Bank Holiday FOTD

It has been a glorious bank holiday weekend for me, friends, fun and good weather. The last of my 3 day obligatory bank holiday bender was an event called Fiasco Secret Location. An intimate number of revellers all get together at a bar then a bus/taxi transport us to a secret venue for a massive party and fantastic line up of DJ's! Oh and a random bungee run was thrown into the mix too - Great fun!

Anyway ... the day kicked off around 3pm ... I decided on casual but cool look - peg leg trousers with a loose fitting vest, leather jacket and wedges. Comfort prevailed as I knew I would be on my feet dancing from early on. As for make up - I decided to put my Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland palette to use. It had lay unloved for a few months as I let everyone else get on with the hype of such a delightful feast for the eyes (quite literally). I think I may be delving into it daily though as I loved the colours so much! FACE:
Foundation: Estee Lauder Double Wear
Concealer: Bobbi Brown creamy concealer
Bronzer: Nars Laguna
Blush: Illamasqua Unrequited
Highlighter: Topshop Sunbeam
EYES:
Shadow: Urban Decay AIW palette -Drink Me Eat Me - all over lid, Mad Hatter - crease, White Rabbit - browbone, Alice on lower lashline
Eyeliner: Bobbi Brown Gel liner and Urban Decay liner in teal on waterline
Mascara: Cover Girl Lash Blast
Lashes: Revlon Lush individual lashes on outer corner
LIPS:
Lipliner: Urban decay Wicked
Lipstick: MAC Angel
Lipgloss: Dolce & Gabbana Candy
I was so pleased with my make up, it felt fresh and lasted the whole day and night with no touch ups other than lipgloss. This is the first time I have worn EL double wear for a night out and it really lasted well and looked fresh even after hours of dancing!

Sadly, I am back in the office tomorrow ... hope you have all had a great bank holiday!

x

Melissa for Vivienne Westwood

Last week I bought a gorgeous pair of Melissa + Anglomania + Vivienne Westwood shoes and have hardly had them off my feet since.

They are not your average shoe and on first impressions they seem quite hard to style however I have found them to be so versatile and regardless of their colour or style they go with so many different combos! It was the lovely Kerry who asked me to do this post, unfortunately I don't have any photos of me wearing the shoes yet but I have put together a few polyvore sets of similar outfits I have worn the shoes with.

This first outfit was very similar to what I wore on my anniversary dinner last week ... skinny jeans, sequinned cardi, blue bag and vw shoes.

Vivienne Styling by saskiathesalsafairy featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs

The next set is a little more casual with smart/city shorts with a nautical top or graphical tee, the blazer gives it a preppy vibe or you can team it up with a playsuit for a smarter look - again I have linked the colour in with my blue marc by marc jacobs bag.

Vivienne styling by saskiathesalsafairy featuring TopShop

Finally, this last set looks like I have gone a bit blue mad but you can really team any colour or neutrals and rely on the shoes to add a generous pop of colour.

Vivienne Styling by saskiathesalsafairy featuring H&M

Really there are loads of options when styling these shoes. They are such a great buy and I am getting lots of wear out of them already with the added bonus that they are comfortable *smug*
I will say, at first it probably feels a bit odd to look down at big lovehearts on your feet but they are super cute and they guarantee lots of compliments - always nice to hear!

Hope this helps anyone thinking about purchasing - you won't regret it!

x

Lollipop Loving!

For months and months this lipstick had been chucked to the back of the lipstick drawer unloved and yes, unwanted.

I really thought this colour was not for me and I had made a big mistake in purchasing it (from the Mac sugarsweet collection). I mean in the tube, it looks lovely, it's a pale coral with a golden green shimmer running through it but on my pasty skin it just looked blah and a little too 'mature'. However, as I've mentioned I have started fake tanning again and thought I would trial it on a purely experimental basis but it has actually turned into a full on obsession for this lippie!

On slightly more tanned skin it gives a fresh coral glaze across your lips. Just enough to brighten and make your lips look alive in the summer sun. It makes me feel girly and feminine and teams well with bronze shadows and blush.

