Guest Post: Accentuating Your Beautiful Eyes

If you were to go about asking people what they think their best features were, you would surely get a lot of different answers. Some people are proud of their physical condition, and others would say that they think their hair is the most attractive thing about them. 

However, if you were to take such a survey, you might be surprised at just how many people say that their eyes are their best feature. Here’s the secret: eyes are simply pretty. People are attracted to things like gemstones and light, and really when you look closely at just about anyone’s eyes aren’t those the things that they look most like? A close-up of a person’s iris is usually a deep and beautiful thing, which is why so many people will tell you that their eyes are their best features. 

Still, it is not as if people are always up close to see the true beauty of your eyes. This is why so many women make efforts to accent their eyes through makeup and eyelashes – not in order to create beauty, but in order to emphasize existing beauty. So with that in mind, here are some of the top tips for showing off your eyes through beauty products.

• For blue eyes, many women find that using warm coloured eye shadow really helps to emphasize the natural colour of the eyes. Light brown and rose coloured eye shadow, for example, will lighten up the area around your eyes and truly make the blue of your eyes stand out. Combine these eye shadows with a darker coloured eyeliner, and your blue eyes should show up beautifully. 

• For brown eyes, you can also use other colours to set off the natural hue of your eyes, but it can be a bit trickier, as the colours are less neutral. For example, a bit of slight, tasteful blue eye shadow can definitely do the trick, as can a darker blue eyeliner. Brown eyes usually won’t show as brightly as blue or green ones, so one trick is to draw attention to your eyes in general rather than emphasizing colour. 

• For a more unique trick, you may also want to look here. Define contacts, which are designed specifically to show off the beauty of your eyes. Some people enjoy coloured contact lenses, but Define lenses are entirely different. Instead of changing the colour of your eyes, these lenses work on making your eyes shine a bit more brightly and show off their colour more effectively. A pair of lenses like these can be a great finishing touch for making your eyes look truly beautiful.





*This is a guest post. 

Au Revoir...

Beach Face

image taken from Becca

I used BECCA cosmetics as a MUA many years ago, I loved the cream blushers, pigments (Nymph was one of my fave) and the foundations/liquid highlighters. I was known for my 'signature glow' as a MUA at photo shoots and on music videos and this signature glow was always created with BECCA products.

More recently, I came across the Beach Tints, available in seven delicious shades, BECCA's Beach Tint is a Summer hols must-have. It's water-resistant, streak-free, can be worn as a blush and on lips. It's non-greasy, non-drying so it's suitable for all skin types.

The shades I am going to hunt down are;

Guava -  bright coral pink
Watermelon - bright Pink
Grapefruit - pale Coral Pink
Strawberry - warm orange red

The tints cost £20 each and are available from www.beccacosmetics.com

Have you tried the BECCA Beach tints? If so, which shades?

When I buy these four colours, I will do some swatches and let you know exactly how good they are. I'm confident they'll be AHHH-MAZING.

LA Blush

Hello beautiful people,

How are y'all this weekend? I've got a horrible cold and sore throat, just as I'm due to come home. Urgh.

I've always had an obsession with blusher and I really appreciate how blusher can transform a face, blusher is able to balance out your features, contour cheekbones and most importantly brightens up your whole face.

I have only a few blushers, the reason is because when I like a colour and the quality of a particular blusher, I will stick with it unless something better comes along. I am very fussy when it comes to blusher.

My most recent blusher buy is from a brand I highly respect, Sue Devitt. I have been using Sue Devitt's bronzing blocks, cream blusher for a few years now.

I was in Harvey Nics at Christmas and picked up this blusher from the Sue Devitt counter.

This image was taken without flash on my iPhone 4S. Here it looks like a pale pink, it is actually a rose/coral,

It is highly pigmented so don't be fooled, like I was. When I first used this, I rubbed my blusher brush quite hard into the powder and then swept over my cheeks which resulted in a pink/coral blob, which was easy to correct.

I love the colour, it's very pretty and gives a fresh flushed look, wonderful for everyday use and also for brides. I have been wearing it everyday with winter skin and I am looking forward to seeing how it looks on my skin when I have a tan.

