators, and Liquid Shine Lip Colors and will be sold in really cute 'seed packets'.

Eyepowders

Face Powder - Goldmine

Face Colour

2010 Perfume Releases

Heres a collection of designer smellies due for release this year...........

DKNY Women Summer 2010

Tommy  Girl Summer 2010

Kim Kardashian

Sarah Jessica Parker - SJP NYC

Chanel Chance Eau Tendre

Givenchy - Dance With Givenchy

 

Smashbox Cinderella Summer Collection 2010

Smashbox have today announced that there forthcoming Summer collection will be inspired by 'Cinderella'

Smashbox are going back to basics with simple glossy lips, natural skin and matte shadows. Theres no official launch date as yet, but Smashbox was quite hard to get hold of in the UK compared to other American cosmetic brands, that was until its launch in Debenhams :)

What do you think of the Summer collection?

Chanel Valentines Bag

I know what i want for Valentines Day this year.......................

MAC - 'Give Me Liberty Of London'

I want, I want, I want, I want!!

MAC's new collection hits the stores in the UK on 11th March, and i think the packaging is the nicest of any MAC collection!!! Purrrrr!!!

Stella McCartney For Disney

Ready for the forthcoming movie release  - Stella McCartney has teamed up with Disney and Swarovski Crystal, to design  a limited edition range for Alice in Wonderland, featuring the mad hatters hat, spade, club, heart and diamond shapes.

The collection will be available from Stella McCartney stores later on this month, with prices starting from £235.00.

(Picture courtesy of Disney)

Soap & Glory Offers At Boots

Hey Guys!

I strolled into Boots today on my lunch break and picked up some Soap & Glory bits and bobs! The majority of the range has up to 50% off in Boots!! I purchased the Hand Food hand cream and the Flake Away scrub :)

Reviews to be up shortly!! xx

Simple Cleansing Face Wipes - A Review

I called in to Superdrug last weekend to get some essentials (toothpaste, deodorant etc...) and found that the majority of the Simple range was reduced. I picked up a pack of cleansing wipes for £2.00 (I think there around £3.00 in Boots)

This is my first purchase from Simple and im pretty impressed. The wipes are cleansing and remove the majority of my makeup, but they dont dry my skin out at all, probably because there PH balanced. There is also no scent to them either as they are perfume free.

I have had issues in the past with face wipes - Im a sufferer of dry sensitive skin and find some brands to be quite an irritant - but so far ive had no skin issues with these wipes and would definitely repurchase.

The packet is resealable with keeps the wipes moist and is perfect for travel.

Cheap Urban Decay Eyeshadows!!

Hi Everyone,

I just thought id let you know that i stumbled across reduced Urban Decay loose pigment eyeshadows on M&M Direct. The majority of colours are £1.99 (Although there is a limited section) and the RRP is £11.99!! Delivery is £3.99, but is definitely worth it if your thinking of buying a few!

Toni & Guy Iron It Heat Defence Spray - A Review

This truly is my favourite heat protector spray. You can use it on either dry or wet hair (however i found it more effective on wet hair) The scent is gorgeous, it does leave my hair smelling like ive just walked out of the salon!! I tend to hold the can about 10cm away from my hair and give it a general spritz all over - The spray is really light though, and covers a bigger area than it seems. After a couple of days use with this, i really did notice a different in my hair after blow drying and straightening - It seemed to be in a much better condition and not as runaway as before.

Pro's - Great scent, Does what it says on the tin, Conditioning and smoothing

Con's - None really, but i guess price could be an issue as its around £6 for the big aerosol can.

Maybelline Pure Minerals Blush - A Review

I recently purchased Maybelline Pure Minerals Blush after being recommended by a friend who swears by it.

I find that it gives a fabulous finish - and seems to last all day with no need to reapply. The colours are really vibrant and i found it really fresh in terms of pigmentation.

Pro's - Long lasting, very affordable, excellent vibrant colours.

Con's - A gentle application is needed as the colour seems to build up pretty easily.

Coral Lipstick - Your Thoughts. . . .

Coral lipstick is the big 'in' thing this season. Many of the preview shows sported this look - and i believe that coral gives a really nice colour to any skin tone, however im really not a fan of the tangy shades....hmmm...

Thoughts?? 