I am truly loving Lollipop Loving! :)

x

Cheek of the Week!

This week I have been tanning - faux, of course. This calls for a slight change in the make up routine ...Usually going for a more bronzed summery finish.

This is why this week's blush is perfect. It's Mac mineralized blush in Sun & Moon from the fairly recent Too Fabulous collection. It's a duo blush in a gorgeous bronzey peachy shade. It gives a lovely sunkissed flush to the cheeks. There is a lot of shimmer in this product which I really like, it gives a lovely sheen to the cheeks without looking overly glamorous for daytime and not too glittery for an evening look.
I apply by swirling both colours together and apply quite generously (even though it is very pigmented already) to my cheeks. I am slightly paler than I was at the weekend in these photos but it is certainly a colour I can get away with even without fake tan.

Since the sun is shining I will need to think of another summery colour for next time! :)

x

My week in pictures ...

Clinique Anti-Blemish Trials

When I first posted about Clinique Anti Blemish Foundation, I promised that I would trial it on some models, i.e, my family ... and give you their thoughts on the foundation....

So, let me introduce you to the motley crew... this is their 'before, before' photo ... basically what they would normally look like all glammed up.

Here we have Haley, my niece. Her mamma and my sister, Helen, and my other sister, Margaret. Haley is 23 ... as for Helen and Margaret ... well, they're old enough for me to keep their ages secret lets put it that way! ;)



First of all, we tried the foundation on Haley. Haley has quite prominent acne scars and oily skin, she hoped the foundation would smooth out her complexion and disguise her scarring.
As you can see, the scarring mainly affects Haley's cheeks, which isn't great for her profile. You can see the difference this foundation has made to Haley's skin from the before and after shots. Her skin looks much smoother and although her scarring is not completely hidden, they are appear much more subtle. The formula was great for Haley's oily skin type, creating a radiant yet matte finish.
Haley felt the foundation although appeared thick and felt heavier to touch than her usual foundation, she admitted it was very lightweight on her skin. She was over the moon with the results of it covering her scars and it blended beautifully over her skin. The finished result was beautiful on Haley's skin, her skin went from tired and dull to fresh and glowing. A happy customer.
Next up was Haley's mum, Helen. Helen's skin appeared more dry. Normally, she wears very little or a very light foundation so this was something quite different for Helen to try. It was slightly harder to blend over Helen's skin and we found that it settled in the creases of her skin, no matter how much we blended. The end result wasn't too bad though but we both agreed that Helen suits a much lighter dewy foundation.Finally, Margaret tried the foundation. Margaret has normal/combination skin and the clinique anti blemish blended like a dream over it. Again, Margaret normally wears a lighter foundation but even she loved the result. Her skin appeared much smoother and radiant without the foundation looking cakey.

In conclusion, we have 2 out of 3 happy customers... plus one if you include me. I have worn this foundation everyday and I am more than happy with it.Clinique anti-blemish solutions foundation is £20 and available to buy now. I am going through mine so fast, it looks like I will be picking up a new one soon!

Celebrity Slim Giveaway Winners!

Thank you to all who entered the Celeb Slim giveaway, I was overwhelmed with the response for my first giveaway and hope to hold more in the future.

I used random.org to select the winners ...

The 3 winners who will each receive a Celebrity Slim Starter Pack ...are .... *drumroll please* ....

GLITTER AND LOVE

TABITHA SHERIDAN

TIFFANY

Well Done Girls! :)

All I need you to do now is email me your address details and I will endeavour to send the packs as soon as possible. You can email me at saskiathesalsafairy@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks again to everyone who entered x

Bargain Louboutin Dupes!

Someone mentioned on twitter that I have is-shoes!! They are not far wrong.

I have been on a shoe buying frenzy recently and on my way I have discovered a few designer dupes on the High Street.

The current offering comes from Next - their shoes are schmokin' at the mo so make sure you go and take a look. Bargainous too!

