DEAD -.-

Hello everyone :)

I have finally made the move over to Wordpress. I have been wanting to do this for a while now, have finally got around to doing it!

I want to expand this blog over time and Wordpress has far more opportunities for customisation. I shall leave this one here but it will no long be updated. Go to...

http://pandadoesmakeup.wordpress.com

That's my new home. There is a page there explaining how you can 'follow' the blog so you can still get it in your feeds. Any questions come ask on twitter or drop me an email :)

I am aware some of the formatting in the posts I have transferred are a little screwed up (I have transferred all posts and comments from this blog to the new one) I would suggest just make do with the weird formatting or come and check out this one, like I said I shall be leaving this one up for the time being. I might go through and tidy up old posts but this will be time consuming and I'd rather focus on new posts.

See you on the flipside.

My Current Skincare Routine

I very rarely stick with one skincare routine for long, I enjoy trying new products and I actually find that my skin will react quite quickly if it likes or dislikes something. With that said I have found myself using a fairly regular skin routine lately...

To Cleanse...

After years off using a wipe on/wipe off cleanser and just sticking to the washing variety when in the shower I have now reverted to the old flannel and wash, and I like. I have been using the above day and night and my skin has stayed fresh. What I really like is that although it's designed for troubled skin it doesn't dry my skin out. I have quite dry skin but also problematic. Pretty much all products for blemished skin is also designed for oily skin, something which is no good for me.

To Tone...

I am undecided about this... I used to use No7's Beautifully Balanced toner and loved it. I then went through a spell of using The Sanctury's toner, which I really did love, I got through about 3 bottles of the stuff. I then recently (after toying with a few others that just plain didn't work) I went back to the No7 one, the £5 off voucher was a great incentive. It stings! I don't know whether I've got a dodgy one or whether my skin has changed in the last 2 years but my face doesn't like it very much. It's okay after 15mins but I want it to be fine instantly. I intend on giving it another week or two and if it's still causing me grief then I shall go back to my toner from The Sanctury.

To Moisturise...

I actually think I have found my HG of moisturisers, I have found many before that I like and would repurchase but none have worked on me like this. I was given one at the Garnier event and it took me a little while to get around to using it (mainly because it smells of cucumber/melon/freshness, I smell I don't like at all) but I am well on my way through my second bottle. It leaves my skin soft and most importantly (unlike most of the range) it leaves it unirritated. 99% of the time moisturisers leave my skin red and angry looking for a good 15mins, this one doesn't. I find it evens out my skin tone and makes it feel soft and hydrated with no drying or any over oily patches.

Occasionally I get dry areas on my cheeks and around my eyebrows, more than the above moisturiser can combat, then I use a few drops (and literally a few, you use this sparingly!) of The Body Shop's Vitamin E Facial Oil. It's highly moisturising and unless you suffer from extremely dry skin I wouldn't recommend it for all over use, it does however work a total treat on occasional dry patches. I apply this after toner and then put my normal moisturiser on top.

I am not a big believer in eye moisturisers. I have tried many and most have failed. Had zero effect and have been a big old waste on money. This one (and the roll on version) are the only ones that I find leaves my eye area looking visibly better. I prefer the roll on though, the cooling effect of the metal ball is really nice :)

To Treat (and the other stuff...)


I love this eye makeup remover... see this review I did.

Every few days (2-3 times a week, in other words) I crack out these babies and give my skin some extra TLC.

The Body Shop Warming Mineral Mask

Warming. Cleansing. Lovely.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Micro Refiner
Fine particles. Reviving. Strong so I only using occasionally.

Have you got any skincare favourites at the moment? Tried any of these?

Blog Awards!

So while on this mini hiatus thing I seemed to have, I was given two blog awards (lucky me!)

So here they are being passed on, both in this post!

Firstly from Louise...

The Rules:

1. Add the logo to your blog.

2. Link to the person from whom you received this award

3. Nominate 7 or more blogs

4. Leave a message on their blog, letting them know they are "One Lovely Blog"!

"Lovely Blogs"

1. Ling

2. Natalya

3. Olivia Cosmetics

4. Sirvinya

5. Sophie

6. Secret Diary of a Beauty Addict

7. Oogle Makeup

Secondly I recieved the following from mylanqolia (the award translates to smart and feminine blogs)

1.) Thank the person who gave you this award.

2.) Copy and paste the logo to your blog.

