Thursday 29 April 2010

Look what I got...


Some beautiful, silky soft tresses courtesy of... somebody else.  One day I'll hopefully have my own 18 inch locks...!

These are 18 inch remy extensions which I purchased from Paul's Hair World in Manchester.  They are seriously so helpful in there...they would not let me leave unless they found me a perfect colour match.  Even when I said I'd just get the closest match they wouldn't let me...!  Quite refreshing when I feel in certain shops they literally force you to buy something totally wrong for you.

We finally decided on number 6 from Sleek and they are amazingggg!  The colour is spot on and I can't get over how soft they are - I just want to keep stroking them....seriously.

I will do a post on how I cut them, sew them and attach the clips soon!

xxx

Alsooo, a little message to all you lush followers out there...can't believe I've got over 100 - you all really do make my day, so thank you xxxx

Sunday 25 April 2010

Like, Love, Hate

Thank you Caz for tagging me to do this!  I thought I would use it as my first in/out sort of post. So here are the things I'm liking, loving and hating as of right now...

LIKE

RedKen Anti Snap – If I could only use one product on my hair for the rest of my life, this would be it. It has seriously made the world of difference to my hair and it smells gorgeous too.

Revlon Lipgloss in Peach Petal - I bought this a week or so ago and I have used it every day since. It is basically GOSH Darling but in a lipgloss and therefore a little bit easier to wear.


Receiving Blog Awards – I will get round to posting about them tomorrow!

Xen-Tan Deep Bronze – I've applied this twice now and I really do like it. I don't LOVE it though. It does give an amazing colour but even though I left it for 8 hours a lot of colour still rinsed off in the shower. It also stains your hands so badly and if you do mess a bit up it seems impossible to scrub off. Not HG material but I do like it. I may do a more in-depth review next week sometime.

LUSH sugar scrub - The scrub is really abrasive and left my skin so amazingly smooth. It doesn't smell all that great – slightly medicinal due to the fennel and ginger it contains but I can deal with it considering the way it made my skin feel. This costs £2.60 and I got 4 applications out of it. I would therefore definitely re-purchase for those huge body blitzes we all need now and then, especially with summer fast approaching.

LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter – This stuff is just amazing. The tiniest bit can do both hands and so £5.50 for a pot is amazing. I have also been using it on my feet over night and I wake up with soft, supple feet – what every girl needs!


Pastel Polishes – I seriously cannot get enough. Currently I have on OPI's Panda-monium Pink but this will change tomorrow I should think! I'll definitely post some NOTDs this week.

Heated Rollers – I completely forgot that I own a set of Babyliss heated rollers – how awful is that? I decided that they need some love and so I used them before I went out last night. I love how easy they make doing your hair, they take 10 minutes to pop in and then you can forget about them and do something else. No faffing around in front of the mirror for half an hour with tongs. I feel they may make a welcome return to my hair routine from now on.


Hollister – Polo shirts; lumberjack shirts; candy striped cami's; distressed denim mini skirts...enough said really. I won't be able to get away with preppy clothes for much longer so I am embracing them now. They do need to sort out the lighting in their shops though – I always manage to walk into something. And did you know the sales assistant's are auditioned to say 'Hi, what's up?' for when they greet customers? Ridiculous, no?! If they fail they get banished to stock room duties....ouch.


The L'oreal 'Scrublet' – This little baby makes my skin feel refreshed and thoroughly cleansed. The little bristles seem to work themselves into your pores and clean them deep down. I think my skin is definitely look a lot more revitalised since purchasing this bad boy.

Summer Holidays – Seeing as my trip to Crete got cancelled this week I can't wait to get some real sun this summer in France, Spain and possibly Ibiza. I now just need to update my summer wardrobe...

Being back in Manchester – I loved being at home but it is great to be back with all my friends and to feel independent again. Had a fantastic night out last night but completely forgot to take any photos so I can't do an OOTN for you...sorry guys!

LOVE

Rediscovering my old foundation routine. I'm not quite sure why I ever changed as it makes my skin look flawless. The saviours?

