IsaDora Big Bold Mascara

I’d had this mascara for a little while but hadn't opened it. After finishing my current mascara I decided to give this one a whirl….and I’m so pleased I did :-)

IsaDora Big Bold Mascara gives lashes a fabulous boost. This mascara really does lengthen lashes, without leaving them looking clumpy or spidery.

I found it very easy to apply, even with a big wand (which I usually avoid as I find them to be too bulky). It doesn’t seem to  smudge or go flakey as the day goes by. Although this is labeled as being ‘black’ I would say its a very intense black. Some mascaras that claim to be black can look more dark grey once on the lashes, however this one doesn’t.

This mascara is amazing and is exactly what you’d expect from its name.

The only downside for me is removal. IsaDora Big Bold Mascara isn’t waterproof so you would expect it to come off with ease; however I found myself with panda-eyes even after using eye makeup remover, so a little extra effort is needed to remove it.

Check out the IsaDora international website for more details.

www.isadora.com

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Braid in a Braid - Tutorial

Today I have a quick hair tutorial to show you. 

Its a lovely twist on a basic braid. 

Check out my YouTube video on how to create this simple look.

{{Link opens a new window}}

Stay Beautiful & Happy xx

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Save The Blow Dry

Did you know research shows us ladies spend on average 2 hours a week blowdrying and styling our hair? Hardly surprising that a clever company has come up with this gem…..

This is the ‘Save The Blow Dry’ two-in-one shower cap.

“Its secret is the combination of a gorgeous, waterproof design with an internal layer of super-absorbent micro weave towelling, which zaps humidity and condensation, bathroom-proofing hair to leave it dry and bouncy.”

As a hairdresser; and avid fan of my hair tools, I was very excited to be asked to try out one of these shower caps.

On first opening the packet I was pleased to discover just how big this shower cap was!  It’s safe to say even those with long thick hair would manage to use this product. I’ve been testing out my shower cap for a week now and love it. The size makes it easy to get on, it’s incredibly comfortable and drys quickly after showering.

The clever design means you can either use it as a shower cap to keep your locks dry, or you can use it inside out………..Yes I said inside out!

The inside of Save The Blow Dry is made of micro-woven toweling. This means you can apply a conditioning treatment to your hair, turn your shower cap so the toweling is now on the outside, then put it on. Leave for as long as you wish, remove the ‘toweling’ cap and wash the conditioner out. The results - super soft and luscious locks.

I’ve become a huge fan of Save The Blow Dry and will be recommending them to my clients. After all who wants to spend all that time styling your hair, only to have the humidity of your shower spoil it!!!

For more information check out their website www.savetheblowdry.com or tweet @SaveTheBlowDry

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Maddy's Vintage Vixens #2

For those of you who remember my last Maddy’s Vintage Vixens post (LINK) I said I’d be back with the next set of images from the photo-shoot we did.

These photos were taken during our Poppy Line Shoot.

The Poppy Line is a heritage steam and diesel train line that runs between Holt and Sheringham Norfolk. It’s an amazing place to visit, and I feel honoured to have spent the day there working with the MVV Team.

As you can see this shoot was based on two ladies travelling the steam train during the 1930’s. All the clothes and accessories are originals; I had so much fun styling the models hair and using original hats on them.

I hope you enjoyed looking through these photos and don’t forget to check out my previous post.

Location - Holt, Norfolk

Wardrobe by Maddy’s Vintage Vixens

Photographer - Monochrome

Models - Miss Candy Su and Lucy Fur

Hair & Makeup Artist - KME Hair & Beauty

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The Fragrance Shop 4th Edition

By now I feel it’s safe to say most of us have heard of ‘beauty boxes’. Little boxes containing samples of beauty products, delivered straight to your door.

I recently had the pleasure of being sent a perfume based box, and I’m here to tell you all about it!

Discovery Club by The Fragrance Shop was launched at the beginning of 2013. Every quarter they deliver a box containing 5 perfume samples, a booklet telling you about each fragrance, plus money off vouchers for purchasing the full size perfumes.

The Discovery Club 4th Edition contains an extra sample, which makes this box even more desirable. Inside are 5 womens fragrances plus one for the man in your life.

My box has Armani ‘Si’, Boss ‘Jour’, Elizabeth Arden ‘Untold’,

Loewe ‘Aura’, Lancome ‘La Vie Est Belle Eau Legere’ and Gucci ‘ Made to Measure’.

I liked 3 of the samples in my box, and my husband liked the mens one too. In my opinion these are well worth ordering if you love perfume and fancy trying some new fragrances. I’m interested to know how these work out over the course of a year, and whether we would see the same brands being sent out (as some beauty boxes have done)

Membership for the Discovery Club costs £25 a year, which is a real bargain for perfume lovers out there.

Check out the website for more details and how to order.

www.thefragranceshop.co.uk/discoveryclub

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YU-BE Moisturizing Skin Cream

This is one of the products I received in my March Birch Box. At the time I was travelling frequently, and admit I’d completely forgotten about this little item.

May I present YU-BE Moisturizing Skin Cream, which comes all the way from Japan.

Founded in Japan in 1957, the glycerine-based cream is rich in vitamin E, vitamin B2 and contains camphor, which provides its aromatic scent (think mild version of Vix Vaporub!) It can be used to smooth dry patches on hands, elbows, knees, and feet to replenish lost moisture. You can also use it to minimise scarring and protect against harsh winter weather.

