Wet 'n' Wild Palettes Giveaway

Kayla Shevonne is having a giveaway on her blog where one lucky winner will get these four Wet 'n' Wild Palettes

I have already submitted my entry... click here to submit yours!

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January 2011 Favourites

So, the first month of 2011 is already gone (very fast might I add!) and here are the products I have been using over and over again during this month:

The Body Shop Spiced Vanilla Body Scrub & Body Butter ~ I just love the scent of these two and not only do I enjoy it in the bathroom, but whenever I feel a bit under the weather, I like to open them up and take a sniff to lift my spirits :)

e.l.f. Zit Zapper & Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Rose Beige ~ I have been using the Zit Zapper to dry out any pimples that have a life of their own and I really like the results whereas I have been using the Tinted Moisturizer as an alternative to foundation.  Reviews coming up soon on both of these!

essence stay natural concealer in 01 Soft Beige ~ This was a re-purchase because I was running low on my Rimmel concealer. I like the liquid consistency of this one better than the stick formulation of the other so  guess this will be my go-to concealer!

Caboodles honey flavoured lipgloss in Yummy Swirls ~ Mum got this because she thought it would come out sheer, tried it and she didn't like it because it was too shimmery for her but for me, it works perfectly! Watch out for the review!

Montagne Jeunesse Aloe Vera Face Tonic & Blemish Mud ~ my favourite brand when it comes to face masks that smell gorgeous and actually do their work! My current favourites are the Aloe tonic and Blemish Mud :) Keep your eyes peeled for loads of reviews on Montagne Jeunesse Products in the coming weeks!

La Roche Posay Lipikar Xerand Hand Cream ~ my bf's aunt gave this full-sized hand cream sample and I'm really loving it and the way it makes my hands feel soft without being greasy! Will be reviewing this soon :)

Shulips Heel Protectors ~ the revolution in heel protection might I say! I like how these are designed so that once they fit, they don't budge... read my review to find out more ;)

I have also been working on more nail art designs than ever this month due to a course I took.  If you missed the posts, here are the pictures again :) I have also been setting up my work portfolio so watch out for posts in which I will explain how you can make yours as well :)

 Now let's see what new products February brings!


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Saturday Morning Haul!

Yesterday morning me and my bf did some errands and here's what I got:

Earring holder for all my earrings... even studs!

Nail polish dryer and two BYS Cosmetics nail polishes in 137 Pink on the Brink and 1 Aqua Pool. I'm planning to get more things from this brand cos I really like them!

I still had to get more things like clothes, accessories and stuff but by the time we got to Sliema, there was a lot of traffic and no parking was available :( but I still wanted to show you what I got yesterday!

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NOTW: Cherries and hearts for my Valentine... Valentine's Day Tutorial #1

Hello cupcakes :) Here's my first nail tutorial for Valentine's Day! I was inspired to do this by LOVE4NAILS on YouTube. Let's get started :)

1. Start by applying a clear base coat on all the nails and proceed with a white polish to create a French manicure.

2a. Now let's start working on the cherries... I decided to do the cherries on both the ring fingers and thumbs.  Grab a large dotting tool and dip it in some red polish.  Place two large dots on the desired nails in a diagonal fashion as shown in the picture. Leave to dry.

b. When dry, take a black nail polish and do a small elliptical shape at the top of the cherries and with a white nail polish, do little shapes on the sides of the fruit to give them a 3D appearance.

c. To complete the design, draw two thin stems with a green polish.

3. For the other nails, do a grid shape on the tip with a black striper polish and let dry.

4. For the little heart shapes, you need a small dotting tool and some red nail polish. They are very easy to do, just place two dots a little apart from each other in a horizontal line and drag them downwards to achieve the heart shape! I placed the hearts in alternate boxes but it's really up to you :)

5. When finished, just top coat and you're done! 

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Tag: Bold

I saw this tag on Stavroula's blog and since it is a bit different from the tag posts we are used to, I decided to do it as well :) Basically, you just have to make the statements you relate to bold, hence the name of the tag! Let's start!