Nivea Young tinted moisturiser
MaxFactor Liquid Illusion foundation
GOSH Touch Up Concealer
No 7 Crème Touch powder buffed in with a kabuki


I was at my wit's end a week or so ago when no foundation seemed to sit properly on my face for more than half an hour. I then remembered this routine and swiftly when to Boots to repurchase all the products. Cue semi-matte flawless looking skin that lasts the test of time. I'm not going to bother experimenting anymore with foundations – until I get bored again.

HATE

Leggings with a top that doesn't cover the crotch area – not a good look for anybody! Especially when the leggings are basically extra thick tights and you can see a girl's underwear...come on girls sort it out!



Messy housemates – 2 hours of cleaning mess that wasn't mine? Let's just say my Friday afternoon was not an enjoyable one.

Cracked heels and unpainted toe nails – Pedicures should be free on the NHS. Why bother with pretty flip flops and gladiators if your feet ruin the look?! Argh I hate feet at the best of times!

Looming exams – I should be revising but blogging is such a welcome distraction!

Unblended eyeshadow – one of the worst beauty crimes??!

I was meant to mention 3 more but I guess I'm just in a happy place right now! No other things I'm hating at the moment...

I tag anyone who hasn't done this yet as I know it has done the rounds a bit!

xxx

Saturday 24 April 2010

Yesterday

The Outfit


Top: River Island
Belt: ASOS
Jeans: Crafted at Republic

The Hair


Curled the same as in my hair routine.  I decided to go sans hair extensions - this warm weather makes me want to embrace the natural side of things!

The make up


MaxFactor Miracle Touch Foundation - 45 Warm Almond
GOSH Touch Up Concealer - 2
No 7 Creme Touch Face Powder - Translucent - Lightly on t-zone
Prestige Glam Tan 

MAC Paint - Bare Canvas - All over the lip
MAC Eyeshadow - Tempting - Outer third of lid; Lower lash line
Bourjois Clubbing Mascara
ELF Eyebrow Kit - Medium

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss - Peach Petal


Click on photos for a more detailed view xxx

Friday 23 April 2010

A Girl's Best Friend

Diamonds? No
Chocolate? No
A bra that fits perfectly? INDEED!!

A bit of a random post I know but I think it is something that seriously needs to be addressed... So many women wear the wrong size and the reality is - if your bra does not fit right & doesn't support you properly, you're boobs WILL sag.  Scary thought??

Hopefully I can help you - I was trained in a House of Fraser lingerie department and learnt so much about underwear that I thought I should pass on....  I know we all love reading fashion blogs etc but the reality is, good clothing needs a proper foundation!  So here goes....

When trying on a bra, bend over slightly, ensure your breasts are fully in the cups then slowly stand up while fastening the hook on the LOOSEST hook (explanation later...)


Then there are basically THREE things to look out for to make sure the bra fits...

1) THE BACK BAND
This is the band that runs horizontally around your rip cage and fastens with the hooks.  This is the most important part of the bra.  It is where you get all your support from and therefore prevents sagging (evil word I know).
This band should be TIGHT.  By that I mean you should only be able to pull it out 1 inch or so, when on the LOOSEST hook.  Any more and it is TOO BIG.
Obviously, as you wear the bra, it will loosen over time and that is when you move to the next hook. When you are on the tightest hook and can pull it out more than an inch or two ... you need a new bra. If you wear a bra day in, day out, expect it to have a 6 month life span.

It may seem strange at first with it so tight but you will get used to it, I promise!

2) THE CUPS
Your breasts should be fully encased in the cups with the centre piece flat against your breast bone. This is common sense but how many times have you seen a woman walking down the street with the 'four boob effect'?!  If you boobs spill over or the centre piece is coming away from your body, go up a cup size.

(Horrible bra but best example I could find)

Also, check the bra wire is not cutting into your breast tissue at the side - this is another sign that the cup size is too small.  

3) THE STRAPS
Many women believe that this is where you get your support from.  As I said though, it is the band that gives you the support - hence why a correctly fitted strapless bra can be as supportive as one with straps.
Primarily, on the loosest setting of the straps, you should only be able to stretch them up 1 or so inches - as with the back band.  Then tighten them as you wear the bra in.

