Lipstick Queen

I have always walked past the Lipstick Queen display at Space NK, showing little regard for it. As a brand, I had always thought it was a bit gimmicky and over-priced so simply ignored it. However, when I noticed these little sets were on sale for £11 I thought it was a good time to try it out!



This is the Five Minutes of Fame Pop Art Lipgloss collection, in particular the 'Berries' collection, I do believe there is also a 'Nudes' collection. The Berries collection contains 5 mini lipglosses with combined brush applicator.




From left to right; shades 2(watermelon pink), 5(pale peach), 11(vibrant purple), 14(gorgeous grape) and 15(sexy wine).

The Positive: The colour selection is lovely, although the pale peach is almost invisible on the lip. The rest of the colours are lovely and vibrant without being too sheer for a gloss but also not so intense. As a gloss it isn't too sticky although my hair would still be attached to my lips if it was a windy day so it's not completely void of stick. The formulation is quite thick which for me is a good thing, i like to feel my lipgloss on my lips.

The Negative: I hate the brush applicator. The consistency of the product is quite thick so I find the brush on applicator creates streaks so you don't get a clean, polished finish. I also always manage to go outside my lip line and make a mess of my face with this brush - this never happens to me!

I also find the product really drying on my lips and after about 20 minutes or so the gloss seems to have disappeared so I do feel the need to keep re-applying. After trying these glosses out my lips became chapped and very dehydrated so I have had to avoid using them too often.

So was I right when I initially dismissed this brand? I think I probably was. I still find it gimmicky and for the quality of product you receive, it is definitely overpriced. I will continue to walk on by the Lipstick Queen displays and I won't be in a hurry to repurchase.

Keep in mind, this is my own opinion and experience with this brand.

x

Happy Anniversary Blog!

So, while i'm sitting here waiting for a certain kitty kat to leave me in peace, it dawned on me that my Blog was a whole 1 year old on Wednesday!

I can't believe I missed such a landmark ;p



It actually doesn't feel like I have been blogging that length of time and I do wonder what I have found to blog about over these past 365 days. Certainly, sometimes I blog more than others and there have been times where I have felt like deleting it, as often I am not 'feeling it' or can't commit as much time to it.

These days I do tend to blog when I have a wee bit of free time or I have something I am excited to share. I have met and keep in touch with some lovely girls since I started blogging and of course discover new and interesting blogs and journals all the time.

Thanks everyone for reading over the past year, I would never have imagined I could capture anyone's interest never mind a whole bunch of ya! :) Hope you keep reading, commenting and enjoying!

Mwah! xx

I am currently being held hostage by a Cat!

I have 101 things to do today and so far I have ticked off less than a handful, mainly because I am now confined to my flat.

This hefty little kitty lives a couple of streets away but often comes miaowing at my window, so on occasion I have let her in and fed her. Big mistake, BIG MISTAKE! She sneaked in the flat today while I was chatting to a neighbour, she ate my last tin of tuna, then curled herself up on the couch and has been sleeping since!

I can't budge her! She is such a strong wee thing, she is so heavy I can't even lift her! I don't want to put her back out on the street but I have errands to do! :( .... oh and at some point my cat allergy is gonna kick in and that could get messy!



She is a pretty little thing, I call her Missy! It would be nice if she would like to go out and play now though, otherwise this day will be a waste!

x

Zoolander!

Just before Christmas I was hankering after some faux fur and luckily enough came across this little belter in French Connection.

The Zoolander jacket! On name alone I was sold (love the movie!) but it also reminded me of a jacket I used to own from Mango that I deeply regret donating to a Charity Shop many years ago. It was mine.

Now, I have to say, my husband isn't a fan of it - he thinks it makes me look like Bollo "I gotta bad feelin' about 'dis!" from The Mighty Boosh (he is a Gorilla for non Boosh fans!)

I don't care, i do love it and it is so warm! The faux fur seems to trap the heat so it has been great over this very very cold winter. I have hardly had it off my back whether I am out pubbing and clubbing or at the Supermarket buying groceries.