3.) Link to the person who gave you the award.

4.) Tell us 7 odd and interesting facts about you.

5.) Nominate 7 other creative bloggers.

6.) Link to their blogs.

7.) Let them know that you have nominated them by commenting on their blog.

"7 Odd and Interesting facts"

1. I have never flown on a plane.

2. I have probably been to more airports than you though. (my Dad's an aircraft spotter!)

3. I have developed a crush on John of John and Edward fame.

4. I own hundreds of notepads, I tend to buy them when I feel inspired, only use a page or two and then discard them.

5. I have played the violin since I was 7, but don't currently have it in London and I miss it dearly.

6. I have never really been pampered. I've never had my nails done, nor a facial, nor a massage, only my hair cut, a few times a year... if I'm lucky... I don't usually like people fussing over me.

7. Whenever I have stuff to take to a charity shop it always goes to PDSA. Always :)

"7 Smart and Feminine Blogs"

1. Cat

2. Sarah

3. Marie

4. Jasmine

5. MizzWorthy

6. Lipglossiping

7. Arlene

Hello!

So, it's been sometime. I haven't had much inspiration for this blog recently, and took that as a hint that it was time to step away and take a breather.

There seemed to be quite a lot of negativity and drama, something I thankfully stayed well clear of. Funnily enough that wasn't the thing that left me uninspired (nor was it the backlash against PR), it was actually the gazillion and one blog sales that seemed to be going on. For me that seemed quite sad. A community about makeup, then lots of people selling it all, especially when some people seemed to be selling things that a few months before I'm sure they were raving about! I understand (of course I do!) the fact of having too much makeup and also saying one thing is great but soon finding a better alternative so no criticisms there, but still I just felt uninspired, I do find a lot of my inspiration for blogging comes from reading other blogs and when all I saw were 'sales' I was a little :(

Anyway, I feel like making an appearance again. I have lots I want to share with you, some new products I have fallen in love with and I look forward to sharing some Christmas related blogs with you too :)

Collective Haul - Barry M, Collection 2000, Paperchase, SHOES!

Despite being back in London and being in possession of my student loan I have curbed my spending quite a lot. I was unemployed (notice past tense, I GOT THE XMAS TEMP JOB!) and I am also quite aware this is my last full installment before I leave uni in February ie. I have no more income until full time work! Anyway, this is all scary stuff I am not going to think about quite yet. The point of this? Well I haven't spent quite as much on makeup recently, but I have bought a few things so here is a collective haul (makeup and not) over the last month(ish). If you'd like to see full reviews of anything please just ask :)


We have two lipsticks, 140 (the pink), 37 (the black) and a red glitter lipgloss. I LOVE the red lipgloss, it is immense. I haven't seen anything like it! It's thick, bright, full of glitter and lasts really well. It's really Christmasy too :)


From left to right we have Dazzle Dust 17, Fine Glitter Dust 25, Barry M eyeliner and the blusher (No4 I think) I totally regret the blusher, the products itself is good but the colour is so wrong, in the shop lights it was much more or a redish orange but in real life it's more of a orangeish red and just doesn't work on my face. The Glitter Dust is gorgeous, a deep sparkly forest green. At the moment when you buy 2 Barry M products in Superdrug you get a eyeliner (of your choice) free!


I'm going to be sad to see these guys go :( I love their original lip scrub (mmm, chocolatey goodness) and when I saw this Bubblegum one, I had to buy! Look how pretty they wrapped it up for me too! Smells (and tastes!) just like Lush's Snowfairy!


A bit of a random purchase! Both reduced (to a pound I think) in New Look. We have a fuchsia glitter and a pink glitter. The fuchsia glitter (top swatch) is just a glitter really, and looks great on top of lipsticks or with a gloss on top. The pink glitter is a pink lipstick with small pink pieces of glitter in, really girlie and over the top, how I like it sometimes!


I think Collection 2000 are seriously underrated, I love their ranges! I got two more of their 'Dazzle Me' pots, excellent value and quality, we have 'Mystery' and 'Hazydaze'. Hazydaze is a lovely silvery white, great for highlighting. We then have two more colours of my favourite Collection 2000 products. Their glitter liners are AMAZING :) We have 'Dancing Queen', a lovely red, and 'Hustle', a blue tinged silver.


