Thursday 30 December 2010

A Little (Hair)Pick Me Up.

Hello Lovelies,


Today I decided to do a review on 3 dry shampoos I have been using recently, Tony and Guy, Lee Stafford and Batiste. I like all 3 of them but decided to put them all up against each other to see which was best!!
Here's what I thought...


Firstly, I must let you know, I'm the kind of person that washes her hair every single day (with Aussie Shampoo and Conditioner) but there are some days where I just don't have the time or can't be bothered:P. I also use this if I'm going for an up-do to give my hair a bit of texture. All this means, is that these tests are based on slightly oily hair, not hair that hasn't been washed for a week, so the effects may be different if you tend to get very oily hair.

1. Lee Stafford, Poker Straight for Oily Roots. 




This particular product is quite new to me as my mum bought it for me as part of a set for Christmas. I have used it a few times since and can honestly say it smells lovely. It has the scent of the majority of the Lee Stafford styling products ( think Poker Straight Flat Iron protection mist) if your familiar with them. I love it for this reason alone. It is a pleasant, sweet, fruity smell. 

The back of the can says ''Spray from about 16cm onto the root area that needs revitalising then vigorously rub away the powder with your fingers... girl you are ready to go without having to blow''

The latter made me howl with laughter :') Pure Cheese.

When sprayed directly onto my dark hair, this leaves no white/grey residue which is always a bonus and leaves it feeling very refreshed and not greasy at all. The scent also lingers for a good few hours after.

The only downside to this is if you don't like having texture in your hair, as it leaves a subtle matte feel.

I looked up the price on the Boots website, as I received this as a gift. For a single 150ml can it is £4.99. I don't think this pricing is too bad if you don't go through a can too quickly.

2. Tony and Guy Refreshing Dry Shampoo


I have been using Tony and Guy dry shampoo for about 2 years now and it is my current favourite. Yet again the smell is lovely (like other tony and guy products) floral and quite 'clean' smelling but not overpowering. The great thing about this one is that it doesn't leave the matte feel to your hair like the Lee Stafford and Batiste ranges do. 

The instructions are more or less the same as the Lee Stafford, only you don't have to rub this one in with your fingers.
It doesn't leave a white/grey residue and the can itself lasts a really long time. (I've had mine for a year.)

It retails(at Boots only) for £6.49. More money than the Lee Stafford yet 50ml more product.

3. Batiste 'Blush'

I bought this dry shampoo in a 'Leeds Fest Rush' as I was in Asda the day before and needed a travel size. I could deal with 'only Baby Wipe showers' for 5 days but not greasy hair haha. :S

All I can say about this one is that it does the job. It's certainly not my favourite as the Blush smell is way too floral for me and they had no other fragrances at the time. However, at £1 for a travel size and £2.30 for a full size its a pretty good last minute bargain. If your not careful it does leave a little grey tinge to your hair, although personally I think that looks a lot more attractive than hair stuck to your head with grease!! Yum haha.


I hope this helped and you can pick out the info you want. I tend to ramble in reviews :)
Next post will be a quick swatch of the gorgeous Egerton Gardens NailsInc. polish that I'm wearing for new years. Possibly an outfit post too...

Love
Lou
xx

Wednesday 29 December 2010

My Favourite Products of 2010 :)

Hello Lovelies,

I'm really excited about this post today, as I have found so many products this year that I love. I can now share them with you guys!!
I have chosen a product from each different category e.g Blush, Foundation, Cleanser which I love whole heartedly and would recommend to anyone.
Prepare for a long post. Enjoy!!
 :D

Body-care
Neutrogena  Deep Moisture Comfort Balm 
Good ol' Vaseline
Soap & Glory Clean, Girls Body Wash
LUSH The comforter Bubble Bar


Hair-care
Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo and Conditioner
Aussie Take the Heat Blow Dry Cream
Lee Stafford Flat Iron Protection Mist
Elnette Diamond hold Hairspray
Tony & Guy Dry Shampoo


Skin-care
LUSH Ultra Bland Cleanser
The Body Shop Tea Tree Toner
Simple Nourishing Eye Makeup Remover Cream
L'Occitane Ultra Rich Face Cream
Soft Lips Lip Conditioner