Shoe Dupes by saskiathesalsafairy on Polyvore.com

These shoes aren't an exact dupe of course (is anything an exact dupe?) but it is pretty close in style, shape and height. The Next heels may not have a red sole but instead the sole has a lace pattern all over it. Details, i love 'em!

In fact, these aren't the only Louboutin dupes that Next have in stock - why don't you go and see what others you can spot!

The best thing about these shoes? They are only £28! Mucho Cheapo! :D

x

Clinique Anti-Blemish Foundation

As mentioned a few posts ago, I am going to be reviewing Clinique's current foundation offering from the anti-blemish range.

I started using it on Sunday and I am already dying to give you my first thoughts. So far... I love it. The foundation gives a medium to full coverage, blends wonderfully without too much buffing required and has great lasting power.

It applies matte so I find no need for powder and my bronzer, blush, highlighter etc blend very well with it. The overall finish is very smooth, polished and fresh.

Not at all cakey or dry as you might expect from this type of foundation. As I say this is only my first thoughts and further updates will be posted but in the meantime, here is some photographic evidence of how lovely it sits on the skin - and it's not often I say that about photographs of myself!!
My skin has also had a bit of a breakout so I really am putting this foundation to the test, hopefully Clinique Anti Blemish foundation will work overtime and help rid me of my spotty skin and keep me looking glam at the same time!

Celebrity Slim Update & GIVEAWAY!!

I am now 4 and a half weeks into the celebrity slim diet plan and everything is going amazingly well.

I have now shifted 9lbs of lard and chunk and not only am I looking and feeling slimmer and fresher, my confidence is really growing by the day. I am starting to look and feel like the old me again :D

I don't get hunger pangs as I am allowed to snack in between shakes/meals and my food choices are much healthier than before - even my husband is noticing a difference as I used to eat everything in sight!! I did try and take some photos this week to try and document the weightloss but none of them turned out very good so they will have to wait until the next update.

Anyway, after my last couple of posts, Celebrity Slim's PR spotted them and got in touch asking if I would like some starter packs to give away. Since a few of you have shown some interest in the product I thought you might be up for winning a pack.

Celebrity Slim Starter Pack

Contains 14x55g (7 Day supply) Meal Replacement Shake Sachets in Assorted Flavours (4xChocolate, 2xCafe Latte, 2xVanilla, 2xBanana, 2xStrawberry, 2xCaramel), Shaker, Programme Guide, Diet Diary and 2 FREE soups. Everything you need to get started on the Celebrity Slim Programme!

I bought this pack to get me started on the diet. It's good to trial the product out to see if it's really for you. I now order my shakes and bars online from http://www.rowlandspharmacy.co.uk

I have 3 packs at the moment to giveaway but before you enter take heed of the following advice:

Celebrity Slim advise that the programme is not suitable for people under 16 years of age, or pregnant or breastfeeding women. The programme is also not suitable for anyone with a lactose intolerance or Type 1 Diabetes. For any other medical conditions, we recommend that customers see a GP before commencing the programme.

So all you need to do to win a pack is 1) follow my blog, and 2) leave a comment below with the words 'Ooh, I'd love a bit of cake!' and that's it!

The giveaway will close one week today at 12noon on Tuesday 18th May. All entrants will be put into a hat and picked at random.

Good Luck!

x

Topshop Make up

This week Topshop's own line of cosmetics hit the stores. There has been a lot of hype about this make up so as I was in town on Friday I thought I'd take a sneak peak.

My first thoughts on the line is that the packaging is cute and everything looks quite young and fresh in terms of shade choice, also price wise I find it very reasonable apart from the lipsticks which are priced at £8. There were many lipglosses, lip balms, and nail shades but I was only really tempted by the cream blushes and a face highlighter so came away with 3 purchases.
The packaging is pretty cute with it's polka dots and stars, I was even given a free make up bag which I thought was a nice touch.
From left to right, I picked up a cream blush in 'Neon Rose', face highligher in 'Sunbeam' and another cream blush in 'Pinch'.