I bought the Complexion Perfection and the Eyebrow Kit. I have to say I have tried both but not been wowed. I like them but was expecting better. I want a little longer to play though.

Now on to non-makeup...


I am LOVING the 'Life' series on BBC1 and was pleased to find the book half price at the moment in Waterstones.


I love Owls and Birds on stationary and in arts and crafts, so picked up these really cute Owl sheets of tissues and some cute little birdie stickers. How sweet?!


A mini scrapbook with Owls on. I couldn't contain my excitement when I saw it! So cute, and only a fiver! Not decided what to put in it yet though, suggestions welcome!

Last but not least...

You may remember a while ago now, I tweeted about some shoes I saw and had to have... here they are!


Not to everyones taste, I'm sure, but I love them! I spotted them in New Look last month (just before I left Gloucester) and they were in the sale, £10! I love them, the heels are pretty high though, deffo the highest I own, but as there is a slight platform they aren't too bad. That said I did fall over in them (once!) but I think that was just as much the alcohol as it was the shoes!

So yeah, reviews of any of the makeup, just ask! Otherwise I hope you liked looking at the pwetty pictures!

I'm a bad beauty blogger, got my boyfriend in the shower...

oops, I'm making six bucks an hour!

But really, I have been a bad beauty blogger (and not for the above reasons!)

Since being back in London I have had lots to do, uni has been hassle after hassle and the last few days have seen me have two job interviews (both for part time xmas work) - fingers crossed I hear back something this week!

Next weekend am off to Brighton, my 'little' brother is coming up for his 14th birthday and as the wonderfully awesome sister I am I bought him tickets for Bloc Party (in Brighton) - will be his first proper gig. Am making some kinda history here I think, my first 'proper' gig (ie. not pop concert) was Bloc Party and I have been having a wild love affair with Bloc Party, gigs and the music industry ever since, I really hope he enjoys it! Anyway I digress...

I have a HUGE collective haul coming up. Those shoes I tweeted about a gazillion years ago and lots of little random makeup purchases here and there.

I feel as the nights are getting longer and it's getting colder (and also our landlord switched the heating on for the first time today, it has gone from actually freezing to cosier than a kangaroo pouch.) I am sure there are more blogs ahead. Videos too I hope, the lighting in this room is much better just need to find the time :)

Hope everyone in blog land is well, I am still reading and watching :)

Review: Urban Decay Ink For Eyes

Urban Decay Ink For Eyes

From: Boots, Debenhams, Asos and Urban Decay
Price: £14
Size: 2.5g

They Say: It’s everything you want in a cream eyeliner! More precise than a pencil, more forgiving than a liquid, this super-smooth formula offers more control, play time, and buildable coverage than your average liner.

Create razor-sharp lines or smoky bedroom eyes… the creamy formula and double-ended applicator make it easy. Try the angled liner brush for precise details, or use the smudger for blending and drama. With such a wide variety of intriguing shades and ways to apply, you’re only limited by your imagination. (Cheesy, but true.)

What’s our secret ingredient? Nylon 12! This high-tech polymer decreases drag for flawless application (no skips or smears), while softening and absorbing excess oil. Color glides easily and stays true all day long. And, the formula is paraben-free!


I Say: I love eyeliner but my normal "go to" eyeliners are creamy pencils or a liquid liner with a nice, decent applicator (yes, that's you L'Oreal!) When I was offered the chance to try these beauties from Urban Decays A/W collection I was keen to give them a go. As you can see in the statement above the promise creaminess and more precision than a pencil. I liked the sound of that.
Available in five shades (6 in the US) you have choice on whether you opt safe, black and browns, or be a little more daring green, navy and purple. You get a little double ended brush in each one, one end an angled, hard brush and the other end is a sumdger. Unlike cheap products, where the applicators get binned straight away this one is worth keeping and I have been using it to apply, just as good as my other tools :)
The formulation is creamy and easy to blend, but equally will only go where you want it and won't smudge unless you make it. I would say you need to leave it a little while to dry, particularly if you want a hard line. I find if I move on with the rest of my eye makeup too quick I can smudge it. The hard angled brush allows you to create a hard line, thin, but can be built up.
The colours are intense and because of this no dragging at the eye area is needed, something I always like in an eyeliner (how horrible is a scratchy eyeliner that tugs at your eyes when trying to apply!?)
I would recommend this product, and would actually love to see it come out in more colours. The packaging is gorgeous (comes with a mirror inside too!), I am more than happy for this to sit on my desk and look pretty! The peacock designed is lovely. I would say if you fancy going one step further than a pencil but are a little too scared to go for a liquid liner, this meets them nicely in the middle. Although there may not look like there's much in there, because of the intensity, only a little is needed to achieve the response you want. Nothing groundbreaking here, but is very nice for what it is.