I tend to use this on the dry skin around my cuticles, as well as my knees and elbows. I’ve also found YU-BE is great as a lip protector.

It’s a pity I’d forgotten about this for so long, as it’s a fabulous product, and I’ll be buying a full size tube when this runs out :-)

RRP £19.50

www.yu-be.com

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Barry M 'Matte' Nail Paint

I’ll be the first to admit that, yes I did run out to the shops the day Barry M launched the ‘Matte Nail Paint’ collection…..sad I know, but I have adored Barry M products for as long as I can remember.

The collection is comprised of 5 stunning matte colours that are all perfectly suited to this season.

I picked up Vanilla, Crush, and Espresso (pictured below)

Vanilla

Crush 

Espresso

These polishes are all a wonderful creamy consistency, which go on very easily. I applied two coats of colour and found this to be perfect. They dried very quickly too, which is a big plus for us busy ladies - who wants to wait for nail polish to dry when there are better things to be doing!

I love my Barry M ‘Matte’ polish and will be hitting the shops to buy the other two colours (Caramel and Mocha) as soon as I can.

Stay Polished xx

RRP £3.99 each

www.barrym.com

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What's In My Handbag - Toddler Series #2

Today I’m doing a ‘what’s in my bag’ post based on what Little Miss has in her bag when we go out.

Those of you who have little ones will understand the myriad of bits and pieces we end up carrying around. Little Miss is 2 and ¾ years old so we are potty training; plus she is becoming very independent and wants to be a ‘big girl’.

First up is the bag - Little Miss just adores Minnie Mouse and I have to say what little girl doesn’t!!! This back-pack was from Peacocks and cost £8. It’s perfect as Little Miss does like to carry her own bag from the car when we get to daycare.

1 - Tesco easy-up pants. As I said we are potty training so these are perfect for Little Miss to be able to use the potty on her own.

2 - Pampers Wipes - A must have item for bottoms, faces, hands, arms, legs…..infact anywhere the little one gets messy (including us parents!!)

3 - Nappy Bags - well I don’t need to tell you what these are for!

4 - Sudocrem - Again obvious what it’s for, but also great for any little scuffs to knees if little ones fall over.

5 - Suncream - I tend to remove this during Winter months, but it’s an essential for the Spring/Summer. I currently use Daylong Baby Suncream SPF25 (link).

6 - Charlie & Lola Pants - For when Little Miss is cooperating enough to remove the Easy-Up Pants. We have had a few ‘accidents’ so Lola doesn’t normally last long.

7 - Top & trousers - Naturally you never know what mess a little one can get into, spare clothes are a must ;)

All packed and ready to go!

And there you have it. What’s in your little ones bag?

x

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Rimmel London 60 Seconds - 805 Grey Matters

Today’s ‘Nails of the Day’ is a nail polish I’ve had in my draw for a while now.

This is a Rimmel London 60 Seconds polish in shade 805 Grey Matter.

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Wavy Hair - Tutorial

This picture caused quite a storm amongst family and friends when I published it on Instagram and Facebook. Everyone wanted to know what I had done to my hair!

So to answer the question, I created a little YouTube video explaining how I achieved this hair style.

To view my tutorial simply click on the {{link}}

(opens new window to YouTube)

I hope you enjoy it and as always I look forward to reading your comments

:-)

Stay Beautiful xx

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Bare Minerals Concealer

After a recent shopping trip to Debenhams, I came home with my very first Bare Minerals product.

This is the Bare Minerals Concealer in ‘Summer Bisque 2B’.

Think of this as a magic powder in a pot. The Bare Minerals Concealer is amazing at covering blemishes and imperfections, as well as brightening up the under eye area.

Application couldn’t be easier.

Simply dispense a small amount of powder into the lid. Then using the BM Concealer Brush, dab it onto the powder and apply to your skin in the area required. You can then apply your Bare Minerals foundation over the top, or if you prefer you can wear it alone.

Given how fine the powder is, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it didn’t sink into any fine lines around the eye area (if it had, this would have made them look worse than they are).   The coverage is fantastic and any skin imperfections are perfectly concealed. I’m totally convinced by Bare Mineral products and can’t wait to try another one soon.

Available in 5 colours

RRP £19.00

www.bareminerals.co.uk

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Seventeen - Instant Glow Shimmer Brick

We’re off on our family holiday soon so I’ve been looking for a bronzing product I can pack in my makeup bag. This is what I’ve found….

Seventeen’s ‘Instant Glow Shimmer Brick’ has four beautiful bronzed shades that help create the perfect golden goddess look. Because it has four colours in one it gives the right amount of colour over the cheeks and temples without looking overdone.

I’ve been having a play with the Bronze Gold* shade and its very versatile. Here’s what I’ve discovered; 

The lightest shade works wonderfully as a highlighter on the browbone. The second shade down from that is ideal as an eyeshadow - if you’re looking for something low-key and natural; if not you can opt for one of the darker shades.

I love this bronzer and what makes it even more fabulous is the price. It’s only £4.99 which is a fraction of the cost for a high-end version.

You can find this in Boots online and in selected stores.

*Also available in ‘Pink Bronze’

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