How do you store yours...?

Hey Dolls :)

I'm a bit of a Lush bath junkie - genuinely I think there is no simpler pleasure than soaking in a yummy lush bath and then curling up on the couch wearing something made of velour with Nick. However, my current method of storing all of my Lush bath products is failing me...it's too small!


I do apologise about the rather dull photo - my bathroom gets no natural light boo! I like this method of storage as it adds a little bit of colour and makes my bathroom smell delightful. However, I would be interested to hear how everyone else stores their Lush - in a drawer? Or a bowl? I don't really want to hide mine away in a drawer but does it keep them smelling stronger? Any suggestions would be much appreciated! I may buy a big, nicely shaped glass vase to hold it all in and then I could see things I had maybe forgotten about?

Also, how lovely is the sky tonight?


Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo

My Current Face Routine

Hey Dolls :)



Have I ever mentioned I'm not really a fan of MAC face products? Well my skin isn't. However, at the moment pretty much my entire base routine revolves around MAC products. You see MAC and I are in a complete love/hate relationship - I love the way it looks, it hates my skin.

Whenever I am close to finishing a foundation there are always those couple of days I spend pondering on which product to move on to next and although I know it breaks me out (to be honest my skin doesn't really need an excuse to break out, it does that all on its own) I always return to Studio Fix Fluid. It's like returning to an old friend - who enjoys tormenting you.

Also I am foundation girl - I know it's the height of summer and it's toasty warm - I am still wearing foundation. And concealer. And powder. My only nod to summer consists of the mixing of Benefits moon beam with my foundation which really does lighten the formula up (I've found one part moon beam, two parts studio fix fluid works best)

So at the moment my face routine consists of: MAC Studio Fix Fluid, Benefit Moonbeam, MAC Studio Fix Concealer, MAC MSF Natural (light) and finally a spritz of Fix+...here's a before and after...


And with the mere wave of a foundation brush. And a concealer brush. And a kabuki brush...

Gone is the uneven skin tone, blemishes and redness (but hello to powdery brows ha). And that is why MAC SFF continues to draw me back to its evil ways - it may break me out but it makes my skin look like no other foundation has before.

So my question to you lovely ladies is - what are your foundation recommendations? I need something with good coverage, it can be as cheap or expensive as you like. After all a smooth, clear base is vital!

Please let me know what you're using at the moment.

Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo

P.S Clare if you're reading this - is that non-make up photo any better?
Paaah ha ha ha ha

Review: St Tropez Bronzing Mousse

Hey Dolls :)

I've been using the St Tropez Bronzing Mousse on and off for the last couple of months and I just can't make up my mind about it...


Application

The mousse applies quite easily - it has a slight tint to the formula meaning you can spot any possible streaks. However, it's quite fluid and you have to work rather quickly to get an even coverage so I find it's easiest to just work in small areas. It also dries quite quickly, cutting out any awkward walking about naked with arms outstretched shenanigans. Another thing I should note is that it smells quite nice - soapy.

Development

For my perfect tanned colour, I probably have to use St Tropez 2-3 times in a row overnight which I was actually a little disappointed in. I am pale - mamma Carr used to call me milk bottle (boo) and being honest I was used to L'oreal Sublime perfecting my colour in one night. However, on a huge positive there was no horrid fake tan smell the next morning and barely any transfer onto my sheets.

Colour

St Tropez claims to give you a 'perfectly golden, natural looking tan'. I think this is where I am properly undecided...

The observant amongst you will notice this is pinched from a previous FOTD, I am a lazy blogger - I do apologise :D

To me that doesn't look very golden. Or very natural. I think there is a serious risk of being on the slightly orange-y side.

Removal

Urgh. It won't come OFF! Every time I have used it I exfoliate my socks off and it doesn't budge, instead going horrible and patchy. It most definitely does not fade nicely. Also here I should point out that there is a patch of skin on my neck that gets really irritated and itchy - right above my collar bone, how odd!

After all of this, I still don't hate it. I just can't make up my mind, have any of you tried the mousse, and if so what are your thoughts?

Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo

A Big Thank You!

Hey Dolls :)

I recently won Lisa at Glitter and Love's giveaway and I just wanted to say a big thank you to the lovely lady herself! Lisa was so generous and added in lots of extra bits and bobs including some amazing old school sweets...


Lisa sent me a sleek chaos pallet (has all matte shadows which is amazing), a models own polish in slate green, a Barry M Dazzle Dust in 31 Lavender, a shopaholic magnetic decision maker (right now it should be permanently set at 'your credit card is declined' and some love hearts and a...ring pop! I got far too excited about the ring pop ha! She also sent a pretty pink, glittery make up bag which I forgot to photograph as it got put to use straight away!