I miss somebody right now.
I don't watch TV these days.
I wear glasses or contact lenses.
I love to play video games.
I have tried marijuana.
I have been in a threesome.
I have been the psycho-ex in a past relationship.
I believe honesty is usually the best policy.
I have changed a lot mentally over the last year.
I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me
I'm TOTALLY smart.
I have broken someones bones.
I'm paranoid sometimes.
I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
I need money right now.
I LOVE sushi.
I talk really,really fast.
I have long hair.
I have lost money in Las Vegas.
I have at least one sibling.
I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past.
I couldn't survive without Caller ID.
I am usually pessimistic.
I have a lot of mood swings.
I have a hidden talent.
I'm always hyper no matter how much sugar i have.
I am currently single.
I have pecked someone of the same sex.
I enjoy talking on the phone.
I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
I love to shop.
Enjoy window shopping.
I would rather shop than eat.
I don't hate anyone.
I'm a pretty good dancer.
I'm completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.
I have a cell phone.
I believe in God.
I watch MTV on a daily basis.
I have passed out drunk.
I've rejected someone before.
I have no idea what i want to do for the rest of my life.
I want to have children in the future.
I have changed a diaper before.
I've called the cops on a friend before.
I'm not allergic to anything.
I have a lot to learn.
I have been with someone at least 10 years older or younger.
I am shy around the opposite sex.
I have tried alcohol before.
I have made a move on a friend's significant other or crush in the past.
I own the South Park movie.
I would die for my best friends.
I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.
I have used my sexuality to advance my career
I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.
Halloween is awesome because you get free candy.
I watch Spongebob Squarepants and i like it.
I am happy at this moment.I'm obsessed with guys.
I study for tests most of the time.
I tie my shoelaces differently from anyone I've ever met.
I am comfortable with who I am right now.
I have more than just my ears pierced.
I walk barefoot wherever i can.
I have jumped off a bridge.
I love sea turtles.
I spend ridiculous money on makeup.
Plan on achieving a major goal/dream.
I'm proficient in a musical instrument.
I worked at McDonald's restaurant.
I hate office jobs.
I love sci-fi movies.
I think water rules.
I went to college out of state.
I love sausages.
I love kisses.
I usually like covers better than originals.
I can pick up things with my toes.
I can't whistle.
I can move my tongue in waves, much like a snakes slither.
I have ridden a horse.
I still have every journal I've ever written in.
I can't stick to a diet.
I talk in my sleep.
I try to forget things by drowning them out with loads of distractions.
Climbing trees is a brilliant past-time.
I have jazz in my blood.
I wear a toe ring.
I have a tattoo.
I can't stand at LEAST one person that i work with.
I am a caffeine junkie.
I cosplay or know what cosplaying is.
I have been to over 15 conventions.
I will collect anything, and the more nonsensical the better.
I'm an artist. (if being a nail artist counts!)
I only clean my room when necessary.
I like a person of the same sex.
I love being happy.
I am an adrenaline junkie.

I tag all of you to do this! Would love to your responses!

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Review: Shulips Heel Protectors

Hey guys! Today I'm going to review the Shulips Heel Protectors I won from the first R8Beauty Christmas giveaway.

They got here two weeks ago or so and I couldn't wait to give them a go! So I tried them immediately with a pair of shoes that fits me a bit big and thus rubs against the back of my feet with every step.

Let's see what they look like first. So, they come in this cute cardboard box which has like a tulip motif on it with a window so you can see which colour you're picking (mine were clear). On the back, you will find instructions on how to use them.

To open the package, you just have to lift the tab at the back and pull out the carton on which the Shulips are. Mine was a bit difficult to pull out because the carton was stuck to one of the sides so I just tore the sides open and took the Shulips out.

This is how the Shulips actually look like:

They are basically shield-shaped rubber pads with an overlapping lip! They are very easy to apply, just remove the protective backing and position in your shoe, making sure to align the lip to the back of the shoe  (see pictures below). This ensures that your Shulips stay in place and your feet are taken care of!

 

I really like how they feel... not to hard, not too soft... just comfortable enough that you forget what heel pain and blisters are!

I definitely recommend these to anyone because they are the only true heel protectors I have found to work for me! Here's where you can buy them if you are in the UK or even outside! Enjoy your pain-free heels!

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Mid-Week Beauty Masterclass: Concealer

Hey guys! Next make-up item that goes on our faces after foundation, is concealer. There are different types of formulations and colours to suit everyone no matter how dark or fair you are and what your problem areas are as you will find out if you keep on reading.  Concealers are an invaluable make-up product especially if like me, you have dark circles or blemishes you want to cover up.  As I said before, concealers do not only come in flesh-toned colours, but there are also those known as colour correctors which are usually either green, lavender or yellow.  These serve to neutralize redness, brighten up dark areas and neutralize blueish under-eye circles respectively.

Now let's see the different types of concealers available and what are the best uses for each one!

Stick Concealers really resemble lipsticks and they have quite a thick/dry consistency, making them a little bit hard to blend.  Due to the thick texture, they offer a medium - high coverage and are thus best for covering up blemishes. These concealers are best avoided under the eyes as they tend to sink in fine lines.  To make blending easier, the best way to apply such concealers is with your fingers as the warmth will soften the formula, enabling you to blend it better.  Small amounts are recommended when working with stick concealers as they look cakey very easily.  If you feel you need more coverage, build it up gradually.