Makeup
Revlon PhotoReady Foundation in 003 Shell
Benefit Boi-ing Concealer in 001
MAC Well Dressed Blush
MAC BlackTrack Fluid Line
Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara in Blackest Black
MAC Prep & Prime Eye in Light
Nails Inc Polish in Jermyn Street

Perfume
Marks and Spencer Peruna (Daytime)
Nina Ricci, Ricci Ricci (Evening)


Phew, that was pretty epic.
I hope this has given you some good ideas about some amazing beauty products. If you want me to go more in depth with anything just let me know. 
Here's to more lovely things in 2011.
Love
Lou
xx

Monday 27 December 2010

Boy's Can Be Lovely When They Want To Be :)

Hello Lovelies,

I just thought I'd write a quick blog post on what my gorgeous boyfriend Stanley bought me for Christmas.
I had no idea what to expect from him as I hadn't particularly asked for anything (apart from a CD with all of his songs on, that he cheekily tried to include as a 'present':P) but overall he did rather well. I'm so proud aha:)
Anyway I thought some of the things would be of interest to you all as they are from LUSH.:D

First up is Cinders Bath Ballistic

He had absolutely no idea I wanted to try this one so he (or the sales assistant) did very well..
It smells absolutely delicious and has filled my whole room with its lovely scent. I can't wait to try this one out.


Next he bought me Vanilla Fountain Bath Ballistic, which is one of my favourites. It turns the bath a rather strange yellow colour but the scent of vanilla and sandalwood certainly make up for it.

The last thing from lush was Karma Komba Shampoo Bar.

I've never actually tried one of their Shampoo Bars before and the first thing he said when I opened it was 'I didn't even know you could get shampoo in a bar, its weird, that's why I bought it' :')
It smells lovely though and makes me want to have a shower right now. However, I think i may have to nip into lush and buy a tin for it as i don't want it to go all mushy :)


The last thing I got was the cutest little magnetic bookmarks EVER. They are little mushrooms!!! So cute :) Then again I love anything and everything from Paperchase.



I hope to do a review on Cinders bath bomb very very soon.
Thankyou Stanley!!
Much Love
Lou
xxx

Glitter & Gloss

Afternoon Lovelies :)

I have had an absolutely wonderful Christmas, I hope you all have too. I also got waaayy more than I was expecting, especially since I have a new camera this year.
I think my parents were enjoying the fact that this was my last 'childhood' Christmas and went a bit crazy on the present buying front aha. I can't say I'm complaining though. Thankyou Mum and Dad!!! :D

It was a very quite, albite lovely Christmas this year as I celebrated with only my Parents. However I was free from Revision for a whole day and got to eat one hell of a lot of food whilst spending time with my family.

Today's blog post is going to be about one of the GORGEOUS presents my Mum gave to me. (I wasn't expecting this one)

The Nails Inc. Glitter & Gloss Minis Collection.



The beautifully packaged box comes with 10 miniature nail polishes from the Glitter & Gloss collection and I can safely say there isn't a single colour I don't like!!

I love how they are all named after places in London too :)
The set includes:
Bloomfield Terrace.
This is a gorgeous, slightly pearlescent red colour.

Egerton Gardens.
A full on pink, purple, red and blue sparkle haven.

Culford Gardens.
A beautiful shimmery Silver/Gold (My Favourite)

Rawlings Street.
A lovely Turquoise with a hint of shimmer

Saville Row.
A deep mahogany red/brown

Bourne Street.
A bright red packed with glitter

Belgrave Place.
A deep cobalt blue

Little Venice
A sheer light, neutral pink.(Currently Wearing)

Bruton Street.
A neutral mauvey brown with a hint of pink

Victoria
A very deep red/purple


My favourite thing about miniature sets, is you can almost 'try before you buy'. I love to experiment with colours, but it is also great that if I love one of the colours enough, I can splash out and repurchase. Knowing I already love the shade.

This box retails for £50 however my mum told me she snapped it up for £25. Not bad for ten reasonably sized polishes.
Plus the box will be great for storing nail files, cuticle sticks etc when the polishes run out.