I thought I'd show you 2 looks I go for most often when wearing my Zoolander jacket. One is a daytime, relaxed, no fuss look and the other is more glam but still chilled.

Zoolander by saskiathesalsafairy featuring French Connection

On a casual basis, I usually team with skinny blue jeans, sometimes bootleg, and with flat studded boots it gives a little bit of a rock chic look but still practical and comfortable. A casual studded bag and some bangles brighten the look up.

For night time, I usually team with leggings (although my legs are never as skinny as the polyvore set, tut!) and some shoe boots and my newly acquired snakeskin vintage clutch which i love! I usually glam my hair and make up more for any night out too so it looks pretty edgy but keeps me warm in the taxi queue!

As for underneath, I stick to printed t-shirts and sometimes a floaty blouse to wear with leggings. I keep it as simple and low fuss as possible!

So that's how i've been trying to stay stylish in the cold weather, although a lot of days, I just grab as many layers as I can find and go!!

x

Jimmy Choo for UGG

Love them or hate them (i'm in the love camp) UGG are now collaborating with Jimmy Choo to design a new range to be available October 2010.

Last Summer, I adored their moc croc design for Hunter wellies so I could squeal in delight, seeing as I am definitely due a new pair of Uggs after this Winter's snow was the final straw for my beloved pair. However priced between £495-£695, i'm not sure if I could really justify it! In fact, I definitely couldn't.

Apparantly, Tamara Mellon only ever wears Choo's or Uggs hence the decision to collaborate and the range will be based on the Classic Ugg with design elements that embody the spirit of Jimmy Choo.

I really can't imagine for the life of me what they are going to look like but if the H&M collaboration is anything to go by it could be a bit of an anti-climax!

What do you think?

Tigi Catwalk Your Highness

A few months ago I received a press release for a new Tigi Catwalk collection: Your Highness .. as you may have figured - it's a range of volumising hair products.

I am ALWAYS looking for products that volumise because as much as my hair is still quite thick, it certainly lacks the va va voom it once had. I struggle to find a product that works so when I noticed the release in my inbox I quickly got in touch and asked to try a sample of one of the products. So, this was sent to me free of charge for review purposes.

The Your Highness range includes a shampoo, conditioner, shine spray, boost spray, hair spray and the product I was sent, a gel creme.I was little disappointed when I received the gel creme. I never use any kind of gel in my hair but I needn't have been so glum ... it applies more like a serum. It comes in a purple (lovely packaging btw) pump action bottle.

I apply this when my hair is still damp, just before styling. Tigi recommends 2-3 pumps depending on hair length, however, I find that 1 pump is more than enough! The gel is quite runny and is a uv shade of purple. Once applied through hair, I comb it through before I start drying and styling.

According to Tigi the gel creme contains ablend of Jasmine, Violet and UV filters to help protect hair while making it feel thicker and healthier.

So what do I think? Well, at first, I wasn't sure if I noticed any results as my hair felt so smooth and soft... not something I associate with artificial volume. It wasn't until everyone started complimenting me on how gorgeous my hair was looking that I realised it was really making a difference. Not only did my hair look and feel fuller but the shine was lovely, making it look so healthy and full of life!

I use this product all the time though and will definitely look to purchase once the current bottle runs out. You literally feel like you don't have any product in your hair yet the results are there. It's like having naturally bouffant hair! ... and you gotta love the bouffant! Love!

Now I have seen results from this product I would like to try out the rest of the range particular the hairspray and boost spray.

Just for clarification, the fact I was sent this product free of charge does not influence my opinions in this review. This is my honest experience of using the product over a continued period of time.

x

Body Art by Chanel ... ooh la la!

Today, this overwhelming urge to get a tattoo hit me!

I have had this urge before - 8 years ago. At the time, I was living in America where everyone seemed to sport the most amazing and creative body art.

