January Favorites

Hey Dolls :)

Despite January feeling like it lasted an age, I definitely found some new and lovely products this month!

1. Lush It's Raining Men


When I first heard about It's raining men, I thought it was too good to be true. A shower gel that smells of Honey, I washed the Kids. Thankfully it has lived up to my expectations. My early mornings are made that bit cheerier now. If you like Honey, I washed the kids, you definitely need to buy this before it's gone. The one thing I would say is that I realise £14 is a bit ridiculous for shower gel - however I just couldn't resist!

2. Revlon Colourstay Eyeliner


My favorite eyeliner by far is M.A.C's smoulder, however within a couple of hours it does tend to smudge if you haven't set it with powder. Revlon's colorstay is perfect for me in the early mornings as I don't need to set it with shadow for it to last all day. It's a twist pencil...

I had never used a twist up pencil before, always opting for one that needs sharpening but I do like how easy it is to twist up. This is a brilliant, cheaper alternative to my favorite eyeliners without the worry of panda eyes!

3. M.A.C Play It Cool Palette

Of late, I've completely lost track of M.A.C. collections so it was a lovely surprise when I got the play it cool eye kit from A Tartan Tale for my Christmas. I've used this palette throughout January and I really love it. It's a purple themed palette (so perfect for me)

As you can see, the palette has all of the components for a really pretty, purple smoky eye. My two favorite shades are definitely Altered State (bottom left) which is dark purple that gives a lovely violet sheen and Magic Moor, a blackened plum. If you see this at a CCO I definitely recommend it!

4. La Roche Posay Effaclar K


When I first bought this, I wasn't too sure the best way to use it and settled for applying it before my moisturiser as a type of serum. However, I have discovered that it is the best primer I have used. I have oily skin and using a small amount of Effaclar K before my face make up creates the most matte base. The cream also seems to control oiliness throughout the day. By far one of the best skin care discoveries I've made in a while!.

5. Estee Lauder Double Wear

I love double wear and definitely think it is the best full coverage foundation I have tried. As I keep writing, I'm trying to wear lighter foundation during the day however on days when I feel a little self conscious skin-wise, double wear is absolutely perfect. I don't want to repeat information as I know there have been an influx in double wear reviews but you really do need the tiniest amount to cover your whole face and because it's quite fluid, it doesn't feel too heavy!

6. Cosmopolitan Perfect Finish Make-Up Sponges


This is more make up sponges in general, though I do really like these cosmopolitan ones as they 100% hypoallergenic. As I've started using double wear again, these sponges are the perfect accompaniment. After I've applied my foundation, I pat a damp sponge over my whole face. This manages to add some dewiness, even to double wear!

Lots of Love
Nicola
xoxo

This Friday I am...

Wearing Barry M 146
Reading about 5463728 history plays


Smelling of YSL Parisienne


Listening to some Disco Anthems


Munching mini babybells and Fanta Zero


HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Some Recent Hair Care Discoveries

Hey Dolls :)

Over the last couple of weeks I've discovered a couple of new amazing products for my hair that I wanted to share with you all.

1. Argan Secret Hair Elixir

I recently went a wander round Sally's with my friend Clare which is where I found argan secret. Argan oil is something that has always intrigued me but for some reason I've never taken the plunge and tried it. However, when I saw that this serum used both argan oil and hemp oil I immediately wanted to try it. I think the thought of using an oil on my hair always sounded a little finnicky and messy where as I hoped the oil in a serum would be much easier to use. I've been using this serum on my hair everyday (I've gone back to hairwashing daily) and honestly it is brilliant! Firstly, I've noticed that the time it actually takes my hair to blowdry has been cut in half. The serum adds a tremendous amount of shine and leaves me with a frizz-free do. Consistency wise, it's a clear serum that feels so silky and smooth...

However, as with all serums, if too much is used it can verge on the greasy side. Scent wise the serum is amazing, a lovely sweetened vanilla. On days like today (PJ days) I end up applying lots to the ends of my hair to add some much needed moisture which works really well too. Argan Secret is £15.00 from Sally's.

