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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Anastasia Beverly Hills | Liquid Lipstick Review & Swatches

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick Review & Swatches Kathryn and Vamp

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick Review & Swatches Kathryn and Vamp

I have wanted to try these forever. I own quite a few Anastasia Beverly Hills products, I've tried the highlighters, contour palette and a fair few brow favourites so trying out the Liquid Lipsticks was the logical next step. I was quite proud of myself and my self restraint by only buying two! I went for the shades Kathryn and Vamp. Kathryn is like a bolder version of the first ever Chanel lipstick I bought:  Rouge Allure Velvet in La Raffinée, it is very pigmented and is bold without being too bright for me to wear all day without getting self-conscious.  

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick Review & Swatches Kathryn and Vamp

Vamp, as the name suggests, is a vampier and deeper colour. It is a browny-red and complements a smokey eye. The swatches above are Kathryn on the Left and Vamp on the Right. Now, Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks are matte, which is my favourite ever finish for lips, but in the above swatches they clearly don't look it. I just did't wait for the swatches to dry before I snapped the photo, and on that note I must mention that I wasn't incredibly impressed with the drying time of these beauts. I am the first to admit my lipstick application technique could do with some work and sometimes all the time it takes me a few extra swipes to make sure I've covered all of my lips properly. This is not a formula that lends itself to layering. Not only does it add to the drying time, it also meant that after less than 4 hours wear it had gone crumbly on my lips. Not a winner on that front. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick Review & Swatches Kathryn and Vamp

I am a fan of the packaging, I think it's pretty much in line with what i've come to expect from ABH quality wise, but I do think the silver looks a bit cheap (sorry). Overall, I am happy with my new additions. The colours are beautiful, and the range is enormous. The good news is that Anastasia Beverly Hills ships to the UK, but you have to go through the rigamarole of waiting for international shipping and then paying grotesque customs fees when your parcel arrives in the UK. Each liquid lipstick is $20 each and the flat rate for international shipping is just under $18, which I think is pretty steep. You can find out more and browse shades here.  Now, lots of ABH products are available on UK sites at a slight mark up, with the benefit of free shipping and no poxy customs fees but I am yet to see a stockist of the liquid lips. It may just be that we have to wait a very very long time for them to arrive on our fair shores, I thought i'd never get my hands on a glow kit and lo and behold, they made their UK debut. Sephora US, who ship to the UK, also now stock ABH, if you'd rather order from them. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick Review & Swatches Kathryn and Vamp

Which Anastasia Beverly Hills products have you tried?

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Sunday, May 29, 2016

Tarte | Tarteist Blush Palette

Tarte Tarteist Blush Palette

The Tarte Tarteist Blush Palette is finally in my life. Isn't the packaging just the cutest? I have seen this palette crop up on Instagram hundreds of times and I have coveted it something chronic.  I'm a sucker for packaging and this spoke to my soul, add in 4 gorgeous, wearable, pigmented blush shades and i'm sold. 

Tarte Tarteist Blush Palette

I've found myself reaching for palettes more and more recently. In part due to the release of some fantastic palettes in the past year, but also because I travel quite often and individual blushes are bulky and don't offer enough choice. This Tarte Tarteist palette was one of my US Sephora purchases, the only UK stockist of Tarte is QVC and despite checking their site multiple times a week, I have never seen this beauty listed for sale. 

Tarte Tarteist Blush Palette

The four shades in this palette, from left to right, are: Live, Laugh, Love and Dream. The names are a bit cringey, but the shades are simply stunning. You don't need a ton of product because they are so pigmented and the shades are pretty good for most skin tones. I have olive-ish skin and all of these suit me well. There's a fairly generous amount of each product too, so I can see this lasting me quite some time. 

The actual palette itself isn't as sturdy as I had hopes, and it feels disappointingly cheap. But it isn't an expensive product. I love love love that there is a mirror in here, because it makes it so much more convenient to use (I'm looking at you Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow). I can't find it on the Sephora website anymore, but you can buy individual Amazonian Clay Blushes for $28 here. As far as i'm aware, Tarte is one of the brands that Sephora won't ship to the UK *boo*. FYI Tarte are vegan and cruelty free.

What do you think of Tarte products?
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Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Laser Hair Removal | 2nd Session Results*

pulse light clinic laser hair removal fenchurch street london

Shaving is an absolute chore, and waxing, for me is too painful. Opting for laser hair removal was one of the best decisions I've made. After just 2 sessions, there hasn't been much (if any) regrowth which means I can kiss shaving my underarms goodbye forever! 

I will still need a few more sessions to ensure that this lack of hair growth is permanent but I'm so happy with the results so far and it's shaved a couple minutes off my morning routine (pun intended).