A Quick Update

Just to let you all know that i will be putting up some self taken photos very soon - Im having problems with the flash on my camera so my pictures arent coming out very well!

Will try and get it resolved ASAP!! :)

Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara - A Review

Pro's - Great value for money, Thickens & darkens lashes, No clumping or clogging, Vibrant standout packaging.

Con's - Doesnt give 7x more lash volume as promised (a bit of an exaggeration), isnt 100% waterproof - I used this on holiday and found got panda eyes after going in the pool!

Another Favourite Perfume - Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

This is one of the most recognizable scents ever! I only ever spray it twice - as i find theres no need to coat myself in it as its so long lasting. I get so many compliments when i wear it and find it not too be too 'old ladyish' as some of the classic Chanel fragrances are.

 I do believe though, that Coco Madam is Chanels way of appealing a scent to a younger target group. And of course, we all love the classy Chanel packaging.

Alice In Wonderland Urban Decay Pallette - Lush!!

I want one - Its sooo pretty!! The colours look 'wonderful'!!! Meep!!

The set contains 16 best selling eyeshadows, a travel size primer potion (see earlier review ;)) and two 24/7 eye pencils.  The bad news is, we've got a month to wait - as its not out in the UK until 1st March :(

Lush Bath Bombs - A Review

Bath bombs are the signature product from Lush. As a bath lover, they are definitely a personal favourite of mine.

I find that they make my skin much softer, compared to when i use standard bath foam - which makes my skin incredibly dry. The scents are incredible - my favourites being the butterball and supernova. They do also make really nice gifts for friends, especially bath lovers! I would suggest breaking them in half though, as i find a full ball in just one bath can sometimes be a little over powering.

Lush currently have a variety of bath bombs for sale, with prices ranging from £1.40-£3.20.

L'oreal True Match Roller Foundation - A Review

I was really really curious about this product after seeing the TV advert a number of times.  I decided to purchase it and give it a try as im a huge fan of L'oreal True Match foundation.

Pro's - Smooths out nicely.....in the end, Compact packaging, Matte look.  

Con's - Time consuming to apply, Limited shade range, Hard to get in the nooks and crannies (around the eyes and nose), Can appear streaky if not blended properly.

Not impressed at all - Certainly not worth the money. I do actually feel let down by L'oreal - Usually they have such good quality products, but i was so disappointed by the roller foundation. Its so difficult to apply with the roller - i ended up using my foundation brush!!

Superdrug - 10% Off Your First Online Order

Superdrug are offering 10% off your first online order. Just enter the code TILL0507 when using checkout. I believe this code only works for full priced items.

They are also offering free delivery if you spend over £35.00 (Otherwise, delivery is usually £3)

Urban Decay Primer Potion - A Review

Im a huge fan of the Urban Decay range, even though its not one of the high end brand of cosmetics, the products do exactly what they say on the tin!

 Pros - The primer potion is the best that I have come across – It holds your eyeshadow in place all day with no need to reapply. I find that the colour does not fade either and remains as strong and vibrant as when I applied it first thing in the morning. There is no creasing at all – something that im sure the majority of us find without using any sort of primer, however I have tested quite a few before (some more costly than this one) and none have come close to doing the job as well as Urban Decays.   

 Cons – I wouldn’t exactly say its an expensive product (as its definitely worth the money) however I do find it a bit annoying that you don’t get a huge amount in the bottle for the price.

A Style Icon - Lauren Conrad

 

 

Topshop Makeup Range

Im very excited that the Topshop makeup collection is due to be released very soon . . . There is said to be 17 products in the range starting from £5.00 - Eeeeekk!!!

Marc Jacobs Special Item Store NYC

Before i travelled to New York in November, i did some research on discount designer stores - and stumbled across the MJ special items store. Set on a quiet part of Bleecker Street, i really didnt know what to expect, but after reading some fantastic reviews on various blogs, i decided i had to go there and see for myself the amazing bargains.

I wasn't disappointed - I did have to queue outside to get in for about 15 min, but it was worth it. The shop is possibly the smallest, most cramped shop i have ever been in. You really have to scan everywhere to make sure you haven't missed anything, keep your eyes peeled in every nook and cranny too as no doubt their are some other items hiding away, ready for you to purchase them!! Heres a few of my purchases.....