By nature, I'm pretty squeamish (read: Drama Queen) so in the end I did chicken out of the tattoo idea and opted for a naval piercing (another thing everyone seemed to have at the time), which was probably more painful than a tattoo seeing as the girl messed it up - I pierced 3/4 of the way into my belly button meaning that after 9months of constant infection I had to finally get rid of it! :( TMI?

Anyway, I have been pretty happy with my blank canvas until this past week when all I have done is think about all the pretty things I could have tattooed to my body! Anyway, while looking for designs, I came across this for Spring/Summer 2010:

Les Trompe L’Oeil de CHANEL Temporary Skin Art

This book of temporary tattoos (don't worry they are not of the lick your skin then dib dab on variety) is limited edition and is $75 for 55 designs. I guess that's not that bad then?!

The designs are based on temporary tattoos used in the Paris runway show, designed by Global Creative Director Peter Philips.
I do love the chain detailing of these designs but think I would give the Chanel logo a miss! However, I don't think I would like to stretch to $75 for a temporary tattoo, even if there is 55 designs to choose from.

Pretty though, and some nice inspiration :)

x

Cumulative Shoe Haul ...

I haven't done any kind of haul post in a long time and in honesty I think it's because I am pretty bored of them. However, I do love my shoes so thought I would show you some new purchases from the past month making my tootsies happy! :)

It's true, I am addicted to buying shoes and although I still think I am fairly restrained, I do have enough shoes to compete with Imelda Marcos!

I have been a big fan of the 'shoe boot' recently so my first 2 purchases are just that: shoeboots!

First up are these gorgeous grid/mesh like, studded shoes from Topshop. I bought these to wear with my black French Connection dress as seen in a previous post but they look fantastic with leggings and harem pants too! They are ever so slightly rock chic but they certainly grab attention when I wear them, i get so many compliments! I think they were around the £65 mark but New Look do great copies :)

Next up are from Carvela and they are laced shoe boots. They are described as 'Grey' but I would say they are more of a nudey mauve shade if that makes sense. They have some mesh detailing on the sides and are super comfy. They go great with tights, leggings, jeans ... they style up most outfits perfectly!

Now onto the next genre ... Boots. Not shoe boots ... just boots!

It dawned on me when buying this first pair that I practically live in cowboy boots. Whether it is Winter or Summer or whether they are on trend or not, I know I can always rely on a pair of cowboy boots. I guess they are part of my signature style. I bought these boots in Barcelona just before Christmas. Their design is slightly different from traditional cowboy boots but that they are all the same. I love them. They have buckles that wrap around the leg at the top and cut out detailing and studs throughout the leg of the boot.


The last of my haul is a pair of tassled boots from Carvela called 'wiggle' which i find quite funny! simple things and all that .... Anyway, these have a slight, ok tiny but wedged heel. I prefer wearing these with leggings or skinny jeans rather than a skirt. I am also prone to a bit of tassle dancing in these ;pSo, thats my shoe haul. I am trying to do a lot better when it comes to spending on shoes but already I am waiting on a delivery from Kurt Geiger (which seems to be my favourite shoe shop at the moment). I just can't help myself :S

What is your current obsession?

x

H&M what are you thinking?

I was looking up the Spring collections for the high street earlier and came across this. It's part of H&M's mens collection for Spring 2010.
Man skirts!!??

Now, I live in Scotland where our national dress is the Kilt so really a man skirt shouldn't shock me at all! However, this couldn't be further from a kilt, it is a pleated skirt that my mother would wear to the office.

I am all for bold fashion choices and love that H&M break the rules but in this instance I just don't see how it can work!

Even my husband, who is known for having his own unique, fashion forward but tasteful style looked on at this in disgust and agrees that it just won't work, even in our very own country of skirt wearers!

Maybe H&M or our fashion savvy/victim public will prove us wrong?

What do you think? Have H&M taken it too far?!

x

Nailing it!

For the past few months I have been addicted to acrylic nails. I have very small hands, therefore, small nails, not only that, they are weak and prone to breaking. My solution was to have acrylics applied, making them appear longer, healthier and glossier!

