Still under the Spell

I have done several posts/videos about the lovely people/products at Spell cosmetics, and unfortunately this will be one of the last. It is exciting times for Spell, who are undergoing a transformation, and this means they are liquidating all their stock. There are some massive bargains to be had on the site, and of course I am about to place my order. If you want to get a piece of the action, do so quick, they are in the last week of the sale!

I am doing a preview haul now, as by the time I get the products to show you, Spell will be long gone in it's current form!

The blue eyes combo is a must for me, I don't wear enough of these colours and I hope this will inspire me. Plus I have wanted Filter for ages!

I love jewel tones, and this collection is lovely, and a bargain at $19.99

Also, I love Spells blushes, and am tempted to order a few more.

I wish all the luck in the world to the lovely Elle, and the team at Spell.

K xx

Jumping on the band wagon

So, I'm a little behind on the whole Etsy and sideways cross necklace things.
I had never bought anything from Etsy before, but I cam see an obsession forming! I am very impressed.

Here are some pictures, although I'm sure you all know what I am talking about.

I wanted to upload an outfit pic, or atleast a headshot wearing this, but my hair wasn't co-operating today... I really enjoyed wearing the outfit, and will post it when my hair behaves!

As far as my first experience with Etsy, it was perfect. Very fast, hassle free transaction. The seller was lovely and helpful, and it was beautifully packaged!
I am now becoming more interested in this type of jewellery rather than the cheap and cheerful accessories I usually wear, although I still have a love for that.

Some more things to add to my wishlist...

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These can all be found on Etsy/Ebay, and are very similar to the higher end finer jewellery that is popular at the moment.
Etsy really is a hidden gem for things like this!

K xx

A/W at BooHoo

I wanted this post to be a haul, but with loosing my camera I don't feel right telling you about things and not showing pictures, so instead I am going to do a A/W 2010 wish list, starting with clothes from BooHoo. I have these added to my cart on the site, and am just waiting to finalise my order. The new website means that things are held in your cart, which is a feature I both love (convenience) and hate (spend too much money).

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5 6 7 8

There are many things on the site I want, but I am trying to be restrained, for the sake of my bank balance! Of course some of these will have to be paired with tights now the weather is getting colder, but I cant wait to have some new additions in my wardrobe. 

K x

A little brown box

I have been a bad blogger! How do people with a full time job manage this, I’ll never know, but hopefully I’m getting better. Needless to say I have still managed to spend my wages – online shopping is my best friend! So the Postie brought me a little present this morning.

I can never get over how quick ELF deliver, I ordered these things after seeing the 20% discount on the facebook page, and they arrived the next day. I love the facebook/twitter sites for online shops, the discount is so tempting. I decided to take advantage and do a larger order than the £10 ones I normally do for the free shipping. So this little box contains about £35 (after discount). ♥ bargains!

I got all the colours of the luscious liquid lipsticks they had in stock. They come in a whole range of colours. I have only tried one, but I really like it. It is the perfect compromise between lipstick and lip gloss. I love the idea of lipstick, but I never seem to wear it. I love the sponge tip and the way the product comes out.

So easy to apply and wear. Huge thumbs up for these. Bargain price and great product.

I also got the minty lip gloss from the studio range. I thought these looked like Dazzleglasses online, and they are quite similar. Very sparkly and pretty, and I love the fresh mint flavour. They are not as thick and sticky as a dazzle glass. The colour I got is Chicago, and it is very pretty, not quite what I expected but I like it. I will definitely buy more of these.

Other products I got include the studio fan brush, a single blush in Peachy Keen, HD powder and brush cleanser. I am yet to try these products, but as usual, I will let you know what I think.

So far so good, thanks a lot ELF

K x

ASDA Price

Today I went out shopping to Leeds, and went into the ASDA Living store, not to exciting but there isn't one where I live. As I was walking around the make up stand caught my eye straight away. I was hoping they would have the George make up as, again, my local ASDA doesn't stock it. A while back there was a little hype in the blog world over the pastel nail polishes. Of course I now have the colours from different brands so I skipped over them, although there was hardly any left anyway.

The colour that caught my eye was "Under The Sea", a green shade with a hint of blue. It reminded me of the swatches of Mermaid To Order from Sephora by OPI. I will probably never get my hands on that one, but this colour makes up for it in my opinion. I am not claiming this to be a dupe or anything, but for £1 it is a very accessible product from a very similar colour family, and it makes me happy.