Product: 8/10
Price: 7/10
Packaging: 10/10
Overall: 8.5/10
Buy Again? Most probably.

FOR SWATCHES CLICK HERE

In/Out - Day 11

IN!
1. Having the internet back after what seems like a lifetime (but in reality has been about 5 days!)
2. Where I am living. For the first time in about 3 years I am truly happy in my home.
3. Finally getting all the photos taken for my blog posts about Boots 17 that I promised some time ago! (see there is a plus side of having no internet - i took lots of photos in preperation!)
4. Couscous. I am addicted. With red pepper, tomatoes, spring onion, feta cheese, balsamic vinegar and a drizzle of oil. Yes please!
5. http://thesearesounds.wordpress.com

OUT!
1. The internet playing up. I didn't realise how much I relied on the internet.
2. My university. First week back and we cannot print. The time we all need to most. IT department rude and unhelpful. I hate so much about my university. If you can't cater for and handle 34,000 students, then don't allow so many.


Life, on the whole is pretty good right now, for the first time ever there is only 2 'Outs'!

Alex Box's Exhibition

An exhibition of a lot of Alex's work will be apearring at the Annroy Gallery, Kentish Town (a short walk from where I've just moved!) I see artrabbit.com and timeout.com both have different dates... both say the 23rd October it opens but one says 11th Dec. end and the other says 22nd Dec. So not sure which...

Anyway, I know I'll pop down at some point to check it out, any other London people going to have a look?

Click to find out more!

"...the exhibition moves from dark Berlin cabaret to kaleidoscopic clown. Each creation is an instinctive response to the moment, the model and the mood to form a moving expression of the many faces of beauty."

Exciting :)

Lush - The Freshers Box

How happy was I last week when I went in to Lush to buy my favourite face mask, Catastrophe Cosmetic (review!), and found they were offering "The Freshers Box".


The Freshers Box contains 8 items (when bought in store you get a bit more flexibility over what products you get!) all for a tenner!

You get...

• A Fresh Face Mask (Full Size)
• 2 Toner Tabs
• A Shampoo Bar (Full Size)
• 2 Soaps (A decent size, about £2's worth)
• Trial Size Moisturiser
• Sugar Scrub (Full Size)

I got the Cosmetic Catastrophe face mask I went in for, two vitamin C toner tabs, the only ones I haven't tried. I got the Jumping Juniper shampoo bar, I have tried two others and am very impressed with them. They last ages (much longer than your average bottle), smell great and there is no need for packaging. I wasn't very adventurous with my soap choices, I got a chunk of each of my favs, Rockstar and The Godmother. I LOVE the vanishing cream moisturiser but they didn't have any packaged up in the trial tins so I was recommended Cosmetic Lad, as although it's aimed for men it's got a similar make up as Vanishing Cream. Finally, I was given the green sugar scrub. I have tried the white one and I loved it, although it disintegrates quite quickly.



The face mask and shampoo bar alone come to nearly £10 so this kit is a real bargain and a great way to try out some Lush products. I was lucky enough to have a 10% off voucher too (you get one in every gift box they sell) making all my goodies a total of £9, well worth it. Oh, and if you return the trial tin of moisturiser (once you've used it of course!) you receive £1 off the full size.

Lush have never ever disappointed me. I have loved them for years and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

If you'd like to see reviews for any specific Lush products, just ask.

(P.S - you can buy The Freshers Box online but you have less freedom of what you get, see the website)

Review: Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion - Pore Perfecting

Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion - Pore Perfecting
From: Boots, Debenhams and Urban Decay
Price: £15
Size: 30ml

They Say:

This Pore Perfecting Complexion Primer Potion totally minimises the look of pores! Your skin will look incredibly smooth, with more uniform colour and a soft, velvety texture. It's like looking at your skin through a soft focus lens.
Great for all skin types. Wear under make up - or alone - for a look that screams "air brushed!"
A little Primer goes a long way, so the purple squeeze tube is outfitted with a dispenser cap. Use a little in your problem areas, or squeeze a little more to smooth all over.