Following on from my initial consultation and first laser session, my second session wasn't when I should have had it. Ideally you're supposed to schedule your appointments every 6 weeks, which allows the technicians to be able to target the hair follicles right before a new cycle of hair comes in. When hair falls out, new hairs are supposed to grow. Due to the cycle of hair growth, it's essential that every cycle is targeted and zapped away! I, on the other hand was due to go back for my second appointment last year in July. However, I somehow caught H-Pilori (stomach infection) and was bed ridden for a week, meaning I had to postpone my session. Then, as per usual, life got in the way and I just never got round to rebooking, until March this year.

Here's a little illustration on why you should ensure you go back within the 6 weeks advised. 

 laser hair removal
As you can see, once a hair falls out on its own, without ensuring the hair follicle is destroyed, a new hair will grow.

As you can see, if you don't complete the treatment regularly, you risk having to start the treatment all over again as the new cycle of hair would just regenerate. One or two treatments are enough to thin the hair, for example if it grew too thickly or there was too much of it, but if you're after a more permanent solution to your hair problems and want it all gone completely, you definitely have to go back regularly and finish the treatment in full.

So I booked in to see them in mid April and went along to their clinic in Fenchurch Street, London. Upon arrival, I'm always greeted with a smile and the lovely technicians are so friendly and welcoming. 

As mentioned in my previous post, the actual treatment itself isn't that painful. It just feels like a hair is being plucked out, followed by the smell of burning. The more hair and the more dense your hair is, the longer it will take to make sure all hairs have been treated. The actual laser is super hot, but the machine also blows cold air on the same area so that you don't actually feel the heat.

My underarms were a little sore afterwards as my top was quite tight and rubbed, so I used my Dr. Organic Aloe Vera gel and the pain soon vanished.

Almost 6 weeks has passed since my 2nd treatment and am awaiting my appointment next week, I haven't even noticed any hair growth, especially not the thicker visible hair that grew before.  I'm really looking forward to spending my summer holidays (11 days away!!!) without having to worry about lifting my arms up or wearing sleeveless tops and bikinis. And then, once I have finished this course of treatments, I can enjoy that feeling for the rest of my life!

I'm actually really tempted to get my legs and bikini line done, and then maybe my upper lip and brows.. There are endless possibilities with permanent hair removal. It's just a great way to make your life easier and save time!

In my next post of this series, I will be exploring the difference between IPL and Laser hair removal. So keep an eye out! 

If you're interested in getting a treatment like this, give Pulse Light Clinic a call and book your initial consultation. They also offer skin treatments for acne, scars, tattoos and more!

Have you had hair removal treatment? Has it lasted?
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Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Beauty Hack | Nivea for Men Post Shave Balm as a Primer


Many of you will have seen fairly recently a new beauty hack claiming to be a cheap alternative to those expensive foundation primers around at the moment. 

The Hack? Men's shaving balm. I kid you not! 

With a range of different balms to choose from, I went for this Sensitive balm with 0% Alcohol inside, as I have quite sensitive skin. It's a cute little white glass bottle and is only around £5 to pick up at your local supermarket or drugstore! 

So does it really work? As far as I've seen, yes! I've been using this beauty secret for about 2 months now and not once has my makeup come off or sweat down my face. So, I think we've actually done it girls! Screw the expensive primers that you spend £30 on and find out a day later it can't keep your makeup in place for 2 hours, let alone a whole day. Grab yourself a little bottle of this and you'll be laughing!


Nivea for Men Post Shave Balm is a runny white liquid, that could, if you ask me, be made to look a bit nicer, it does kind of look like something else.... But hey, a little goes a long way with this as you literally need a drop about the size of a 5p coin. This means that the bottle will last forever! 

Originally designed to soothe and smooth men's faces after they've shaved, the balm is cooling, moisturising and refreshing. I've seen bloggers complain about the smell of it.. It essentially just smells like men's aftershave a little bit. But I actually really like the smell! It gets masked by makeup anyway so no one else can smell it.

Once you've smoothed it all over your face, got it into the books and crannies around your nose and eyes, let it dry a little bit. It will become tacky to touch. This is what makes your foundation stick to it so well! 

I have seen some negative reviews of this, which claim it doesn't keep makeup on for the whole day, and that it should only be used for what it was intended. But I say, if you use it liberally, let it set a couple minutes and use a setting powder after your makeup, it will last the whole day. And hey, it's a fraction of the price of usual primers! 

I still use pore filling primers underneath to smooth over my complexion, but that's only in small areas, such as my cheek and nose. I apply a little bit of Benefit's PoreFessional and then add this balm on top. 

The main advantage of using this every day before I apply makeup is that it also doubles as being part of my skincare regime. Since using this, my skin has become super smooth and now use it in place of my usual moisturiser as this actually is 10x better than that also. 