Liquid Concealers are probably the most widely used type of concealer and they are usually presented in either a squeezy tube, or in a lipgloss-like tube or else in a twist-up format.  The consistency of liquid concealers is somewhat lightweight and blends easily.  Since they are neither oily nor heavy, they are suitable for all skin types.  It usually doesn't crease and it has good staying power, offering light to medium coverage, but you can layer it to achieve almost full coverage.  Liquid concealer is suitable for use on both the face and under eye area, but you have to work fast, because it dries pretty quickly and if you don't blend it in correctly it can look patchy. The best way to apply it is to dot it on the area you want to cover either with your finger or with the applicator and then blend it in with your finger using a gentle, patting motion until it looks nice and even!

Cream Concealer is usually supplied in little pots or pans. As the name suggests, it has a nice, creamy consistency, making it ideal for people with dry skin. It can be used both on the face and under eye area as it provides medium to full coverage and lasts pretty well even without any setting powder.  There are various ways of applying this type of concealer such as with your fingers, a sponge or concealer brush.  For hygienic reasons, I always recommend the use of a brush especially if you are covering zits to prevent the spread of infection and contaminating your concealer (this applies for all types). Also, make sure to sanitize your brush after each use.

Mineral Concealer is the latest formula to hit the market and it has gained quite a lot of popularity.  It comes in powder form and because it is mineral, it is free from parabens and preservatives and is therefore hypoallergenic.  It usually offers a light - medium coverage and stays on for quite some time.  It is suitable for most skin types but is especially good for people with oily skin as it absorbs oil.  On the other hand, if you have dry/mature skin, steer clear of it as it will make dry patches/fine lines/wrinkles more visible. The best way to apply it is by using a full and fluffy brush and tap the brush on the areas you want to cover until you achieve the coverage you want.

A tip to remember when using concealer is keep in mind what type of foundation you are using; if you are using a mineral foundation, the concealer goes on after the foundation because otherwise, the powder will stick to the concealer and look cakey.  If on the other hand, you are using liquid foundation, it doesn't matter when you apply concealer but I prefer applying it before foundation but you may apply it afterwards if you so desire.

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Makeup by Claire 100 Followers Giveaway

Claire is having a giveaway on her blog to celebrate reaching 100 followers :) If you fancy winning some elf goodies, then click here to enter! Good luck to all :) 

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Nail Art Creations from my last lesson & What is a Portfolio?

Hello cupcakes :) As some of you may know, yesterday I had my second and final lesson of the nail art course I was doing.  Here are the designs I did as homework for this lesson, the designs I did during the lesson and the attendance certificate... Hope you all like them :)

Last week, Enigma asked me what is a portfolio and what should you include in it.  I haven't started compiling mine yet but basically, it is a showcase of all your work which is always a must in the beauty industry with all this competition.

You can either take pictures of your work or else, stick nail tips with designs on them (like the ones above) on some nice background and put everything in a nice display book. When I do mine, I will share some more photos with you so can get a better idea :)

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Top-Ten Tuesdays ~ YouTube Beauty Gurus & Nail Artists

Last week, I listed my favourite beauty bloggers and this week, I will share with you my favourite YouTube Beauty Gurus and Nail Artists! Do check out their channels and if you haven't already, hit subscribe!

10. emilynoel83
9. Filthy Gorgeous Makeup
8. ginabinawina99
7. miss glamorazzi
6. Bubz Beauty
5. oxfordjasmine
4. pixiwoo
3. DivaMakeUpQueen
2. LOVE4NAILS
1. Miss Chievous

There are loads of other YouTubers whom I love watching all of their tutorials such as TiffanyD, BeenaBop, KlairedelysArt and ClioMakeUp but these are the ones I like most :)

Who are your favourite YouTube gurus ladies?


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Beauty Bloggings Giveaway!

Hello cupcakes :) Fancy winning a Mac lippy and eyeshadow of your choice together with a set of No7 nail varnishes? Then click here and follow the rules to enter the draw :)

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Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award!

The ever so sweet Ashley of CosmeticEye, was kind enough to award me The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award :) Thank you hun! I really enjoy reading her posts and watching her YouTube videos so definitely check her out!

Now, on receiving the award I have to list 5 guilty pleasures of mine and pass on the award to three other bloggers :)

5 Guilty Pleasures

Chocolate - I am a real chocaholic!

Shoes & Nail Polishes!!!! I just can't have enough of them :D

Blogging - my latest hobby and I'm lovin' it!

Girly reads

Make-up and anything that translates into pampering-me-time... scrubs, lotions, bubble baths, etc...

I give this award to:

Enigma - I love reading all her posts, especially those that are nail related!

