BBU Blog Hop #5

Hello

BBU are holding their fifth  blog hop this week and have chosen me as co-host. 

If you don’t know what a blog hop is,
it’s simply a way to find new blogs to follow and gain some new followers.
You’ll get so much further as a blogger if you interact with
other bloggers too!

The rules of BBU Blog Hop are very simple:

♥  Follow the BBU Blog and the co-host blog through GFC (or Hello Cotton)

♥ Add the button to your sidebar, or do a blog post about our Blog Hop.

♥ Follow at least three new blogs & leave comment to tell them you found them
through BBU Blog Hop

♥ Follow back blogs that have followed you!

Optional

♥ Leave a comment if you’d like them to follow your blog

<a href='http://www.bbloggersunite.com/search/label/<br /> blog%20hop'><img alt='BBloggers Unite' src=' http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bgU-rubvNuA/<br /> T_ByOQnrevI/AAAAAAAAAD4/e05eQ9xBCKI/s200/BBU+Blog+Hop.jpg'/></a><br /> <br />

Submit your blogs to the inlinkz form and get social!

Blues - NOTD

I wore this colour on my nails over the weekend (my husband was very taken by it). 

This is a "MissLyn" nail polish, shade 593 Perfect Wave

 I really do like this colour. This polish doesn't look like much in the bottle, however when you put it on you really see how glossy it is. I'm quite picky with blue tone nail polishes; I've found with being fair skinned that not all blues look right. Perfect Wave compliments my skin tone rather well.

As always I used my OPI 'Start to Finish' as a base coat. I didn't use it as a top coat (like I normally do) because I have plans to jazz this up tomorrow :-)

xx

**Good Karma Face Powder**

The newest in the Benefit Family is Hervana.

This 4 in 1 blusher brick combines a complimentary selection of colours to hi-light and add a 'flush' of colour to your skin.

Hervana's colours include;

Lucky Shell 

Divine Peach 

Heavenly Rose 

Berry Delight 

When these are combined together you can achieve a pretty soft pink glow on fair skin. Alternatively if you have a mid or darker toned skin type, you can build the colour up, which makes this a perfect blusher for everyone.

I particually love that this comes with a small mirror on the inside lid and a handy little sweeping brush for application. 
Great for 'on-the-go'.

RRP £23.50 

www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

Dynamic Lash......

By IsaDora

A month ago I was 1 of only 5 people worldwide selected to try out a new product by IsaDora. 

My trial products were the Dynamic Lash Growth Mascara and Growth Serum. These have been designed to give you (and I quote) 

"Thicker, Stronger & Longer lashes in just 4 weeks!*
*Efficacy Test
Average lash lengthening result of approximately 20% versus a placebo mascara. The test results show that after 3o days of constant use the natural growth of the eye lashes increases by 169% and the diameter by 13%." 

Both products contain active ingredients including Keratin, Poly-Peptides, Olive Leaf Extract. These help improve micro-circulation and stimulate cell metabolism. They also come with a slim line application (a precision brush) which helps you cover the entire lash from root to tip.

This is such an easy system to use. You simply apply the 'Growth Serum' to clean dry lashes at night. Then the following morning you use the 'Growth Mascara' instead of your normal mascara. 

Before the trial began - Day 1

 As you can see above my lashes are a good length although a little sparse, so I was hoping to see some thickness and maybe a little extra length to them. 

After my first week I could tell me eye lashes felt slightly thicker, which I felt was promising. Over the next 3 weeks, I continued with both products day and night. As you can see from the below picture my lashes appear thicker and more dense. 

After  the trial - Day 30

Overall I'm very impressed with both of the mascara and serum. I plan to continue using the serum at night, and will probably alternate the mascara with my other colours (this is currently only available in black). I normally have a couple of mascaras in my makeup bag that I use depending on my mood.

www.isadora.com

*Price to be confirmed

Sexy Hair...

I'm always on the look-out for a new shampoo and conditioner. Don't get me wrong, I have my all time favourite, but sometimes I just fancy a change!!

Special Offer Set from 'Sexy Hair'

Here is my latest 'fad'.......

'Big Sexy Hair Volumising Shampoo' 

The shampoo is quite concentrated so you don't need alot of it to get a good lather. This smells lovely, some sort fo fruit I think - although I haven't pinned down exactly which one! I found it left my hair feeling very clean, I'd even go as far as to say 'Squeaky clean'.

