Lifestyle and Parenting blog based in Surrey.

Friday 14 December 2012

Christmas party beauty

The office Christmas party is one event that us girls do like to get glammed up for. It is our chance to ditch our conservative pieces and show off what your wardrobe is really made of.

The same applies to Christmas party beauty, this is where we can rock looks that may raise a few eyebrows on a Tuesday morning but are perfectly acceptable sipping bubbly at your party venue.

I had a 'trial run' Christmas party last night, gate crashing my former employers, but allowed me to have a sneaky peak at what the girls had gone for.

Getting ready with the super glam Victoria I was super jealous of her party nails. A base layer of Nails Inc's Motcolm Street (£11) - the darkest navy shade gave a super sleek look.



To add a touch Christmas sparkle she then topped with Barry M's Gold Mine (£3) - I love!



Another item I will be using for my Christmas party is Belmacz's new Aura beauty balm (£31), which is infused with real 24 carat gold leaf and peal powder to give your lips, cheeks or eyes a pinkish-gold glow. Think Charlize Theron in the Dior advert! I will be smothering over my cheek bones next week!

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Tuesday 11 December 2012

Candy Cane Nails

We officially have one week to go until the big day! Mr blogmebeautiful enforced a stricked 'no getting Christmassy until December' rule on me (which I obviously flaunted) however with a mere 7 days to countdown no one can prevent me wearing my Christmas jumper and  making reindeer cupcakes now.


My buddy Maddie started the chrimbo season early sporting candy cane style nail art into work last week - I had massive envy, I'm not sure my hands are steady enough!

Maddie teamed Butter London's red glittery Chancer nail polish (£13) with Barry M in Matt White (£2.99)








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Friday 7 December 2012

Nails of the day: Barry M Gelly Hi Shine in Blue Plum

My lovely friend Victoria bought me a little treat a few weeks ago of this gorgeous petrol blue nail polish from Barry M and I eventually got round to tying it, so thought I'd share it with you.


This is the first of Barry M's Gelly Hi Shine nail paint's I've tried, designed to give the mirror shine finish associated with gel nails.

The varnish does produce very shiny nails, however, to creat this effect, it is much thicker than Barry M's normal polishes and therefore takes longer to dry. Being impatient with drying time I did manage to smudge my freshly painted talons and had to re-paint!


I do really love the shade, I'm very into blue and purple nail colours at the moment, which give a really luxe addition to your look. It remind me of my Shellac Midnight Swim but without the shimmer effect, which is a little more subtle and perfect if your letting your outfit do the sparkle for you!

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine is £3.99/10ml.
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Monday 3 December 2012

Olay Anti Wrinkle Instant Hydration Day Cream


My skin care fidelity isn't what it should be and I find myself flirting between brands and products every time I need one of my lotions and potions runs out.

My latest purchase has been Olay's Anti Wrinkle Instant Hydration Day Cream, a product that promises to infuse your skin with hydration and help lock moisture in.


The cream is really light and sinks quickly into the skin without leaving any greasy residue which many hydrating creams leave behind. My skin has felt really smooth and I haven't been suffering from any dry patches which I often get at this time of year. I do also really like the fragrance; the cream is infused with ocean extracts and smells really fresh.

The only thing I'm not sure of is the colour, the pale blue does remind me of a cleaning product, but it obviously doesn't transfer onto the face (a smurf look would be great!) so it's only a small niggle. The RRP is about £10/50ml, but is currently half price a superdrug x
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Friday 30 November 2012

Chocolate afternoon Tea at Podium

My friend Vikki was badly injured in a horse riding accident and to aid her recovery and cheer her up I took her out for a girly afternoon tea this week at The Park Lane Hilton's Podium restaurant.




Vikki is an afternoon tea connoisseur having frequented The Berkeley's Prêt-à-Portea, The Ritz and others so I was slightly nervous whether my choice would be up to par.

The hotel isn't the prettiest from the curbside, however once inside, seated at our table and sipping our Pommery champagne this was long forgotten.

The tea started with a selection of open sandwiches which I was a big fan of, the reduced volume of bread would mean more room for scones and cake!


