Summer: Protect your Hair for the Summer Months

Hello Lovelies,

Spring has most definitely sprung! So now it's important to look after your hair even more than the harsh winter months. 

After working in a Hairdressers for a very long time I learnt that summer is definitely a bigger enemy than winter when it comes to the condition of your hair. The sun can alter the colour, the heat can damage your hair, and if your going on holiday, the pool and sea can cause breakages and colour alterations :s.

We definitely don't want this ladies!

One thing that i swear by in the summer, especially for coloured hair, is a good quality hair protection oil. If you use Moroccan Oil (or any other alternatives) then don't get mistaken, a sun protection oil has different qualities and protects you from the heat, uv rays, chlorine and salt water. 

No7 Hair Protecting Spritz

Try to not use as many heated appliances on your hair because this will dry your hair out even more in the summer months.

If you do use heated appliances then as always use a heat protection and finishing products just to give that extra level of protection.

Lee Stafford Poker Straight: Dehumidifier, Flat Iron Protection Spray, Dry Shampoo

If you use hairspray then try and go for a weather resistant one as this will protect you against high levels of humidity and dryness and will also add moisture (i know this sounds silly but trust me) to your hair and prevent dryness. 

VO5 Ultimate Hold Hairspray: Weather Resistant

Finally, use a really moisturising shampoo just to keep your hair from going brittle and breaking. And if you tie your hair up, alternate where you tie the band each day just to stop your hair from going weak in one area.

Hope this has helped with any summer hair queries that you might of had and inspired you to take extra care of your hair in the summer. If you have any tips, let me know beauties :)

Summer Body Mission Week 1

Hello Lovelies,

I don't really want to fill up my blog with stuff like this but I thought it would motivate me more if I actually recorded my progress, so apologies if this bores you...

So the recent warm weather (a rarity for the UK) has motivated me to get fitter for the summer. I never really have had an issue with my body but i would like to be able to feel really confident when im on holiday or wearing my summer clothes. Oh and i'm not going to put pictures on of the scales, because i really don't want the world to see how much i weigh...

Week 1 has been all about getting in the right frame of mind and finding the motivation to actually get up and do something. I'm on my easter holiday from uni so i definitely have the time to exercise now. I haven't bought anything like chocolate or sweets or food that I shouldn't be eating. I've also created a meal plan, which basically has all of my meals and snacks on so i can add up how many calories, grams of fat etc i've eaten that particular day.

In terms of exercise, I can't really afford a gym membership so I'm doing it on my own. Thankfully my boyfriend bought an XBOX360 along with kinect, so I've been and bought myself Just Dance 3 and Zumba, both of which are really good and I will definitely be using them alot more. I love them. I also have a twist board from the Davina range at argos, which is a simple piece of equipment to use and really does work all of your body.

So I hope this hasn't been too boring (it probably has) but I just thought it would be easier for me to record all of my progress on here, and also if anyone else is needing help on this then we could help each other to get to our goal.

Are you aiming for a summer body? Do you have any tips for getting fit? Let me know :)

Thanks Lovelies

Another Bargain Haul...

I seriously need to stop spending!! But these were all bargains so I don't feel to guilty about it :)

So my first stop was Primark. I pretty much buy a lot of clothes from here as they're all such good bargains and they always have something for everyone. And as it's been really warm lately I thought i would treat myself to some new summer clothes. Lets hope we get a lovely summer.

The first thing i bought was a chiffon sleeveless shirt. Dark blue with lace inserts on the shoulders and the  upper chest. It has a light pink tulip design all over and is a dip hem shape. From Primark £10

I also bought a dress that fits in with the pastel and tribal trend at the same time. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to have it, it's so casual but alternative at the same. It's also great for someone who is a bit printphobic to work into their wardrobe. From Primark £10

Another Dress... The same shape as the previous dress but with a different design. Simple stripes (stripes are my favourite). I think the colours really compliment each other and are perfect fro the summer season. From Primark £10

So onto the makeup. I just hit pan on my beloved MAC bronzing powder so i wanted to save that for a while and I bought MUA's Mosaic Bronzer. I thought that this wouldnt be as good as it is because of the price (even though I have lost of MUA's products, i was slightly sceptical about this). How wrong was I? A quick swirl of the brush in the powder and you have beautiful flush of colour that looks really really natural.

At the same time, I picked up MUA's lipgloss in shade 5. I'm not normally a gloss person but I don't want to be wearing tons of lipstick in the summer as I prefer the natural look. This gloss is actually quite close to my lip colour anyway so I can't really comment on the colour although it did make my lips look more pigmented. The shine it gives is just as good as high end brands.

