Sunday 30 March 2014

MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick Review - Vegas Volt

Last month I bought the MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Vegas Volt which is a gorgeous coral colour - perfect for Spring/Summer. I've worn it a few times now and I love it so I'd thought I'd do a little review for you!

   

This is the first lipstick I've bought with an 'Amplified Creme' finish and it's a lovely bright colour which suits my skin tone (I use NC25 in MAC foundation). I tried a few coral shades at the counter and this one suited me best.


        


I find this lipstick to be really long wearing and even when it starts to wear off after a good 4 hours or so it leaves my lips with a slight stain of colour.


I think this is a great colour to wear either in the day time or on a night out and I know I'll be using this regularly over the next few months, especially when I start getting a tan (I think coral always looks great with a tan!)


(Picture taken indoors)


(Picture taken outside in natural sunlight)

I think this might be one of my new favourites! You can buy this online or at one of the MAC counters for £15.




What do you think of Vegas Volt? Which lipsticks are you loving at the minute?


Lily Lulu Press Party

This week I attended my third blogger event which was the press party for online fashion retailer, Lily Lulu. The event was held to show us a preview of the new Spring/Summer range for 2014 and to raise funds for Cancer Research UK - a very worthwhile cause which is close to my heart as my friend is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

Lily Lulu is a Manchester based retailer offering affordable fashion to keep you looking on-trend. You can view their range at www.lilylulufashion.com 

The event was held in a private room at Barca which is in the swanky Castlefield area of Manchester. The venue has recently been refurbished and taken over by new management and it has a great look and atmosphere.

Once inside the room, I was greeted by the staff at Lily Lulu and given a fab goody bag full of beauty product samples  to take home. 



I was also invited to look at the rails of clothing which were packed with lots of gorgeous items from their new Spring/Summer range and was given cards to write my details on and pop onto the hangers of the items I liked best.

The big trends for this season are florals, pastels and monochrome and the items on display reflected that:














In the centre of the room was a big display of magazines, cupcakes, raffle prizes and other goodies to take home including bath bombs and false eyelashes.





There was also a nail technician there if anyone wanted their nails doing!




met up with my newly-found blogging friends including Anoushka from AnoushkaLoves, Katie from GoldDust-Blog and Jessica from Forever Miss Vanity and we had a good catch up whilst eating cupcakes and having a few drinks. There were also a few familiar faces from TV at the event including Kirsty from Take Me Out and Mellissa from ITV2's Girlfriends.

The girls at Lily Lulu were really lovely and it was great to have a sneak peek of their new range before anyone else. I certainly spotted a few pieces I'd love to have in my own wardrobe!

If you're looking for some new items to update your wardrobe for Spring and Summer then I recommend you take a look at Lily Lulu's new range!

What's on your fashion wishlist for this season? Have you bought any of the big trends yet?




Saturday 29 March 2014

Outfit of the Day | A Little Bit of Coral

The sun made an appearance today...hooray!!! It made me want to wear something with a bit of colour so I decided on my new shirt I haven't had chance to wear yet which has a nice floral pattern with a pop of coral in it. This meant I could also wear my Vegas Volt MAC lipstick which matches perfectly (separate blog post on this to come soon!)

Here's my outfit for today:





Shirt  -  River Island
Cardigan  -  River Island
Jeans  -  Topshop
Boots  -  Dune

What are you wearing today? Has the weather had an influence on your outfit?



Friday 28 March 2014

Nanogen Thickening Treatment Shampoo & Conditioner Review

It's every girl's dream to have long, thick luscious locks so when I was asked by Nanogen to review their Thickening Treatment Shampoo* and Conditioner* I (and my thin, lifeless hair) jumped at the chance and said yes! I have poker straight, fine and flat hair that drives me insane as I can never get any volume in it. I've tried so many volumising products which either leave my hair fluffy and flyaway or sticky with lots of residue  -  nothing seems to work. I'd never heard of this brand before so I was looking forward to trying the products to see if they worked.


I received a full size shampoo (240ml RRP £7.95) and a full size conditioner (240ml RRP £8.95) and I was advised that I should use both products for at least a week to see full results.

Here's the science bit:

Nanogen Thickening Treatment Shampoo and Conditioner are invigorating treatments for thin hair. The shampoo formula combines peptides and Salicyclic Acid to cleanse, purify and add thickness to your hair whilst the conditioner contains Hyaluronic Acid to create volume. The treatment is fortified with patented Nanogen Growth Factors to maintain healthy hair. It is dermtologically tested and is proven to give anyone with thin hair a more comfortable scalp and thicker hair. It is also suitable for Minoxidil users (a medication to stop or slow hair loss).




The shampoo is a thick, clear liquid that lathers up well with a little bit of water. I massage it into my wet hair and scalp, leave on for about one minute and then rinse it all out. 

I then move on to the conditioner:



This is a nice silky consistency and is not as thick as conditioners I normally use. I massage this into my hair straight after and leave for around 3 to 4 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.


So what do I think of the results??

