New Product Lust and Random Ramble

Considering I love nail varnish I was very peturbed to find out that you can get holographic nail varnish - it even has a nickname (Holos) and OPI has already done a range and it was in July!!! And I flipping missed it. Well I will not be missing this launch.

Nubar nail polish are launching their holographic collection called Prisms Collection in the USA on 1st January 2010 so I will try and get some on ebay but for now here are the stock photos. How cool are these?! If you click the pics they will get a lot bigger.

I have never used Nubar before but I am told they are good by Helen at just-nice-things

Another thing that I really want for 2010 is this sugarbomb by Benefit, no I don't know what it does and no I probably don't need it either, but since when did that ever stop me?  It looks to be along the same sort of  line as powderazzi.

There is a proper review of Sugarbomb here at Temptalia so I would check that out if the above picture interests you.

Right I am getting ready to go to the hairdresser in a few hours, just lugging my furniture around so I can do my Davina workout DVD as I don't have time to go to the gym today.  If you are interested in workout dvd's I recommend this one, Davina is kind of annoying but the workout is good and there are lots of different workout options to choose from:

There haven't been many hauls lately as I have been at home with the BF who despite promising to go shopping with me in the sales and that we could do this and that over the holiday break basically just wants to stay at home and veg every single day, its nearly 10am and he is still in bed asleep today.  I just feel so bored if I am cooped up at home every day, like life is passing me by or something lol! 

Right wish me luck with the hair and I will see you later hopefully with a nice new hairdo. xx

Hair today gone tomorrow!

Tomorrow I am going to the hairdresser. This is a momentous day for me as I am terrifed of the hairdressers!

Every time I go to a new one the first appointment is good and then after that they just assume that you want the same thing every time or the 'usual'.  Now these days I am not one of those people who go in and go 'erm I don't know just give me something different' and then scream blue murder when they have a purple mohawk.  I am very very specific about what I want so I get even more annoyed when I get completely ignored.

The last time I went to the hairdresser I told them that they had been doing it too dark and too red -it was a black red colour, I had asked for a medium chocolate brown..... I then asked for a tiny trim as I explained I wanted to grow my hair.  I left the salon with the exact same red black colour I had previously and around 3-4 inches chopped off.   It has taken me 9 months to grow that hair back! Unfortunately I have to take my glasses off while my hair is being cut and I can see absolutely nothing of what they are doing until I put them on at the end, so I can't see what they are doing until it's all finished which I detest, another reason to get contacts (my new years resolution).

I decided that I needed to get my hair colour sorted out as it is just too dark for my face, I am starting to look like a doll with my super white face and almost black hair!  I tried on my new Foxylocks extensions the other day and realised just how dark my natural hair is at the ends, because at the roots the extensions match and at the ends woah you can see how dark they are.  Since I don't really mind if someone has a laugh at my expense here is the pic of me with the extensions that don't match.  My problem is that I prefer the colour of the extensions 100% more than my own hair, the extensions are the colour that I wanted my hair all along!

In other news - OMG how white am I !!

So my appointment is 1.15pm tomorrow, they have said that they need to bleach the ends and then dye the whole thing and that I will need a trim eep. I will post and let you know what happens! Wish me luck xx

Oh and do you think I should get a fringe like this or maybe that might be too much stuff in one day?

Cargo Blu Ray HD Skin Perfecting Makeup Review

I was sent the following Cargo products as a gift  (versus products specifically to review) but I wanted to review them as they are so awesome! I really really think they are such good quality and I wanted to share them with you as you can actually get these products in a lot of different countries and they are not too expensive.  In the UK the entire collection (which includes an amazing amount of products for the price not just the three below) is available on QVC for £44.50 and they obviously sell it in the USA and Canada, you can check out their website here cargo blu ray

Pls note there is a concealer above, and I plan to review that separately

The info Cargo provide "Developed for film and television, this Blu-Ray Skin Perfection Collection from Cargo offers you picture-perfect make-up results every time. This make-up will give you a natural look that will last the day and in all types of lighting".

