China Glaze Pure Torture

This was a notd from a few weeks back. I have a feeling I may have posted this shade before but I love it.

It's China Glaze in Pure Torture ... a bloody orange based red that reflects its name well. I wore this on a night to Edinburgh to see a burlesque show ... the colour certainly was befitting of the burlesque scene.

This is it with just one coat but the colour pay off is great and it lasted me a week without chipping which is fantastic for me when I am having a lazy week!

I bought this in Sally's for just under a fiver.

x

Lancome Hypnose Drama

It may be apparent by now that I am super fussy when it comes to mascara.

You see, my lashes are so so pale that I really need a bit of a wonder product to create the intensity, volume and length that I love. So far, products that have worked for me are YSL Faux Cils and Singuliar and Chanel Exceptionelle as well as Clarins Wonderlength ... there are a few others but those are the stand out products that I remember and go back to.

Back in the day I was a fan of Lancome mascaras but hadn't made a repurchase for quite some time, that is until I was reading Hele's Blog where she recommended Lancome Precious Cells mascara. Welcome back Hele! You have been missed :)

I decided to go for it and headed to my nearest Lancome counter. After asking for precious cells the SA asked what I was looking for in a mascara and advised me that precious cells probably wouldn't perform as well as I wanted ... it wouldn't give me the dramatic lashes I was after, so she recommended Lancome Hypnose Drama instead. So I purchased on the SA advice.

Now, I don't want to slate this product as I imagine it works really well on lashes that may be darker to begin with but on me it just doesn't work so well. Since my purchase I have only used it 3 times. Now that ain't so good is it?

Lancome Hypnose Drama comes with a very voluptuous brush which is what helps create the dramatic eyes but I can't help but find it just a bit too big, mis-shapen and clumsy. I find the formula very very wet therefore making it a little difficult and somewhat messy to apply. I also find it clumps then seperates making my lashes look a little bit spindly and spider like. Now don't get me wrong, I want my lashes to look fake, that is the desired effect however, i don't want lashes that look like they would snap or crumble if I touched them.

I think I may wait until the mascara has dried out slightly and try again when it is less wet. Hopefully then it will give a more smouldering but cleaner finish.

On the other hand, the bestie also uses this mascara and adores it, and admittedly it does give her great results. Her lashes are darker than mine to start with but where she lacks length and volume, Lancome Hypnose Drama assists with wonderfully.

What do you think of this product? Should I have stuck to Hele's recommendation of Lancome Precious Cells?

x

A Sparkling NOTD from KIKO

I made a few make up purchases on my recent weekend trip to Barcelona, none of which are very exciting at all. However, last time I was there I discovered Kiko which is an Italian make up brand.

Kiko is a very reasonably priced brand and although the quality of all their products is not up to par, you do find the odd gem. Almost a bit like Barry M but their packaging and branding looks more expensive and product range is much more vast, even catering to mens skincare (which my husband loves!).

Anyway, without further ado, I picked up this sparkly nailpolish for a couple of Euros. I had previously been let down by a clear glitter polish by China Glaze so was hoping this one, although a heck of a lot cheaper would return in a better quality and bling finish. And it did.

I believe the colour is shade 217 which is a silver sparkle. I was surprised at how much glitter payoff you get with this product and it's easy to layer on or as I did ... dab extra bits of sparkle on. I was also pleasantly surprised by the quick drying time. By far the quickest drying glitter polish I have used.

The finish of it is lovely, it almost looks like a sprinkling of diamantes on your nails and dries glossy ... well, as glossy as a glitter polish can be. I applied this on Saturday and today there is still very little chipping or lift off.

In the photos it's worn over the top of Nails Inc Beauchamp Place but think this will look lovely over blues and even black for a winter sparkle effect. The photos really don't do the dazzle much justice as it was much blingier in real life and received many compliments.

These polishes are so reasonably priced and despite the low cost the quality is really very good.

Anyone else tried Kiko polishes? What do you think of the quality?

x

My style ...

If there was ever an image that summed up my personal style it would be this one.