I Say: Primers are one of those makeup items I am not always convinced are needed. Though when I first tried UD's Primer Potion I was hooked, I can't do my eye makeup without using it now. When I was given the chance to try the new Pore Perfecting Primer Potion I was keen to try. The packaging is the usual purple and silver combo. The first thing that struck me was for £15, 30ml isn't a huge amount, but having used it I realise how little you genuinely need. This primer claims to give an air brushed look. Although I can't quite agree I do like the smoothness it give me and the fact it truly does minimise my pores. It is not a greasy cream and sinks into the skin quickly. I find I only really use it around my nose and cheeks where my pores are more noticeable, but it (just like eh eye primer) has become a bit of a staple. I would recommend this to anyone with pores they want to hide. Nothing is worse than putting foundation over obvious pores and not being able to blend it in nicely.
So, although I was initially surprised how little it seemed you got, a little really does go a long way. I also find it perfect for use on those lazy days where you don't want to put on foundation or powder but want a slightly nicer looking complexion. I have to agree with the blurb, it does leave my skin feeling soft and velvety and it mattifies without being drying. I really like this product and shall be repurchasing once this has run out. I would say if pores aren't an issue for you, then skip this, it's not going to do much for you, but if you have some pores that you want 'hiding' then definitely give it a shot!


Product: 9/10
Price: 7/10
Packaging: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
Buy Again? Yes :)

Girl About Town (in so many ways)

Finally back and settled in London. First week back at uni this week (only in two days and only a few hours each day!) and we are also settled in nicely to the house. Our room is gorgeous, we have been so lucky to end up where we have. It's a very nice area and perfect for university and other amenities, and just a few bus stops in to Camden (which in the week, I love!) We are paying slightly more than we had hoped (and can probably afford) but it has everything we want and the price is inclusive of everything. So all we have to find is rent each month - nothing else at all. And we have a cleaner three times a week... a cleaner!!! Haha - this is all so novelty for me. And I have been assured it is perfectly natural as a member of the female sex, that wanting the room to be clean before the cleaner comes is understandable.

I am typing this having spent the day in bed. I have had a headache, thrown up every ounce of anything in my body and slept/lie whimpering all day. I am not after sympathy though, I am totally to blame. Hangover.

I whinge but I don't ever expect sympathy form hangovers. I was the one that consumed gallons of alcohol and mixed Scrumpy Jack, Fosters and Mojitos, throughout the night. (not big, not clever, for any younger readers, thank your self lucky you can't get into clubs.)

Infact, after last night I may have been put off bars I don't know, forever. To keep a long story short... Me and the boy met up with a close friend of ours who has also left Gloucester for London and his girlfriend. After some drinks in a local and then The World's End we went off to find a club. Nearing 12am and it being a Tuesday most places were not letting us in. Until we found somewhere, that greeted us with open arms. So we drank, and Paul and I drunkenly danced. Music was good, and got better as the night went on. However, after a few incidents (that went unnoticed) and about a 2 hours later we realised. We had ended up in a Swingers Bar. Although I haven't found anywhere to confirm such a thing, it all makes sense now. That 30 something couple eyeing us all up, with the man talking to me about the "cool music" and apparently watching me dance for quite sometime. Oh yeh, the large group of lesbians that came over to me, one of which grabbed my hand, stroking it and pulled me in their circles and told me to dance with them cos "we don't need those men!"

Thinking back now in a completely sober state, there was certainly something about the clientele that night. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against swingers... or lesbians, though it would have been nice if we knew what we were letting ourselves in for!

That said, we had fun. It'll be a night to remember.

I never got a proper photo of my makeup but I wore my somewhat unforgotten about but much loved Girl About Town. How amazingly amazing is this lippie? I love it!

So there, a little update. I am hoping to get some videos done, this new room has a massive window so I have lots of natural light. Done a few trial runs and the outcomes been good, just need time to do a proper one now :)

Review: Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Make-Up Remover Gel

Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Make-Up Remover Gel
From: Boots
Price: £1.49
Size: 150ml

They Say: Contains extract of cucumber to help gently soften and soothe. Enriched with soothing cucumber and vitamins, this refreshing gel works to gently remove all traces of make-up around the delicate eye area.