If your straps always fall down or you always need to tighten them it means the weight of your breasts are not getting support from elsewhere.  You therefore probably need to go down a back size, up a cup size or both.

I think the biggest factor is the back band.  For me, before my training, I believed I was a 36DD.  I now know, that for my frame (size 12) a 36 back is far too big.  I was actually a 32F.  Did it feel weird and tight at first? Very.  But now I have got used to it I realise how baggy my bras were before. Now my t-shirts fit better, I stand straighter and my back does not hurt anymore.  All because I am getting the correct support from the back band.

Just try now - reach around and pull the band of your bra out.... How far can you stretch it?? More than an inch or so??!  Go get yourself measured girl!!

The rule of thumb is, if you need to go down a back size, go up a cup size and vice versa.
That is ...
36DD = 34E
34E = 32F

This does not always work but it is a good starting point.

There is so much more information I could tell you but I don't want to overload you!

The most important thing I can say is - get measured by a professional.  Even if you are sure of your size, it won't harm to check... All bras are also made differently - I can vary from a 30G to a 34E.

So what are you waiting for girls?!  Go get measured!  You don't need to take your bra off at all - many of my friends were worried about this!  Also...my advice?!  Steer clear of M&S and La Senza - their bras are wrongly sized and my experience of being fitted has always been bad.  Your fitter should ALWAYS pull out the back band first to see if it is tight enough - if they just look at the bra? Not good enough.


My recommendations are department stores with old fashioned lingerie departments or a specialist shop such as Bravissimo.

Our breasts are our best feature!  Look after them!  And what better way to treat yourself than with some gorgeous, well-fitting lingerie?!

Any questions?? Please ask!!!

xxxx

ps - I am using UK sizes - not to be confused with EU/US.

pps. NEVER  put your bra in a washing machine or tumble dryer - the heat is what makes the wire pop out of the bra.  Always hand wash and air dry bras and you will extend their life span!

Tuesday 20 April 2010

London Haulin'

London Haulin'/London Calling...get it?!! Ohhh gossh I think I am slightly delirious tonight...apologies for my awful attempt at a play on words...!

Anyway, moving swiftly on....

It was my 21st in November, which seems like an absolute lifetime ago, and I received some dolla off some wonderful friends and family.  I was very good and saved all of it up & then added to the little fund with some pennies I earned from nannying this easter.

I then went and dropped the entire lot within the space of a few hours on Thursday in the capital.  As you do!

First stop was Zara which is perhaps my favourite shop in the entire world.  I always find something in there which I absolutely love.  I was quite restrained though and didn't go too crazy....



As soon as I saw this bag I had to have it.  It is so fresh and crisp for the summer and it looks so much more expensive than it's £40 price tag.  Now the task is to keep it looking so pristine....


I find it so hard to photograph clothes nicely - this photo does the top no justice at all.  It is the palest grey chiffon and teamed with skinny black jeans and sky scraper heels, it makes the perfect dinner outfit - right up my street :)

Next stop was the infamous Harrods.  I know it is full of tourists but the store always gives me such a thrill.  It reminds me of when my brother and I were little and we would go to see the front of the store lit up at Christmas.  We then got to pick something out in the Arcade... aww happy memories!  Armed with a giftcard - again from my birthday - I headed straight for MAC.  I didn't pick out anything spectacular but ticked another few things off my never-ending list..!


I bought Bare Canvas paint which I love.  It provides a great base for your eyeshadow or just evens out your eyelids if you are going without.  The other item is a mineralized blush in Dainty.  The swatch below shows it is very sheer - a bit of a disappointment but in hindsight probably good for the summer when my cheeks will be pink enough!


And last but by no means least, I made a trip to Sloane Street for my new Louis..


This was the main reason for my saving - I always said I wanted to invest in a bag for my 21st instead of squandering the money on clothes I wouldn't like in six months.  I absolutely love it - my pride and joy - perhaps this is the feeling people get when they have children?! 

xxx

p.s. I just want to say thank you to Sophie for featuring me on her blog...I feel very honoured.  Please go and check the post out here if you haven't already seen it ... but please excuse my ridiculous posing and pouting...I really need to learn how to take good FOTD photos..!

