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Sunday 25 April 2010

A Touch of Spring Cleaning

Aloha Bloggerinos!

Since getting back from the Beauty UK 2010 event at the NEC with a few sneaky new purchases aaaannnnnndd being given an obscene amount of Urban Decay makeup as an early birthday present (Birthday Present post to follow), I felt I owed it to myself and my cosmetics, to TIDY UP!

I don't know about you but I'm not known for being Mrs Tidy. Some call me messy, but I prefer the term "free spirited" much more favourably.

Now, they say a picture is worth a thousand words so let's get cracking. This is a picture heavy post so look away now if you hate them (who are these people btw?!)

Here is my makeup storage system before my big-ass (I'm down with the kids) sort out:


I have sliding mirror doors round the chimney breast in my bedroom to make a wardrobe (clever, non?) and these are the shelvey bits that I keep shedloads of makeup messily on, much to the Fiance's annoyance.

So, first things first, take eeevvvverrrything off the shelf and dump onto bed:


Isn't it funny how when stuff if stored on a few shelves it doesn't seem like much.....until it takes up almost an entire double bed....

Next job, catagorisation!


Oooooooh I bought so beautiful China Glaze colours today and, thank god, they're not pink! Who knew there were so many shades of pink?!


Does anyone else struggle to throw away the pretty boxes the products come in? I bit the bullet and did it with only one small tear in my eye :(

After catagorisation comes cleeaaannninngg. I cleaned my brushes with Lush Rehab shampoo that the lovely Becky sent me a while back and it worked a treat. It also works a treat on my hair- thumbs up!!



Then, comes the lovely part of putting everything in groups in fresh boxes:




Those little glass jars were 89p from IKEA. Bargain!! The one behind is full of Barry M Pigments- woop woop!



So now I'm living a life of organisation and order. Lovely.

Toodlepip!
xx

Saturday 24 April 2010

UK Beauty 2010

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Are any of you lovely bloggers or readers going to the UK Beauty Convention at the NEC tomorrow?

I shall be popping along to immerse myself in a whole day of beauty and cosmetics and would love to meet some of you if you are there and aren't going to abduct and murder me- you know what they say about meeting people off the net- yikes!

Drop me a line and let me know :)

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews- Max Factor Lash Extension Effect Mascara

Aloha Bloggerinos!

Well it's gorgeously sunny, my chum has just found out she is pregnant and has asked me to be her birthing partner, and I have a new fantastic mascara- what could be better?!


On a recent trip to mamas and papas to look at prams (who knew there were so very many varieties???) I popped into Boots and picked up the Max Factor Lash Extension Effect Mascara for £7.99. It was meant to be £10.99 but there was an offer and you know I'm a sucker for an offer!

Well, this. mascara. is. AMAZING! I recently bought the MAC Zoomlash Mascara and I would readily use the Max Factor one before it.


It has a plastic spikey brush, I usually prefer bristle brushes but this seems to work well, and really does make my lashes look longer. It doesn't really thicken them quite as much as my Bourjois mascara but length wise, oh yes! This makes me tres happy because as you will see from my 'before' picture, I was not blessed in the eyelash department.

So then, here is my eye before any proper makeup, please excuse my in-need-of-a-tweeze eyebrows, they are sneaky little buggers. Also, for the record, it's not sleepy dust, it's a freckle- very annoying.



And here we are with the wonderous Max Factor.


I think you'll agree, they look tres long and spidery, Hurrah!

What are you using at the moment?

Toodlepip!

xx

PS. Keeping "Ask me ANYTHING open for 3 more questions, the wackier the better. Woop xxx

Tuesday 20 April 2010

Ask me ANYTHING

Aloha Bloggerinos!

Well, this is my 100th post- wowee wowee wowee! I really never thought I would get this far and would like to officially thank you, dear reading Bloggerio for being so good to me and all the kind and supportive comments. It really does give me a warm fuzzy all over and I really appreicate it every time one of you clicks the "follow" button or makes and effort to type a comment. Thank you.




As a littler celebration, and also because I love it when other bloggers to this, I'm having an "Ask Me Anything" post.

Basically, if you have anything you want to ask, and I mean ANYTHING, I will answer it. You can ask about makeup, life, childhood, blogs, work, relationships, the world's greatest kittykat (Mindy!), literally ANYTHING and I shall answer! Woop woop!

I shall do a "Everything Answered" post soon :)

Get cracking Blogerrinos! I'm tres excited!

Toodlepip!
xx

Sunday 18 April 2010

Boots Bargain

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Just a quickie (ooer misses) to tell you of my recent bargain.