If you would like to see a swatch of any let me know. (I attempted to paint each nail a different colour which failed due to my impatience)

Would anyone consider purchasing this gift set?
What is your opinion on Nails Inc.?
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Love
Lou
xx

Friday 24 December 2010

Christmas Sparkles NOTD

Hello Lovelies,

I was feeling rather festive yesterday and decided to go for a bit of sparkle on the nail front.
Now considering the sparkle itself is pink and silver, I wouldn't really call them Christmaassy colours. However, it is still rather pretty so thats what counts!!

I bought the glittery nail varnish online from Barry M for bonfire night and decided it would look much nicer painted over a black nail polish :) Here's the result of 2 coats of black and a layer of sparkle...

Apologies for the bad lighting I took the photo last night.
I've also been wearing this for a couple of days and there is only slight chipping :)



Black Polish - Barry M 47
Glitter Nail Varnish - Barry M 210 ( Once Upon a Time)
With Sally Hansen Insta Grip Base and Top coats.


Now, unlike most Barry M Glitter Polish's that cover the entire nail sufficiently in a couple of coats, e.g. Red Glitter 150, this one doesn't. I personally think it looks a lot better over a solid dark base. I'm going to try purple next :D Also for the usual £2.99 a bottle, it is still a bargain !! :D

Let me know what you think and if you fancy purchasing.

Merry Christmas
Love
Lou
xx


Wednesday 22 December 2010

Mac Neutral Palette (ish) & Kooky Christmas Baubles ...

Hello Lovelies,
I haven't done a post in what seems like forever. Alas I had no working camera. However, I have acquired a brand spanking new, wonderfully gorgeously delightful camera very recently and my amazing parents have let me play with my Christmas Prezzy early :D
This may have its disadvantages when it comes to Christmas morning (I may put it back in the box and wrap it up, to open again :')) but i am a very happy bunny at present.

It is the Panasonic FZ38 and my do i love it.
Plus it's going to be sooo much easier to keep up to date with my blog as i feel like i've been neglecting you a little recently.

So without further ado...

I was in Nottingham around 2 months ago visiting the University for an open day. (I really hope i get the grades, its beautiful). 
I had to travel down there from Leeds alone and spend the entire day until I could get the bus back. 
After finishing up with meetings and presentations, I thought what better way to spend my time but to see what shopping the city has to offer. I was not disappointed!!

I only had a little money with me as i wasn't planning on buying anything, but i did pick up something I had been lusting after for a long time...


Behold my MAC Palette.

I LOVE the fact it is in no way fussy. Many people think its too plain or boring but I think it makes it ten times easier to organise into my small collection.

There is one dilemma though...

It only has one Eyeshadow!!! (Woodwinked)
Gorgeous Yet Lonely.

Now this problem was brought to my attention by the lovely Lauren over at Laurens Dressing Room who recently posted about the fact she had owned her palette for several months and had not added anything to it.
Well Lauren, you have inspired me to start increasing my collection ahah!! (any excuse :P)
Any suggestions as to which colours to go for would be great, Im already eyeing up All That Glitters, also check out Lauren's Blog, Its rather spiffy.:D

In other news, the family Christmas Tree was introduced into the household earlier this week and considering I'm feeling very festive I thought i would share it with you. (Im very lucky in my house because high ceiling=bigger tree)


Spot my awesome Shaun The Sheep footstool 8-)
I also wanted to show you the most amazingly adorably wonderful baubles in the whole entire world.

MUSHROOMMSS!!!
So pretty.


I feel like this is an absolutely mammoth post :/
Ahwell may as well add in a quick OOTD (ish) to make it longer :D


Cardigan - Matalan
Top - Select
Braclet - Birthday Present
Beads - Claires ( ribbon and bow attached my yours truly)

More of a 'Top Half of the Day' really lol.

If I don't manage another post before Christmas I hope you all have a wonderful day and get everything you've dreamed of :)

Merry Christmas

Much Love
Lou
xxx

Friday 26 November 2010

Beautiful Bottle, Beautiful Scent...