I can honestly say that the face powder is 100% better than the Smashbox Halo which is supposed to make your skin look like a glowing halo and instead makes my face look liney and dry to start with and greasy after about 4 hours.  The cargo pressed powder actually does everything that I would expect the Smashbox powder to do.

Left: Cargo Blu Ray Pressed Powder No.2 and Right Blush/Highlight

Pressed Powder in No.2 - I would say for a NC20 this would be a good match

No.1 would be better if you are a NW15

Packaging - this is pretty much the same packaging as the Korres blush and bronzer packaging but about 1cm smaller and with black plastic. The compacts are very sturdy and the clasp fastens securely on both.  The mirror is sizeable and good quality.  The only problem I think might be if you have long nails and try and open the clasp too hard you might open it and nick the powder, so remember to be careful when opening if you pick this up.

Price - I don't think you can pick this up on it's own in the UK but you can pick it up in the set mentioned above and you can get it separately in other countries.

Staying Power - this lasts me the entire day and as it claims it does look good in natural light, in photos, all different types of light.  It doesn't make me look shiny or greasy and it doesn't wear off it is still there when I remove my makeup in the evening.  I use a soft brush to apply otherwise it is too pigmented on my skin.

Coverage - this gives me a moderate cover with a flawless pore minimised finish, honestly! It is very pigmented so you just need to sweep a large fluffy powder brush over the compact, tap off the excess and apply a quick dusting to the face, no need to buff in or apply a lot.  The finish it gives is what I was expecting from Smashbox Halo that didn't deliver but this Cargo powder seriously does deliver and it is so silky and soft, if you stroke your face after applying (am I the only one that does this?) you will be surprised on how soft it is and not cakey or cloggy at all. 

You don't look like you have powder on but you do not look shiny or greasy all day, but then I don't have oily skin so keep that in mind. I do go shiny after a few hours of wearing Smashbox Halo though.  This makes your skin almost look like it is in soft focus somehow. I am loving this!  Another thing that is fabulous about this powder is that it doesn't sit in fine lines at all, I have no deepset wrinkles so cannot comment on that but I definitely have fine lines which some powders accentuate and this does not do that at all, it really hides them

Overall  This product currently surpassed all HD/Blu Ray/Setting powders that I have used so far and I absolutely love it.  To clarity I prefer this to the Clinique pressed powder, Elf HD powder, Smashbox Halo, Elf mineral powder and Stila pressed powder. So I haven't tried hundreds of brands so also keep that in mind.  I hate Mac counters in general so I never try their powders as I ALWAYS get colour matched with the wrong colour, always, if any of you are or know of a Mac artist who works at a counter in London then pls hook me up!

On a minus I think it a bit weird they called it Blu Ray rather than HD like all the other brands? I don't even know what the difference between HD and Blu Ray actually is...do you?

Cargo Blu Ray Blush/Highlight

Packaging is the same as the pressed powder for this blush.

Staying power - very good staying power, not quite as good as the pressed powder but I would say it lasts a good 8 hours on me which is usually good enough for most people.

Colour - thanks to my new camera I think you can get quite an accurate swatch above, it is a pale pink, brighter than Mac's  'the perfect cheek' and not as cool toned, not as bright as the Sleek Cosmetics blushes and not quite as bright as Korres' pink blushes.  It has an extremely subtle white-gold sheen to it when applies but it is not in any way shiny, glittery or anything like that.  I think that it is why it is called a blush/highlight as it draws the light to your cheeks and enhances them but not in an obvious way.

Overall - this was rated as 4.4 out of 5 on Makeupalley!  This seems to have the same finely milled consistency as the powder as the feel the same on your skin, very smooth and silky.  I think I might even go out on a limb and say that I prefer this to Nars blushes as I just cannot blend them in to look as natural as I have been able to with this one.

This is my FOTD using both the blush and pressed powder, nothing fancy, we just went to Gourmet Burger Kitchen.  In other news I am pretty sure I saw Nickel from this youtube channel whatstyleistonickel today at a Mac counter... it was so weird seeing someone in the flesh from youtube, like seeing someone off the telly haha!