I was shlepping around boots today, as I enjoy to do so very much, and I can across a clearance stand- oh yes, my favourite kind of stand is a clearance stand, woop woop!


Anyhoo, I picked up these lashes for a mere £1.50. Even if they are rubbish and I only get one wear out of them, I'm a happy gal!

Toodlepip!
xx

Lou's Reviews- Cellnique by B*liv Skincare

Aloha Bloggerinos!

A couple of days ago whilst I was off work poorly-sick (or should I have written pooey-sick- urgh I know, but we've all been there I'm sure!!), a big parcel came in the post that filled me with glee! It was a stash of Cellnique goodies from Selina at b*liv who had emailed me a little while before asking if I would do an honest review of the products sent, and that I shall do!

Here is what Cellnique says:

Pronounce as ‘believe‘, b•liv has the impeccable pedigree of being the creation of Asia‘s most effective paramedical salon brand -- Cellnique Paramedical, a brand that has emerged as one of the problematic skin expert amongst the industry over the past 12 years. Read more on www.cellnique.com
Originally named "Cellnique Pro-Series", the brand was renamed to better reflect its objective of catering for confident, stylish, dynamic and on-the-go youth with a skincare regimen made specifically for them.





I was quite impressed by the initial contact as Selina was thoughful enough to ask what sort of skin type I had so that she could send me products more tailored to my requirements. I explained that I quite thirsy skin and that I moisturise a lot. The products I was sent were: a sample of "Shield Me sunblock", a full sized bottle of "Quench Me moisturising gel", a full sized bottle of "Drench Me moisturising cleansing gel", a "Leach Me moisturising mask" (leaches?!) and a cute b*liv tote bag that says "together we can save our earth" and has a pretty tree motif on it (this will be one of those handy bags I'll use to take stuff to work in that doesn't fit in my handbag-woop woop thanks b*liv!).

My first impression of these items was that the packaging was encouraging as it was simple yet professional. Personally, I prefer the packaging styles of Benefit or Soap and Glory because of it's shelf appeal, but I think this look gives off a "clean" image and I suppose that is something you would want from products that cleanse and moisturise your face!

The website is good, which items colour coded so that you can see what sort of range you should go for, ie, Blue is for products geared towards dry skin whereas orange is for oily skintypes.

Now, so far, I have only tried the Drench Me and Quench Me gels and I have mixed feelings about them really.


So this was the first product I tried- Drench Me, $25 which is probably about £15ish. You will see from the first picture that it has a pump applicator (my camera battery was on it's last legs when I took these pics so I literally had to snap and go) and very 'clean' looking packaging. I love the applicator because it makes using this product with wet hands a doddle.

The cleansing gel comes out a clear-amber colour and you apply it to a wet face and rub in to make a lather. On the back it says to use 1-2 pea-sized drops, which I did and found that whilst it did make a soapy effect on my skin, it didn't really lather. I washed this off with a wet flannel and felt that I needed to repeat the process to get a really good result. The smell was enjoyable, a non perfumed fresh kind of scent, very unoffensive. To it's credit, it did remove my skin and eye makeup, but on the other hand, I didn't have a great deal on in the first place.

On the packaging, it suggests using this 2-3 times a day. I think if you weren't ovely busy you could manage this 2-3 times daily but I certainly wouldn't cart it around in my handbag to use at work/whilst out and about, and being as I did this twice, I'm not too inclined to do it twice a day either. It's more of a do-in-the-shower kind of product if you ask me.

If I had to compare this to something, I would say it's like the Clinique liquid soap. I think it has a lot of qood qualities and I will continue to use it (once a day in the shower) but there were a couple of things I really didn't enjoy. The first was that as soon as I had used it, my skin instantly felt VERY tight. I'm not sure if this is just my skin playing up or not but I was literally scrabbling to get the Quench Me open to alleviate the tightness.

The second point, which isn't a negative to the actual product, is the wording on the back. I think it is one of those cases where the meaning has gotten a little lost in translation because phrases like "Drench Me is a balm for faces soiled and dry", don't really work too well. The word 'soiled' makes me think of soiled baby nappies :(



The second product I tried was the Quench Me moisturising gel which retails at $38 which I think would be about £25ish. I found the packaging very professional. Its a pleasant looking bottle within a card box that has a clear plastic sleeve. The wording on the back reads a little more smoothly than the Drench Me item, so this is another thumbs up.

The bottle has a pump applicater that I enjoy and gives the product a more luxurious feel. The bottle recomemends using a 2-3 pea sized amount but because my skin is a thirsty little bugger, I used a lot more. The scent was the same as the cleanser which is good because it all matches.