Most excitingly of all, I also won Gerry the Giraffe...

Gerry's taken pride of place beside Hello Kitty. Again I just want to say thank you to Lisa

Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo

An Amazing Beauty Find + Giveaway

Hey Dolls :)

Like many of you, I am always on the lookout for a good bargain and consequently I wanted to tell you about an amazing website I have recently discovered called MissBollyWood. The website sells a range of beauty products from Xen Tan to GHDs but also products that are not so well known (to me anyway) like their Glam X foundation which has been featured in magazines such as Bliss and Brides Magazine. However, the website isn't only beauty related it also sells beautiful pieces of jewellery and jewellery boxes - I have my eye on this amazing wooden necklace.

Anyway, Miss Bollywood have recently launched a facebook page on which exclusive discount codes will be released - at the moment there is a code for 10% off of Xen Tan (yet another thing I have my eye on) and 10% of all necklaces. If you want access to these codes all you have to do is 'like' the page and they will appear in your timeline - you can find the facebook page here .

The PR team for Miss Bollywood recently got in touch with me about the newly launched facebook page and to celebrate all of these wondrous bargains I am hosting a giveaway in conjunction with Miss Bollywood. Three of you beautiful people will have the chance to get your grubby mitts on a Miss Bollywood Shaping kit...

The kit comes with the tools needed to get amazing celeb inspired brows eg in the legends kit there are stencils for Madonna, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly inspired brows. I think these sound like so much fun to play around with and are worth £10! You can have a look at the different kits here.

The Rules

1. To enter, all you have to do is go to the Miss Bollywood Facebook page here and click the 'like' button and then leave a comment in the comment box to this post to say you've done so!
2. UK only
   
3. Giveaway closes at midnight on Tuesday 29th June 2010
   
4. Winners will be chosen using Random.org

Please do have a look at the website and the facebook page and let me know what you think!

Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo

Cheek Combination of the Moment

Hey Dolls :)


You should all know I'm a bit of a blush junkie (remember my group of friends nickname at school was the blusher girls haha in all fairness we probably did overload it a tad). I always get a bit excited when I discover a new, pretty blush/highlight combo like this...

Models Own Powder Blusher in Cheeky Pink and Bourjois Blanc Diaphane. I've blogged about Blanc Diaphane before, it is such a beautiful highlight and being honest would probably go with anything. Cheeky Pink is a fairly new product for me, I'd only ever tried the models own polishes before. In texture it's quite powdery but easy to blend. It's also quite sheer so lovely for work/day time, a pretty peach-pink!

I think it gives a nice warm glow without being BAM in your face (which is normally how I like my blush ha)

Also, I think it's time to ditch MAC SFF, it's making my skin disgusting (I will never learn). Any suggestions for a skin friendly foundation would be gratefully received.

Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Demure

Hey Dolls :)

I was so excited to hear that The Make-Up Artist Boutique had started to sell OCC Lip Tars and hopped straight on to get me some of that beautiful lip action. Unfortunately many of the colours I had my eye on were either sold out or pre order only. However, I did buy 'Demure'...


Actually look at that colour - described as a purplish-fuchsia this may not be for the faint hearted...


I haven't felt this excited about a product in such a long time. You need the teeniest tiniest amount, it is the most pigmented thing I have ever used. You only get 8ml of product but I can't see me running out for a long long time! The consistency is quite liquid but dries on the lips (however it's odd - sometimes it looks glossy and others matte). Importantly OCC don't test on animals and the tars contain no parabans.

There is a ridiculously wide colour range, including black, white and primary colours meaning you can create your own custom lip colour or lighten/darken an existing colour. Also they're not all as bright as this, there are some lovely nude/light pinks to choose from as well.

The lip tars are £8.99 from The Make-Up Artist Boutique which I think is a great deal - however shipping is quite pricey at £4 so probably best to order a few at a time (there are some yaby products I've got my eye on next) though it did come very securely packaged.

I feel the start of a new obsession beginning...

Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo

P.S Check my matching nails

To my Non-UK Ladies

Hey Dolls :)

I'm looking to do an International make up swap soon and was wondering if anyone was interested in swapping with me? I loved doing my last swap with Cait and would love to do another. It probably wouldn't be untill next month but it would give us time to chat about what we wanted and get organised :)

If you want to have a chat about a swap you can either leave a comment or send me an email to magicsinthemakeup@hotmail.com



Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo

17 Lasting Fix Lipstick - New Black

Hey Dolls

A couple of days ago I tweeted asking whether anyone knew of a nice dark plum lipstick and I got a reply the 17 team suggesting that I try their lasting fix lipstick in New Black. Whilst in Boots I had a look at the 17 counter and picked New Black up...