When I say style, I really am referring to the world of interiors but of course this will always reflect my day to day fashions too.

I love everything about these images .... the zebra print, the white on white while still remaining warm and a tad rustic, the minimalism, the retro Barcelona chairs (my dream is to own one ... 2 would be an absolute bonus), the coral on the high gloss coffee table, the accumulation of books in the background ....

I could go on... It's retro, chic, mimimalist, rustic, glamorous and modern all rolled into one and everything together works so perfectly without looking shabby or some form of junk shop. It's fresh, bright, sophisticated and luxe.

I pickpocketed these images from MadebyGirl's blog who in turn wrote about them on her blog as they are by photographer Paul Costello. If you are interested in interior design you really must check this blog out. Jen who writes MadebyGirl is a graphic designer and also has her own online shop selling prints.

When I eventually move again, I hope to adorn my walls with one of her prints.

x

Dell's OPI Laptop ...

I blogged about the DELL/OPI collaboration not long back ... everyone had blogged about it long before me but it only became of interest of me when my laptop started dying a slow but sure death.

Lucky old me got the chance to trial one of the Dell Mini Inspirons for a few weeks while I researched my new laptop purchase and it just happened to be from the OPI range.

To start with, the mini inspiron is cute, way cute. It's dinky, light and a little bit chubby but in a good sturdy way. It's the perfect size to fit in a handbag if you so wish, which I did ... this means blogging is easier on the go. Not that I do a lot of blogging on the go but having that option was great. I blogged in a cocktail bar ... something I would never do if i had to lump around my regular laptop.

What makes it even cuter is this particular collaboration with OPI ... I was sent the trendy OPI shade, Jade is the new black.

The battery life was the big bonus for me. Out of the 2 weeks I trialled this laptop I only charged it once and that was only to give it an extra boost 'just in case'.

I am not a techy but the Dell had applications that my poor old laptop would take a fit if it was exposed to ... like a webcam and Windows Livewriter which is great for blogging.

Just as the Dell went back to it's home, my own laptop packed in and so far it looks like Dell is the front runner for a new one. I do have a modest budget and Dell seem to be great value for money. The mini inspiron retails at around £249 with an extra £69 for the OPI customisation.

Any other laptop recommendations are welcomed :)

Holidays are coming ....

We are in the height of Summer but as I type, the rain is lashing off my lounge windows and there is a dull grey layer covering the sky. Where is our summer, Glasgow?? Where is it?



Well, I will be going abroad this year to find my sun but this means my skin will be on display so I need to make sure it's looking tip top and fuzz free.

I usually go by the old fashioned method of using a razor to de-fuzz but on my last holiday I decided to try a leg wax. I didn't like it. It was painful, sticky, intrusive (i had to listen to the therapist rant on about her 'gas' problems) and to be honest the results were not only rubbish in the sense that I was still a bit hairy afterwards but it hardly lasted a week before I had to get the shears out again.


This time I am going to venture into something that I find scarier than waxing and that's ..... EPILATION.


The word sends a shiver down my spine. I will never forget my friend Julie getting an epilator for Christmas and returning it the following week because she couldn't stand the pain. However, I do live by a 'no pain no gain' attitude and I really want to see if this works for me.

I am going to be trying out the Philips Satin Perfect epilator.






The new Philips Satin Perfect has an extra-wide head which enables it to remove more hair in one stroke, giving you long-lasting smoothness, faster. Its high performance discs are made of textured ceramic material, which gently grip and remove even finest hairs

I am hoping for a longer lasting result than waxing or shaving and a much smoother finish. I realise it may be a little uncomfortable but Philips say that this 'gently' grips and removes the hair so I am putting my faith in the brand not to disappoint.


Feel free to join me on my mission for perfectly smooth summer skin as I take you on my epilation adventures!


Any tips for using an epilator are very welcome and I hope to share my own tips with you in the coming weeks once I have fully reviewed Philips Satin Perfect.



x

Love a bargain!