So girls, steal your partner's bottle or head down to your local store and pick one up. Even if it's just to wear under a light foundation or to take on holiday if you don't want to take your most expensive makeup, this inexpensive little bottle could save you loads! Not just in money, but also save you from having to reapply make up half way through the day.

Have you tried this new beauty hack? Or know of any other cheap alternatives to primers? 

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Saturday, May 14, 2016

8 Destinations on my Travel Bucket List


I long to travel. There's nothing that gives me a deeper sense of happiness than the excitement building up to a holiday. An escape from reality, from work, from the daily struggle to get up in the mornings. I dream of places I can jet off to, but without the funds, or the annual leave, I'm limited to one holiday a year, if I'm lucky. 

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Wednesday, May 04, 2016

Paperchase SS16 & Craft Event*

Paperchase SS16 wedding
Paperchase is one of our favourite stationery shops... ever. With beautiful ranges, prints and quirky gifts, we were absolutely delighted to have been invited to their SS16 event last year and can't believe we've only just got round to posting about it! You can see how big our backlog is!
Travelling to the Paperchase flagship store in Tottenham Court Road, It was only then that I realised just how big this store was! I headed up the central staircase to find their crafts area and showcase room, which was roped off for us bloggers while the store was still open. Having to rush there after work, I was a little late when joining the huddle of bloggers and press learning about the first new launch. Fumbling in my bag for my camera and putting my stuff down, I quickly grabbed a drink to ease my exhaustion. Guided round the room, the designers explained their thought processes when creating and designing each beautiful piece. This Spring/Summer, as you've most likely seen in stores, is enriched with colour.
Madame Romantica
Paperchase SS16 madame romantica mothers day

Paperchase SS16 madame romantica mothers day

Paperchase SS16 madame romantica mothers day
Paperchase SS16 madame romantica mothers day
Valentines
Paperchase SS16 valentines

Paperchase SS16 valentines

Paperchase SS16 valentines

Paperchase SS16 valentines

Paperchase SS16 valentines

Paperchase SS16 valentines

Paperchase SS16 valentines

Paperchase SS16 valentines
Paperchase SS16 valentines

Paperchase SS16 valentines
Baby Shower - Peter Rabbit
Paperchase SS16 baby shower peter rabbit

Paperchase SS16 baby shower peter rabbit

Paperchase SS16 baby shower peter rabbit

Easter 

Paperchase SS16 easter

Paperchase SS16 easter

Paperchase SS16 easter

Wedding Range

Paperchase SS16 wedding

Paperchase SS16 wedding

Paperchase SS16 wedding

Paperchase SS16 wedding

Paperchase SS16 wedding

Paperchase SS16 wedding

Paperchase SS16 wedding

Paperchase SS16 wedding

Paperchase SS16 wedding

Ready for each upcoming celebrations in our calendars, the lovely ladies from HQ also showed us their Mother's Day range, Valentines, Easter, Baby Shower and Wedding ranges, I love them all, don't you? In the very early stages of planning my own wedding, I was keeping my eye out for invite designs and decorations I could use on my big day and events leading up to it! There's lots of florals, pastels and pretty prints in the wedding range, which is just what I like, this range has got to be one of my favourites.
I have two other favourites that you'll have seen in Paperchase stores across the UK.. can you guess which ones they are?
Paperchase SS16 get fit

Paperchase SS16 get fit

Paperchase SS16 get fit

Paperchase SS16 get fit
The first has got to be the Get Fit gym range. Full of waterproof wash and makeup bags, lunch boxes and drinks bottles as well as gym bags, totes and rucksacks. The Get Fit print is striking and super trendy. I can't wait to get my hands on a new gym bag from this range. 




















My absolute favourite has got to be the Get Organised and Kraft ranges.. simply for their inclusion of copper and gold into their patterns and features. If there's one thing bloggers love.. its a bit of copper or gold (or rose gold.. or pretty much any shiny metal). Hello new brush pot! (P.s. There's also an amazing gold range called All That Glitters in collaboration with Kate Spade!) Other ranges include Parkano, Wild at Heart, Serengeti, Transport for London, Raindrops and many more!
The event itself was really fun and I was so happy to meet some fellow bloggers. As part of the Christmas themed crafts (yes, this event was ages ago, I'm such a bad blogger!), we got to roam around the store and pick out items we'd like to decorate little Christmas trees with that they'd supplied each of us. To do this, they gifted us each a gift card to spend on these items, which we could then keep. We all spent ages picking out the cutest lights, ornaments and decorations and got inventive with our little trees. We got to photograph them and then bag them up to take home.





We also got taught how to make these super cute decorations, which I'm totally going to replicate as part of my wedding decorations with my colour theme.
It was such a lovely evening and the Paperchase girls were just so friendly, I couldn't wait to invite them and the other bloggers to our Bloggers Christmas event which we planned last year. 
Which is your favourite range in store at the moment?
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