I will do a separate review on the concealer since it comes in the exact same packaging as the new  Max Factor concealer I want to compare them.

So what did everyone else get up to today?  I am planning on going to the hairdressers some time this week if I can get an appt, I need my hair a bit lighter so I shall see if they are able to strip the colour from the ends or not.

New Years Makeup Ideas from Boots' Online Beauty Editor

A while ago I contacted Katie from Katie's beauty blog which is an online blog on the Boots website and Katie is the Beauty Editor for the website.  I had never really expected a reply but I amazingly actually got one how cool!
My question was - What makeup looks are on trend for this holiday season (the reason I asked is becuase I never go out on NYE, it is just waaay too expensive where I live, for example just to get into the pub is £50 so I can't personally give you any advice or show you my outfit or makeup since I will be at home.

This is Katie's reply:

 Personally I love the look of a beautiful red lip against an immaculate, pared-down face. It’s very chic and always a winner at Christmas, when you may feel like braving a different make-up style.

Kirsten Dunst sports a gorgeous red lip, reddish blush

and neutral e/s with black liner

However, there are a few caveats:



1) You may need to rethink your usual blusher – sometimes your usual blusher or bronzer will clash with the red lip, which can lead to you looking overly made up. The secret is to tie the colour families in – in other words, look for a red-toned blusher and use sparingly.

2) Your eyes will need definition. Although I believe the chicest way to wear red lips is with a pared down face, you need a little eye definition. Smudging black liner at the base of your lashes (I use Clinique’s Superfine Liner For Eyes in True Black) and apply from underneath the lashes) will give subtle definition without going overboard. In terms of shadow, a neutral, barely there shade, like beige or brown works well. But a simple veil of gold shadow can also be pretty. Don’t forget the mascara.

3) Exfoliate your lips first – gently with a clean flannel or a clean toothbrush. Red lipstick will cling to any rough patches – not a good look.

4) Conceal like a pro. There’s something about red lipstick that highlights any other redness on your face – redness around the nose, high pigmentation, spots etc – so conceal well.

5) Find the right shade. On the whole, blue-toned lipsticks, like Revlon’s classic Revlon Red shade, suit women with fair skin (if in doubt ask at the cosmetics counter; well trained assistants should know which lipsticks have blue undertones), whereas olive and dark-skinned complexions can try lipsticks that contain more orange or brown.

Not a red lipstick girl? I’m loving Too Faced’s Natural Eyes Kit at the moment. It comes with nine eyeshadows and a set of step-by-step cards which demonstrate which shade to use where and how to apply. Genius!

Katie

So a massive thank you to Katie for taking the time to esentially do a blog post for IHeartCosmetics, I am sure she is a very busy lady especially around the holidays so it was so lovely of her to respond!

Mini Models Own Haul 2 Nail Polish and 1 Eyeshadow

 

I wanted to take advantage when Models Own had a 10% discount on so I picked up these two nail varnishes in Fuzzy Peach and Proper Copper and an eyeshadow in Neon Pink for a change.

As you can see the colours are gorgeous and I will post pics when I have used them on my nails.

This is Models Own Powder Eyeshadow in Neon Pink

I haven't swatched the eyeshadow yet but I will post pics when I do.  I figured I could use it to create this Lady Gaga look which I love.

I got this pic from Models Own blog, erm so I hope they don't mind lol!

I managed to successfully convert a few people to Models Own so are there any brands you think I should be converted to and try? I don't think I have ever used Nubar or Barielle.. ideas welcome xx

New Korres Foundation and Lip Butter From Zuneta

Before Christmas I made an order with Zuneta which is a lovely website that sell lots of niche beauty brands such as Rouge Bunny Rouge and Hourglass, if you haven't tried them then give them a look as they sell lots of gorgeous things.  Some of the brands are a bit expensive so I decided to try a few things from Korres colour range since I love what I have tried so far.  I would love to buy the entire range of Rouge Bunny Rouge and I know it's supposed to be amazing but still..it is even more expensive than Chanel !

