Fringe Benefits

Can you believe that I schedule ONE post and it doesn’t work?! Typical.

For those of you who don’t follow me on Twitter and missed my post-drastic-cut-wobbles, between Christmas and New Year I was feeling particularly ‘meh’ about my hair so I decided it was high time that I went for the chop. I was planning on going back to my trusty chin-length bob but somehow my hairdresser managed to convince me that a fringe was the way to go. Considering the fact that I haven’t had a fringe for about 12 years I was surprisingly easily led and a 40 minutes later there was no going back.

I wasn’t entirely sure about it to start with but I think I’m just about getting used to it now, so much so that instead of growing it out immediately as I originally intended, I’ve become quite attached to it!

xxx

Here We Go Again…

Well where did January go? Seriously, it seems to have absolutely flown by. One minute its New Years Eve, the next its (almost) payday. I should start by wishing everyone a rather belated Happy New Year – I hope 2011 has got off to a great start for everyone. Secondly, I should apologise for being MIA….again. I’ve not really got an excuse this time, I just didn't have anything to say and rather than boring you all to death I thought I may as well keep schtum. Anyway, I’m hoping that 2011 will be a good one so I’ll have plenty to say this year!

All has been quiet on the beauty front recently, mainly because I’ve been trying to use up the stockpiles I have before buying anything else, firstly because my dressing room can’t take any more, and secondly because I’m determined to stop spending money on things I just don’t need so that I can spend it on more exciting things (like holidays).

Usually January is my cue to jump on some diet bandwagon but this year is different. Instead of trying (and failing) to stick to some rigid plan and depriving myself of all the things I love I’m trying to re-educate myself and make myself more aware of what I eat so that I make better choices by keeping a food diary. So far so good! As well as this,  I’m seriously stepping up my gym game too, so brace yourself for lots of incredibly boring gym / fitness / diet posts in preparation for the wedding season – three invites this year all ready, is there something in the water?!

Here’s to a fabulous 2011!

xxx

Snow is Falling…..(still)

 

Autumn Treats

Hello Lovelies

Brrrrr, its freezing outside! Funnily enough, autumn is my absolute favourite time of year – there’s nothing I like better than wrapping up warm and going for a long walk through the crunchy autumn leaves. Plus I love bonfire night and Halloween! In honour of the seasons turning and my impending trip to New York (well, in January….) I decided to treat myself to some new winter boots.

I’m a big fan of my UGGs in autumn/winter but I find that they’re a bit of a death trap as soon as the ice hits, so instead of buying yet another pair of classics, I decided to mix it up a bit and went for some UGG Kensingtons which are more of a biker style. I had to size up which is a first in UGGs (I usually have to size down!) so I was a bit worried my feet would look huge, but as soon as I tried them on I didn’t care – it’s love!!

I also invested in a replacement for the famous River Island Panda hat, which will barely (no pun intended) be off my head until spring – whether the Mr likes it or not!!

What are your favourite autumn essentials?

xxx

Paul Mitchell Haul

Hello Lovelies

I've had such a busy October that despite my best intentions I've lapsed on the blogging front somewhat! Anyway, I finally plucked up the courage to get my hair cut which, given my hairdresser trust issues was a massive step (more on that to come), but also gave me licence (in my mind at least) to place a little order with Lookfantastic. Most of you will know I have a bit of a fixation on Paul Mitchell products, so along with a couple of old favourites, I also picked up two products I haven't yet tried.

The Old Favourites:

 Platinum Blonde Shampoo

Super Strong Daily Conditioner

The New Kids on the Block:

Super Strong Liquid Treatment

Thicken Up Styling Liquid

 

Reviews coming soon!

xxx

REVIEW: No7 Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser

Hello lovelies!

I have a very weird relationship with No7. Every so often I’ll find an absolute gem (like the Cleanse and Car eye make up remover which I absolutely swear by) but I only ever have a good look at the display when I have a £5 off voucher burning a hole in my purse.

I’ve read mixed reviews about the Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser, however at £3.75 with a voucher (£8.75 normally, for anyone who’s maths is as terrible as mine) I thought it would be rude not to give it a whirl, as by this point I’d bought enough eye make up remover to fill a child’s paddling pool.

The product comes in a box with a small muslin cloth, however the one I picked up was without a cloth, so I can’t pass comment on the cloth that comes in the box as I had to pick up a pack from my local cook shop. I assume its the same thing, apparently muslin has a LOT of uses!

The directions on the box / bottle tell you to massage the cleanser onto your face then soak the cloth in very hot water, wring it out, lay the cloth over your face to open your pores, remove the cleanser off using the cloth in a circular motion, then splash your face with cold water and pat dry. Now most of you will know by now I’m always in a rush, I much prefer an extra 5 minutes in bed to sitting in the bathroom with a lukewarm cloth on my face, so when I read the instructions I was less than inspired. It all sounds like too much effort to me.

When I actually used the product, it was much easier and much less effort than I expected. The cleanser is really thick and luxurious feeling, and a couple of pumps is plenty for each use. I tend to use it in the shower after I’ve slapped conditioner on which means that I’m probably not getting the cloth as hot as I should, but it seems to be working fine for me. I’m not sure my skin looks any more radiant, but it definitely feels softer, something which is probably more attributable to the cloth than the cleanser - I’d be insterested to try out the cloth paired with different cleansers. I’m not sure I’d buy this product again at full price, but I’d definitely re-purchase with another £5 voucher.

xxx

REVIEW: Inika Mineral Foundation Powder

Hello ladies (and gents)

This review is the second product I received in the September Mypure Bloggers Parcel, Inika Mineral Foundation Powder. This product is available here and retails for £24.99 for an 8g pot. I was lucky enough to receive not only the foundation, but also the Inika kabuki brush which is available here and retails for £22.99, and a cute little gold make up bag to stash the brush and foundation along with a few other handbag essentials.

I was really excited to try this product, as I'm a big fan of mineral foundations. I like the way that the coverage can be built from barely-there to medium coverage without feeling mask like or heavy. I also like the feeling that my skin can breathe, which is something I sometimes struggle with when it comes to liquid and creme foundations.

Having read up on Inika, I learnt that the company are Australian and have a firm belief that women should be aware of what goes into their products and therefore goes onto their skin. I was also pleased to find out that this is one of the few 100% natural mineral foundations on the market at the moment.

When I cracked open the packaging I was pleased to find that the colour I was sent was a good match to my skin tone, and that the packaging incorporated a sifter – I've had many an accident with loose products which don’t include a sifter (Barry M Dazzle Dusts, I’m looking at you).

My favoured application method is to tip a bit of product into the lid and swirl the kabuki in the lid to pick up the product. I then tap off the excess and buff the foundation into my skin in a circular motion. I used the Kabuki supplied with the foundation and I was really pleased with the results. My skin tone was evened out and there was no cakey-ness or heaviness. The kabuki is fantastic, 100% certified vegan and 100% certified cruelty free. As it is retractable it is perfect for your handbag/makeup bag and the bristles won’t get damaged.

I’d definitely recommend this product to anyone who like me, doesn't like heavy foundation or anyone who is looking for a lighter foundation than they would usually use, perhaps during the summer or on a holiday.

xxx