As far as formulation, I cannot complain. I have heard people complain about the consistency of the pastel colours with streaks and difficulty applying it. I had no trouble with this colour. It was a little sheer with one coat, but with two, it turned into an opaque, streak free block of colour. It is shiny and almost metallic on the nails. As you can tell I am very happy with it. It looses some of the blue tone when applied to the nails compared to the bottle, but you can definitely still see it in different lights.

While I'm writing, I may as well show you the other things I picked up in ASDA. I never overlook supermarket clothes/accessories!

I love this polish, and can't wait to try some other colours!

Do you have any George makeup recommendations?

K xx
 

MAC temptations...

The lure of limited edition products from MAC is somehow too much for me to bear, and I know a lot of people with this problem. I rarely buy anything from MAC's regular line. If I like a collection I tend to go crazy for it, and then there can be months where none of the products interest me.

For In The Groove, I am not sure how I feel, when I first saw pictures I was tempted by most of the the lip products, but now I am not so sure I am interested in much. I feel kind of guilty for just letting it go, and am sure by the end of the day I will have purchased. Here is what I am looking at in my cart:

Jazzed Lipstick

    

 Hang Loose Mineralised Blush

  Gift Wrap Superglass

and finally, Viva Glam GaGa which I still haven't got round to purchasing.


This, however is purely based on the website, as my closest counter is over an hour away, and is always hellish, especially with new collections. I normally go crazy for MSF's, but I think I am at a point where I have too many, and can pass them up.

all images edited from the MAC website

My latest obsession...

I go through phases of loves, and when I'm in that phase I tend to purchase as much of that product as I can. At the minute I am loving brushes. I have always been a big fan of brushes, I love trying out different brands and brush types. I always found I would be attracted to the more unusual looking brushes before the basics. 

Anyways, recently I have been hauling a lot of brushes, especially Sigma. The obsession I have been having has led me to realise my favourite brush! This isn't a new, or expensive brush, but one I have had in my collection for a while. I have always enjoyed it, but never realised how much I loved it until now. 

The brush I am talking about is this Studio Powder brush, by ELF.

This brush is £3.50, and the best face brush I have ever tried. It is synthetic, and so cruelty free.

Although this is called a powder brush I use it for everything from liquid foundation to blush. It is basically a flat top kabuki on a stick. I have never owned a kabuki, but have always wanted one, but this brush really does everything I could want. It blends, applies and evens out everything so well.

I find it easy to clean, unlike some synthetic brushes. The only thing I didn't like about this was there were a few uneven hairs in the brush, but I just trimmed them myself. It was easy enough to do, and we are only talking one or two hairs, and now the brush is perfect! 

I have never experienced any shedding, or dye loss. The brush holds up well when washing, and returns easily to its original shape. It does take quite a while to dry, but I find that with all Taklon brushes. Also, it is unbelievably soft, as well as dense.

This is definitely the best £3.50 I have spent on any make-up product. 

It is out of stock at the minute on the UK site, but I hear ELF are getting a HUGE delivery this week, and so hopefully I will be able to order a second one then.

What is your favourite brush?

K xx

Twi-shadows

Twi-shadows are Glamour Doll eye shadows inspired by the lovely Twilighters. Now, I am a huge Twilight fan, but I am not so much into the merchandise. I was, however, drawn to these shadows for some reason. I have wanted to try GDE for  while, and the full collection was available in sample sizes, so I thought why not. The colours in the collection looked so varied and interesting that I had to try them out.

For this collection the packaging it is a little different to the normal GDE packaging, and I really like it.

I decided to go with the sample sizes, for several reasons. The main was I had never tried GDE, so I wanted to see what the products/service/shipping was like with this company, before committing to the full sizes. Also, with wanting to try  good range of colours, I didn't want too much product for me to actually be able to use.

Samples are available in baggies ($1.50) or in small jars ($2.50). There are 10 twi-shadows all together, and I managed to pick them up in a collection for $17.75, including shipping. You could get the full set in sample baggies for $11.25, but having seen the baggies, I am pleased I spent the extra money on the jars. 

(I was given two free little baggie samples with me order)

As far as service goes, I was kept informed of order progress and updated when my order was dispatched. It has taken in total maybe 5 days longer than my Every Day minerals order, but I think that is very good considering it is just Vee running the show herself! There is something satisfying knowing you are ordering from such a small company.

Here are some swatches if you're interested...

There are so many colours I want to try, and the Eye Lights look really pretty. I love how shipping is free for samples, and this includes international! Also, if you buy a sample and decide to go ahead with the full jar, the cost of the sample can be knocked of the price, which I think is excellent service.      

What are your favourite Glamour Doll Eye Shadows?