In reality, acrylics were killing my nails underneath. I have had a few shaky moments at the nail salon too - once where they made my finger bleed using a drill file! But it was the last visit that put me off for good. This is what they left me with ...
Disgusting aren't they? I really have a good mind to report the salon. On this occassion the nail technician (if you can call her that) actually drill filed my natural nail twice! I don't really think using a drill on natural nails is appropriate or safe but in my stupidity I didn't ask her to stop!

I tried to salvage the nails once I was home, filing them down and painting them with Mac Baby Goth Girl. I ended up with this ...
Still not pretty are they? The shape is awful and she has clearly applied acrylic nails that are too big for my teensy fingers! :(

I had so much going on over Christmas and New Year, I didn't attempt to remove them or go to another salon to have them fixed. I was also a bit scared given my natural nail had been filed down so many times .. they were feeling rather sensitive.

Anyway, a few days ago they started to lift on their own accord so i was able to remove them all one by one. I decided it was time to look after my own nails and concentrate on keeping them healthy.

I bought Sally Hansens Diamond Strength Nail Hardener and I apply 2 coats of it before polish. Already my nails are feeling and looking a lot better. Although, my nails are still in a recovery period and probably have a long way to go, I'm sure you will agree that they already look a lot better. Oh, and finally I have come to terms with the fact that my nails are tiny because my hands are tiny and anything otherwise just looks ridiculous on me!
I still need to work on the shape but i'm getting there ;) In case you are interested the nail colour I am wearing in this photo is China Glaze Lavender Lingo, which has been getting me lots of compliments!

As well as physically looking after my nails, there are many foods that contribute to the health of your nails which will tie in with my goal of a healthy 2010! Foods like asparagus, tuna, apples, garlic, grapes, salmon, eggs, brown rice, cucumbers and anything containing calcium and zinc help with healthy nail growth :)

Hopefully, I can keep you posted on the progress of my nails by posting NOTD posts with healthy natural nails!

Anyone got any other tips for keeping healthy tallons?

x

A dress for all occasions

The festive season is pretty much Party Time! Most years, I have bought new dresses for each night out I have or at least wouldn't be seen dead in the same outfit at different parties!

This year, I decided it was time to be sensible. I bought 1 dress. That's all.

To be honest, I didn't know if it would work. In the end, I sort of set this as a personal challenge to myself. I can be so fussy when it comes to dressing for a night out/party, I truly thought that I wouldn't manage to be happy with 1 dress for multiple parties. But I did manage it. :) *smug*

The dress I finally decided on was the French Connection Wizard dress. Not the infamous strapless version but instead this has 3/4 length sleeves. It's plain black so my thinking was that it could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and with clever accessorising I could make it look different each time I wore it. It cost £85 which I think is quite steep so I really wanted to get my wear out of it and that I did!

I wore it throughout Christmas and even for NYE! Go me! Here are 3 looks I created wearing the dress for my work Christmas party, Christmas day and New Years Eve.

Christmas Party

Christmas Party by saskiathesalsafairy featuring Chanel earrings

I went for a black and gold look for the Christmas Party with uber tanned legs and these gorgeous little shoe boots from Topshop. I kept it a little bit rock chic with Mac Baby Goth Girl on my nails and a little gold clutch.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day by saskiathesalsafairy featuring TopShop tights

I kept it simple but quirky for Christmas Day. I teamed the dress with love heart print tights and shoe boots from Carvela that complimented the tights perfectly. Make up was kept simple with glossy lips and China Glaze lavender lingo on my nails tied in well with the shoes and tights!

New Years Eve

New Years Eve by saskiathesalsafairy featuring


New Years Eve was spent at a street party with some bar hopping in between so as much as I wanted to look glam, I also had to be warm and wrapped up for the sub zero conditions I faced. Thick tights and shoe boots were the order of the day teamed with a leopard print fur jacket and a gold headband for a retro feel. Make up was smokey eyes teamed with a glossy nude lip!

I love this dress and I am so glad I managed to create so many looks with it over the party season! It also looks great with chunky chained necklaces, a waist belt, slouch boots and also great with a sequinned jacket - not all at the same time though! So many looks can be achieved with this dress and I am even considering introducing it into my work wardrobe at some point!