Unless you have been a recluse this month then you will have noticed all the Summer sales. I have been picking up a few things, mainly dresses, holiday clothes and some work things.

My favourite purchase by far though is a gorgeous pair of wedge shoes .... yes, more shoes!!

These light beige wedges are from COS. They are so comfortable, I can walk about all day in them and not flinch or wince once.

The best thing about these shoes are I paid a mere £30 for them .... which was a massive discount as they were originally sold at £129.00.

Love a bargain!

x

Xen Tan Intense Mousse

Initially I loved this product, then I hated it, then I loved it again and now I just like it.

Xen tan has been raved and raved about for such a long time and despite having tried a LOT of fake tan in my time, it was still one that I had never tried.

From preview reviews I had read, I expected a lush smell of marzipan/vanilla, a streak free finish, bronzed colour and at least a weeks worth of lasting tan.

So with that expectation in mind, lets see what my reality was ...

SMELL: I didn't notice any marzipan, vanilla or anything pleasant smelling about this tan. It smelled straight up of biscuits but you know what? This doesn't bother me in the slightest. Having worn fake tan for half of my life it's something I have learned to put up with and it really doesn't put me off a product at all. (the only fake tan I have found to smell pleasant is my old fave, Sunbrushed).

APPLICATION: Okay so this is where I ran into some problems. I am very very pale skinned. Xen tan on first impressions has a very dark colour guide. However, once applied to the skin it seems to turn very light and I started to worry if I was covering everywhere as it looked like parts of me hadn't been tanned at all. This resulted in me tanning certain parts of my body twice. I applied using a tanning mit which I find is best for a mousse tan.

RESULTS: I waited until the next morning before I showered. So, first of all the colour was lovely and natural although I did prefer the parts of my body where I had double tanned as one coat seemed too light for my personal preference. I also noticed a little bit of streaking on areas of my leg where the application had been so light I hadn't noticed if I'd covered or not. This really frustrated me as I am a dab hand and making sure tan is not streaky after all these years. Nonetheless, the colour was very very natural looking and I put it all down to first time jitters.

LONGEVITY: I got about 3 days out of this tan and even noticed that on day 2, I appeared a little bit darker than on day 1 which was very strange but I am certainly not complaining :) Even though I only got about 3 days out of the product, it faded naturally with no clumping of colour or patchiness, it really did fade like a natural tan which I loved. Also just a note, 3 days of full coverage I personally find a nice timescale as I exfoliate and re-apply my tan once or twice a week so this meant I could keep up this routine and keep my tan looking fresh.

On the Xen Tan website you pay £21.95 for 118ml of Xen Tan Mousse Intense. I think this is extortionate for this size of bottle. I only got 3 full body applications out of it so this price is not good for someone who tans on a weekly basis.

Overall, I like this product, the results are natural and I love how it fades away without any ugly dirty patchiness and if I get a full weekend out of it then I am happy with that. I do think this may fair better on skins that take a natural tan better or even very pale skins who are looking more for a hint of natural colour rather than a full on tan.

This tan was sent to me for review purposes and unless I find it at a cheaper price, I am not sure I would purchase this myself.

I do realise there is a wider range of Xen Tan products and would consider purchasing other products in the range to see how they compare and if they would suit me better personally. I especially would like to try out the xen spray tan which I think considering the natural colour pay off would be very good.

What are your thoughts on Xen Tan? What are your favourite Xen Tan products?

x

Cheek of the Week! MAC Ambering Rose

This weeks cheek has been MAC's Ambering Rose.

It's a lovely warm rosey bronze that is great when I am tanned but equally provides a rosey glow to my cheeks when pale.

I find it the perfect flush of colour to compliment a neutral eye and lip.

It is very pigmented so possibly a lighter hand will be needed for the lighter skinned girls but the colour lasts the full day with no touch up ever needed (on me anyway).

Its a sheertone shimmer which I really like, it helps give that extra glow without looking to glittery or shiny on the cheeks.

Anyone else rate this blush?

x

Can't cook won't cook!