This colour will suit everyone and the wearability is brilliant too, like NARS and my Amazonian Clay blushers, I can wear this all day without the need to re-touch. I have even cried wearing this blusher and I didn't have any terrible streaks running down my cheeks.

I will definitely be buying more colours.

I paid £16 for this blusher from Harvey Nichols.

Dull, lifeless skin? You need Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum

Good morning from Cyprus,

How are you all today? Weather here is good after the thunderstorm and I've just had a boxing session, which I really enjoyed, it was so good releasing all that frustration. I'm not a gym bunny at all, but I definitely want to continue boxing. I also had my body fat measured which is 17.9%, it's OK but I want to get it lower. So, I'll have to cut down on chocolate...now, that IS a challenge!

Today's review is about a product which has recently entered my 'hero' range. I have been using Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum (HMS) since December when my tan had finally faded and my skin was back to it's original olive-yellow tone. My lifeless skin needed some va va voom, I read about Healthy Mix Serum in all the mags when it first launched. I then saw it at the Clothes Show Live but the Bourjois stand was soooooo busy I didn't get a chance to match my colour.

Finally, I got my hands on some and I LOVE it! It's a light gel foundation infused with vitamins from lychee, goji berries and pomegranate. 

Here is a picture of the skin on my hands without HMS. 

Lifeless, dull...veiny

Here is a picture of my skin with HMS, just look at the difference.

Luminous, even skin tone

HMS has a semi-matt finish and is really easy to blend, I have applied this without a mirror when I've been in a rush for work, it has been my skin-saver during the miserable winter months when my skin is at it's dullest peak. However, I will continue to wear this all year round. At the moment, I am wearing number 55, an olive-beige. Obviously, when I have a tan, I will need to go maybe a shade or two darker.

Bourjois HMS is officially one of my hero products.

Have you tried HMS? 

Happy Leap Year, Happy Bronzer

Happy Leap Year Lay-dees, wow, an extra day in the year, an extra day in Feb and the chance for ladies to propose to their other half...

I would have loved to have been born on the 29th Feb because I would have a birthday ever four years and stay young forever.

So, today's post is about a bronzer I picked up at a drugstore in NYC last March, I don't know why I haven't blogged about this sooner. I totally love Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow/Mood Boosting Powder. It only cost like $9. Such a bargain.

You can wear this either dark or light so it's perfect all year round, it's not shimmery either and has an adorable pink heart which you can use as a blusher alone, but I swipe my huge Mii face brush all over so I pick up all the colours and sweep all over my face.

I usually wear NARS Casino bronzer, which I love and have used religously for years, however, I am fed up of the block always breaking so I didn't re-purchase and instead pulled out Physician's Formula from my stack of bronzers.

I'm not sure if it's the packaging and design (cute hearts) which boost my mood or whether it's the ingredients in the product, but I gotta agree, it definitely does make me feel 'happy' when applying every morning.

The staying power is pretty good too, especially for a cheap drugstore product. If you're going to the states anytime soon, I recommend you pick this product up if you love your bronzer like me.

Fudge Me Please..in Mahogany

Last week, I tried out a Fudge Conditioning Treatment in Mahogany. I have never dyed my hair, however, at my old hairdressers (Obsession, Mailbox), I would regularly have glossing treatments (and then they closed down due to a fire and never re-opened.

Anyhow, I have wanted to gloss my hair for ages so thought I'd try a home treatment by Fudge.

The Fudge conditioning treatments have been designed for coloured hair to protect your shade from fade.

Although I have no colour on my hair, I was curious to see how my hair would take to it, I am a brunette with naturally red undertones (my hair goes light brown/red in the sun).

As you can see you get a good sized amount of product, I squeezed every last drop from the packet. However, I have very thick, long hair, so it wasn't enough for my hair, I should have used two packets.

I wore gloves to apply the treatment because as you can see from how pigmented it is, I didn't want to stain my hands. I applied it through the lengths on the top of my hair and left it on for 15 minutes (5 minutes longer than the recommended time).

I washed it out until all the red was gone and this is how my hair looks.

You can see the red in parts of my hair, which I love and my hair is really glossy (I did use some Amazon Series Acai Oil after washing out the treatment too).

It's so easy to use and only costs £2.49 for a sachet.