I've actually been pleasantly surprised with the results of these products! After about a week of using them both I noticed that my hair seems to have more body, volume and movement than before. My hair also feels and looks slightly thicker than before. Don't get me wrong, I've not suddenly sprouted hundreds of new strands of hair, but what is already there feels in better condition and fuller than before. The conditioner leaves my hair really glossy and soft as well, but not too soft that it's fluffy and impossible to do anything with. Overall, I would recommend these Nanogen products if, like me, you have fine and lifeless hair.

You can buy the shampoo and conditioner, along with other products from the Nanogen range, from Boots or directly from www.nanogen.co.uk

I wouldn't normally pay that much for shampoo and conditioner but I am considering purchasing them once these are all used up!

Have you tried Nanogen products before? Which hair products do you recommend for adding volume?

Tuesday 25 March 2014

Another Mini Boots Haul!

I just can't resist the 3 for 2 offer at Boots. I walk past every day on the way to my car after work and can't stop myself from going in and buying something just in case the offer suddenly finishes! I will, however, use everything I've bought so nothing will go to waste! Here's a little look at what I bought on my latest trip:




Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transluscent (£3.99)

I've been wanting to get a pressed powder that I can pop into my clutch bag with my Real Techniques powder brush for nights out and this is the perfect size. My skin is, on the whole, quite oily so my face can get a bit shiny after a couple of hours on a night out so this will be great to keep my make up looking fresh and stop the shine from breaking through.



Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner in Black (£2.99)

I have been using this liquid eyeliner for forever and it's one of my favourite budget beauty buys! I find it really easy to apply and it stays put all night. I tend to only wear liquid liner for nights out when I want a more dramatic look for my eyes and this, for me, is a staple in my make up bag.





No.7 Instant Radiance Highlighter in P05 (£9.95)

I've been wanting a highlighter for a while as I'd just been using the lightest colour in my St. Tropez Shimmer Block and I'd read a few good reviews about this No.7 highlighter. I also had a £3 voucher for No.7 make up which I could still use with the 3 for 2 offer so it was even more of a bargain! I'm looking forward to trying this out as it looks lovely when I swatch it on my hand.




Maybelline Lip Balm 

When I was at the till paying for my items the sales assistant gave me a free Maybelline lip balm to try. This smells lovely and fruity and will be handy to have in my bag to use on the go when my lips need some TLC.


What have you been buying in the Boots 3 for 2 offer?










Love! Want! Need! March 2014

Hi everyone!

Sorry I've not posted much this week but I've been ill and virtually unable to get out of bed for two days so I've been having lots of rest!

Anyway, I'm starting to feel more myself today so here's my Love! Want! Need! post for this month:

LOVE!

This month I'm absolutely loving my new blog design by the talented Hayley at Tea Party Beauty.


You can get in touch with her on Twitter at @teapartybeauty if you'd like her to design your blog. I gave her a rough idea of what I wanted and she designed and installed everything for me which is great as I'm not the best with technology at all! 


WANT!

I really want to attend more blogger events! I attended my first one a few weeks ago and I had such a great time and met some really lovely people.


(My attempt at a group selfie but I forgot to put the flash on...durrr!) 

It was such a great experience and talking to other girls with the same interests was fab as none of my friends are into blogging. I'm attending another press party for an online fashion retailer later this week and I can't wait!


NEED!



I need to stop eating so much chocolate! I think I'm actually addicted as I eat it pretty much every day! I know it's bad for me but it just tastes sooooo nice! I might set up something like a swear box where if I eat chocolate I have to put money in, maybe that will make me realise how much I eat! 


What are you loving this month? What do you want or need?


Tuesday 18 March 2014

Love Me Beauty Box - March Edition

My second Love Me Beauty Box arrived this week...hurrahhh! Even though you choose your menu beforehand I still get excited when it arrives, as if I don't know what's inside, haha! I was really impressed with last month's box so I had high hopes for this one. I chose menu 3 from the 'boutique' as I knew I wouldn't use some of the products in the other menus.

Let's have a look what's inside:


I'm loving the purple packaging, it reminds me of Cadbury's (yes I'm a chocaholic)







The menu card shows you the products inside and tells you how to use them.





Jam packed full of goodies!



NIP+FAB VIPER VENOM EYEFIX
Full size  RRP £14.95 (15ml)

This is a cooling and refreshing roll on eye gel with LIFTONIN and SYN-AKE (whatever they are?!) to minimise wrinkles and smooth the appearance of fine lines. I'm looking forward to using this as I loved last month's NIP+FAB product and now I'm getting a bit older (only a little bit...) I really want to take care of my eyes to try and hold off lines and wrinkles for as long as possible!



THE VINTAGE COSMETIC COMPANY GRACIE LASHES
RRP £6

These are natural looking reusable false eyelashes which can be worn day or night. I've heard of this brand but haven't used any of their products yet. I love false eyelashes for a night out so these will definitely be getting used! 