The tea is named 'confessions of chocoholic' and this was revealed when the tea tray arrived. The chocolate chip scones were accompanied not only by the traditional cream and jam but also with a praline chocolate spread. Yummy.



The cutest selection of cakes made up the next layer, composing of the mandatory wedge of chocolate cake, our favourite raspberry and elderflower cupcake among others.



The top layer of miniature fancies were served on an edible chocolate plate, which we didn't even notice until we had devoured the treats it held - they were so beautiful! 


We just about managed to finish the tea, minus the chocolate plate which was popped in a box for us to take home (with another raspberry cupcake or two!). The cake and fancies menu changes frequently so I'm sure I'll be tempted to visit again soon!

The Podium's Confessions of a Chocoholic's afternoon tea is £37.50 per person with champagne or £29.50 without.
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Tuesday 27 November 2012

Herbal Aloe strengthening shampoo and conditioner

We are all aware the havoc cold winter air and central heating can play with our skin, however I often forget that this time of year can be just as damaging to our tresses. Typically in the lead up to the festive season is when we want out locks to be there most glossy and shiny - beach hair just won't cut it in December!

In order to give my hair some much needed TLC I have started using Herbalife's Strengthen & Soften Herbal Aloe Strengthening Shampoo (£9.22/250ml) in conjunction withe the conditioner (£9.22/250ml)  in the same range. Their scientists have found the combination to improve hair breakage by 90% after just one use and as half of mine ends up in my hair brush, I thought it was worth a shot.



The products contain wheat protein helping to to protect, repair and strengthen with soothing Aloe Vera to restores hair to its supple best without overburdening. The colour-preserving formula ensures locks are left smooth and shiny, repairing damage from the inside out.

Both products smell really fresh and leave my hair feeling really clean and smooth and I have noticed less hair on the floor after my slightly vigorous brushing and styling, I might have to keep using all through the season.


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Monday 19 November 2012

Dove Limited Edition Winter Care

Winter is now in full swing and my skin is a ready feeling the dryness from fliting between the cold, windy outdoors to super-warm central heated snugness. These alternating conditions can really suck the moisture from your skin do you need to use a body moisturiser that's going to prevent you turning to scales under your winter woollies!

The lovely girls at Dove recently sent me the two new body creams in there first ever limited edition collection: Winter Care.

The Rich Nourishing Cream (£3.29/150ml) is really thick and luxurious, perfect for adding a must needed moisture hit to your thirsty skin. I think it's perfect in my limbs, but would avoid using on any blemish prone areas like the chest and back, using the more lightweight Nourishing Body Lotion (£3.99/250ml). They both smell amazing, with notes of Amber flower, vanilla must and white florals; sweet but far from sickly with just a hint of festivities, oh and they are both current half price at Boots!
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Wednesday 7 November 2012

Nails of the day: Butter London Scouser

I am still loving my Shellac in Midnight Swim, however, today I'm having some serious manicure-envy. My colleague Maddie is rocking Butter London's Scouser (£12) shade fresh from her trip to the states.
A lighter and more glittery blue than my current talons - I think I might be tempted to purchase a bottle of my own!


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Tuesday 6 November 2012

17 Mirror Shine Lipsticks

A/W 12 catwalk trends screamed rich berry tones and I am stocking up on luscious knitwear and silk shirts in these gorgeous shades. To complement these gorgeous winter lovelies team with a slick of a rich chocolate reddish brown or crimson lipstick.

Friday saw the launch of 17's Mirror Shine Lipstick (£4.79) collection which features 13 new shades to complete your look. Roasted Red or Plum Perfect really hit the berry notes.

Reddish
The collection features a broad selection of other colour pallets, such as the super girlie Pinked and Bolshie.
Wearing Pinkish

Pinkish
Or if your not a loud lip colour girl, Camisole is a creamy nude shade to give a fresh faced look. Which ever your choose, all of the lipsticks have a cute lip mirror hidden within the lid, which is perfect for me, as I'm always worried I've got 'clown lips' when I touch my lipcolour up on the go.