Initially I liked the feel of this and thought I was on to a winner, but alas, after a few minutes, I wanted to put my Lush Dream Cream on. On the plus side, the moisturising gel goes on easily and sinks in quickly (maybe because me skin was absolutely gagging for it after the Drench Me tho!). It isn't sticky or greasy and does finish well. The box says the gel "ensures your cell revitalisation process runs without interuption", so that's a brucey bonus eh!

I've not yet tried the mask and sunblock, but as soon as I do, I will let you know my thoughts.

Overall, I didn't think these products were fantastical, but they weren't terrible, just somewhere in the middle. Perhaps if they bought out a different range or improved them slightly, I would be interested in buying some and trying again.

Thank you Cellnique for the opportunity to try this range, I very much appreciate it.

Toodlepip! 
xx 

Friday 16 April 2010

Yowzas- 3 Awards!

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I shall warn you now, this is a mammoth post! I have been very lucky this week (I'm going to start calling myself LuckyLou if this continues!) and have been give not one, not two, but THREE blog awards- hurrah huzzah! The awards given were 2 Sunshine Awards and 1 I Love Your Blog Award, so lets get cracking.




These are the rules for this award:

1) post the logo within your blog or post.

2) pass the award onto 12 fellow bloggers.

3) Link the nominees within your post.

4) let the nominees know they have received an award by commenting on their blog.

5) Share the love and link to the person whom you received this award from.

 
I recieved this award from the gorgeous The Golden Lilly so, a big thank you to lovely Melissa, woop woop!
 
So now I get to share the love and give this out to some other lovely Bloggerinos! Now, when I was choosing who I would give awards to, I went through the blogs im currently following and pretty much picked them in alphabetical order (apart from the odd few that sprung to mind), so yes, this will look a bit odd but if you read the other award post too, it will all become clear, there is method behind my madness.
 
So then Blogerrinos, I would like to give this I Love Your Blog Award to:
 
1. Zoella - Zoe is my favourite, favourite, favourite Beauty Blogger and it was her that inspired me to steer my blog from crafts (which I still love lots and lots) to makeup. Keep up the good work Zoe!
 
2. Moonbeamstarlight - I first found Ling on youtube because I do youtube videos too (woop woop) and instantly loved her. She makes me want to buy so much stuff dagnamit!!

3. Arabian Eyes - This lovely lady does a tres fancy trick with marbelled nails. I tried this and failed miserably so now I am extra wowed at her nail magic!

4. Raspberrykiss - I love this blog because there are lots of great bargainous reviews. I do love hearing about MAC, Illamasqua, Urban Decay etc and of course buying it, but I also love reviews about more affordable brands so this gets a real thumbs up from me!

5. ...oxfordjasmine... - I love this blog because she is very keen on animal cruelty free products and this is a good principle to have. 

6. ...Rainbow BriteNess... - Rena has just had the cutest little baby called Kristie, congratulations! I'm tres tres broody!!

7. Aimie's Beauty Blog. - I love this blog because all the posts are tres tres informative and tres long so it's a bloomin' good read :)

8. ....that's peachy - I tres much enjoyed Peachy's article about crimping, even though it gives me triangle hair, I have an odd desire to purchase some crimpers!!! Yikes!    

9. B U B B L E G A R M - Love it! Love it! Love it! More more more!! xxxxx

10. Beauty Vibes - I love this blog because it has inspired me to depot EVERYTHING! Hahahaha xxxx

11. Bella Sugar Cosmetics - This lovely lady has lots of B-E-A-Utiful eyeshadows which I believe she makes and sells (so sorry if I'm wrong on that one!)

12. grlmeetsmakeup - Connie has been tres helpful to me because she has a super lovely layout and helped me make mine pretty too! Thanks Connie!    

13. Joyce - Joyce is so lovely and always writes such kind comments on my blog- thank you Joycerrino!

14. Miss Leanne Baybee - Leanne was the winner of my great big Lush giveaway and I tres much enjoy reading her blog :)

15. missmascara - Miss Mascara is like Joyce, and always writes really lovely comments and I appreciate it tres much!! x


So then, the next fantabbydabulous award was this Sunshine Award from the fantabbydabulous Tiffany at Will Work for Makeup and also the same award from the splendifferous Ellie from Missy Ellie's Makeup Blog...THAAANNNKKYYOOUU xxxx  




These are the rules for this award:

1) post the logo within your blog or post.

2) pass the award onto 12 fellow bloggers.

3) Link the nominees within your post.

4) let the nominees know they have received an award by commenting on their blog.