'Big Sexy Hair Volumising Conditioner'

For me this is a perfect conditioner; I found it worked very well detangling my coloured locks. My hair felt smooth, silky soft, and no sign of it being weighed down or product-y once it had been blowdried. 

'Powder Play volumising powder'

Now this was my free product in the set. I'm not sure how many of you have used volumising powder. They're all good, but I use them sparingly otherwise you end up seeing a white residue. My tip for this type of product is to dust it over the roots and brush, rather then running your fingers through. 

Try it as an alternative to dry-shampoo, you'll be surprised at how well it works :-)

All Big Sexy Hair products are developed to add volume, fullness and leave hair moisturised and nourished.

For further information visit 

www.sexyhair.com

Ultra Colour Rich Lipstick

By Avon,

Here is my first treat sent to me by Wendy England, from Avon's The Pink Team.

Today's post is about the Ultra Colour Rich Lipstick. 

Shade - Frozen Rose

This is an incredibly moisturising lipstick enriched with Vitamin E and Jojoba. Therefore the lipstick doesn't dry your lips out or leave them looking flaky.
As you may know I'm not a massive lipstick fan, however over the last few months I have found some I really like. And this is now one of them!

I did smile when I opened my pink envelop, as Avon still uses the same style lipstick samples I remember my Mum having when we were little. I was instantly transported back to being a little girl again, filled with excitement and playing with makeup :-)


These samples are a great idea, and I'm pleased to see Avon have continued to provide them. They give you the chance to live with a lipstick for a decent length of time, so you can really experience it fully. I'm very pleased with my sample and will most certainly be buying a full size version soon.

RRP £7 (currently on offer for £3)

www.thepinkteam.uk.com

Lauren's Way Tanning Mousse

 All TOWIE fans out there will know that our favourite Essex star, 

Lauren Goodger, has launched her own range of self tanning products called 

Lauren's Way. 

I was lucky enough to win the Self Tanning Bronzing Mousse, so having tried it out here's my review....

Now having used mousse tanning lotions before I was worried I'd end up a streaky mess. I found with Lauren's Way the mousse consistency was alot thicker then I expected. I used my tanning mitt for application, and the guide colour was dark enough to see exactly where I'd applied it. It blends in really well around the wrists, ankles and hairline, so no nasty 'tell-tale' lines. I was also pleased to find that the mousse left NO fake-tan smell on my skin!

I was very impressed with how simple this system was. The colour is nice and dark, and it doesn't go patchy as the days go by. For me the colour was maybe a little darker then I'm used to, but I loved it all the same :-)

For more information on the Lauren's Way range click on the link below

www.laurensway.co.uk

RRP £17.95

Self Tanning Tip -

Avoid showering for a minimum of 4 hours. Also be very careful when washing your hands, so as not to splash water up your arms. If this does happen  (which can be unavoidable with a toddler to look after) simply grab your mitt and buff the area.

Devoted to Fans

'YSL' Facebook Palette.

I'm so super excited to tell you about this palette by Yves Saint Laurent.

Image from YSL

This is extremely limited edition, with only 1650 available worldwide. 

Containing four 'Facebook' inspired colours, and using advanced technology making it possible to use these eye shadows dry or with water. 

Here's what YSL says;

'This new generation in YSL Pure Chromatics Eye Shadows is aligned to the ever-popular shades of Facebook- blue, purple, black and white. These colours can be applied dry or with water. The innovative water-process technology is our latest discovery and allows colour pigments to appear metallic and more intense. The eye shadows have a 75% concentration of pearls and pigments so that when used wet, the water rehydrates the eye shadow and releases full colour intensity. The satiny powder transforms into a luxurious cream while pearl particles shine with a stunning metallic finish."

Now I just have to be patient and wait for the postman to arrive with my parcel!

xx


For details on how to order please visit the YSL Facebook page for the link. 
You won't find this on the YSL website without it!!!

Feeling a bit 'Tarte'?

These are all the rage right now......Twist up lip balm colours in a chunky crayon style applicator. I've seen several well known name brands do them now, but this one by 'Tarte' is one of my favourites!

'Adored'

This is called 'Lip Surgence' which is a natural lip luster. 