I Say: I love nothing more than finding a beauty product that works and costs mere pennies! I really cannot fault this product.
This eye make-up remover is from the Boots 'essentials' range, a range that I personally am quite surprised with, the quality is great (I only use their face wipes too, no other brands have left my face feeling so fresh.) This gel has a very faint smell, a generic cucumbery fresh scent. Applying a little drip or two on a cotton ball/pad and then holding softly against your eye for about 10secs and then gently wiped away, I find, is the best way of using this. It leaves my eye area feeling soft and most importantly comes off easily, therefore needing no scrubbing action. I find I am quite rough with my eyes when I use oils as I can't get rid of all the oil easily.
One cotton wool ball/pad does me one eye, and after 2-3 gentle swipes all makeup is removed, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, waterproof and not. I have tried other makeup removers but always find myself going back to this. I love Clinique's Take The Day Off remover but find it quite oily and find myself having to scrub at my eye area to make sure all residue is gone.
It's great when you find yourself a staple item and it's a bargain price, all the more for spending on other things ;)


Product: 10/10
Price: 10/10
Packaging: 8/10
Overall: 10/10
Buy Again? I buy regularly :)

Have you tried anything from Boots Essentials range? What bargain but perfect products have you found?

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Aussie Giveaway Winners

Thanks to those of you who entered! Using random.org the two winners are...

Macbella2 and Rosie

Send on over your details to pandadoesmakeup(at)ymail(dot)com and I will get them sent out shortly.

I am moving house tomorrow (hurraaaaay!) so may be a bit quiet on the old blogging front... that said, there should be broadband set up ready as soon as we move in, but knowing my luck, something will go wrong... always the optimist, me! :)

Aussie Pampering Session

I was lucky enough to be asked if I would be an Aussie Angel. There was no catch, just a bit of pampering and the chance to try some Aussie products. I was curious, found out a bit more, and accepted. (check out the website to find out more!)

I won't lie, until I was sent some stuff I had never tried Aussie. I'd heard people rave about them but I am quite content with my choice of haircare so never tried. I am converted though! I will be out to repurchase, without a doubt! Have you guys smelt this stuff!?

I missed out on the treasure hunt due to being stuck in Gloucestershire but the lovely Lauren sent over a box with some Aussie goodies and a gift voucher to be used in any Arcadia store (I have only bought some leggings so far from Dorothy Perkins!) Very generous!

Then on Saturday I was invited (along with some other bloggers) to Stafford Salons in London to have my barnet 'done'.

I would be lying if I said I cared about my hair. For me makeup comes first and then usually I have no time to do anything other than tie it back and go. This experience has totally changed that!

I was lucky enough to have my hair styled by Charley McEwen who just casually mentioned he was Cate Blanchett's stylist as well as being the girls stylist on Strictly Come Dancing. I mean seriously? Poor guys having to deal with my scraggy mop. I have quite fine hair but a lot of it and am prone to a bit of the old frizz action, therefore the frizz remedy was in need.

After having my hair washed with Aussie products by a girl who nearly sent me to sleep with her amazing head massaging skills, I went and plonked my bum in the chair and told Charley he could do what he wanted. I have zero inspiration when it comes to hair so I left it to the expert. He thought big hair was in order, to which I agreed, silently shaking with terror inside. Big hair? Never have I had 'big hair'.

Charley got to work and in about 20mins had effortlessly created a wonderful style that I think I could actually replicate at home. Using only a hair dryer and straighteners he curled and 'poofed' my hair and with a little backcombing (something I have never done out of fear of pulling my hair out) and a few bobby pins he created this...


Not bad, eh!? I then proceeded to drink champagne (copious amounts, it kept on being topped up!) for hours whilst chatting with everyone. The lovely Ling was there with her Sister-in-Law and Cousin and some other bloggers who I hadn't met before, but were so, so lovely :) After everyone had had their hair done and we had consumed ample amounts of champagne, we very luckily managed to get in to the rather amazing Sanctum Soho Hotel, so very glam. Here, more words were spoken and more alcohol consumed...

Overall, a really lovely day. I met some wonderful people, had my hair done by such a talented guy and for once allowed myself to have a bit of 'me' time and allowed myself to be treated and pampered. I have learnt that Aussie's frizz remedy range is actually works miracles, my hair has never felt so good. I also learnt that a treat once in a while is very good for you and allowing yourself to be pampered is important.

Oh and I did learn one more thing... Charley has the most stunning straighteners. Ever. Fact. I can't find a photo of them, but they were the most sparkly pretty thing I've ever seen.