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Thursday 1 November 2012

Skyfall: OPI nails

We all love a good Bond film, the reason why may range from the action, patriotism or pure lust for Daniel in those swimming trunks but I haven't spoken to anyone in the last fortnight who hasn't been or planning a trip to check out Sam Mendez's take on the iconic double 0.


I must admit that I have developed a girl crush on bond girl Bérénice Marlohe who is just oh-so-glamourous with her smoky eyes, wine coloured lips and tumbling locks. She also has the most highly manicured talons in a number of luxurious shades.


I was so excited to find out the OPI have launched a seductive range of nail polish colours to celebrate the premier of Skyfall which have been specifically chosen for their strong pigments and the impact they have on your nails. Named after all the favourite James Bond films, you can choose you colour according to your favourite movie.



My obsession is 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' which is a royally wonderful shade in hazy green pewter lacquer. I'm also loving 'The Living Daylights' a clear polish containing an explosion of coloured glitter which you could either where on a bare nail or over another shade!

These little Bond treats are £11 a pop and you can choose your favourite at look fantastic.




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Wednesday 31 October 2012

Benefit: How to Look The Best At Everything

Everybody knows someone who is amazing at everything and generally stunning to boot and as much as you'd like to hate them they are just too nice - Grrrr!

Benefit have taken this concept and developed it into a gorgeous make up set to make you look 'The Best At Everything' with a flawless complexion. My gorgeous friend Caroline bought it as a gift for me on a recent jaunt to Miami and I'm happy to let you know it's available in the UK too.


Like everything from Benefit, the packaging is totally cute, in a adorable book themed box with instructions on how to use all of the products to look totally flawless.


Caroline bought me the medium shade set which includes POREfessional PRO balm which glides onto your skin making it oh so silky soft, minimising the appearance of pores helping prep the skin for the Hello flawless oxygen wow in “I'm so money” honey shade. The texture is thick and luxurious and does give a really good flawless look. However, if you do any any remaining imperfections, a duo of Boi-ing  industrial-strength concealers (Shades 02 & 03) is included in the kit. I've been a massive fan of this concealer for years, generally opting for the 02 shade, but having both in the kit means you can blend together to achieve your perfect colour for the area you are concealing. To finalise the look sweep over the “I'm cute as a bunny” honey custom powder cover-up with the adorable brush included in the kit for a perfect matte finish. Top of the class!




Here are the products on my skin,in the sequence the products are seen in the kit above.
After application!

The set is also available in light and deep to suit your skin tone (£24.50).
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Tuesday 30 October 2012

Scarily Beautiful: Halloween makeup

I love Halloween - an excuse to get in the fancy dress eat sweets and carve pumpkins! Back in my student days we used to dust off the devil horns and head out to town to dance the night away to Thriller. If you decide to go all out or just nod to Halloween here are some ideas to get you ready for tomorrow.

my spooky make up last year!
An easy way to get involved is to paint your talons a spooky colour - such as 17's Navy Glint (£2.99), which is more of a green-ish blue with lots of sparkles (so will see you through until fireworks night!)




Here are some more options for you to ponder over:

Left to right: George Quick Dry Nail Varnish Meteorite £1, Barry M Glitter Nail Paint in Green Glitter £2.99, Max Factor Colour Effects Nail Polish in Laquer Noir £3.99 and Essie in Wicked £8.50.
Or if you can't decide why not treat yourself to OPI's So So Skullicious (£12.95) collection of 4 mini limited edition vanishes for Halloween - I love the Pumpkin shade!

If you're feeling a little more adventurous, using dark make up you can create dark spooky eyes, perfect if your dressing up as a witch, ghoul, mummie or the evil black swan.


I recommend terre d'Oc's powder eye shadow in Noir eclat (£12.95) and 17's Smoulder Gel Eyeliner (£3.99) teamed with Max Factors' Colour Elixir Lipstick (£7.99) in bright red Ruby Tuesday or the darker wine shade of Mulberry.

If you feel your face painting skills are up toy it, why not follow the Blackpool Tower Dungeon's video instructions to create a ghoulish look.



Happy Halloween girls x
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