I'm not sure how long it will last but I'll keep you updated. I'm definitely going to be stocking up on more to give my hair a shine and colour boost.

Thalgo Oxygen 3 Defense Cream Review

I am totally in love with this brand and this range of products! During Summer I was using the Oxygen SOS Serum and have sadly ran out (but will defo be re-purchasing for Summer and Summer hols). It's perfect for city gals who want to prevent ageing skin due to pollution.

During the colder months, I have religously been using the Oxygen 3 Defense Cream, it has been a saviour for my winter-parched skin!

It has a cream-gel consistency and a little goes a long way, it smells fresh and sinks into my skin immediately, so I can apply my base (Health Mix Serum/Ellis Faas/Liz Earle/Chantecaille) straight away.

I highly recommend this product for anyone who needs locked in moisture all day, polluted skin or if you have flaky areas. I have combination skin and this works in complete harmony with my oily T-zone. As you can see from the pot....I have hardly any left but then again, I have been using it since October last year.

I found it on Salon Skincare for £47.95.

Facebook Thief

As if I didn't have enough drama with the dogs...well, I only got some facebook stalker freak as well!!!

First of all, please, please, please make sure you are safe on facebook. I fell victim to some freak stealing my pictures because facebook changed their settings which meant my original privacy settings were re-set and my pictures and info were open for EVERYONE to see!

One of my good friend's called me telling me they had a message from someone (she didn't know) warning her that Miss X (facebook thief) was using my pictures (I also do not know who this person is).

I actually thought it was a joke until my friend sent me a link! The profile pic of Miss X was MY picture taken like 6 years ago. I looked no further because I was furious.

Next day, I told my work girls about it....who discovered this freak's pictures were all mine (mobile uploads/albums/profile) pics with my friends and sisters....she even allowed people to comment on them and thanking them for compliments etc. I could have been sick.

I couldn't work out how this freak got my pictures, especially as I changed my settings to completely private just last year! However, like I said before, facebook regularly change their settings and my profile was visible to the whole world!

What did I do next?

Well, with great advice from friends, tweeters and facebook folk, we all reported Miss X to facebook and got the account shut down.

Now, all my settings are private.

Go and check yours because you just never know what weirdo might do the same to you.

x

WARNING: DO NOT READ/LOOK IF SENSITIVE: Good dog, Bad dog

A few weeks ago, two of my dogs had the WORST fight ever! It was horrendous. I was left feeling a mixture of great sadness and fear (not for myself) but for the future of my two dogs.

The story goes like this..

I got back from my Christmas/New Year hols to find out that my two dogs, Minaj and Blue had a fight while I was away (when my dog walker told me this, I assumed he was being more dramatic than it really was, I thought it was one of those noisy but harmless play fights they usually have...I was wrong).

The same day I got back from hols, I went running to greet my dogs and had their food ready and Minaj (naughty 15 month old puppy) launched on Blue (9 year old good boy) and was biting and clawing at his face, poor Blue was yelping and didn't want to hurt her, anyway, somehow, I managed to separate them. Phew, so I thought and dismissed it as a one off.

I was wrong...

Next day, the EXACT same thing happened but it was a thousand times worse, on a whole different level.

Minaj savagely attacked Blue and again, Blue wasn't fighting back, they were fighting for ages, I tried everything to split these two powerful dogs apart (with scary big teeth)...it's a bit of a blur now, but I spotted an opportunity to grab Blue away from Minaj.

Blue looked a mess! I couldn't stop crying because his face was all swollen and there was blood everywhere and he wouldn't let me near him to clean him up. Meanwhile, Minaj had just a tiny scratch.

WARNING: DO NOT SCROLL DOWN IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THE PIC OF BLUE

This is not even the worse pic I have, there is one where the floor and walls look like a crime scene, I found out later from their newly appointed dog trainer that they would have fought to the death!

I am so glad I managed to separate them..however, this was SO stupid of me and I DO NOT advise anyone to ever do what I did, it was so dangerous. I also think this how I re-injured (if that's even a word) my bad wrist which has prevented my from blogging.

What did I do next?

I got a dog trainer in, he is great (but very expensive) and he trains police dogs. He has been giving my dogs obedience training so they look to me as their leader. We use this chokey chain to train her, it has worked wonders (this one is too big for Minaj).