2. Lee Stafford Flat Iron Protection Mist

After using the TreSemme heat protection spray for a good couple of years, I felt it was time for a change. The colour and scent of Lee Stafford products always pull me in and so I decided to try their flat iron mist. I don't really know if there's much you can say about a heat protectant other than it works! It doesn't leave my hair greasy and dries really quickly so I can get on with styling my hair. Plus it smells amazing!

3. Aussie Mega Instant Shampoo and Conditioner

As I've said before I have really oily hair meaning I need to use a really lightweight shampoo and conditioner - In boots Aussie hair care is 2 for £6 at the moment and honestly it is the best lightweight shampoo and conditioner I have tried. It leaves my hair so soft and shiny without weighing it down and they both smell delightful!

I seem to have bought these products all on a whim but honestly my hair hasn't been as soft or shiny in such a long time!

Lots of Love
Nicola
xoxo

OOTD

Hey Dolls :)

I'm just about to leave to go and swoon over Seth Rogen in The Green Hornet (if anyone sums up my 'type' Seth is it - controversial I know) but first decided to post a quick photo of my outfit...I went for comfort over style (as always)...


Blouse - Dorothy Perkins
Vest - H&M
Denim Skirt - Diesel
Leggings - H&M
Boots - ASOS
Ring - Primark
Carousel Necklace - Topshop

Tonight I attempted to contour my nose - and failed! It makes my face look so odd however it's far too late to take it all off now. Remind me never to do that again!

Lots of Love
Nicola
xoxo

M.A.C Show Orchid

Hey Dolls

As far as lipsticks go, bright pinks are always my first choice. Personally, I don't think they come much brighter or pinker than MAC's Show Orchid. This is a a very recent acquisition of mine as my lovely friend gave me it for Christmas....



Show Orchid is an amplified cream (my favorite) so it's a really creamy formula and lasts a really long time without needing to be re-applied. It has quite a nice sheen naturally (that comes off a little purple) but I did top it off here with a little bit of clear gloss.

If you are a lover of fuchsia and magenta lipsticks, you need this in your life!

Lots of Love
Nicola
xoxo

Coral Times

Hey Dolls :)

If you couldn't tell from my previous post I have fallen in love with Mad Men and in particular with the make up they use on set. For the last couple of days I've followed suit with red lips and big lashes.


Face - MAC Studio Finish Concealer/Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser/MAC MSF Natural/Dior Amber Diamond

Eyes - YSL Faux Cils

Lips - Illamasqua Strumpet Pencil/MAC Toxic Tale

This fits in well with my 'not very many products during the day' phase I'm in the middle of just now. It's been a little bit of an adjustment not wearing blush but I'm quite enjoying wearing a lot less face make up in the daytime!

As for toxic tale, I've definitely decided I'm not really a fan of the formula of MAC's satin lipsticks, I always think they feel really heavy on the lips, I'm really conscious that I'm wearing lipstick if that makes sense?

Where are you pulling inspiration from lately?

Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo

Style Crush: Christina Hendricks

Hey Dolls :)

My crush on Christina Hendricks extends much farther than her fashion - her AMAZING figure, hair, face and Marilyn Monroe-esque voice all leave me speechless. I sometimes feel when people talk about 'curvy' (I abhor that phrase) actresses it can all become a tad cliched but in this case it's true, for me Christina Hendricks is an inspiration...she has a bust, hips and a jaw dropping booty, all the more emphasised by her sashay. Her fashion is always on point, she definitely knows how to work a dress. Also, I love that Christina experiments with make up - her face is one that welcomes a multitude of styles and colours, always leaving me a tad envious.

Christina Hendricks has definitely become my number one inspiration.

Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo

Stars of 2010 - Make Up

Hey Dolls :)

Continuing on from my skin and body care post here is the make up I've loved to use in 2010.

Face


Being someone who isn't a big fan of M.A.C face products, there are rather a lot on my list...