Neon Rose is a bright pink with quite a peachy coral tone to it - perfect for summer. Pinch is a much darker pink which almost looks a little purple-ish before swatched. Blush is priced at a very reasonable £6 hence why I picked up 2. I really like both blushes, they have a cream to powder formulation which keeps them feeling light on the skin and easy to blend. I find the pigmentation of both very good, long lasting and also just as good on the lips as on the cheeks.

The highlighter I like on my skin with a hint of tan, any paler and it may not look so good. It is quite subtle on the skin though in comparison to my usual highlighter of choice, Mac Belightful. Still not sure if this is a product I really rate though and will need to test drive it a bit more before I make my final judgement.

I did a quick and easy FOTD with all the products today, wearing Neon Rose on the cheeks and Pinch on the lips.
It was quite difficult getting the camera to pick up these colours hence why I have posted a bit of a gaumy startled face - it just happened that this picked up the lip colour much better.So, that is my thoughts on the topshop line. Think I may even go back for some more of the blushes.

Anyone pick up anything different that I missed out on?

x

10 things i'm McLovin' ...

1. Bobbi Brown Eyebrightener pen (light bisque)
I've been using this before concealer instead of my usual BB colour corrector. I find the formulation much lighter and smoother for the under eye area but does a similar job to the colour corrector by disguising my dark circles.

2. Revlon Fantasy Lengths Eyelashes
Definitely my new fave in the eyelash department. The individual lash set is fantastic for creating a natural yet luscious full set of lashes. I need to stock up on these.
3. Aromatherapy Associates Fine Line Oil
Did a blogpost about this the other day. Loving it - makes my skin feel silky smooth and hopefully turning back the clock! *crosses fingers*

4. Laura Mercier Pistachio body cream
Smells amazing, glides on the skin like a dream and keeps my pins smooth smooth smooth.

5. Dermalogica Facials
For me there is no other better facial than a dermalogica face mapping. In the care of a good therapist they will analyse your face and cater your facial to nourish and suit the needs of your skin.

6. My new Vivienne Westwood Ring
An early anniversary gift from my husband. It is a subtler version for the McQueen skull ring that I lusted after in the Winter. This is slightly more delicate and feminine and hand crafted from frosted swarovski crystal.7. Topshop Blush
Topshop make up hit the shelves this week and the most exciting product for me is their cream blushes. They have a lovely cream to powder texture and look good on lips as well as cheeks.

8. Peg Leg trousers
Peg legs are the harem pants sophisticated older sister. I'm loving mine with a high waist, summer vest tops, bolero and wedges for chilled out house party vibes or summer lunching.

9. Clarins Mascara
Another thing I didn't expect to rate at all but has become a staple in my everyday make up bag. Originally a Christmas gift but is now a definite repurchase ... review coming soon.

10. Celebrity Slim
I'm still going strong on the celeb slim diet plan with 9lbs off after 4 weeks. Not only am I lighter but I feel much more confident in myself. It's amazing when your clothes feel too big and that can only mean one thing ..... SHOPPING SPREE!!

What are you McLovin'?

x

Eyeko Posh Polish

I know you are all probably fed up of seeing Eyeko plastered all over the blogosphere at the moment but I believe their new colours are really worth showing off, however, I will keep this quick.

I expected to hate this particular colour having been described as similar to OPI You don't know Jacques and the infamous Chanel Particuliere. In my mind, 'greige' isn't a colour I thought would suit my skintone or look remotely attractive. Well, I eat my words, cos I love it!Only 2 coats were required for an opaque finish and after 3 or 4 days there is still little chipping or tip wear which I find amazing.

What do you think of the greige phenomenon?

x

Aromatherapy Associates Fine Line Oil

Whenever I'm asked if I would like to try an anti-ageing product my brain wrestles with itself. On one hand I want to jump at the chance but on the other I never see the point - maybe my skin is still too young (not really) for it to work as I never notice much of a difference. Plus, I really don't want to mess about or experiment too much with my skincare routine - once I have it mastered I like to stick to it so not to encourage breakouts or a dull complexion.