Carrying on from my previous post about my much anticipated weekend of unique dining, I thought I would share with you the recipe and results of last nights kitchen adventure.



The mister and I thought we would attempt Heston Blumenthal's Scotch Egg recipe from Waitrose.



I have actually never tried Scotch Eggs so this was all new to me but according to good old Hes, Scotch eggs are the trendy savoury snack of the moment ... and, well, if Heston says it's trendy then who am I to disagree.



What you will need:

10 medium eggs

450g Waitrose Premium Pork Sausagemeat Stuffing

1 heaped tsp thyme leaves

45g French’s mustard

½ level tsp cayenne pepper

Salt & Pepper

1 packet of chives, chopped (oops! we forgot these)

Plain flour

50ml milk

125g Cooks’ Ingredients Breadcrumbs

Ground nut oil, for frying



STEP 1



Place 8 of the eggs in a large pan with cold water over quite a high heat. Heston recommends that as soon as the water starts to simmer to set a timer for 1 minute 45 seconds - I would actually boil the eggs for a little bit longer as it will make them easier to work with later. Once the eggs have boiled place them in a bowl filled with cold water and ice to cool down.



STEP 2



Place the sausagemeat in a bowl, add thyme, mustard, cayenne pepper, seasoning, chopped chives and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix thoroughly and form 8 patties with your hands. Chill the patties in the fridge for 20minutes.



STEP 3



Once the eggs have cooled down remove the shells. Flatten each pattie into a circle and place an egg in the centre. Wrap the sausagemeat around the egg, pressing the edges in order to seal it but being careful not to press too hard.



STEP 4



Next, arrange 3 small bowls. In the first bowl put the flour with some seasoning, in the second bowl beat the 2 remaining eggs and stir in the milk. The 3rd bowl should hold the breadcumbs. Roll each egg (covered in the sausagemeat) in the flour, gently tapping off any excess, then dip it in the beaten egg and finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, making sure that all sides are coated.



STEP 5



Finally fill a saucepan with oil deep enough to cover the eggs and heat to 190c. Fry the Scotch eggs 2 at a time for 2 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a drying rack over a baking tray. When all the eggs have been fried, place the tray in the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Serve immediately while the yolks are still runny.



et Voila!



This was the first time I had tried a Scotch Egg and I have to say they were pretty tasty. Not the healthiest but I don't think I will be eating them all the time. I would definitely recommend boiling for longer than Heston recommends (even though I love runny yolk it's just too hard to work with). Apparantly they are great for picnics so will need to make some the next time we have some sun and I get the chance to actually have a picnic. Let me know if you try this out :)

Festival in the Sky

You’ve heard of the Mile High Club, now we have the Dine High Club!

This weekend I will be heading to Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens to take part in Festival in the Sky which is running alongside this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

For the month of August, a 22 seat dining table will hoist adventurous diners 100 feet into the sky by crane to enjoy a unique culinary experience. Yes, you heard me right – ONE.HUNDRED.FEET.HIGH. *gulp*

The unusual concept has already been travelling the world in the likes of Las Vegas, Istanbul and Paris and it was even featured in this years Big Brother house when all housemates were taken up in the air to enjoy a meal.

There are a few dining options offered - breakfast, lunch and dinner and also the chance to experience the talents of a guest Chef. Each ‘flight’ lasts around half an hour and the seats even turn 180 degrees so you can take in the views of the city below. And in such a beautiful city of Edinburgh, the views are sure to delight (unless of course in true Scottish style it pelts it down with rain! *crosses fingers*)

As soon as I heard about this I knew I wanted to try it. I am not a natural thrill seeker and I don’t even like heights or flying but with this taking place practically right on my doorstep, I wasn’t going to be the one to miss out.

My family think I’m mad, my friends think I am a sucker … I will probably need a rather large drink before take off and an even bigger one when we land, but you know what? I can’t wait!

If you happen to pass a dining table suspended from the air on Saturday afternoon ... give me a wave ... and I'll try not to drop my fork!!

Check out the website for booking info

http://www.festivalinthesky.com/

x