Here is what I picked up after watching Tali's review video on youtube as I haven't tried many of their cosmetics (I have tried the bronzer, blush and mascara specifically).

Korres ginger and vitamins lightweight foundation  which has an SPF of 10.  I like that it has SPF as my eczema cream makes my skin more sensitive to the sun.  I got shade LF1 and as it is sheer it works whether or not I have fake tan on or not which is brilliant and saves me money buying two of the same foundations in different shades which I find really annoying.

Korres Ginger & Vitamins Foundation SPF10 retails for around £17.75 in the UK

Packaging - I really like the tube packaging, it isn't heavy to carry around in your makeup bag like a glass bottle and you can squeeze out the exact amount of product that you need rather than a pump which just gives you whatever 1 pump turns out to be (and I always find 2 pumps too much) and it is much better than my annoying Nars sheer glow which has no pump and a giant hole so far too much product comes out at once, so I am loving the tube, as it's really easy to control.

Application/consistency - you only need a small pea sized amount of this foundation, it is water based and feels very creamy and light, not thick at all.  This is absolutely nothing like a Estee Lauder double wear or a Dior Forever foundation, it feels how I would expect a tinted moisturiser to feel (but tinted moisturisers never actually live up to my expectations).

Coverage - this is definitely a lightweight and luminous foundation, if you have scarring, a lot of pigmentation or spots then I wouldn't really say this would be for you unless you wanted to use it on the beach instead of a plain untinted suncream to give you some sort of cover. This is perfect for me as my skin is so dry and this is so creamy and luminous that it doesn't settle in dry skin and it never looks cakey or like you have a lot of makeup on, it feels soft on my skin and when i remove it I do not think 'phew that makeup is off' as it doesn't feel heavy or cloying when you have it on.  I think this would be a fantastic hot weather foundation for most people without masses of problems to cover,  I will definitely take this if we go on holiday next year.  This makes my skin look luminous without looking oily or shiny or greasy which is very rare to find (in my opinion). 

Swatch of LFA1 Korres Colour Ginger and Vitamins Foundation

Colours  - there are 6 colours available from LF1 - LF6.  I am not sure if this is enough or not really, they are sheer and your skin tone can show through but I think this makeup is not exactly for you if you have very dark skin, I would say the absolute perfect skintone that this makeup for is someone with a Meditteranean colouring, but then since Korres is a Greek company that is hardly surprising!

The above swatch rubbed in, skin looks even and luminous

with no obvious makep but you cannot see the veins any more - and this is a closeup pic

Smell - I had assumed the product would smell of ginger but I couldn't really detect any scent at all

Overall I think this foundation is brilliant and will most definitely repurchase when I finish this up, next up I want to try the wild rose foundation as that sounds gorgeous too.

The other item I finally picked up was a lip butter. I had waited out as I don't really like sticking my fingers into pots and the only colour I liked the look of was Jasmine, which I couldn't find available for a while.  But it was in stock so I picked it up:

Packaging - I don't really like products in tubs and as you can see from above I have to gouge out the product with the front of my nail so it doesn't get stuck under my nails.  I find it quite unclean to use a tub but it does look cute! I would prefer a tube which would be less cute but more sanitary.

Smell - mine only has a very light scent and it smells vanillery with a tiny hint of jasmine, but it is not overpowering at all and non-offensive.

Colour - as you can see the colour is a gorgeous milky pale pink.  It doesn't show up that much on my lips but I prefer that, it will be much more foolproof to apply while in a rush.  It sort of tones down my lipcolour slightly and makes it look paler which I like.

Flavour - I can't detect any flavour which I like, as it's much more user friendly.

Special Points - contains shea butter which is lovely for dry chapped lips and as with all Korres products this and the foundation are Silicone and mineral oil free, they are not tested on animals and they are very natural. I have been using this with my Body Shop lipscuff and it is a great combo for soft lips.