5) Share the love and link to the person whom you received this award from.


Now Bloggerinos, I am sure you will forgive me if I I don't nominate anyone as I made a big effort with my above winners and said why I loved them etc, can you forgive me??

So a note to the winners, please have an "I love you blog award" because I do love it, but if you already have that award (lucky you!) then take the lovely Sunshine Award for a bit of variety, after all, variety is the spice of life :)

Now, if this post is full of typos, forgive me, I have the stomach lurgy and feel very gross indeed!

Toodlepip!
xx

Thursday 8 April 2010

BIG MAC / BARRY M GIVEAWAY UPDATE

Aloha Bloggerinos!

Today I am happy, happy, happy! I was sent something rather lovely in the post (more on that later), I have made a few new videos for my YouTuberinnos aaaannnnnndddd due to a fortunate turn of events, I am able to extend my Mini Mac and Barry M Giveaway to a BIG MAC AND BARRY M GIVEAWAY. Woop wooooop!

So then Bloggerinos, in my new giveaway, you could win the two original items, which were the baby pink Barry M Dazzledust and the MAC Golden Lemon Pigment that have been swatched (please read about this in the original post so you are clear on what you are getting). You will now also be in with a chance of winning a large MAC Cosmetics Bag which is brand new and in all its packaging and the box too- wowzas! Along with the MAC Cosmetics Bag you will win brand new set of MAC Eyelashes in number 12, a brand new tube of Eylure Eyelash Glue and a Barry M Dazzle Dust pigment in Kingfisher Blue. Annnddd just for fun I'm throwing in a heafty chunk of LUSH Noubar. Wowza wowza wowza!



The rules are tres simple:
1. If you have already entered in the original competition, panic not, you are still entered.
2. You must be a follower to enter, so hit that good old follow button :)
3. For 2 extra entries, put my giveaway in your sidebar if you do that kinda thing.
4. Comment "enter me" or an entry message of your choosing.
5. The winner will be picked at random on Sunday 2nd of May.

Good Luck!

Toodlepip! xx

Tuesday 6 April 2010

Happy Birthday Ceri!

Well Bloggerinos, you may have read my post a few days ago about Bows, Pearls and Gorgeous Girls (it was after my MAC GIVEAWAY- which is still open woop woop) which was our night out for Ceri's 24th. As tomorrow is her officical birthday, here are a few photographs of her presents from me. Obviously I shan't be doing a review, but thought you might enjoy the eye candy :)


The much blogged about Bohemian Sleek eyeshadow palette. These aren't really my colours but Ceri loved it. Job well done!




I bought her a few other bits and bobs too but I didn't want to bore you!

I think we can safely say she's a very lucky girl. Have a lovely day Ceri!

Toodlepip! xx

Monday 5 April 2010

Lou's Reviews- Tans and Talons Nail Polish


Aloha Bloggerinos,

Happy Easter! Did you all have a good one? I went to Liverpool and had THE BEST TIME EVER. I had a good old Primani shop and will be doing some Primark Makeup Reviews soon. I must say, so far, so good :)

Recently though, I was kindly sent some goodies from Tans and Talons, click HERE to have a look at this Nail Heaven! I was sent a beautiful nail polish, some funky nail art stickers (yet to use and review), a kissy mouths (see picture- im rubbish describing! ha) nail file, some amazing little silver hearts for nail art and a dotting tool, which frankly, I do not know how I lived without! haha!

With flash

So, onto the polish. I LOVE IT. If I didn't like it, I would say. I don't feel obliged to give something I like a good review, but I really, really like this nail varnish. It's a lovely vibrant pink that is perfect for spring and summer. I have been super keen on pastels of late but when I tried this, I instantly like it. So much so, that after I removed it, I re-applied it! This is a great review in itself because I am a serial swapper for nail colours, so this is a real testament!

Without flash

The nail varnish retails at about £6.80 (I think) from Tans and Talons and is from the Bio Scullpture range, which is the range all the Tans and Talons goodies are from I believe. On the bottom of the bottle, it says '2016 International', so I pressume this is the product code and colour. Splendid.

The polish glides on very easily and doesn't chip for AGES. I would even liken it to Avon, which is my go-to polish for non chipping. I applied this on Wednesday night, two coats and a coat of clear for extra sheen, and now it is Monday night and there is only a very slight chipping. I think this is pretty good considering I have had an action packed weekend.

This polish will definately be in my top favs and I look forward to being paid and trying out some new colours.

Have any of you tried any of the Tans and Talons range or think you might like to?

Toodlepip! xx

Apologies for any spelling errors etc, I'm pooped! xx
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