Finally, in Primark, they have started selling nail polish that is independant of their own cosmetics line. The sell rimmel!! But I was more drawn to the Angelica stand that they have close to the tills. This is a collection of pastels, neon, glitters and crackle polishes. I picked up a really pretty pastel blue in the shade "Be Mine". I haven't used this yet but I will post about it as soon as I do. From Primark £2.50

I know this is a massive post but it is a haul lol. And, i'm so excited about summer I just had to share everything with you all.

Hope I haven't bored you too much and that you've enjoyed this post.

Thanks Lovelies :)

New Mac Collections: Extra Dimension and Tres Cheek

MAC Cosmetics have announced two limited edition collections that will be launching in April. I'm so EXCITED!!!

Image Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics.

Extra Dimension is exactly what the name suggests. The products are a powder that have prismatic reflections designed to sculpt, highlight and enhance the natural model of the face. In this collection there are three Skinfinish's at £21.50 each and ten eyeshadows at £16.50 each.

The second collection has six blush powders priced at £17.50 each. The shades available are:

• Pink Tea Neutral (beige pink),
•  Lovecloud Bright (mid-tone pink), 
• Peony Petal Bright (blue pink), 
• Modern Mandarin (red-orange), 
• Immortal Flower (bright peach) 
• Full of Joy Lavender (frost).  

(Information from MAC Cosmetics)

Both of these Collections will be available from next month at MAC Cosmetics counters and online. 

*Please note, this information was available online and the picture was available from MAC, I do NOT own any of the images or information*

Thanks Lovelies :)

FOTD: First Day of Spring

Hello Lovelies, so as yesterday was the first official day of spring I thought I would share with you what my makeup was like.

My Everyday Spring Makeup: Neutral eye with bright lips

I just did my everyday makeup but with a slight splash of colour to make it a bit more spring friendly. The products I used were NYC all day long foundation in fair, Collection2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in fair, Sleek Contour Kit in Light, Sleek au naturel palette, Maybelline eyestudio gel liner in black, Rimmel Scandaleyes mascara, NYC lisptick in Blue Rose, then a setting spray over the top.

I think that the bright pink lipstick adds an extra dimension to the neutral everyday look. This could easily be updated for the night with a darker shadow to create more a smokey eye look and some falsies.

The most amazing lipstick Iown at the minute: NYC in Blue Rose

I'd love too see your spring makeup looks lovelies so let me know if you've done one and ill check it out :)

x

Gorgeous by Gok x

I can't resist anything pretty and these two sets from the Gorgeus by Gok x range really live up to being pretty :)

I would have reviewed these earlier as I got these for Christmas from my very beautiful mum as stocking fillers, but I'v been in the middle of moving out of my parents house so everything has been all over the place.

The deluxe box and the small gift set

So first is the deluxe box set that is a beautiful patent purple and gold design. It has a magnetic lid that has a message from Gok on the inside, opening into a large compartment that has 5 extremely pretty products inside. There is (from l-r) a bath essence, body wash, shimmer shower cream, shimmer body balm and a rich moisturising body butter. All of which are lavender scented. Lush

Top section of the deluxe box.

Underneath this is a small pull out drawer that has even more products in! In here is a lavender scented hand cream that creates lovely soft, silky smooth skin. A lip balm that rivals those of higher brands. Finally a silky shower cap that I actually love :)

Including the pull out section.

Onto the second gift set and this simply comes in a sort of box bag thats like 3d snake print. In this one is a spray on moisturiser and the same body wash as in the deluxe box. Another shower cap!!! I've never had one before and now I have two!!

Second Gift set.

I love these products and hadn't seen them in Boots until I unwrapped these on christmas morning, then in their big january sale I saw a few of these left. My advise is to definitely get one of these sets when you see them as they really are pretty and very very good products. 

Have you tried any of the Gorgeous by Gok x range? Let me know :)

Enjoy Lovelies <3

Jimmy Choo Perfume

Eeeekk! I LOVE THIS!! I'm a perfume lover and cant be without any. Unfortunately, I had used up ALL of my perfume before moving and I couldn't afford any new ones. Then my lovely boyfriends mum bought me this for Christmas and I couldn't have been happier!!

So this is the complete set but you can buy each item separately in different sizes if you want. In this set there is a perfumed body lotion and the eau de parfum. The scent for these are both the same, a floral, sweet scent. It has Hear Notes of Tiger Orchard, Top Notes of Pear Nectar and Sweet Italian Orange. Obviously this is perfect for a really girly smell.