However, when Aromatherapy Associates got in touch about their fine line oil I immediately said yes, for a couple of reasons:

First of all, it's a brand I really like. I mean, really, really like. I had only ventured into their bath & body oils courtesy of birthdays & other special occasions so for me it is a real pamper product.
Secondly, it was an oil. I have only tried cream anti-ageing products in the past and since I am always being reminded about the hydrating qualities that oils have to offer then it was only right to play guinea pig.

I followed instruction exactly when using this oil - I wanted to take it to it's maximum potential. It advises to apply after serum and before moisturiser ... so I applied my serum (Laura Mercier) then applied the oil (only a drop or 2) over my face, massaging in as I went, particularly concentrating on any areas I may have noticed the appearance of fine lines. I then went onto apply a moisturiser (MAC moisturelush or Nivea).

The oil contains African Plum, evening primrose and raspberry seed extracts, which are known for their moisturising and anti-oxidant effects, as well as patchoulie, ylang ylang, apple and raspberry seed oils to help natural collagen hence softening the appearance of fine lines.

On application, you can't help but notice the smell, it is very soothing, so perfect for a bed time ritual. After using for almost 2 months now, I am not sure if I see a difference in fine lines but my skin certainly does look and feel velvety smooth - in that sense, yes, I guess I do look more youthful and fresher. It has become a part of my evening routine after cleansing that is here to stay.

It costs £38.75 for only 15ml of this oil but a little goes a long way and 2 months in and I am nowhere near halfway through this bottle. This is definitely a re-purchase item and one I will recommend to all the other old hags in my life ;)

x

Toffs are careless ...

I may have done a silly thing while I was in London but right now just let me bask in the infatuation of my new Tom Ford Lipstick.

Yes, I spent 35 smackers on this. I tried to convince myself not to but the packaging was so pretty right down to the etching of Tom's initials on the lipstick itself... and after all it was my birthday - I was allowed to treat myself.

This new Tom Ford line carries 12 shades that Tom deems universally flattering to all women. I was stuck between 'Total Coral' (used in the promo pics) and 'Blush Nude' for at least 20 minutes but figured if I was going to spend the money on it I was going to take the one that would be used the most - Blush Nude. I used the cost per wear method - if I can wear it for every £1 it cost then it would be justified so that's 35 times I need to wear this lippie - watch me!

These beautiful lipsticks contain murumuru butter, soja seed and chamomilla flower oil - something that the SA quoted when I initially gasped at the price - this is obviously what we are paying for.

Is it worth it? Well, I don't know, it looks so damn pretty I still haven't swatched it never mind worn it!!

x

I am here!

Riding through the city on my bike all day
Cause the filth took away my licence
It doesn't get me down and I feel ok
Cause the sights that I'm seeing are priceless

Everything seems to look as it should
But I wonder what goes on behind doors
A fella looking dapper, and he's sittin with a slapper
Then I see it's a pimp and his crack whore

You might laugh you might frown
Walkin' round London town


Sun is in the sky oh why oh why ?
Would I wanna be anywhere else
Sun is in the sky oh why oh why ?
Would I wanna be anywhere else

When you look with your eyes
Everything seems nice
But if you look twice
you can see it's all lies

There was a little old lady, who was walkin down the road
She was struggling with bags from Tesco
There were people from the city havin lunch in the park
I believe that it's called al fresco

Then a kid came along to offer a hand
But before she had time to accept it
hits her over the head, doesn't care if she's dead
Cause he's got all her jewelery and wallet

You might laugh you might frown
walkin round London town

Sun is in the sky oh why oh why ?
Would I wanna be anywhere else
Sun is in the sky oh why oh why ?
Would I wanna be anywhere else

When you look with your eyes
Everything seems nice
But if you look twice
you can see it's all lies

Life, that's city life, yeah that's city life, that's city life
Life, that's city life, yeah that's city life, that's city life

:)