K xx


P.S I have had this saved for ages as I have been trying to post my picture of me with "R-Patz" (well, his wax work at Madame Tussauds) but for some reason it wont open on my computer, and as it is getting close to the Eclipse release I thought I should post it now.

Also, if the links don't work, I think I read the site is going back up later today, so check back if you want to see the info on the site!

"don't come near me with that ming in your hair"

That was the response I got from my boyfriend after I applied Argon Oil for the first time last week. Honestly I can see why, it looked very greasy and it absolutely stank. I didn't mind though after hearing such great things about it.

I had slightly wet hair, and just covered my entire head and hair in the oil. I then massaged it in for around 5 minutes, and then tied it back, and washed it out the next afternoon.

On washing my hair, it was very difficult to get all the oil out. Obviously water and any oil don't well work together, and after shampooing twice I was still left with traces in my ends, and my hair looked a little wet. I decided to leave it and wash it again the next day.

Once I was sure all the product was washed out and I had dried and styled my hair, I loved the results. My hair was very easy to manage, and felt refreshed. My hair has for a long time needed a kick of life, and I think this product was it. It was worth putting up with the smell, and the mess (my pillow case was ruined) for the life my hair has gained.

Next time I use it, I think I will use it similar to a hot oil treatment, using a small amount every week, to reduce any residue left in my hair, and to limit product build up. Hopefully this will keep the results going, rather than apply a whole lot at one time, and seeing the shine and life deteriorate over the next few months.

 I wouldn't say I enjoyed using the product, but I definitely think it was worth it!

K xx

P.S. I have neglected my blog over the last few weeks, I have several posts planned, but just need to sort out the finishing touches.

Posh Pout

I popped into Superdrug to pick up my free Dazzle Dust earlier in the week, and couldn't walk past the Sleek stand without picking up the new "limited edition" pout polishes. The two new ones are Lemon Meringue and Raspberry Soufflé.

 

I already own and love Cadillac Pink and Electro Peach. I love throwing them in the bottom of my handbag and coming across them when I'm not looking for them and slapping them on. These two new colours do not disappoint either. 

I was expecting these two to have a different flavour to the original polishes. I think it was the name that made me think this. I am one of the people who love the scent and taste of the originals but I know some people who do not like the sweet vanilla type flavour that comes with this product. These new Pout Polishes also contain SPF, perfect for the summer months. I know I get sunburn in the strangest places - feet, lips, ears.

In terms of pigmentation, Raspberry Souflé is the intense bright colour of the other two Pout Polishes I own. Whilst Lemon Meringue is a more sheer result on the lips, although you can see the yellow tones. It is a refreshing change to the usual lip colours, however I am very pleased it was not too pigmented.

Both of these look lovely alone or with another colour underneath, and are definitely a purchase I am happy with. I much prefer these to the boring traditional lip balms, and I will eventually try the other two colours.

Which is your favourite?

K xx

World Cup 2010

Are we all watching? Of course I am, and to celebrate here is a South Africa Inspired Nail Art.

I just used my eBay two way nail art pens to create this look. It was really simple to do, and looks really interesting on the nails!

I added the football as on one finger the lines were off centre. Nothing has to be perfect and there are always ways to disguise it if you go a little wonky!

Where do you get your inspiration from?

K xx

London, London, London

I've been away this week! I had a wonderful time in London, saw Legally Blonde, and did a few touristy things (things I'd already done once, but I just love London).

Legally Blonde was amazing. I love Sheridan Smith, and her character really comes through in the show, as does Elle's of course! Such a fun show. Very cheesy but definitely a feel god show.

Covent Garden was amazing! This was my first time here, and I loved it. There is some tat here, but some real gems too! Very lively fun place to be.

The baby elephants were something different to look at.

They are all over London!

I also picked up all 3 copies of Glamour today, before this I had not heard of the IT stick, but it is an amazing creamy concealer stick. My favourite of the 3, if I only got one thing, I would have got that one. Of course I had to get them all though, such a good deal, and I'm not ashamed of bulk buying a magazine! Neither were the 3 ladies in the queue behind me at St Pancras WHSmith.

Did you pick up any?
K xx

Dying hair…

I have a love/hate relationship with hair dye. When I was in college I started lightening my hair as it had gradually got darker without my summer sun holidays and I loved being blonde. My roots now come through a medium ashy blonde, but I prefer it being light and bright, so I plonk a little dye on it. This makes me happy, but I know it is damaging my hair. My hair is very dry because of this.