The perfumed body lotion is a great alternatively to an actual perfume. I use this in the day time, just a small amount where I would usually spray the perfume, (now I don't use my perfume up as quickly). It really is perfumed and in noway is this diluted like most perfume body lotions and this retails at £21.50 for 100ml/3.3 FLoz

Perfumed Body Lotion 100ml £21.50

On to the actual perfume, and this is definitely at the top of my favourites list. I have the 60ml Eau De Parfum which retails at £48.50 in most places (you might be able to find some online for cheaper). But you really don't need much a little goes along way with this. Overall, this perfume definitely deserves a 10/10, for all of the products and the pretty 3d pink snake print packaging.

Eau De Parfum 60ml £48.50

Have you tried this? Any other perfumes you love? Let me know :)

Hope you enjoy Lovelies.

HELP!! MAC Suggestions?

Hello Lovelies,

So I love MAC products but I always tend to stick to buying the same ones :s I know thats bad.

I'd love it if you could suggest some products for me to try, and tell me the MAC products that you swear by :)

Thanks so much beauties :)

The Cheapest Haul ever!

Today I was planning what I was going to buy on my shopping trip whilst I was in my Lecture, oopsie! Safe to say I didn't get anything I planned because I got sidetracked by all these bargains!!

1. For a long time I used Spa Deep Cleansing wipes then they suddenly seemed to disappear from all shelves. Sad Face :(. But today I found some in my nearest Sallys!!!! I've never been so excited to see some face wipes ever! They remove every tiny bit of makeup and impurities and also prevent breakouts. Two packs for £1.

2. I'm a massive lover of false eyelashes so couldnt resist these beauties at the bargain price of 75p!!!! Yes, theres no typo here, the lashes really were just 75p! The Kiss eyelashes with applicator springs are new to me but I have seen them around before for a hell of a lot more than this. I'll let you know how I get on with them :)

Two sets of the exotic lashes and two sets of the premium lashes.

3. I also bought a straightening mist that I used all the time in my job at the Hairdressers and it really is good. I picked this up for just £2.79 which is a really cheap alternative to branded products. Bought from Sallys

4. The final thing I bought from Sallys was the St.Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse. I buy this in original. It's a really light mousse formula that goes on so smoothly and streak free. I got this for £3.99 and have used it for as long as I can remember.

St Moriz Original

5. I couldn't resist having a little look round Superdrugs as always and went straight for the MUA stand. I knew that I wanted a white Eyeliner so got this one for the bargain price of £1!!!

MUA eyeliner in Snow White

6. Again from MUA I also bought their primer. I've tested this quickly this afternoon and so far im really pleased with it. I'll post in a few weeks to let you know how i'm getting on with it.

7. Finally, with spring just around the corner, a bright pink lipstick is definitely on the cards. For £1.49 I couldn't have got a nicer shade. This is NYC Long Lasting Lipcolour in Blue Rose. A really pretty hot pink with blue shimmery undertones. Perfect.

NYC Lasting Lipcoloour Lipstick in Blue Rose.

Spring Lipstick? Yes Please!

So, this definitely has to be one of my greatest bargain days ever and I definitely can't wait for the next one!!!

Hope you enjoy beauties :)

NOTD: Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish in Perfect Plum

NOTD: Purple shimmer with ring finger glitter...

Sorry for the Messy Application, I was doing this really really quickly

Added a coat of Barry M Hologram on the ring finger.

I love this nail polish so so much. I know the pictures are not the best quality but I really wanted to get this done. The colour is blue based purple, that looks like a block colour at first glance but the slight shimmer catches the light which creates a high shine.

The polish has such a good formula it glides on so easy and you only need one coat for an opaque finish! How many other nail polishes do that?! In the past I've worn this for at lease a week before seeing any sign of wear.

Overall I would give this Nail Polish 5/5

Sleek Face Contour Kit in Light

Sleek have done it again and made me wonder how I ever managed without this product? The Face Contour Kit consists of a matte contour colour and a highlight colour, with a very good quality mirror. At first I thought that this colour was going to be way too dark for me (but I knew nothing about contouring), but it really was a great match!

The outer Box, Small instructions leaflet and the Face Contour Kit

The higlighter is also a lovely addition to the kit as I would never have even thought of putting a highlighter with the contour, for fear of looking a bit OTT.