Dior Amber Diamond

Amber Diamond really is the prettiest highlighter in my collection. The compact combines a collection of champagne and bronze sections that can be used seperately or swirled together. Amber Diamond is set apart for me because it is so finely milled - there are no chunks of glitter or sparkles - just a lovely healthy glow!

M.A.C MSF Natural

Just before Christmas I finished my MSF Natural and feeling the pinch, wandered into Superdrug to try and find a more purse friendly alternative as I go through them quite quickly. Sadly I was let down by every other powder I tried and was rather relieved when I found a new one under my Christmas tree. As my skin has improved I've found that this paired with concealer, gives enough coverage and confidence through the day - I think this will always be a repurchase item!

M.A.C Hang Loose

Definitely my favorite blush of the year - I'm just so sad it's limited edition. I love that it gives lovely dolly pink cheeks with an added silvery highlight - really pretty!

M.A.C Studio Finish Concealer

This is quite a heavy duty concealer but as I've been wearing less and less foundation I've found it to be perfect. It lasts all day and when buffed on using a big fluffy brush it gives a really natural finish.

Eyes

2010 was not a good year for my M.A.C Palettes...Nick dropped them both TWICE and some good shaddows were sadly lost, and others, as you can see, have ended the year looking a little worse for wear.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

I think this is an obvious choice but the Naked palette really is perfect as you can go from day to night time looks really quickly. As ever, the shadows are really smooth and pigmented - I definitely look forward to experimenting with this palette!

M.A.C Club and Parfait Amour

Both Club and Parfait Amour are duo chrome colours...Club is a muddy green/brown with a red/brown duochrome and parfait amour is a vibrant purple with a pink duochrome. Both shadows are go to's for my eye make when I go out - lovely!

M.A.C Blacktrack Fluidline

In the last six months I've fallen back in love with gel liner and my favorite is M.A.C's fluidline. I
use a M.A.C 109 which gives a really nice, thin line that can be made thicker if I want. Blacktrack lasts a long time and I love it because, depending on how it is applied, it can be really precise or smudged.

YSL Faux Cils

I only bought faux cils in November but it has quickly become my favorite mascara. It makes my lashes look so long and thick and I haven't found that it flakes or smudges as many reviews suggested it might.

Lips

I was really quite strict when it came to lip products or else I would have about 5743947 lipsticks here...

Prestige Lip Liner in Silk

This lip liner is perfect for pale and dusky pink lipsticks that I wear nearly everyday. It's a really affordable liner that also helps make my lipstick last a lot longer.

OCC Lip Tar in Demure


OCC lip tars, in my opinion, are some of the best lip products you can buy - especially if you want your lip colour to last all day or night. Demure is an amazing fuchsia - definitely not so demure!

L'oreal Colour Riche 254

This has been one of my best lipstick purchases of the year, it's quite a mauve/nude colour that I can just pop on my lips without having to think too hard about it. The formula is a touch grainy but isn't drying and gives a really nice sheen to the lips.

M.A.C Pink Nouveau

This is my second tube of pink nouveau this year and it is definitely my favorite M.A.C lipstick. It's such a lovely bright pink that I always get compliments on - this is similar to what I hoped pink friday would be!

Lots of Love
Nicola
xoxo

I love Drake

Hey Dolls :)

Last night I went to see Drake at the o2 academy and I fear that my love for him is getting out of hand.

My friend Lynsey and I had our own wee balcony which was like being at the front row without all the sweat and pushing...Drake even gave a shout out to Lynsey (I have to confess I did consider chucking her over the side of the balcony) but he did look up and smile at us twice (I think I had a wee bit of a spaz attack ha). He was amazing live and even sang lots of Young Money songs which made me happy. He even sang this (one of my favorites) but sadly without Lil Wayne (boo).

Afters, it was the first time I'd seen my best friends in the new year so we went out to celebrate



Ha I think in our drunken state we all got a bit emotional with group hugs galore as it's our last couple of months at uni - we just need to make it the best few months we can!