I try to do what I can to keep it healthy so I can carry on dying it, and also try to leave it as long as possible between colourings. The trouble is I cannot stand to see any roots. I think it is especially bad because I am short, and everyone is taller than me so they can see my roots really easy. Also it can make it look as though I have greasy hair.

The point of this post? I’m not really sure. I wish I could find a solution. I wouldn’t want to be without my blonde hair, but I cannot stand to see the damage.

Anways, I normally use Nice N Easy, but saw the Perfect 10 on sale half price at the supermarket so decided to try it. Its the one with the comb. I really enjoyed using this, and the colour has turned out nice. I did struggle with the comb at certain angles, but it was nothing major. I have never dyed my own hair before, so this was an achievement and a major success of the product!

It only takes 10 minutes before it is time to wash it out. I love this because in my head the less time its on there = less damage, and also, I am quite impatient!

 

I love the colour! Now to work on getting some moisture in that hair!

Do you have any solutions for dry/colour damaged hair?

K xx

Sigma To Go

My beautiful travel size Sigma brushes just in time for me to take away to the wedding a few weeks ago! I loved testing these out on the go for real, and somehow managed to resist taking any other brushes.
I will keep this post  quick, I know you all know about Sigma... Pictures:

Thoughts?
The brushes are nice, as everyone says. I managed to have the right brushes for both me day and night look, although didn't have anything to apply my gel liner. I used the tip of the concealer brush which worked as an excellent substitute, but I must remember to add a thin brush for eyeliner next time I'm away.
Thankfully I didn't have to pay import tax/royal mail fees! I was worried about this!

I hated paying $14 for shipping, I wonder what it actually costs to post these out. I chose the standard shipping, because it was all quite expensive, and the site says to allow 14-21 days, however I received my order within 9 days from US to UK, and that included a UK bank holiday weekend! I thought that was amazing.
Overall, I wish I had the full kit now, and after not paying any customs fees, I can justify buying it.

I got these with $10 off, thanks to a link on the youtube page. If this offer wasn't on, I would go for one of the full sized kits. However, I didn't own a travel set, so I am very pleased with my purchase.

K xx

Sex and The City Nails

At the weekend I went to see Sex and The City 2 (of course). For me, the programme was never about the plot, but the clothes. Of course I love the girls, and Mr Big, but I really loved seeing the clothes, and New York!

During this film I noticed Samantha’s nails changed as much as her outfits, and this inspired me to do a nail design based on her nails. A lot of the nails in the film seem to be the highly metallic Minx nails. I might pick up some holographic polishes to try and recreate the effect, but for now, I created this look using China Glaze polishes, and some rhinestones.

Products:

Basecoat – Rimmel Stronger

China Glaze – Black out, and For Audrey

Rhinestones from eBay

Collection 2000 top coat

At The Zoo

I haven’t ordered from Everyday Minerals for about a year, but recently when I did my favourites post I was reminded of my love for DVR Saturday blush. I decided to place an order. Since I last ordered there has been some controversy which slightly put me off, so I decided to skip the foundation, not that I needed any. 

I went with the At The Zoo collection, and the Try Me kit – Coral matte blush. I thought that they were very reasonably priced, at $12 for the At The Zoo collection, which included sample sizes of Hipster Hippo, Sea Horse, and At the Zoo eyeshadow, as well as Truly Tiger Blush and Luminizing Sunlight Powder. The $5 try me kit, includes 3 blushes, and was included for free (although I was actually charged $0.01, something to do with Paypal having to charge for everything, according to EDM). I was charged $6 for the shipping.

The order was placed on 15th May, and I received them on the 25th. I thought this was reasonable for shipping from US to UK. I was kept updated regularly, and customer service was excellent when responding to my queries. The new website loads quite slow and my computer, and I find it quite fussy in a simple way. It was driving me mad trying to purchase. However, I made it through.

As a note for customs, if you are ordering to import, on the shipping label they put $12.01, which is what I paid for the items, excluding shipping.

As for the products themselves, they are beautiful colours and well pigmented.  I especially loved the Tiger blush, it really warms the face up. The look below was created using the At The Zoo kit only.

They are very cutely packaged, and I much prefer the new packaging that the murky brown of the old style EDM.

I also love the Jr. Eye Kabuki Brush. It is completely different to any eye brush I own, and works great in the crease.

Definitely glad I purchased, and I am going to be repurchasing for sure! These would also be great to purchase as a gift, especially with the cute packaging.

If you are thinking of trying out a few thinks, the Try Me kits can be picked up free of charge, and cost around $3.50 for delivery to the UK.

K xx