Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Succubus

Hey Dolls :)

My ever increasing love for Illamasqua rages on...I have recently reigned in my visits to the Illamasqua counter as they were having an ever increasingly damaging effect on my bank balance. However when my friend Clare wanted to go and buy one of their precision inks I couldn't say no...20 minutes later and Succubus was mine!


I had never tried any of Illamasqua's intense lipglosses before - I honestly can't believe how opaque they all are! Succubus is from their latest collection for Valentines day - Throb. Illamasqua describe it as a 'blood red' and I can't think of a better description...

The formula is really thick but isn't sticky and lasts a really long time - even when it does fade it leaves a lovely stain on the lips (though I did find by the end of the night it did settle into the lines of my mouth but I fear that is down my bad lip prep as I didn't have any other make up with me). The colour is so bright and glossy and gives you the perfect glamorous Hollywood red lip. However, for last night I really sheered it out as I have the terrible habit of kissing everyone I'm with when I'm drunk and don't think I would be terribly popular if I adorned everyone with juicy red lip marks! Here's how it looks sheered out

In this way, I love succubus even more as it's so versatile and can be used for several different looks! Have you tried any of the other intense glosses? I'd love some more colour recommendations!

Love Nicola
xoxo

Happy New Make Up Day

Hey Dolls :)

Leading on from my last post, the flip side to that is when you get new make up that lives up to your expectations - that indeed is a happy new make up day! That happened yesterday when I received my mini swap package from Tiffany. I had offered to pick Tiffany up a bourjois bronzer that she couldn't get in the U.S and in return Tiffany sent me another of the N.Y.C blushable creme sticks, this time in Berry New Yorker.

Out of the three of these I've tried, I think this shade may be my favorite. It's a bit different to my typical fail safe pink blush - on my skin tone it comes out as a light bronze (so not very berry-like but still lovely). On application, I've found the easiest and most natural way is to apply quite a heavy amount on the back of my hand and then using a duo fibre brush (I use M.A.C's 187) I swirl the brush on the apple of my cheek. Even though it is a cream product, the blush doesn't drag or streak - I really love them!

Tiffany also included a really pretty cover girl lipstick in 395 darling Cherie

In the bullet, the lipstick looks like a pretty light pink however on the lips it translates a little darker - colour wise it reminds me of a darker Angel by M.A.C. The formula is lovely, it has a lovely sheen that actually stays on the lips for quite a long time and also feels quite moisturising to use.

I immediately used both products yesterday morning to work, here's how they both looked on.


Both such pretty products! Again thank you so much Tiffany!! If you haven't read Tiffany's blog Will Work for Make Up you need to - I genuinely trust Tiffany's opinion on products so much plus she is a beautiful and genuinely lovely person!

Lots of Love
Nicola
xoxo

A bit disappointed

Hey Dolls :)

Recently I've bought a couple of products that I've been really disappointed in. To be honest, I'm probably being overly dramatic but I get really excited when trying new products that I can't help but feel really let down when they don't work for me.

1. China Glaze Fast Freeze Quick Dry


I recently went in to Sally's to find a new topcoat after reading a lot of controversy over Seche Vite. When I really think about it, the main reason I loved seche vite is down to the speed it dried my polish - I really am a rather impatient person and get really antsy waiting for my nail polish to dry. I change my polish every two/three days so I wasn't too fussed about protecting my nails from chipping so opted to try China Glaze fast freeze quick dry. My dislike for this product may come down to my complete inability with everything nail related but I really hate it!

Firstly it stinks - when opening my bottle today I got a bit on my finger and I can still smell it. It smells a mixture between chemicals, antiseptic paint and floor cleaner. I also find the product really greasy which is only made worse by using the pipette. On using the pipette, I got in such a mess, the product runs off the nail and by the end my hands were covered in a greasy residue. Even when using the brush it's quite a messy process as the product is so liquid-y, it just runs off the nail. One positive is that it does dry wet polish really quickly, however sadly, for me, the cons outweigh the pros.