QUINTESSENTIALLY ENGLISH BATH SALTS - VINTAGE BOUQUET
Sample size 50g  RRP £4.25 (100g)

These are bath salts made with Dead Sea salt and pure essential oils of jasmine, bergamot and geranium. Hmmm...I'm not sure about the scent. I'm also more of a shower person so I don't think I'll be in any rush to try these salts.



MURAD POMEGRANATE EXFOLIATING MASK
7.5ml sample size   RRP £25

An anti-oxidant rich treatment to free skin from dull, dry surface cells and trapped impurities whilst defending your skin from harmful free radicals. This is a brand I haven't heard of before but I love trying out new skincare products. I try to exfoliate at least once a week so I will be trying this next time my skin needs an extra boost.



DEEP STEEP FOOT STICK - CANDY MINT
Full size   RRP £3.60 (15ml)

A moisturising treatment for your feet containing powerful essential oils, organic shea and cocoa butters. I love having pedicures at my local beauty salon and I think this product will be a great way to keep my feet looking soft and smooth in between visits.



BLANX WHITE SHOCK TOOTHPASTE
15ml sample size   RRP £7.50 (50ml)

This is apparently the only toothpaste in the world to contain a non-abrasive, peroxide free formula called ActiluX that whitens teeth throughout the day by reacting to light. I'm intrigued by this product...who doesn't love pearly whites?!



I'm pleased with the products in this box (apart from the bath salts) but I'm hoping that there will be some make up products  next month.

What do you think? Do you subscribe to Love Me Beauty?


Monday 17 March 2014

What's Your Body Shape? | LMFLMF

Hi my name's Michelle and I'm a pear! No, I've not gone crazy...today I'm writing about body shapes!

Have you ever picked up a dress in a shop, thought that it looked lovely but then when you've tried it on you look in the mirror and find a sack of spuds staring back at you? I have a fair few times and I think it's because I never really understood what body shape I am and how certain things will just never look right on me because of my shape.

A couple of months ago I discovered online clothing retailer, LMFLMF (which stands for Love My Figure, Love My Fashion).



I think the idea behind this company is amazing, it has a 'Body Shape Calculator' which tells you what your body shape is and then shows you which dresses will suit you! It aims to teach you how to shop for your shape and make you feel confident by having the right dress which makes you look and feel great. All you need to do is put your bust, waist and hip measurements into the 'Body Shape Calculator' and it will instantly tell you what shape you are. If you haven't got a tape measure you can email them your details and they'll send you a cute pink one completely free! 

I put my measurements into the calculator and it told me I was a 'pear'.



Let's have a look at what the different body shapes are:

RECTANGLE

If you're a rectangle you are quite straight up and down and don't have any areas that you need to try and minimise. Your aim should be to try and create the illusion of having more curves but with a small waist.



This AX Paris Crochet Neck Skater Dress (£24.99) would be perfect as it comes in at the waist then gives the illusion of curvier hips from the skater style skirt.

PEAR

This is me! It's also the most common body shape and means you have feminine shoulders and a small waist with contrasting curves from your bum, hips and thighs...ooo err! If you're a pear your aim should be to try and balance out your smaller shoulders and your larger hips.



This Motel Black Dress (£34.99) is great as the capped sleeves and wide scoop neck create the illusion of broader shoulders to balance out your curvy hips.

APPLE

Apple shapes are top heavy with a larger bust and very little or no waist definition. However, apple shaped lovelies have fabulous legs, slim arms and narrow hips. Your main aim should be to draw attention to your bust and legs.



This Navy Pleat Neck Asymmetrical Midi Dress (£19.50) would be great for you as the low scoop neck would draw attention to your bust, the elasticated waist would give the illusion of a smaller and more defined waist, whilst the stunning floaty skirt would draw attention to your legs with the shorter length at the front.

HOURGLASS

Think Marilyn Monroe or Kelly Brook - sexy and womanly with curves in all the right places! You have a fuller bust, a tiny waist and curvy hips (I'm not jealous...honestly...) Your aim should be to show off your perfect proportions without being too over the top.



This AX Paris Lurex Top Gold Midi Dress (£24.99) is great for hourglass shapes. It would draw attention to your bust, show of your tiny waist and hug your curvy hips and bum!

INVERTED TRIANGLE

If you're an inverted triangle you will be top heavy with a larger bust and/or broad shoulders with noticeably smaller hips and a flat bum. You have little or no waist definition but have killer legs! Your aim should be to create the illusion of having curvier hips to balance out your heavier top half. 



This Closet Navy Polka Dot Dress (£48.99) is great if you're an inverted triangle. The higher neckline will steer attention away from your bust and the structured tulip shaped skirt will give you a more defined waist and the illusion of wider hips to balance out your heavier top half.

LMFLMF have a great range of accessories to complete your outfit too. They also sell the much sought after Tanya Burr lipglosses and nail polishes and are one of the few retailers who will ship these worldwide. 





I hope you've found this post interesting, and maybe even learnt something from it! Be sure to check out LMFLMF at www.lmflmf.co.uk to find out your shape and browse through their gorgeous dresses. 

Leave a comment below and let me know what your body shape is! 

(All photos provided by LMFLMF)








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