Repurchase - I would definitely repurchase this colour but I am not too interested in the other colours at this time, maybe if they come out with some new ones.

Has anyone tried the wild rose foundation or powder?

YSL Rouge Volupte Number 2 Sensual Silk Swatches

This is one of my Christmas presents from my lovely mum, YSL's Rouge Volupte in number 2

This is seriously my favourite out of all three that I now have  (2,19,26) and I hope to collect more as they are seriously the best lippies ever, shame about the price but to be honest I am not too annoyed not to buy any more cos I love them! Also if you buy them from Cheap Smells website (link to the left) they are a lot cheaper but sometimes don't have this one in stock.

As you can see I have been slapping it on religiously all day already!

Did anyone else get any makeup for Christmas?

Christmas Decorations and Dinner

I am not sure if anyone in interested but this is our Christmas tree for 2009

chocolate brown and gold was the theme. BF and I spend our first Christmas alone together in the house which was lovely.

And this is our turkey, now it was just for 2 but we wanted there to be enough for sandwiches, leftovers, curry etc. This is the first one I have ever cooked and I think it went really well.

And this is our little dinner for 2! We didn't bother with lots of table decorations etc. since there were only two of us, and we couldn't actually manage to eat even half of the dinner on those plates, so the fridge is basically still full of food. It was also the first time I have tried sprouts, and may I just say EWW they are not good loll!! 

Our menu was:

Turkey

Sage and onion (with sausagemeat) stuffing

Ham cooked in coca cola

Pigs in blankets

Sprouts

Roast potatoes

Honey and mustard parsnips

Carrots

Gravy

We managed a small gingerbread muffin each for dessert(rather than the trifle we had bought) but we are still stuffed to the brim, about 5 or 6 hours after eating so we can't fit in any trifle!

My present from the BF was a new 12.1 megapixel Sony camera so I am hoping my pics will be better from now on, I will try anyway! 

Did everyone else have a good one? Have a lovely Boxing Day tomorrow xx

The Body Shop - I Only Went In For One Thing!

I made a quick dash to The Body Shop at the station yesterday on the way to work to pick up the tea tree facal wash as one of the OH's stocking filler type presents.  As usual that was not all I bought but to be honest I think everyone gets carried away at this time of year!

I picked up the tea tree wash ...just a few other things too!  I got the Body Shop Lipscruff which has been a massive help since my lips are just so dry it's insane.  A natural soapstone oil or wax tart burner so I can finally use my wax tarts I bought from Etsy and some Vanilla Spice Home Fragrance.  You so need to pick up the vanilla spice fragrance if you love nice scents, it smells exactly like Christmas to me and makes me really feel like getting into the Christmas spirit.  Basically it is a vanilla, orange and nutmeg scent but definitely give this a sniff next time you are in The Body Shop as it is gorgeous, you can also put a few drops on a tissue and then drape the tissue over a radiator if you like scenting your house but don't like candles being on because of children or pets, or put a few drops on some cotton wool balls and leave them about in a warm place to diffuse the smel..

I must say that the lipscuff is amazing, you just use it as you would a lipstick but the formulation is exfoliating and tastes and smells minty, then you wipe the scrub mixture off with a facecloth and apply balm and you have lovely soft kissable lips! Brilliant.

I just wanted to apologise for lack of posting since I am still at work right up until today and we haven't eased off, so I haven't had any time off to do any mega interesting posts and I apologise.  I have nearly 400 subscribers now and I am so shocked, when I started blogging in August I knew nothing of blogging and only read a handful of other blogs myself, now I have subscribed to over 300 others and loads on youtube and I love it. I want to say Happy Christmas to everyone that celebrates it and good luck for 2010.  Thank you all so much for reading my blog and subscribing, it really makes my day and cheers me up when I am sad.

Kisses!

Sarah xxx

January Sale on Purity Organic Skincare at Superdrug

As I have posted before about how much I like Purity Organic Skincare which is available from Superdrug I thought I would pass this message on for those of you that would be interested in trying out the range at a discounted price.