I use the colour called 'Adored' (pictured above), which is a bright pink shimmery shade. I really like this and it's very refreshing to find a product that glides on so easily. I also found this didn't dry out my lips, so I had no need to carry an extra lip balm with me!

Lip Surgence Natural Lip Luster

'Tarte Lip Surgence' contains only natural ingredients like Beeswax, Carnauba wax, Peppermint Oil and Soybean Oil.....AND does not have any nasties such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Parabens or Phthaltes!

Avaliable in 7 tempting shades.

www.tartecosmetics.com

Blinc...Blinc...Blinc

This mascara is a perfect for anyone who ends up with 'Panda Eyes' by midday!

Blinc Mascara is specially designed to coat your lashes in tiny water resistant 'tubes'. The idea is that once applied, the tiny 'tubes' bind to your lashes and will not smudge, run or flake - even if you cry or rub your eyes. 

To remove you simply wash your face with warm water and gently massage your lashes, and the 'tubes' will come off. You can even see them on your finger tips! 

I have always suffered with 'Panda Eyes' and have tried many mascaras that claim to be smudge-proof and won't Panda. Blinc however are true to their word and it really does what it says on the packaging.

The only down side for me is that I found the mascara didn't thicken my lashes as much as I would have liked, but thats just my personal preference.

Available in 6 shades

RRP £18.50

www.blincuk.co.uk

www.blincinc.com 

Nails of the day 'request'

Since posting the new OPI Vintage Minnie Mouse Collection I've had a few people asking.... 

"What does Nothin' Mousie 'bout look like on?"


I decided I would do a 'Nails of the Day' post to show how this colour looks.

This colour can be worn alone or over another nail polish. The first photo shows this painted over a base coat, achieving a beautifully delicate glitter shimmer and confetti. The second photo shows this painted over The Color of Minnie, accentuating the glitter shimmer and Confetti to full effect.

What do you think?
xx

Photos are taken in natural light

Dr Lipp Review

If you travel as much as I do, you'll understand completely when I say the air is dry on aeroplanes. You can literally feel your skin drying out with each passing minute! So when I was approached to try Dr Lipp Nipple Balm for Lips I knew I was onto a winner.

I've gotten through several lip balms over the last 3 years and wish I'd found this company back when I started travelling so frequently.

Dr Lipp Nipple Balm for Lips is 100% natural and made from Medical Grade Lanolin. This balm is a multi-purpose product which helps repair the skins natural barrier, protects against the environment, and replenishes dry skin. 

'Little Miss' is teething, and this has been great at protecting the skin around her mouth (stops the dribble chapping her skin). 

Not only is this a great lipgloss, it also works wonders on chapped lips, eczema, psoriasis, nappy rash, dry cuticles,  and of course nipples. 

Whilst researching Dr Lipp, I also discovered that this Nipple Balm can be used as an eye cream and a hand cream! 
Check out 'Tips' on their website for details. 

Its safe to say I won't be stepping foot on an aeroplane without my Dr Lipp; its so good that I've even used it on 'Little Miss' to stop her lips from drying out when we travel.

I think its a magic tube of loveliness!
xx

RRP £11
WWW.DRLIPP.COM

*PR Sample

'Must Have' hair brush - Denman D3

Is the Denman D3....

These brushes go on and on!

Seriously, I have had mine for 14 years and decided recently I could really do with another incase mine finally gave up on me.

For me as a hairdresser I couldn't imagine life without it. The Denman brush was invented by John Denman Dean (John Dean) who patented the design in 1938, and has became known as 'the hairdressers, hairbrush'. The 'classic' Denman brush has become an essential tool to all hairdressing professionals.

For those unfamiliar with Denman brushes, the 'classic' will be found with a smooth black handle, red soft pad and white round-ended pins.

These brushes are perfect for the following;

• Blow-dry your hair,
• De-tangle,
• Back-combing
• and, for putting your hair up.

I love my Denman and think everyone should own the D3.

For further information on the Denman Range please follow the link below,

www.denmanbrush.com

Vintage Minnie Mouse Collection

By OPI

I've been looking forward to getting my hands on this collection for months, and finally its here....YAY!!!

The collection in my eyes is the epitome of all things Minnie Mouse. With the confetti-glitter polish and the pink-red tones, its been perfectly put together. I also love the names OPI have given these polishes

Yes this Limited Edition Collection is one of the smallest I have seen, however good things come in small packages!! 