Martina and Denise - these two have recently started a new blog together with very informative posts related to beauty!

Charlene - I really enjoy reading her blog and love the cute pictures she posts :)

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NOTW: Flower Galaxy

Happy Sunday everyone :) here's the nail design for this week:

I really like the colour combinations of this one especially the pink flowers which give a nice twist to the manicure. I am really into dark polishes now so as soon as I bought the grey one, I absolutely had to wear it! Let's get started!

1. Apply a clear base coat and follow with a grey creme polish or any other colour of your choice. I used essence colour & go in 35 Movie Star.

2. Using a regular make-up sponge, sponge a dark polish in the form of a slant tip on each tip.  I used e.l.f. Metal Madness but since it is quite a dark colour, I alternated with some Orly Dazzle (metallic silver) for more definition and dimension. So, I first sponged Metal Madness, then a little Dazzle and again some more Metal Madness.

3. On the very tips of each nail, I dragged some silver glitter polish for that added sparkle.

4. Top coat all the nails with a clear glossy top coat and place flower rhinestone along the sponging line on the ring fingers.  I chose a light pink, a medium pink and a dark pink flower to add to the gradient effect of the nails.  When dry, top coat the ring fingers once again to secure the rhinestones in place for longer. You're done!

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EOTN 21/01/11 + Products for reviewing!

Hello my lovelies :) Hope you're all having a fab weekend so far! Mine is jam packed with assignments, nail art (for portfolio) and tonight we will be out for a 90's party :D Anyways, here is the eye make-up I wore yesterday night:

Products Used:

e.l.f. Eyelid Primer

Eyeshadows colours in cranberry, dark purple and light pink from Deborah Stories Palette

Barry M Shimmering Eye & Lip Crayon in Pink

e.l.f. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black

Revlon Beyond Natural Lashes in Natural Defining

e.l.f. Lengthening and Defining Mascara

essence stay natural concealer in 01 Soft Beige 

This morning I woke up to an envelope filled with 6 face masques from Montagne Jeunesse for review purposes :D Here's all I got and watch out for the reviews soon!!

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Review: The Body Shop Spiced Vanilla Body Scrub and Body Butter

Hey y'all! Today I'm going to review two products that I have been using almost everyday since I got them (credit goes to my bro)... The Body Shop Spiced Vanilla Body Scrub and Body Butter!  I have been lusting over the limited edition holiday collections by The Body Shop ever since they were released here in Malta and being a sucker for anything vanilla, I just couldn't let these pass me by could I? So when my brother asked me what I wanted, I told him these would be perfect and he got me the large ones!! :D

Here's what they look like packaging-wise:

So they are the same as other scrubs and body butters from The Body Shop but I actually like the motifs on the caps and neutral colours of the tubs.

Body Scrub

You get 200ml (198g) of 'exfoliating scrub scented with a hint of spice and extract of vanilla & also with Community Trade cocoa butter'.  From this sentence, you know that what is inside smells a.m.a.z.i.n.g!!! Plus the fact that it contains Community Trade cocoa butter, means you can spoil yourself and be guilt-free as some of the proceeds go to help people who are in need :)

The texture of this scrub is somewhere like yoghurt: not too thick, not to runny and the granules do not feel harsh at all against the skin, yet they polish it to perfection to reveal silky smooth skin that smells delicious!

The smell of this lingers for quite a long time on its own and to prolong it, I always team it with the matching body butter that I am going to write about later on this post.  However, to me it seems that the scrub has a stronger scent than the body butter.

So far this is my favourite body scrub from The Body Shop only because it smells of vanilla as it performs in the same way as the other ones I have tried from them.  This scrub retails for €12 but considering that you get an awesome amount and that some of the proceeds go towards Community Trade, I think it is well worth the money.

Body Butter

On to the 'sweetly scented' body butter 'with a hint of spice and extract of vanilla'... The one I have is also in the 200ml format but with regards to weight, it weighs 192g (the scrub weighs more because of the granules). I really like the thick textures of body butters from The Body Shop all year round practically! During this time of year, I like it because it feels really moisturizing whilst in the summer, I do enjoy a cool and hydrating treat after a day at the beach.  Despite it's thick texture, it is still rapidly absorbed by the skin and doesn't feel sticky at all.

Although it has the same smell as the scrub, I find it doesn't last that much when I use it on its own and I can even say that it doesn't smell as strong as the scrub does; but I still love it! I'm actually gutted that this was just limited edition (together with Cranberry Joy and Jolly Orange) :( The body butter retails for €13 but again, it will last so I say go for it while you can!

P.S. If you are in the UK, check out The Body Shop Website and get your fix of Vanilla Spice for £6 each!!

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