Now my dilemma was, what is the best way to wear such a dark colour...


I had a little search about and one of the most popular ways is to wear it with hair scraped back and nothing else on the face except mascara. However, I hate wearing my hair up and so got the old straighteners out...



I really like it though this is me still playing about with the colour, I'm planning on wearing it on a night out so I'll post some photos of how it turns out soon.

About the lipstick itself - I was a bit worried that for such a dark colour it might be chalky and drying but it really isn't. The colour lasts a long time and is a total bargain at £3.49! I picked up some other 17 products when I was in - I'll post about them over the weekend.

Do you have any suggestions of the best way to wear such a dark colour?

Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo

Boo to Hangovers

Hey Dolls :)

I forgot that I'm getting a bit old and can't go out two nights in a row and so today I feel terrible. Here is my guide to surviving the old hangover...

1. Wear your boyfriends clothes

I always steal Nick's clothes the next day, these joggies are thee most comfiest (and ugliest) thing in the world.

2. Hide all Evidence

So I woke up today with an empty McD's bag beside me - it was quickly whipped in the bin, if I can't see it, it didn't happen.

3. Sudocrem and Resolve

I'm a bit strict with my skincare routine normally - however everytime I come home from a night I always forget to take my make up off...Sudocrem to the rescue. The morning after my friends all like to get their munch on with a plate of grease to make themselves feel better, however it just makes me feel worse! Resolve is my best friend - if you don't have this in your bathroom cabinet you're a fool ha!

4. Get Cosy and Laugh

This is my hangover cover and I love it. Also watching something silly always makes me feel a bit better...for today it's Peep Show

5. Dissecting the Night Before

The best part of a night out is always the phone calls the next day remembering hilarious things that happened - a vital part of this is also looking at amazing/terrible photos like these...

Hope you're feeling a bit brighter than I am. Let me know your ways of coping with hungover times!

Other key activities include trying to tease a ridiculous amount of dust it from my hair, finding my keys in odd places, finding your clothes in a pile at the side of your bed/bathroom and drinking lots of water from a frosty mug.

Lots of Love

Nic

xoxo

Tonights Hair and Face

Hey Dolls :)

I'm going out tonight for an epic munch and some cheesey disco dancing and as usual I'm ready mega early so decided not to waste this time watching rubbish telly and blog instead. My forehead has reacted terribly to a new bourjois concealer I was trying and decided rather than fighting a losing battle I would just cover it with my fringe...




My two favorite hair accessories - a block fringe and a flower! I just wish my natural hair was thick enough to have this fringe naturally!

On my face I am wearing:

MAC SFF
MAC MSF Natural
Illamasqua Bronzing Duo
Me Me Me Pink Shimmy Shimmers

Eyes

UDPP
NYX Jumbo Pencil Black Bean
Barry M Glitter Dusts in 22 and 15
MAC Smoulder
Cover Girl Lash Blast
2True Glamour Lashes (cut in falf to make corner lashes)

Lips

MAC Dazzleglass Love Alert

I couldn't get a good eye photo for fear of moving my fringe...queue silly posing photo

I decided to bring the shadow quite far down my lower lash line as after drinking a disgusting amount of gin it normally ends up there anyway...

Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo

Festival Times

Hey dolls :)

This is just a quick post to share some terrible photos from Rockness...I had an amazing weekend, my highlight was probably Debbie Harry singing Taio Cruz Break Your Heart - she was sporting the most A-MAZING cut crease look I have seen in ages and had a platinum wig on, my chum Lynsey summed her up perfectly - she looked like GaGa's mum!

This is what I wore - I opted for layers which turned out to be a good thing as by the end it was FREEZING. Nothing glamorous but it kept me toasty and dry!


Daniel and I had the same Mac in a Pac from Primark - If you are festival bound this summer I can't recommend this enough, it was only £6 and kept the rain out all day and night - also apparently it's 'windproof' but I don't really know what that means...

This is Nick and his two friends Pete and Daniel - some may say shorts were a flawed choice...

Ha ha I love this photo - looking a little bedraggled but still smiling...

How amazing does Debbie Harry look?

At the beginning of the day - Rockness is one of the most beautiful festivals I have been too - it's on the banks of Loch Ness, it's still quite a small festival but is getting bigger each year and I honestly can't tell you how lovely and laid back it is...