Natural light

With flash
As you can see the Vintage Minnie Mini box only comes with 3 of the 4 colours. The set includes The Colour of Minnie (Shimmery red-pink), If You Moust You Moust (Bubble-gum 'Disney' pink), I'm All Ears (A bright gel-style shimmer pink) and RapidDry Top Coat.

And finally we have Nothin' Mousie 'bout. This is a delightful glitter and confetti hearts combination. It takes a couple of uses to get the hang of applying the polish, as the brush doesn't always have the hearts on. To get these you should tilt the bottle slightly before taking out the brush (an OPI tip). I love this colour and have worn it over the top of the others in this collection.


I just love this collection, its very me with the pink and red tones. Plus they're by OPI ;-)


xx

www.opi.com

L'Occitane 'Limited Edition'

I'm a massive L'Occitane fan, and having a store in our main train station I often come home with a little treat for myself.

The other week I popped into the city as I'd run out of facial moisturiser (watch this space for details). While in L'Occitane I found these, and having tried them out I thought I'd share them with you........

 First up is the Organic Lavender Shower Gel. 

Made from organic lavender which is grown in Haute-Provence, this smells gorgeous and any Lavender fan will love it. The scent is strong enough that you can smell a hint of it on your skin after showering, but not overpoweringly!  Also it comes in a 75ml bottle, which is perfect if you're going on holiday and not wanting to pack big bottles!

RRP £7

(Also available in 200ml)

 Next is Almond Smooth Hands........

.....and smooth they are!

I have a big weakness for nice smelling hand creams. This one is Almond scented, and after looking it up on their website I discovered they also use the Almond Tree Flowers too! Almond Smooth Hands soaks in very quickly, leaving no sticky residue or greasy feeling. Therefore its great for use during the day, rather then only at night. You can even pop this in your handbag/nappy-bag as this comes in 30ml tube. 

RRP £8

I must confess it wasn't until I looked at the L'Occitane website that I found out  both of these products are 'limited edition', so my advice is run out and buy them now!!!

Check out the L'Occitane website for your local store or to buy online

www.loccitane.com

xx

Summer Hair...

This is one of my favourite ways to wear my hair during the summer months.

When the weather gets warm, I reach for my hair tie and kirby grips (bobby pins) to create this easy style.

• Simply twist your front layers to one side - I tend to start where my hair parts naturally. 
• Continue to twist until you get to the ear, and pin. 
• Take the rest of your hair and pull into a ponytail and secure.
• Spray with a firm hold hairspray to stop any stray hairs un-twisting them selves.

If you like a bit of height then back-comb the crown before securing into a ponytail as I have. Or you can wear it without the back-combing......Its all about personal taste :-)

So there you are, simple summer hair with a twist!

xx

Day to Night Shadow Options

As I have said before I have two eyeshadow collections by Bobbi Brown. This one is the larger of the two and is called;

'Day to Night Shadow Options'

Containing 7 eyeshadows, double end applicator brush, and a mirror, this is great value for money (£34). The colour range is perfect for 'Day to Night' and has a good mixture of cream, metallic, shimmer, and sparkle shadows. These blend very easily and I found they stayed very well without creasing. 

Again for those Bobbi Brown fans out there, here are the colour names contained in this set;

(left to right)

Ivory, Dusty Plum, Eggplant, Star, Volcano, Diamond and Caviar.

I'll be back at a later date to give you the looks I have created using this palette.

xx

Nude on Nude Eye Palette

I have completely fallen for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics (thank you hubby!), and can't think how I managed to get this far in life without ever buying any until now. 

Here is the first in my new eyeshadow collections......

'Nude On Nude Palette' 

(the link above takes you to Bobbi Brown website's current Nude On Nude Palette)

The compact contains 4 eyeshadows, double end applicator brush, and mirror. For those familiar with Bobbi Brown the colours are called;

 (from left to right) 

Navajo, Cement, Heather Mauve and Mahogany. 

Three of these are cream eyeshadows, plus a shimmer eyeshadow (Heather Mauve) which is wonderful for high lighting the eye lids slightly. 

I'll keep you updated and will post some pictures soon of the looks from this set of eyeshadows. 

Keep watching for the next Bobbi Brown Palette!
xx