This was cos I had my fringe trimmed and the hair stuck to me everywhere, so we tried blasting them gone!

Me, Anne and Bianca

Bianca, Jeanie, Anne, Me and Sarah

PLEASE NOTE THE GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED, THANKS TO THOSE WHO ENTERED!

Finally (if you have made it this far) I want to do a little giveaway with some of the products I was sent, just cos I think they are so lovely that everyone needs to try them! (I wasn't asked to do a giveaway or anything, but I think it's good to share :) )


I have two sets of a mini shampoo and mini conditioner from the Miracle Moist collection. If you want to be in with a chance of winning one all you have to do it a leave a comment to this post saying 'Enter Me' or words to that effect. Or comment on the blog post itself... everyone who comments will be entered in. You must be a follower. Contest will close 10PM Wednesday 30th Sept (that's tomorrow, you have a little over 24hrs to enter!) Two winners will be chosen shortly after, each person winning a mini conditioner and mini shampoo each!

A little update...

Hello everyone!

I have been quite busy the last few days, packing my stuff up ready to move back to London on Thursday. After surviving a Summer at my parents that I really thought I wouldn't be able to survive, I am finally heading back to London and back to uni for my last semester.

So, sorry for the lack of posting, will be back on top form once I've finished packing. I can't wait to blog about my wonderful hair experience at Stafford Salons (courtesy of Aussie!) last weekend. Had an amazing night. Had my hair done by a top stylist, in a hairstyle I'd never have normally had in a million years, and then went to a swanky hotel with some rather lovely people, who although I never met before ended up having a really fun night! Also, have a shed load of reviews coming up, so if there are any products you particuarly would like a review of please let me know in the comments, or drop me an e-mail (see over there >>> for email address!)

Hope you're all well!

xx

Aussie Pampering Session 26th Sept Lee Stafford Salon

Anyone else going to this session, am stressing I won't know anyone! If you or you know someone going, please let me know :)

Thank you!

Urban Decay - Oil Slick and Naked Lipstick

Urban Decay recently brought out three new lipsticks two of which are polar opposites and I thought I'd share with you :)


Note the gorgeous packaging... I think Urban Decay have it spot on!

On the top we have 'Oil Slick' a glossy black with a slight sparkle and beneath we have 'Naked', Urban Decay's answer to a pinky nude.

First impressions? I think I may have found my nude... a nude that doesn't make my lips vanish into my face... and a black that's a lot more wearable than I originally thought! I suppose 'Naked' is more my lips but better and quite a dark nude... if such a thing exists. 'Oil Slick' is a fantatic colour for those who want to go a little black but not go the whole hog.



Full reviews coming soon!

What do you think of UD's lippies? Have you tried them?

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick

I didn't manage to make the Maybellline event but the lovely Natalie from Headstream PR (the PR company who deal with Maybelline's PR!) was kind enough to send me a few things to try out. I received the new mascara, Pulse Perfection... there shall be a review, once I have formed a proper opinion. It changes each time I use it... will give it a little longer.

I was also sent two lippies from their new Colour Sensational range where they have (quite cleverly!) split the range into four types... Pinks, Browns, Plums and Reds. All the lipsticks in each range have the relevant coloured packaging, a nice simple idea that is effective.

I was sent one from the Brown range (Choco Pop) and one from the Plum range (Galactic Mauve). I only really wear pinks and reds so was obviously a bit worried when I looked at the two lippies, wondering how they would suit me!

Galactic Mauve and Choco Pop

I was surprised though, Choco Pop was really nice and I love the shade... Galactic Mauve, again is a lovely colour but not one for me I don't think. Plums just don't go with my skin tone. I love the consistency of these and have found them to be really long lasting. They smell just like play-doh!

Here we are with the colour on the smackers... Galactic Mauve on the left and Choc Pop on the right. As you can see in the lower picture of the Galactic Mauve it's slightly darker, this was when I applied it like I would any lipstick, but personally I don't like this on me, I much prefer the top photo where it's slightly lighter.

I was really impressed with these, for a drugstore brand. At around £6.50 a pop I will deffo be purchasing some more, from the red and pink collections I think :)

One thing I really REALLY like is the four different colour groups. It makes things so much easier when you know what kind of colour suits you but want to experiment with different shades.

I likey :)