The Contour and Highlighter, in Light

Swatches of the Powders

One thing that sets this kit aside from all of the rest is the fact that it comes with a little inside telling you exactly how to contour your face. For contour virgins like myself this was a big help.

Instructional Leaflet

If your struggling to find the perfect contour colour then definitely go and buy the sleek contour kit, I pretty much guarantee that you wont look back :)

Tried this product? Fan of Sleek? Let me know :)

Adios beauties...

Mac Glitter Cream in Shimmerene

I love MAC Cosmetics and have done for a long time. I thought that I'd share with you one of my most favourite products and that's their Glitter Cream.

MACs Glitter Cream is a product that is multi-use and is suitable for everyone. It has a Champagne base that has iridescent and gold flecks of glitter in. As well as the glitter, the actual colour base has a slight hint of shimmer. It has a very similar colour effect as Cream Colour Base in Shell, but is much bigger than the CCB compacts as it is around the same size as the foundation compacts, so its very good value for money (I can't quite remember how much I purchased this for but I know that it was no more then £15)

Very good Size Compact

The formula for this isn't the best as it is quite hard as opposed to creamy and does take alot of 'warming up' before use, but this is the only downside to it.

Primarily I use this as base for my eyeshadow as it really helps the colours stick and pop. I have also used this as a highlight under my brow, on the cheek bone and to highlight the cupids bow.

Swatch of the Glitter Cream

Overall, I really like product, like I said it's one of my most favourites. However, if your looking for something that's a little more up to date, i'd give the cream colour base a go.

Fan of MAC? Love/Hate this Product? Let me know, I Love reading other people view on products :)

Thanks Lovelies :)

My wish list 2012

So, I'm constantly going to be changing my mind but this is my wish list at the minute. Honestly, if my student loan stretched that far I'd have bought all these a million times over!

 1. Spike Necklace from Topshop - I actually can't tell you how much I want one of these! I've seen loads of people on YouTube and blogs with one and I really really want one, they look so stylish and alternative.

 2. MAC Zoom Lash Mascara in Black - I'm always on the hunt for a new mascara and this is the one I'm after at the minute. I love the look of long lashes and this one seems to do the trick. You can buy this from any MAC store or Here

 3. MAC blusher in Fluer Power - I had this a long time ago and used it so much. I'm out of it now and desperately want some more. It's such a pretty colour and perfect for my skin tone. You can buy this from any MAC store or Here

 4. Two tone heels from New Look - I've seen some beautiful two tone heels in new look and they are just lovely. They're a nude platform heels with flashes of neon green. I know they sound gross but trust me, they are so nice!

 5. Lipstick from the Kate Moss collection - I forget what this lipstick is called but it's the dark purple shade. I know it's coming to spring and pastel colours are at top of most peoples list but I love this lipstick so much it's beaut!You can buy this from Superdrug and Boots or online Here

 6. MAC Lipstick in Cyber - Again another dark purple shade but I've wanted a purple lipstick for so long...  

You can buy this from any MAC store or Here

7. Black Tote Bag from Zara - I love classic bags like this one but I normally am on a budget so buy most of my bags from primark. But this bag is such a classic it will last you forever.

 8. Nails inc polish in Shoreditch - I've had this colour for a while and I love it. I'm nearly out so I need to re invest. For those of you who don't know, it's a block pink colour that's perfect for spring/summer.

 9. The rest of MUA Love Hearts Collection - I already have 2 of the lip balms in Great Lips and Sugar Lips, and one nail polish in I <3 U. I love these so much and want the rest of the collection but every time I go to Superdrug to buy some more there never is any left everyone else has got in there before me. I might have to set up camp outside...

 10. Finally, I so so so so badly want a pair of Jeffrey Campbell litas. How beautiful are these?! I love them so much. I've seen tons of people with them on YouTube and fell in love with them. I might have to ask my boyfriend for these for my birthday in the summer... Plan

 Sorry for the ridiculously long post again, but I just thought I'd share my want for all these things. If any of you have any of these things or have tried them then let me know what you thought/think of them :)

 Thanks lovelies :)

Sleek au naturel Palette

I've wanted this palette for so long!!! I finally got my hands on it yesterday and I couldn't be more pleased with the colours. However, I do wish that I got this palette earlier for reasons I will go into later...

Love the box for this, change of design on the palette.