I got Minaj speyed..(which has not made a difference at all to her temperament).

They are living sepearately at the moment but I am slowly re-introducing them by taking them on walks together and allowing them to spend time alone (15 mins at a time).

I found a great website on what to do if your dogs fight.

I hope they can go back together because I know they love each other but if Minaj keeps fighting with Blue, I will have to re-home her and that will break my heart..but, I would rather do that than have a dead dog.

I'm baaaaaaaaaack!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh (HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF). I am finally back blogging..and shall I tell you what made me get off my lazy Kim K butt and start again? This list on my phone that I made two weeks ago.

I was looking for my skype log in deets and found this list. Good ol' notes eh?

Well in short, the reason I have not been blogging in ages is due to;

1, My sore wrist, I injured it last summer (not sure how) but anyway, it's got worse and the only keypad I can use without pain is my ipad..which takes me ages. I have finally got an appointment with a specialist in two weeks, so will let y'all know what happens.

2. My two dogs (Minaj and Blue) had a seriously disgusting and bloody dog fight, so I have had to deal with getting Minaj speyed, getting in a dog trainer weekly and keeping them apart (feels like my second job).

3. Facebook thief! I was SO VIOLATED a few weeks ago, some FREAK STOLE my facebook pictures (all of them) and set up an account with their real name etc! So, I had to sort that out, by the way, thank you to all of you who reported the freak and helped me kick the weirdo off facebook! 

Anyway, here's a sneak peak of some blog posts coming soon....my lip tars and YSL lipsticks collection.

Make it a memorable Valentines..for her

The last time I celebrated (well participated in Valentine's Day) was in 2007 when my then-boyfriend (now-husband) bought me a stunning Louis Vuitton diamond encrusted charm bracelet (I have a lot of jewellery but tend to wear my fave pieces such as my skull, simple diamond studds and chopard watch). I must wear this bracelet more often....

Anyway, for all you guys who are looking to make this Valentines a memorable and special day, or for you gals wanting to drop your other half some hints, check out some of the gifts I recommend (depending on your budget).

Cartier love bracelet, http://www.cartier.co.uk/

Source: Google images

Jewel Heritage's Four Skulls ring RRP: £45 from http://jewelheritage.com/

KORRES Valentines gift set. RRP: £45.00 available from http://www.asos.com/ 

Set the scene with Neom candles. RRP from £13.00, available from http://www.bathandunwind.com/

Image from Bath and Unwind

Whilst setting the scene, give your lay-dee the ultimate massage with a LUX massage candle. RRP from £10.00. http://www.bodycare2000.com/

If you really want to impress your Mrs, treat her to something from my fave undie brand ever! Bordelle! www.bordelle.co.uk or maybe an 'instrument of pleasure' from Kiki de Montarparnasse here.

I won't be getting anything this year, hubby is working away and to be fair, we just treat each other to things when we feel like it, rather than wait for a particular date/day of the year.

What would you like for the big V day or do you know what you're expecting?

Happy Holidays!

I hope you lovely guys and gals are enjoying your holidays. I am up, up and away on vaycay with limited internet connection, this will be my view over NYE. Have a wonderful time and I wish you all a happy, healthy and successful 2012.xxx

No place like Rome

I'm really excited about this new Roman inspired Bath and Lifestyle brand, Palatium. The brand uses high-grade Organic Tuscan Olive Oil and has worked with New York-based artisanal perfumer Rayda Vega on the fragrances for the collection.

The launch scents specifically are Fico Speziato (Spiced Fig), Arancia Dolce (Sweet Orange), and Mare Myrteus (Sea of Myrtle), scents designed to recall the Mediterranean region.

You can order online (and they ship to the UK) at www.thepalatium.com

New Loves

Just a quickie on some new loves in my life;

1. The Tangle Teezer (why did I delay buying this for so long?!!!)
2. Garnier's BB Cream ( errr, same as above...this is on offer at Boots 2 for £15)
3. Liz Earle's Skin Tint (actually in LOVE with this tinted moisturiser)
4. Agent Provocateur's Maitresse Purse Spray
5. King & Queen's Body Milk in Nefertiti Honey (smells like real honey)
6. Nicoletta's Marshmallow Blends Amaretto Sugar Scrub Cubes (OMG, I want to eat them, they smell so good and one cube is enough for your whole body).
7. Jemma Kidd Lipgloss
8. Trish McEvoy's Fan Brush

What are your new loves? Tomorrow I'll post my Old Flames.. ooh la la.