"Purity Organic Skincare is offering Superdrug shoppers a discount of  £2 on all the range throughout January. Detox, hydrate and protect your skin with a little help from this award winning, certified organic skincare range as well as keeping your purse happy this winter!....
Purity Organic Skincare is priced from £4.99 to £8.99" so with the discount products will cost between £2.99 - £6.99

Here are some of the products that I recommend if you want to give it a try while it's on special offer

To the left of the pic you will see the anti-ageing serum and mask which is lovely for either use but I prefer to use it as a mask as it leaves my skin feeling all plumped up after I wash it off.

Then to the right is my favourite thing from the whole range, the regenerating overnight moisturiser - a thick night cream is a must for dry and eczema skin and this I can slap on without making the rest of my skin breakout.

I just thought I would pop you girlies a quick update as I know everyone likes a bargain! 

Current Nail Varnish = Models Own in Red Red Wine

Just a quick post to show you this weeks Christmas-time Nail Polish which is Models Own in Red Red Wine

One of the last of my gorgeous stash

(only one more to go and all of the swatches will be done..well until my new ones arrive haha)

As usual great pigmentation, above is 2 coats plus a topcoat (Seche Vite)

and it has been on 24 hours so far and no chipping

So what are your holiday polish colours?  Do you go for red like me or are you rocking something more funky? Let me know! xx

I'm a Barbie Girl! New Look All Doll'd up Lashes and Rosy Glow Blush Review

You may have seen my New Look haul post last week where I picked up the New Look Barbie All Doll'd up Barbie collection Rosy Glow Blush (£4) and False Eyelashes (£5). Can we say excited? I am a bit obsessed with Barbie makeup.

Here is the look I created to be a Barbie girl! Please note

a) I have had a very long day at work, driven my gorgeous mini up a hill full of ice whilst screaming repeatedly 'we're going to crash and die' and eaten way too much sugar so I am feeling a bit insane, and
b) I am not saying this is a good look this was just for a bit of fun!  Although worrying how easily I take to looking like a bimbo really isn't it?!

I would only really use the lashes for fancy dress or a night out at they are 100% doll like and really really long, I also could not wear them with my glasses as they are just way too long. But they are easy to apply and the glue is ok, and they really are very Barbie esque.  As an afterthought they were a little bit itchy too for some reason.

The Rosy Glow Blush is another story, after the first use the metallic Barbie head comes off and leaves behind a lovely baby pink blush, with good pigmentation and good staying power, perfect for a pop of colour on your cheeks. Yes I said pop, sorry I know everyone hates that word!

You get a nice big mirror too, obviously the free brush you get is crap

come on it would be for £4!

If applied to the apples of the cheeks and blended into the hairline this gives a very similar effect to Mac's The Perfect Cheek, but for FOUR QUID! Yes £4 of your money. The packaging is a bit dodgy but then it is just a fun item and I was surprised that the product was really good as I just thought it would be a gimmick, the packaging is sturdy though so it would be a good handbag product as if you lost or broke it while out and about it wouldn't really matter so much.

Pop pop pop!

All in all I say pick up the blush and forget the lashes unless you are going as Barbie for New Year's Eve!

Oh and I actually quite like this lip look it makes them look all squidgy and kissable, mwah!

These items can be purchased at New Look stores nationwide or if you are like me and scared of New Look they stay in safety and order online at http://www.newlook.co.uk/

Please Digg My Post

Thank you!

Sarah xxx

The Bronzer Face-off. Korres Monoi Oil Bronzing Powder & Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel

By chance last Friday I went out (to that dreaded night at the 02) and forgot my bronzer so I quickly picked up the Chanel bronzer since I wanted something that I knew would be good and I was in a rush, so where normally I would talk myself out of spending so much cash this time I walked in, bought it walked out and rushed off - job done with no time for buyers remorse.

Please note I slapped on a massive amount of both products

on the swatches above so you could see the difference in colour,

 I wouldn't put this much on my face!