I love nude colours for the eyes and for a long time I was using the neutrals in the Storm palette and also my 120 colour palette. I was starting to think that i was relying on these too much so wanted something dedicated to being Nude (haha)

This palette consists of matte and shimmer colours all of which are suitable for all skin tones and ages, which is why this palette is the ultimate bargain buy. Like all of the palettes, it comes in a stylish black casing and includes a very good quality mirror and double ended sponge applicator (which i always end up losing)

I finally managed to find one that actually had the film over the top

THE WAFFLE DESIGN HAS GONE?!

Swatches:
Top Row: l-r Nougat, Nubuck, Cappuccino, Honeycomb, Toast, Taupe
Bottom Row: l-r Conker, Moss, Bark, Mineral Earth, Regal, Noir

So, going to back to why I said I wish I had bought the palette earlier. I had heard 'rumours' that sleek were redesigning their palettes. I didn't really think anything else about it until I went into Superdrug, got so excited that this palette was in stock, grabbed one to take a closer look and BAM! the new design was on my palette :(. The waffle print has gone!!!! The large swirly writing on the front has gone!!!! I LOVED the old design :'( sad face.

Despite the downgrade in design, I won't stop buying these palettes, I Love them too much :)

Are you a Sleek fan? Do you like the new design? Let me know what you think.

Enjoy beauties <3

Beauty Tips for Spring/Summer 2012

Hello my lovelies,

So I thought I would share with you what I think are the best beauty tips for spring and summer. I like to try and stick to these (when I remember, lol) as I think make-up needs a fresh transition when new seasons are with us.

1: If you're confident enough then go bare faced! For those of you who shiver at the thought of this then try a tinted moisturiser. It gives good coverage and at the same time is lighter on the skin.

2:If you must wear concealer then try and go for a thinner one e.g. liquid as opposed to compact ones. They are easy to blend out and again are lighter on the skin.

3: Update your everyday eye look. Instead of dark eyeliners, use coloured ones to compliment your eye colour which will make your eyes look bigger and brighter.

Green eyes - use blues and golds

Blue eyes - use peaches and purples

Brown eyes - use purple and green

Or use whatever colour you feel suits your skin tone.

4: Everyone dreads the summer wax. But it has to be done ladies! To minimise the pain rub an ice cube over the area and pat down the skin with a towel, then wax away! Alternatively, apply a numbing cream like bonjela over the surface of the skin and leave for around 30 minutes then you'll be pain free when you wax.

5: On your eyes, use neutrals and pastel shades. They create the illusion of bigger eyes and look less harsh than the dark tones we use in winter.

6: For full looking lips, dip a concealer brush in very light bronzer and outline your lips. The fill in your Lips with a Peach colour. TaDah! Fuller looking lips.

7: Try not to apply blusher right up into the hair line. Use a soft pink or coral colour an apply very lightly to the apples of the cheeks. This will give you a natural looking flush of colour.

8: When applying highlighter try and use a powder one. If you don't have a powder highlighter then use an eyeshadow such as matte white or any pale shimmer colour. A powder highlighter will be lighter on your skin and will prevent any clogging up of pores.

9: Use and spf! Most foundations have spf in them but if yours doesn't, try and remember to apply one in the morning before you leave.

10: If you have long hair and you feel it gets in the way in the heat, the firs you do is tie it up. Well try and alternate where you tie the hair band everyday. This prevents breakage as if you constantly tie your hair in the same place then you will weaken your hair, leaving it prone to breakages.

I know this has been a long post, but I really wanted to share this with you. I hope you are all looking forward to spring and summer as much as I am.

Hope you enjoy Lovelies :)

Lush Cupcake Face Mask

I've been using this face mask for a while and have just recently repurchased. The first thing that attracted me to this was obviously the fact that its essentially chocolate. Who doesn't love chocolate?!

Outer Packaging: This is a regular 75g pot. Some Lush stores do offer larger pots.

This face mask is essentially for teenage skin, but still beneficial to other skin types, as it nourishes and moistures the face, (moisturising is something that not many teens stick too), with hints of mint to tone the face. The cocoa butter also absorbs and extra oil and grease that the skin may have. This means that any break outs will be dried up without you having to worry about getting that blemsh to disappear and covering it in tons of makeup.

After using this product I noticed a definite difference in my skin after only a few applications. At first I used this product once every 3 days, just so that my skin got used to it. Now I use it once a week and it is still doing wonders for my 19 year old face :)

The product itself doesn't look too appealing but is well worth the final results :)

Definitely buy this product if your skin has any of these qualities, you will definitely notice a difference after using it. The tubs retail at £5.75 which might seem expensive for a face mask but, a little goes along way! You can buy from the Lush website here  or you can go into any Lush store.

Twitter: @RetroLove19