Over and out.
x

Keeping it real with Jane Scrivner

A month ago, I attended a spa conference at Center Parcs. I met some wonderful people and the inspirational and talented Jane Scrivner was one of them. I remember my friend Pippa telling me about Jane Scrivner's cleansing balm last year and she really raved on about it, at that time, I had two 200ml pots of Eve Lom to get through (which cost me a bomb) so I didn't need to buy another cleanser.

Anyway, I got speaking to Jane who was showcasing some genius spa appliances and her product range. 

Jane Scrivner has been working in the beauty industry for 18 years and has written many books which include books on detox (I desperately need a detox), as well as having her own range of organic skincare (she's even been to the Kneipp School of Thermo therapy - I LOVE Kneipp).

Jane very generously sent me sample of her nourishing organic cleanser, which deep cleans without dehydration by melting make up, dissolving dirt and purging pores.

This natural cleanser is made from certified Organic Jojoba Oil and Beeswax, with the skin loving essential oils of Sandalwood, Sweet Orange, Frankincense and Myrrh.

The extra fluffy mitt is essential (like Eve Lom/muslin cloth), it helps remove the cleanser properly along with impurities and make up grime. I also love how Jane's cleanser comes with the hygienic spatula.

The cleanser smells like Jojoba and I find that it makes me feel relaxed as I'm massaging into my skin, which is what I need lately as I'm having problems sleeping.

Now for the review...

I have been using this cleanser for a full 4 weeks, it will go into my hero products list for sure! It's organic, deep cleansing, non-drying, pore-minimising, British made and.....SO AFFORDABLE! So, there is no excuse for all the girls who want luxury glowing skin without having to pay luxury brand prices.

I choked when I went on the website to have a look at the price, I was AMAZED and HAPPY to discover that a 120ml pot costs £33 which includes a fluffy mitt and a spatula. I am not even half way through my pot yet after 4 weeks.

I have had no breakouts as I have had when using other deep cleansing balms for the first time and all my make up is removed, leaving my skin feeling clean and looking dewy.

I will continue to use Jane's cleanser, it works for me, the price point is amazing! There's no fuss, Jane is just keeping it real! Simple!

Check out Jane's website for more info here.

Gaia Raw Night Cream

Back in October, I entered fellow blogger Nicoletta's charity raffle prize to help raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness.

I  never win anything! So, I was ecstatic to find out I had won the handmade organic night cream by British brand, GAIA Creams.

Look at how the cream is wrappped, with so much effort and thought...

This is MY cream, specially made for me, with my name on it. LOVE this element of the brand, the personalisation.



GAIA Creams state that they are 101% Organic, I didn't understand this, so I contacted the founder, who is the most lovely, honest woman she said this;

"My creams are 101% organic because one of my aims is to make people aware that there are no national nor EU regulations for natural and organic cosmetics and this means that cosmetic companies take advantage of this by putting sometimes as little as 1% of organic ingredients in their products.

101% means that my creams are truly pure and consist of only organic butters and oils of the highest quality.


"Organic" is not a trendy slogan to me. It's me and my life-style."

I didn't know that there are no EU regulations for organic cosmetics, so I wanted to share this with other beauty lovers.

As well as being Organic, GAIA Creams are also;

* Raw
* Fair Trade
* Vegan
* Hand Crafted
* Only made to order

My review

I ran out of my beloved Bioeffect serum a week after receiving my custom made Raw Night Cream, as soon as I dipped my spatula into the pot, I knew I would love this! I LOVE rich, buttery products (KORRES body butters, comfort zone D-age cream et al). It smells lovely and a little goes a long way. So, use it sparingly. If it didn't have a use by date, this pot would last me a year!

I have been applying this to my face (including eye area) and neck every night (apart from the odd one or two late nights) and my skin feels extra smooth and looks plump and clear in the morning, great base to apply my make up. I was so impressed that I recommended it to my sister, she has oily skin and wasn't convinced it would work for her...I WISH I had taken before and after pics, because she bought some on my recommendation and her skin is so clear! Even our laser lady commented on how clear Amina's skin looks and she is now also going to order some!