MJ Bowler Bag - $49 (Yes, i kid you not, $49) You can also get it with yellow, green, purple or blue writing.

MJ Hearts Clutch in Purple (Also available in gold, silver, metallic blue and metallic red) - $35.00

 

The infamous MJ Lipstick Pen - $1.50

American Apparel Wishlist - Yum!

Betty Davis T-Shirt - £25.00

 

Chatsworth Sunglasses - £49.00

Unisex Hoodied Scarf - £18.00

Mac Too Fabulous Collection - Spring 2010

Mac are releasing the 'Too Fabulous' collection sometime in March in the UK. I cant seem to find any pictures of the collection as yet (much to my dissapointment) However i have got hold of the list of the colours in the collection - which makes me very excited!! WISHLIST PLEASE!! :)

Cremesheen Glass (Permanent)

• Just Superb Dirt neutral pink


• Loud & Lovely Blue pink


• Richer, Lusher Peach coral


• Double Dare Coral red


• Deelight Mid-tone neutral


• Over Indulgence Neutral brown


• Fashion Scoop Clear pink (Repromote)


• Partial to Pink Light peach pink (Repromote)


• Boy Bait Light nude (Repromote)

Lip Pencil

• Boldy Bare Dirt red brown (Limited Edition)


• Mouth Off Deep peach coral (Limited Edition)


• Trimmed in Pink Bright blue pink (Limited Edition)


• In Synch Bright yellow pink (Limited Edition)


• Naked Liner Light neutral (Limited Edition)


• Chestnut Intense brown (Permanent)

Mineralize Blush Duo

Rhapsody in Two Light pale pink/pale peach (Frost) (Limited Edition)

• Chic Couple Light yellow brown/dark peach (Frost) (Limited Edition)


• Two Virtues Light blue pink/light violet (Frost) (Limited Edition)


• Bi-Tone Rose pink/copper bronze (Frost) (Limited Edition)


• Buddy Up Neutral brown/pink brown (Frost) (Limited Edition)

Ugg Boots - A Light Rant!

So today ive woken up to a light dusting of snow......again!! Im well and truely sick of feeling cold and having to wear layers and layers everyday and to make matters worse, the boiler at my work has broken!! :( Bad times.

The only thing that i am thankful about today, is the fact i have worn my Ugg boots to work !! My feeties are soo warm and comfy, even if the rest of me isnt! I purchased my Uggs from a shoe store called David Z in NYC just before Xmas. They were on sale at the time for $180 but, as im a UK size 5, i managed to sneak into the childrens sizes so i got them for $140! Insert smiley face!

One thing however i cannot stand with Uggs, and its seen quite a lot in the UK, is girls wearing Ugg 'style' boots which after a couple of times of being worn, crease down at the back and if worn too much have a crooked slanty sole. I understand that Uggs arent exactly cheap, and that not everyone has got the money to buy a pair of boots like that, but for gods sakes - if there in such a state, stop wearing them and get yourself some new shoes/boots!! Rant over!

Product Rave - Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder

Due to the current cold snap and the summer months seeming like a million years away - I have found myself applying more and more bronzer as the days go by. Bad idea if you have just a cheapo drugstore bronzer, Good idea if your the owner of Benefit Hoola Bronzer....!!

Hoola gives off a more natural tan colour, rather than making you look like an Oompa Lumpa. The packaging is, as with all benefit products, divine - Although i am a sucker for a pretty box. 

For this bronzer though i would only recommend using a tiny bit at a time, as a bit too much may make you look a bit streaky. I dont use the little brush that came in the box as i get a more effective application by using a larger fluffy brush - Always remember to tap off any excess before applying!!

Product Rave - My 5 Favourite Shower Gels/Creme's

Heres a list of my 5 favourite shower gels – I love to try new showers gels all the time and am regularly purchasing different ones, however these are the 5 that I would be most likely to re-purchase!

1. 
   
   Dove Cream Oil Shower Gel - Cherry Blossom and Almond


2. Virgin Vie - Pretty Calm Shower Gel


3. Molton Brown - Coco De Mer Shower Gel/Bath Creme


4. Philosophy - Cinnamon Buns 3-In-1 Bath & Shower Gel


5. Imperial Leather Japanese Spa Shower Creme