Wednesday 14 April 2010

Hair Routine

For a good few years now I have been obsessed with big, sexy, voluptuous hair.  I decided that my naturally wavy but perma-straightened hair was doing nothing for me and that a big, glamorous 'do' instantly made me feel happier.
Below is a picture of me around this time last year - having just had my hair attacked by a hairdresser.

Admittedly, my hair does look healthy but I just didn't feel nice.  For me, the more hair, the better.


(Excuse my attire - standard University geek night out)

It was only a few weeks after this that I realised how easily attainable the (old) Cheryl Cole look was with the use of extensions.  I always thought extensions were only for the women willing to pay thousands to have millions of pieces of hair glued in.  Cue my introduction to the beauty community and the realisation that a girl can get herself a set of clip in extensions around the £50 mark. 
Result??  Happy George with a full head of long, luscious locks!


Since then, I have hardly gone without extensions - constanstly increasing their quality from synthetic to standard human to remi.  I am also on a mission though to grow my own hair so that one day I will only need my own hair on my head.

Thus, here is my hair care routine which I carry out every other day.... Enjoy!
  • I wash my hair usually with a volumising shampoo followed by a heavy duty conditioner - I have quite a lot of hair naturally so I am quite lucky as it does not get weighed down by heavy conditioners
  • Towel dry and comb through then apply 2-3 pumps of Redken Anti Snap to the ends
  • Spray liberally with Aussie Luscious Long Leave In Condtioner which doubles up as heat protector when blow drying                                            

  • Blow dry as straight as possible, which leaves hair looking something like this i.e. an awful hybrid mess of straight and wavy
                                                       

  • Spritz hair all over with a heat protectant spray - at the moment a cheapo choice from Boots
  • Curl random sections with a large barrrel curling tong until whole head is done


  • Add pre-curled extensions - 1 large weft at ear level; 2 smaller wefts at eye level - lighter in colour to give illusion of highlights



  • Spray with a generous amount of hair spray and voila!



I actually really enjoyed doing this as the photos have proved to me how much my hair has actually grown and how my 16 inch extensions don't really make that much difference anymore?!  Time for 18 inch wefts?!  I think so!

Any questions?? Let me know in the comments! xxx

Monday 12 April 2010

NOTD: Tiffany Blue

When I heard on the blogging grapevine that China Glaze's For Audrey WAS 'Tiffany blue' (the clue is in the name) I could not resist.  I'm not really sure where I stand on Tiffany jewellery...I have some special pieces from my 18th and 21st which I will treasure forever but sometimes I feel that the jewellery is everywhere and has therefore somehow lost its appeal??
However, the colour is beautiful and I am pleased to report that For Audrey does not disappoint.


The application of this is a dream - a perfect creamy polish that I used two coats of but really only requires one.  I have no bubbling to report and, with a high shine top coat of your choice, it lasts a good few days on one's nails.  Another plus point is the quality of the brand which ensures the polish lasts more than two applications - Barry M etc please leave the building.

And does the colour live up to its name?

Completely!


Left: with flash; Right: without

Next NOTD - Essie's Lilacism....watch this space for a review xxxx

Friday 9 April 2010

Quick FOTD

Hola bloggers!

Just a very quick FOTD for you, using a new foundation which I purchased on a whim from Boots the other day from Collection 2000 for a mere £3.99 (details below).  I have to say, it performs very well and has put my faith back into drugstore foundations after falling out of love with Colorstay.


Collection 2000 Naturally Radiant Foundation (Natural Beige) mixed 50/50 with Olay Complete Care Multi-radiance moisturiser

GOSH Touch Up concealer (2) under eyes

No 7 Mosaic Bronzer to contour

Revlon Skinlights to highlight

L'oreal True Match (Rose Beige) to set t-zone

ELF Eyebrow Kit (Medium)

MAC Next to Nothing all over eye lid

Bourjois Volume Clubbing Waterproof Mascara

GOSH Darling

Sleek navy eyeshadow (Storm palette) smudged along lower lash line

MOR Lip Delight - Passionflower


Any questions about the products I used?  Let me know in the comments!

xxx