Then  I was sent the Korres Monoi oil bronzing powder by a company to try out (it was part of a set which I will mention in another post).  It very rarely happens that I have two of the exact same type of product to test at the same time and two of my fave Twitterinas advised me to post about both bronzers together rather than separately, so I am going to compare and contrast them so hopefully it is helpful.  I was so excited to try this Korres bronzer as personally I adore Korres, I may have been introduced to it by getting sent something for free but since then I have bought lots of their items myself and everything seems so luxe, the formulations are amazing and it's not much more expensive than drugstore to be honest.  Also one of my favourite bloggers Tali likes Korres products and one of my main aims in life is to look as gorgeous as Tali although I think I am failing slightly lol - don't worry that wasn't a shameless plug for anyone to say oh of course you do, was just stating a fact ;)

First impressions - I liked the look of it, the compact comes in a box, it is simple and classy.   I was pleased there was a decent size mirror in the lid and the shade didn't look offensive or orange or glittery which is good.

Colour/pigmentation - the shade I have is 01 sunglow light.  This is quite sheer and it seems to be more of a Benefit Hoola type of colour as in it is a reddish brown rather than a true brown or a beige brown.  I needed to apply this by buffing it into my skin with a flat top brush.

I was really impressed by this bronzer as normally I have to use such a light hand and there is such a fine line between looking bronzed and looking like you have a dirty face but it was so easy to build up the colour with this product so I think this would be great if you are pale skinned and the darker 02 colour if you have darker skin than me. I recommend this in  #1 if you are pale like me, I really think this is something you should definitely at least try out as it is a lot more affordable than most bronzers, you can also often pick one up on ebay for around £6-8.00.

Consistency - this is a pressed powder product and it feels very velvety and light on the skin, it isn't heavy and cloggy and it feels very moisturising which I assume is due to the monoi oil in the bronzing powder but don't worry as it does not feel oily or greasy at all.

Packaging: The packaging is just a square compact but I like that it is bronzey brown plastic rather than their usual white Korres packaging which I don't love.  The compact has a good sized mirror which is fantastic for application on-the-go and it shuts tight with no worries of it reopening in your handbag.  This is good for me since I am Mrs accident prone.

Any special features? - As with all Korres products it is dermatologically tested, and free from mineral oil, Silicone, Propylene Glycol Free and Ethanolamine. No animal testing.

Price £12.75 - £13.00

Where can you get this?
In the UK I would recommend getting this from Zuneta as they are a lovely company who send you free mini samples with  your order and have great customer service or Bathandunwind as they are offering to get your items to you before xmas even if you order on the 23rd!

Overall view of this product? - Ever since I have bought this I have been raving about it to friends and colleagues, it is the perfect everyday bronzer great for work and making yourself look natural and glowing.  Out of the two bronzers I am reviewing I think this is the better value for money and the packaging is more user friendly.

Dun

Dun

Daaa!

Before you ask this is the new 2009 version as I have never used the old one but they are apparently the exact same product according to Lisa

Colour/pigmentation - this is a buildable product which doesn't ever look like you have slapped on too much (well apart from in the swatch above), it is well pigmented but if applied with a light hand it doesn't look fake-tan ish and the colour is a true tanned skin colour so a perfect colour in my opinion especially if you have naturally red skin or red cheeks as this won't emphasise that.  This product won't work for everyone as a bronzer so that's why it's called a makeup base, if you are darker skinned you can use this as a base with a darker bronzer on top although I somehow doubt this is going to work if  you have really dark skin as its clearly not that dark.


Consistency - this is hard to describe as it is almost a cream-to-powder, I really love the fact that it applies like a cream so it is amazing to blend but has a powder finish so it doesn't just slide off after 5 minutes and it lasts all day without smearing fading or getting oily.

Packaging - ok so I love the pot but for the price why they cannot put a mirror on the lid is waaaay beyond me, seriously how much would a mirror cost? The rest of it is gorgeous and luxe looking but only 8/10 for lack of mirror as bronzer is definitely something I would reapply on a night out or at work where I would need to use a mirror.