I love the story behind this brand, a woman's passion for perfect skin without intoxicating yourself and harming the environment!

Magic Night Cream costs;

£16 for a 30ml pot

£25 for a 50ml pot

Full list of ingredients;

RAW, UNREFINED, ORGANIC SHEA BUTTER

RAW, UNREFINED, ORGANIC COCOA BUTTER

ORGANIC, COLD PRESSED SWEET ALMOND OIL

ORGANIC, COLD PRESSED, UNREFINED HEMP OIL

ORGANIC, COLD PRESSED, UNREFINED AVOCADO OIL

ORGANIC, COLD PRESSED, UNREFINED BORAGE OIL

ORGANIC, COLD PRESSED, UNREFINED ROSEHIP OIL

ORGANIC, COLD PRESSED BROCCOLI OIL

ORGANIC, COLD PRESSED PUMPKIN SEED OIL

ORGANIC FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL

Illamasqua aims to fight prejudice

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation aims to Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere [take a look at the Facebook page which will tell you more] .

In honour of Sophie's birthday and to mark their support for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, Illamasqua are hosting an internationally open competition to win a selection of cult pieces from the Illamasqua collection, including Medium Pencil in Sophie, Pure Pigment in Zeitgeist, Nail Varnish in Unnatural, Intense Lipgloss in Repulse, False Eye Lashes in no.21 and a S.O.P.H.I.E wristband.

And best of all, there will be FIVE winners! The competition is open until Midnight GMT Sunday 27th November [T&C's can be found here).

The aims and objectives of the Charity are as follows:

 

* To create a lasting legacy to Sophie.


* To provide educational group-works that will challenge the prejudice and intolerance towards people from alternative subcultures.


* To campaign to have the UK Hate Crime legislation extended to include people from “alternative subcultures” or “Lifestyle and Dress”

* To work in conjunction with politicians and police forces to ensure individuals who are part of subcultures are protected by the law.

Turn the lights down Lowe

Everyone who comes to my home, always comments on the number of candles I have (and how many I  get through). I admire how candles can completely transform the mood of a room and create a warm, cosy atmosphere.

I love the strength of scent of a good quality candle and candlelight is so ambient, relaxing and romantic. There are a few candle brands I regularly buy and love, such as Diptique, Jo Malone, Miller Harris, Max Benjamin, Neom and LUX Massage Candles. Now, I have a new range to add to my list, which are limited edition!

British designer Pearl Lowe, (former party scene IT girl, mother of Daisy Lowe) has collaborated with the DP London (the luxury eco-organic range).

The fragrance I have is Spiced Punch, which is PERFECT for this time of year to get you in the Christmas spirit. This scent is truly unique, it contains a creative combination of Organic Madagascar Clove Leaf Oil, Organic Sweet Brazillian Orange Oil, Organic Cinammon Leaf Oil and Organic Nutmeg Oil. I would love this fragrance as a perfume or room spray.

All candles are made purely from 100% natural wax, containing sustainable beeswax and EcoSoya. This range contains NO Palm Oil; a product that contributes to the deforestation in Indonesia, Malaysia and South America. They also DO NOT contain Paraffin; the mining of which is unsustainable.

The collectors' edition candles are available in 2 other iconic fragrances;

* White Flowers - the heavenly smell of exotic Jasmine, the purest Moroccan roses and sweet Orange Blossom in bloom.

* Citrus Fruit - A warm citrus blend of sicillian lemon peel, juicy orange combined with green citrus notes of Italin bergamot and a spicy mouth-watering twist of root ginger. 

The stunning candles are presented in re-usable packaging in the form of a bespoke, handmade Japanese porcelain container.

The candle melts like butter and when put out, doesn't leave an awful trail of black smoke.

No smoke

I am going to buy the Candle Trio Set for my mum, which is only £30 for 3 x 50g candles!

Each 190g candle costs £30.

The metal candle lid to prevent dust from gathering in your beautiful candle costs £8.

All available from Selfridges, ASOS and http://www.dplondon.com./

Hurry before they're all sold out.