Lots of Love
Nicola
xoxo

MUFE Love

Hey Dolls :)

For my Chrisymas this year I was so excited to find I'd been given some Make Up For Ever eye shadows...today was the first chance I've had to play with them and I honestly am so happy to have some colour injected back into my make up.



Face - MAC Strobe Cream/MAC Studio Finish Concealer/MAC MSF Natural/MUFE Candy Pink 85

Eyes - Two Faced Shadow Insurance/MUFE Fuchsia 26/MUFE Purple 92/MUFE Yellow 2/MAC Fluidline Blacktrack/17 Wild Curls

Lips - NYX 08 Doll Pink

I am in absolute love with the eyeshadows I've tried so far, they are unbelievably pigmented...I had already triedpurple 92 and it really is the brightest and most vibrant purple ever! I've got a seperate post coming soon with swatches!

Lots of Love
Nicola
xoxo

2010 Stars - Skin + Body Products

Hey Dolls :)

For products, 2010 has been a year of experimentation. I have definitely found some must-have, always to be repurchased products which I will include in these posts however as you will see there will be some important products missing (eg foundation, moisturiser) which I hope I find in 2011!

Skincare

From around 2008, my skincare routine had been composed entirely of Liz Earle products. However come the start of the year, I felt they weren't working as well as they once had. From then, I have been searching for the best cleanser and moisturiser for my skin...I'm still using the La Roche Posay Effaclar K products however I can't help but feel there is something better out there - if you have any suggestions let me know!

Witch Hazel

This was an obvious choice for me. Using Distilled Witch Hazel twice daily as a toner has reduced the number of spots I get, brightened my skin tone and minimised my pores. As a result I've been wearing a lot less foundation which has had a further knock on effect on the condition of my skin. You can read my full review here.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream

I think I would feel a little lost without Elizabeth Arden's 8 hour cream. It can be used for a ridiculous amout of purposes...I use mine mainly for an additional moisturiser on extra dry parts of my skin, chapped lips, on my cuticles and as an over night hand/foot treatment. Honestly I have never tried something so effective at soothing and healing skin - for me it doesn't smell (or taste) particularly appealing but it's definitely something you get used to! I use it everyday and can't ever see this not being one of my all time favorites.

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avacado

2011 was the first year I started using an eye cream and I absolutely love this kiehl's eye treatment. It's a really thick cream however it melts into the skin really quickly. I love that I can wear this under my foundation as long as I give it time to sink in. It is a little pricey but as it's so rich you use very little!

Body Care


Again bodycare is something I have flitted between this year. However, it seems that 2010 was the year of soap and glory!

Soap and Glory Clean on Me

Clean on me is my favorite shower gel of all time. It lathers up so well, smells amazing and is really moisturising. I also love that it has a pump!

Xen Tan Dark Lotion

I have tried lots of different fake tan products and after a shaky start I definitely believe xen tan's dark lotion is my favorite. When using dark lotion I usually apply it twice a week and then exfoliate on the Sunday (and repeat). Xen Tan claims that the product has no fake tan smell which sadly isn't true. There is a definite fake tan scent in the morning however it isn't too strong. Once developed it gives me a lovely bronzed glow - lovely!

Soap and Glory Girligo

I've blogged about this a lot lately as it is a fairly new find however I now use it every day. It gives me the perfect amount of moisturisation daily and sinks in really quickly. Plus it smells amazing!

Lush Honey I Washed the Kids

Honey, I washed the kids is my favorite soap OF ALL TIME! Firstly it looks pretty, smells pretty and feels pretty. It's really moisturising and lathers up really well.

Soap and Glory Flake Away

I've used a few exfoliators that I've liked this year including Elle McPherson's lavander sugar scrub and N-Spas hot butter fudge sugar scrub however flake away is the only one I've repurchased. I love flake away as it isn't too grainy or too rough - it's just right!

Up next is my make up favorites!

Lots of Love
Nic
xoxo