2. Schwarzkopf Bonacure ColorSave Shampoo and Conditioner

This shampoo and conditioner is another product that I was really excited to try. I bought this the same day as the freeze dry drops (a rather unsuccessful shopping trip I feel). What attracted me to the products was the fact that they claim to protect colour treated hair whilst containing no sulfates. However again I was really let down after using them. The packaging is quite unpractical, the bottles are really tall and thin however you have to squeeze the bottle really hard to get any product out - not brilliant at half five in the morning. When using the shampoo I feel it really clings to my hair, it doesn't foam at all, it's really quite difficult to explain, even when applied to wet hair it feels really dry and cloys to your hair. After using the products for the last couple of weeks I feel my hair lacks shine and softness. What makes it worse is both cost me around £25 which in my opinion was a total waste of money.

3. Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid

I think I might be one of the only bloggers who doesn't like dream satin liquid. However sadly for me, even with powder it doesn't control oil at all. By midday I look really shiny and by the end of the working day it's oil slick city. Which makes me really sad as when first applied it really does look lovely on!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of the products mentioned or recommendations of products to replace these!

Lots of Love
Nicola
xoxo

A well deserved catch up

Hey Dolls :)

I feel like I haven't spoken to anybody in ages! I hope you're all well! Things are all a little topsy turvy at the moment so just wanted to take some time out to have a bit of a ramble!

First of all, February is always my favorite month though it's ridiculously hectic - it's mine, Nick's and my two best friends birthday's in February (never mind Valentines day and Nick and I's anniversary, in fact Nick's birthday is on V-day). So far February has been filled with drunken antics, karaoke, lots of hairspray and eyeliner. Here's a few snaps


I turn 23 on the 26th and to celebrate both our birthdays, Nick and I have booked to go to Paris!! We have two days in the city and then a day in Disneyland. If any of you have suggestions of things we can do (some non-touristy things would be splendid) I would be much obliged. I genuinely cannot contain my excitement for Disneyland, if you're new to my blog you should know I am THE biggest Disney fan. Luckily I have a lovely boyfriend who accepts and encourages this love!

One of the biggest changes since the beginning of the year is that I've started slimming world. I've had a couple of questions on twitter about my diet so I may do a separate post but the thing that attracted me to slimming world is it promotes a balanced diet - it isn't based on a point system and instead helps to train you into eating a varied balanced diet each day without denying yourself treats. So far I'm edging ever closer to losing my first stone. Although numbers wise I can see I've lost weight I haven't really noticed it on myself until I saw that top photo. I've still got a long way to go but it's all quite exciting!! Hopefully one day I will have cheekbones like this

I joke of course (though some resemblance of cheek bones would be stellar)

I also just got an I-phone 4 the other day - to be honest I probably should never of been allowed it, touch screens give me the rage and I'm rather clumsy so I need to find a nice protective cover for it - again if you have any sellers/websites you recommend please let me know! Also is there any apps I need? The first I downloaded was the I am T-Pain as it's legend but I need some entertainment! It has taken me about 3746484 hours fiddling with itunes and my phone but finally I managed to edit this as my ring tone



Yep - that's something that actually happened, I have hedwigs theme as my ringtone!

Lots of Love
Nicola
xoxo

No. 7 Exquisite Curl Mascara

Hey Dolls :)

I recently recieved No. 7's new Exquisite Curl Mascara to try...


The mascara claims to curl and add volume to your lashes which is mainly down to the shape of the brush...


The brush immediately reminded me of Maybelline's Falsies which I really didn't get on with. However, the No. 7 brush has more of a curve which really seems to make a difference to how the mascara makes my lashes look. The brush catches the lashes well meaning that each lash gets coated and curled.

Here is before and after


As you can see the mascara lengthens and curls my lashes though I wouldn't say it adds a great amount of volume. For me, this makes exquisite curl a perfect everyday mascara and could easily be teamed with a volumising mascara for night time lashes. I've had no problems with the product smudging or flaking and it lasts all day. I definitely recommend giving it a try, especially if you have shorter or straight lashes!

To celebrate the release of exquisite curl, No. 7 are currently holding a compition to find the countries best wink. All you have to do is upload a photo or video of you showcasing your best wink and you could have the chance to win a pampering weekend that includes a makeover with Lisa Eldridge (gasp!!!!). There are also weekly winners chosen to win a goodie bag. Click here for more information.

Lots of Love
Nicola
xoxo