Doing this saved me so much money, if I can keep making sensible style choices like this in 2010 I should hopefully have a more streamlined and stylish wardrobe as well as a healthier bank balance :D

x

My favourite products of last year!

Sorry this one is a bit late seeing as we are now in 2010 but thought I would quickly let you know what products I have loved throughout or discovered in 2010 and probably couldn't go without.

Lipstick: Barry M Peachy Pink (147) - this has been my ultimate go to lipstick, teamed with sheer pinky lipgloss it is just lovely and suits my skintone perfectly :)

Lipgloss: MAC cremesheen in Partial to Pink - love!

Concealer: Bobbi Brown colour corrector and creamy concealer - perfect for disguising under eye dark circles. Great formulation and fantastic coverage

Blush: Nars Orgasm - this has been a popular one since forever but it has been my most used blush this year and it got me through a whole weekend of festival antics with lots of compliments!

Mascara: Cover Girl Lashblast - this really was a find for me. My husband brought it back from a trip to America and I just loved it! I hope to stock up on more at some point. Before this, Chanel Exceptionelle was my absolute love!

Eyeshadow: The Body Shop Shimmer Cube in Warm - this is my absolute favourite palette for a smokey eye. I apply with my fingertips to create a smudged, sultry, smokey eye a la The Olsens twins!

Fake Tan: Sunbrushed - this year I discovered the wonders and cheapness of St Moriz but my favourite is still sunbrushed, so easy to apply, dries quickly and gives a flawlessly even
coverage!

Moisturiser: Estee Lauder Day Wear Plus - I posted about this last month, it's a great cream that leaves my skin feeling refreshed, clear and moisturised.

Eye Cream: Kiehls Abyssine Cream - age is catching up with me so using an eye cream has become a MUST!

Cleansing Wipes: The Body Shop Vitamin E cleansing wipes - I don't use these to fully cleanse my skin but they are fantastic for very late nights when I have no energy to cleanse & tone pre bed time!

That's just a snippet of the products I have loved through 2009! I plan to keep using these products and to experiment less than I have previously. I firmly believe if it's not broken don't fix it so in order to preserve what youth/looks I have then i will be sticking to what works and what I know in 2010!

What are your 2009 favourites?

x

2010

Happy New Year!! :D

Hope you all had a lovely start to the new year! Myself and a group of friends started ours at a street party in the west end of Glasgow! We went for a lovely meal then some bar hopping before piling onto the street to cheer in 2010!

So now its 2010, I guess the diet should begin, I should be drinking my daily intake of water religiously and should be buckling down and learning a new language - all of which I promise myself every year!!

New resolutions are really a thing of the past for me but I do some have goals for next year.

1) Learn to drive - My husband gifted me with a block of lessons for Christmas so I should start my lessons in January so I hope to be driving in the not too distant future, yay!

2) Move house - This was already planned for December 2009 but it all fell through and we are back to square one! Shame, but these things happen and it can only mean that there is something better out there for my husband and I, so bring it on! ;)

3) Be Healthy! - Okay, okay, this is on everyones list every year I know! I can only hope I do stick to some sort of exercise regime and cut back on eating out and eating in!! maybe just eating full stop!

4) Wardrobe overhaul - not exactly deep but every few months I hit a style rut. I have a clear sense of what I like and dislike so this 'should' be easy but it's more about making sensible choices when buying clothes/shoes/bags - spending more on investment pieces and not being sucked in by 'trends', focussing more on my individual style, staying true to myself!

5) Get Creative! - I have quite a creative streak but I just never have time for it. I want to start expressing this side of me more, whether it be customising clothes or sending home-made birthday cards. Oh, and hopefully (fingers crossed) there will be a new home to decorate so that will be a perfect opportunity to get handy!

These are strictly not resolutions but simply aims for the year, no pressure ;p!

All the best for 2010!! Hope it's happy, healthy and full of fun! :)

x