Evening Lovelies :)

During my annual Summer Holiday with the family, earlier this year I spent a long, long time in the wonderful duty free at Gatwick airport. This glorious haven of reduced beauty products is where I discovered this...



Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci

I sprayed this onto my wrist at Gatwick and left it to settle. I wanted it. However, I could not justify spending that much of my Holiday money before we'd even stepped onto the plane. So, off i trundled to Croatia!!
On the way back I just so happened to take a quick look in the minuscule duty free overseas. Having spent very little during the 2 weeks, I spotted this and decided to go for it. It cost me around 500 kuna  (around £32) I then skipped on home very very pleased with myself for this tantalizing find :D

Anyway, onto the review.

Looks
I think the bottle is just beautiful and the packaging certainly drew me in, almost as much as the scent itself. The bottle is of lovely quality and I adore the way the lid is part of the ribbon, so delicately wrapped around the bottle itself. Of course another bonus is its luxurious deep pink hue so it looks gorgeous sat on my dressing table next to all my other perfumes.

Scent
On the website this is described as 'The new mischievous fragrance by Nina Ricci' it also says...

''Glamorous and audacious, Ricci Ricci embodies a new urban heroine in the Parisian and sophisticated universe of Nina Ricci. Her power lies in her ribbon she plays with to colour and beautify the world with fantasy and poetry.

Fragrance

Ricci Ricci is a fresh and sensual floral built around the Beauty of the Night flower.

Full of contrasts, the fragrance is easy-to-wear, branded and extremely feminine. It is designed for an optimistic and self-confident woman.

Daring, the sparkling top notes of Rhubarb and Bergamot bring a modern freshness. The middle note is floral, glamorous and feminine. It is built around the Rose Centifolia and the Indian Tuberose, and is enhanced by the Beauty of the Night, a unique and mysterious flower that reveals Ricci Ricci’s personality. Sensual and elegant, the base note comes with warm, deep notes of Patchouli Fraction and Sandalwood.''

I must say, I totally agree with this description. To me, when spritzed, the scent is quite strong and musky with a hint of spice that makes me feel all cosy and wintry. Then, as it settles it sits well on the skin and takes on more of a floral note, not too overpowering and non offensive to anyone sat near you. Its staying power is brilliant as being an Eau De Parfum the scent lingers all day.

Overall this is one of my favourite perfumes coming only second best to my beloved M&S 'Peruna' which is a purse loving £15 for 50ml.

I would definitely recommend giving this a go when you are next in boots. Why not let me know what you think? Do you own this already? Would you purchase it?

Until Next Time
Much Love
Lou
xxx


Thursday 25 November 2010

First OOTD and FOTD :)

Hello my lovelies :D

Boy have I missed this!!
I feel like Ive been gone years although its only a few weeks :(.

So as some of you know my beloved camera decided to pass away, it was very old and i was in need of a new one for Christmas. However, it would have been nice if lovely Mr Camera was able to last until I received a beautiful new model. Alas!! This did not happen, so after a fair few weeks of blog writing urges I have decided to attempt some rather bad quality (in other words 'quirky' :) pictures with my webcam.

Blog posts will dramatically increase in quantity after Christmas. I promise!!
Thank you for sticking with me, here is the simple outfit I wore today along with a quick FOTD...


OOTD








PERIODIC TABLE FTW!! :D
Jeans - Jane Norman
Top - Select
Headband- Matalan
Bangles - Next
Ring - Dorothy Perkins
Necklace - Culture Vulture.



My hair is naturally a couple of inches below shoulder length. I tried to be adventurous today and attempt a fake bob/updo. I was rather pleased with the results if I do say so myself :D

FOTD





Peak a booooo :')

Face
 Benefit Playstix - Jax
MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer -NC15
MAC Blush - Well Dressed

Eyes
Soap and Glory's Trick and Treatment (on eyelids)
Benefit Eye Bright
MAC e/s - Woodwinked
MAC Fluidline - Blacktrack
Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara - Intense Black

Hope the quality wasn't too bad :)

Until Next Time
Much Love
Lou
xxx