Any special features? - It is apparently a cream-gel product according to Chanel..it doesn't appear to be in any way gel like to me so don't expect it to be like a gel if you buy this. It can also apparently be worn under foundation but wouldn't the foundation rub it off? Hmmm not sure about that.

Price - in the UK it's around £34 (eep)!

Where can you get this - Chanel counters and online worldwide and for some reason you can get this from CD Wow lol!


Overall if you are looking for a well priced everyday bronzer and money is an issue then I would try the Korres bronzer as it is lush, if you are more of a brand-whore who has pale to medium tan skin and isn't bothered by the lack of mirror then pick up the Chanel one.

Has anyone tried the Bourjois Bronzer? I saw it the other day and it looks like a chocolate bar!

Models Own Nail Varnish Review and Swatches Part 3!

This is a bit odd as the swatches are of  my favourite out of my haul and my least favourite.  Lilac dream is gorgeous and so well pigmented.  It applies like a dream so that's probably why it's called that, it is seriously my new favourite nail polish, its super gorgeous and cute.

Pink Punch....hmm not so much I don't think neons really work on me, you can see through to my acrylics which I don't like, perhaps I should have done 3 coats?  I am not saying I hate it, I just probably wouldn't reach for it much.

As before you can get Models Own nail polishes as River Island stores and online at

Models Own Nail Varnish  and ASOS and they are around £5

Any other ones you want me to try? Maybe if you are thinking of buying?  I still have Foxy Fuschia and Red Red wine to swatch but I want to wear Lilac Dream for a few days first x

REOPENED CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY DUE TO LACK OF RESPONSE FROM FIRST PRIZE WINNER

Hi everyone

I never heard back from the first prize winner of my Christmas Holidays Giveaway so I am re-entering it this morning, everyone who has already entered will be re-entered apart from the second prize winner (who contacted me and received her prizes - thanks laura x) but if you are new and want to enter also then that is fine.


If you haven't already entered - this is what you need to do to enter



Basically this is easy peasy, all you need to do is

1. post the link to this post on your blog and then comment in the box below and
2. tell me your favourite holiday food or drink (for example eggnog or haggis!)  this doesn't have to be Christmas, whichever holiday you celebrate at this time of the year.

Is this giveaway open nationwide?

Yes,  open to anyone in any country - international and nationwide, so please don't comment below about this as yes you can enter if you are in any country.



When is the deadline to enter?

Midnight on Saturday 19th December 2009, this and the results of the Puresha competition will be posted on Sunday 20th December.

What will I win?

First Prize

Sleek Cosmetics Graphite Eyeshadow Palette,

Sleek Cosmetics Ink Pot Gel Eyeliner in Purple Rain

Gosh Darling Lipstick

Essie Chastity Nail Varnish

Rimmel Nail Varnish in Coralicious

Bourjois Black 1001 Cills / Lashes Mascara

Marks and Spencer Chocolate Snowy Balls Sweeties

Lush Sexy Boy Massage Bar - not pictured

Good luck everyone you don't have long! xxx

Barbie All Dol'd Up for New Look plus some New Look Tops

I much prefer to shop at New Look's website than in store as sometimes things are just packed together and the shopping experience isn't much fun.  From the website I ordered the following two products from the Barbie all Dol'd up collection after hearing about the collection on Victoria's site and having a brief heart attack because I was so excited!

I picked up the lashes as they are soooooooooo cute and the blusher which comes in a funky compact

Blush was £4.00

It has a hidden brush compartment

And the lashes including glue were £5.00

I am really impressed with this range and I want to get some more things but they didn't have anything else when I ordered.  I hope to pick up a pink eyeshadow so I can do a Barbie All Dol'd Up FOTD!!

I also picked up this top

And this one here which would NOT let me photograph it for some bizarre reason!

I haven't really bought many clothes lately and I have been so impressed with New Look as they are so cheap but have really pretty tops.

Anyone else loving New Look?

Please Digg My Post

Thank you!

Sarah xxx