From my five years of festival going there are certain things I have noticed:

1. Wearing red lipstick and/or false lashes make you look ridiculous
2. Maxi dresses are not appropriate attire - neither are heels
3. If you insist on doing drugs there is a certain age where it looks a bit sad/wrong
4. Fighting with complete strangers is stupid - especially if you're a 40 year old woman who slaps an 18 year old
5. Whipping someone in the face with your manky dread lock whilst also being a bit minging is highly hilarious

Festivals: rain/sun/mud/warm cider/amazing music/old friends/new friends/portaloos/wellies/laughing/singing/screaming/hugs/disco dancing/queuing/silly hats/sunglasses/hangovers.


Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo

I definitely do not listen to Justin Bieber...

Hey Dolls :)

Here's a quick look at my make up today...




Face

MAC SFF
MAC MSF Natural
NARS Laguna
Illamasqua Bronzing Duo
MAC Well Dressed
Benefit One Hot Minute


Eyes

UD Jinx, Flipside, Homegrown
Yellow from Sleek Chaos palette
MAC Your Ladyship Pigment
Topshop Thistle Pencil
MAC Smoulder
MAC Zoom Lash

Lips

YSL Rouge Volupte 19
MAC Sugarrimmed

I've been feeling a little guilty as all Nick has seen of me lately is this...

....So I promised I would watch the World Cup with him today, I'm not amused!

Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo

P.S Whilst writing this post I was most definitely not listening to Justin Bieber...

My Favorite Jewelry of the Moment...

Hey Dolls :)

I love jewelry but get bored quite quickly so I go phases of wearing the same pieces constantly before moving on to something new. Here's what I'm loving at the moment...

I love big rings - the bigger the better. The big flower is from Accesorize and is my favorite. It's actually massive on but looks pretty! The middle is from Primark (I have this in cream and coral too) and I think everyone and their dog has has this ring haha! However, it's a bargain at about £2. The ring on the left is from H&M and is quite unusual as it's made from wood!


I love my little monocle owl. He's on quite a long chain and is just so cute! I got this necklace from Primark so another cheapie!

This is another long chain, this time from Urban Outfitters. It's my Nnnnnnn necklace and I really really like it! It's quite nice just to throw on during the day and I believe you can get any letter of the alphabet.

I much prefer gold but I do sometimes think it can look a tad tacky (considering most of my jewelry is from Primark ha) so for a change I quite like to wear some silver. I got my Tiffany bracelet for my 21st, it has my heart engraved on the heart. The smaller ring is from a small boutique in Largs and is lovely and delicate, the other ring is from Links of London years ago and I rather love my little hello kitty earrings!



I love a bit of Juicy Couture. I know this is definitely a love it/hate it bracelet, but I love love love it! The carriage has working wheels!


This is my Disney Couture Alice in Wonderland bracelet which makes me exceedingly happy. I adore the drink me/eat me labels.

Hope you enjoyed this!

Lots of Love
Nicola
xoxo

Some Recent Loves Two

Hey Dolls :)

I really enjoyed doing this post last month, it's quite nice to do something non make up related...saying that the first thing is make up ha...

Eyeshadow



I bloomin' love eyeshadow. As much as I love bright lips, eye make up gets me all excited! At the moment I am drooling over pinks and purples...tell me a couple of months ago I would be wearing pink eye shadow nearly every day and I would of told you you were ca-raazzzzzy. However, if done in the right way I think pink shadow looks amazing!! I've been considering getting some pink and purple flashes through my hair, 'citing!!!

Rockness


I'm going to Rockness this weekend and I'm pretty much peeing myself with excitement. Rockness is an amazing music festival at loch ness - probably one of the most beautiful locations I have been to for a festival (except maybe Connect at Inverary). I went a couple of years ago and saw Daft Punk which is still probably one of the best nights of my life...however this year Blondie is playing waaaaaah!!! I am going to see Debbie Harry in the flesh, still can't quite believe it!! You can read more about the festival and the line up here.

Karen O

Yeah Yeah Yeahs are one of my favorite bands in the whole wide world, I was lucky enough to blag tickets a couple of years ago for to see them in some grungey basement with about 200 other lucky people and I still get so excited when I think about it! Karen O the lead singer of Yeah Yeah Yeahs has such amazing, individual style...here's some of my favorite looks of hers...




Rediscoveries



I love the feeling of rediscovering something you used to love but moved on from. This week for me has been the rediscovery of The Mighty Boosh. The boosh will always have a special place in my heart as it's what Nick used to charm his way into my life ha ha!

I think you should all go and listen to this beautiful yeah yeah yeahs song :)

Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo