Kissable lips with Nivea Hydro Care

Can you believe we are already in February? ... the month of Luuurrrvve!

That's right Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if you want to be guaranteed of a smooch on the most loved up day of the year, you better get those smackers in tip top shape.

I'll be honest Valentine's Day isn't sold on me but soft, supple, kissable lips is.

On Valentines day I hope to be stealing a kiss from this man ....

My husband - schwing! :)

... who comes a close second to this man ;) ...

James Franco ... Double Sch-wiiiing! ;)

...Keep dreaming!

I have been using Nivea Hydro Care Lip salve for the past 2 weeks now having been sent it for review purposes.  I had been suffering from dry lips due to the cold snap but during the day I never remember to apply a lip salve or balm to lips, usually opting for another coat of gloss which in fact ends up drying out lips even more.

I apply Nivea Hydro Care at night time before going to bed and also keep it sitting on my desk at work during the day to remind me to use it when lips are feeling particularly dehydrated.  This is a lovely salve to apply and doesn't layer on too thick at all.  It leaves a nice shine and a moisturising, hydrated feeling on the lips.  After a few days my dry lips had greatly improved, therefore the bright lipstick has come out instead of my neutral cover up I have been sporting for the past while.

Because it quickly absorbs and is non greasy it makes a good balm to wear underneath a lipstick, especially brights if you want to tone them down a little or prevent them from drying out your lips.

Nivea Hydro Care is available at Boots for around £2.

So who's your dream lip locker this V Day?

x

The extravagance of fur and red lipstick

My Saturday was spent recovering and reminiscing from the night before when my husband and I went to see one of favourite ever DJ's Laurent Garnier.  Fortunately for us we were still feeling relatively fresh the next day and made it out to lunch with friends.  We went to a Brazilian restaurant in town called Tropeiro for a real meat feast and left stuffed and practically rolling home. 

For some reason I keep insisting on dressing for spring.  When I look outside, it looks fairly mild and I see no frost, snow or rain ... so surely it can't be that cold?  WRONG! It's blimmin' freezing out there and I never know until it's too late and there's no going back to change into something warmer.  Thankfully we had the car today but I really need to keep in mind that winter is still well and truly with us.

Trousers:H&M; Striped top: H&M; Leather jacket: Zara; Faux fur stole: H&M; Wedge shoe boots: Dune; Belt: Massimo Dutti

In my last post I wore my fur stole and hat to glam up an otherwise drab outfit.  This time the outfit was fine but I wanted to change up the look of my leather jacket as it has studded shoulder detail.  I decided to wear my stole over it to hide the studs and went for a bright red lip just to make things a bit more interesting.

I played up on my rings today with my Vivienne Westwood skull ring, Ydeltuyt armour ring and my Thailand silver filigree style ring.

 The red lippie of choice was Estee Lauder's Extravagant Ruby.  A true red lipstick that emulates the glamour of a 50's pin up girl.  I have a drawer full of red lipstick, all slightly different from the other and all equally as loved as the next.

 

This is definitely my favourite for retro appeal ... it came out with Lauder's Christmas Collection and has a gorgeous gold glitter coating around the lipstick but doesn't transfer to the lip (kinda wish it did!).

In other news I bought a fantastic new lipstick this week that I just HAVE to share with you all so there will be a blogpost coming soon! 

x

From drab to glam in minutes ...

This outfit was from last weekend ... I had been on a driving lesson where I simply dress for comfort.  Leggings, long top, cardi and flat boots.

I was going out straight after and not much time to change but I wasn't too keen on the drab get up I was wearing.  That's when it's time to hit the accessories.  I went with my absolute wardrobe glam staple my H&M fur stole and a new purchase from last week - a floppy hat.

Leggings: Stradivarius; Boots: New Look; Long top and cardi with belt: H&M; Fur Stole: H&M; Bag: Vintage Gucci; 

Hat: Tk Maxx

 The floppy hat was a complete bargain from TK Maxx in their sale.  For a grand total of £5 I walked away with this beautiful dove grey seventies style hat with leather bow detailing.

I wear the bow at the back

Of course, I don't ALWAYS feel the need to glam it up but it this was such an easy way to lift the glum appearance of what I was wearing ... and it always helps on a bad hair day to be able to cover it up stylishly.  I'm looking forward to Spring when I can whip out the headscarves again but in the meantime I'm keeping my noggin nice and cosy.

What do you do to dress up a plain outfit?  Do you have fail safe accessories to brighten up your look?

x

Nails Inc ...the rest of the Diet Coke collection

The other day I blogged about leopard print nails using 2 of the diet coke/Nails Inc colours so I thought I would show you the other 2 colours available.

Here is Nails Inc Denim.  I was surprised at how much I liked this on my nails as I would usually only stick to a very dark navy or a baby blue on the nails.  This turned out to be a lovely but noticed after the first day some wear and tear to the tips of my nails.

 My favourite of the collection is Nails Inc Plum which does remind me of Chanel's Rouge Noir but slightly brighter.  This has so far been the longest wearing of the polishes with very little in the way of chipping or wear to the nail tips.

 

I'm off to pour myself a glass of diet coke now ;) 

x

Shoe Rehab

It's long been known I have an obsession with shoes.  However, about a year ago I decided to bite the bullet and get rid of all shoes I don't actually wear.   I owned near on 100 pair of shoes and I managed to cut them down to between 40 and 50 pairs.  A real achievement and a realisation that a museum of shoes was not the best use of my wardrobe.

I no longer feel like I NEED to own every gorgeous pair of shoes I see but I am starting to worry.  Recently all I see are beautiful shoes that I feel I MUST own ... I HAVE to own ... my life will be INCOMPLETE if I don't own them.

I know this is completely irrational but also realise that I have to satiate this shoe craving but I must be sensible about it.  This means NOT buying every single pair of shoes I see ... therefore I have to pick carefully and maybe a little practically.

Platforms seem to be the style du jour in keeping with the Seventies inspired designs for S/S 2011.  I'll take Studio 54 and Casino chic thank you very much ... however, I will endeavour to avoid the lure of the Miu Miu's and YSL's I lust after and be appeased with High Street offerings.

River Island £74.99

River Island £74.99

River Island £64.99

River Island £84.99

Topshop £65

Topshop £70

River Island £69.99

Ooft that's a lot of River Island and Topshop going on there, I need to do a bit more browsing before making any decisions.  Any other shoe recommendations out there?

x

Cherry Sparkle FOTD

I featured this lipstick a while back on the blog but it's one of my favourite reds for creating a glam but wearable red lip.

For this particular look I applied some balm first - think it was just a chapstick from memory - before I applied The Body Shop's Cherry Sparkle (60) lipstick which creates a sheerer and softer lip.

 This was a look I went for on a last minute night out.  My make up was applied in minutes and for the icing on the cake, I  thought Cherry Sparkle would help lift the look and transport it to disco appropriate :)

Foundation was Estee Lauder Double Wear, Illamasqua Blush in unrequited and on the eyes MAC shrrom with MAC charcoal brown in the crease ... plus lashings of mascara and MAC fluidline in black track.

Admittedly, the cherry sparkle does not last as long over a balm but it is gentler on the lips.

At the moment I am running low on mascara options.  Why do all mascaras dry up at the same time eh?  I am looking to try something new whether it be drugstore or high end ... maybe both.

I like thick, black, voluminous lashes and I am notoriously fussy about my mascara but I would love to hear any recommendations you have that I haven't already tried?

x

Get Horny!

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Nails Inc/Diet Coke Leopard NOTD

Most of you will know by now that Nails Inc have collaborated with Diet Coke once again to create 4 new nail shades available at UK Boots stores for the grand old price of ... 2 bottles of diet coke.

For me, it's a win win deal, I love diet coke and a free nail polish is the icing on the cake.  Although I have been a bit of a cheat as I was sent these for review purposes.  There are 4 colours in the collection, Heather Grey (a greyish mauve funnily enough), Caramel (beige camel), Plum (reddy plum - my fave) and Denim (a deep blue which I have yet to try.

 

I have never been the biggest fan of Nails Inc polishes as I find they chip pretty quickly however over gel nails the colours look beautiful and last for weeks at a time.  I also find that Nails Inc have such an extensive shade range that can cater for every need.

 

The other night I had a sharpie pen at my disposal so thought I would try out 2 of the polishes in one go by creating a leopard print design.  I haven't done this for a while but I thought the Caramel would make a great base colour for the look which it did.  I used the Heather grey for my leopard spots. 

I think the colours look great together and very fitting of the current Camel trend that is around at the moment but doesn't actually suit me.  This way I get to wear the trend without washing me out or making me look drab.

So who has been collecting the diet coke/nails inc colours? What is your favourite shade?

x

Who's with me? ...

Yup, you got it ... Tonight, 9pm, Channel 4, Big Fat Gypsy Weddings.  I'm all over this bad boy.

Last week it had me glued to the screen in awe of gypsy culture and specifically their dating rituals that involve 'Grabbing' (sexual assault, much?!) and their over the top weddings where the Bride gets to dress as the biggest loo roll holder ever!! Lucky girl.

My favourite part of last weeks episode was when this particular girl started lapdancing while waiting on her limo to the Church.  Yes, you heard me, lapdancing ... well she wasn't on anyones lap but she was obviously practising for later!?  ... aherm. 

Yes, that's right, that's a massive split up the front of her dress!

And my jaw dropped in horror at this wee girls Holy Communion when she and her mates got to ride in a limo sans chaperone having a proper rave up with fake champagne (why?), karaoke and booming music. Rezpect.

Her brother... not her Husband.  They do it young, but not that young.

I won't even mention the dress and tiara!!

We have another 4 episodes of this to go so every Tuesday at 9pm is blocked out in my diary until it's finished.

Best. TV. Ever.

x

Nivea Pure & Natural

As a teenager, my mum told me that Marilyn Monroe's secret to beautiful skin was Nivea moisturiser.  My mum uses it, she has wonderful skin and ever since I have used it too.

Recently, I have done a bit of googling on the subject and evidence seems to point to the fact that Marilyn did indeed use Nivea moisturiser and there is even photographic evidence on the matter.  She was a beauty - is it any wonder I wanted to follow in her footsteps?  I use Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream everyday before applying my make up and my skin is usually (touch wood) in good shape.

Obviously Nivea as a brand has evolved and grown since the days of Ms. Monroe so I was extra pleased to be asked to try out some new products from a brand I have trusted and has been part of my daily routine for so many years.

Nivea Pure & Natural has been developed by scientists to deliver incredible results with natural ingredients at an affordable price.  95% of the ingredients are of 'natural origin' and are free from parabens, silicones, colourants and mineral oils.  The lead ingredient in these products is Argan oil which contains 3 times as much Vitamin E than Olive oil and is a natural antioxidant.  

I was sent the the facial cleanser and toner which are priced at £3.36 along with the anti-wrinkle day and night face care priced at £8.49.

Now to fill you in, I don't have a hard and fast cleansing routine.  I try earnestly to remove all my make up at the end of the day, even after nights out but every now and then i do slip up.  Usually slipping up means I have resorted to facial wipes but in my mind even this is better than nothing.  More often than not though, I cleanse, tone and moisturise before bedtime.  I have no particular brand I stick to, I have tried lots over the years but I am yet to find my Holy Grail.

Nivea Pure & Natural Cleansing Lotion & Toner

For the last month I have used the Nivea Pure & Natural cleanser and toner before bedtime.  The cleanser is a white formula that feels just like a moisturiser.  There is little to no scent.  I massage this lotion all over my face and massage gently over my eyes and lashes.  I then use a cotton pad to remove.  I usually double cleanse with this particular product which is something that has been recommended to me by most facialists I have encountered.  I then use the toner by splashing straight onto a cotton pad and sweeping over my face lifting any excess make up residue.

The lovely thing about this new routine is how cool and soothing they feel on the skin as well as super nourishing.  Even before I put my moisturiser on, my skin feels soft and hydrated. 

Nivea Pure & Natural Anti-wrinkle day and night cream

After cleansing I go on to use the anti-wrinkle night cream from the Nivea Pure & Natural collection. The anti-wrinkle collection not only contains argan oil but also Burdock Fruit which contains arctiin which has been discovered to support the synthesis of collagen in the skin.  I apply my usual oils to my face and once settled I apply the night cream.  It is quite a thick, rich cream but doesn't feel too heavy on the skin.  I wake up with my skin feeling firm and looking smooth, radiant and most importantly awake!

The anti-wrinkle day cream is the only product I haven't tested as extensively as the rest.  Unlike my Nivea soft moisturising cream, it doesn't sit so well under my make up, however as I had a few weeks ill with flu after New Year, I was able to use this cream every day while I was make up free.  Instead of my skin looking dull and feeling grey under the blues of my sickness, it kept a subtle radiance and felt hydrated and nourished despite how I was feeling.

Personally I am really excited about this Nivea launch, a brand I have a real bond with can now provide me with so much more than my tried and tested moisturiser, a 95% natural range at a fantastic price too.  I am not sure if it's in my Holy Grail category just yet but it is definitely a repurchase collection for me.

You can find more information on these products at the Nivea website http://www.nivea.com/.  The Nivea Pure & Natural collection is available from the 20th February and you can purchase at Boots stores and online at Boots.com.

Grand Central - what I wore ... and MUFE HD thoughts

If you have read my previous post you will know I attended the launch party for the Grand Central Hotel this week.

It was a mid week affair and I had to quickly dash home to get changed before heading to the hotel.  Now, with a launch party like this there is no dress code stated ... I had no idea if it was as fancy as black tie or if it was simply smart casual.  I decided to go with smart casual basically because I had very little time to spruce myself up in between finishing work and arriving at the event.

It turned out many people had pulled out all the stops with their outfits with evening gowns strutting by me through the corridors but likewise many business people attending had obviously come straight from the office so in the end I think I struck a nice balance. 

I wore my River Island cropped leather trousers, Zara leopard print shoes, black Mango tee, Mango fitted blazer, my worn to death H&M faux fur stole and my everyday Balenciaga bag. 

Rabbit caught in the headlights!

It was a really comfortable choice but looking at this photo, something isn't quite right.  My face looks grey ... or even greige.  Looking back I thought that my make up brushes were to blame - they are long overdue a good wash - but I think the real culprit is my foundation. 

I decided to go for a change in  my foundation that evening and went with MUFE HD Foundation in shade 125.  I know this is a much loved foundation by beauty bloggers and I have always been quite partial to it myself.  Everything starts off well with this foundation, the packaging is sleek and comes with a pump which I think should be a must have for all foundations going forward.  However, I normally notice after a few hours wear I start to look really tired and my skin starts to look almost saggy as if my foundation is slipping off my face.  For this reason I tend to only wear it when I know I won't be out long enough for it to start looking tired. 

I now feel that maybe this foundation isn't worth the hype or the price seeing as I can only get a few hours decent wear out of it.  When first applied my skin looks lovely - it offers medium coverage which easily builds to full coverage if desired, it also gives a dewy effect without necessarily requiring a powder or blotting. 

One of the selling points about this foundation is that it is supposed to photograph well.  For me, this photo is evidence that I (personally) do not photograph well wearing it.  My skin looks washed out to the point of dull and I look like I have done 6 rounds with Tyson and need a week long kip.  I can even see that my eyeshadow and blush don't seem to sit well layered over it.

MUFE HD isn't the only foundation I have found that photographs badly on me, so too does Revlon Photoready - again a foundation whose selling point is that you photograph well in it.  Estee Lauder Double Wear also doesn't photograph well for me but is a foundation I adore ...and I just make sure I avoid camera's when wearing it ;)

At the moment I think I will stick to my Rituals foundation if I think I may face the camera lens but I am keen to investigate other foundations that work well in photographs?

What do you recommend?

x

A Glamorous evening at Grand Central Hotel

On Thursday I was invited to attend the launch party of the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow.

Formerly, The Quality Hotel located at Central Station, the building had lay in disrepair for many years and no longer could take pride in it's reputation of years gone by.  Once host to many a glamourous star from Vivien Leigh, Fred Astaire to Frank Sinatra and even John F. Kennedy.   The Hotel has now been bought over and brought up to date whilst giving a nod to it's glamorous heyday.

The multi million pound makeover has seen many original features restored resulting in a sumptious and decadent backdrop for it's very own launch party.

On arrival everyone was given a passport to the hotel, now I arrived a bit late and missed a lot of the formalities including a speech given by First Minister Alex Salmond but when I did eventually get there, the place was buzzing with people wandering the hotel and being entertained by a plethora of performers from dancers to make up artists to illustrators.

Champagne Bar ceiling

Naturally, I headed straight for the Champagne Bar ;)  The champagne bar in itself is a sumptious affair with a gorgeous domed ceiling and droplet ball chandelier.  It is also home to a baby grand piano and when we arrived everyone was enjoying a performance by these lovely dancers.  It was quite busy and I was angling for a glass of champagne so I ended up missing the performance.

The dancers waiting to go on to their next performance

After this I had a wander around the hotel and it's rooms.  Most rooms and suites had something going on in them, tarot reading, makeovers, caricaturists and in the corridor we had the pleasure of impromptu performances by 2 very talented actors re-enacting scenes from old Hollywood movies.

Our very own Cary Grant and Vivien Leigh

The decor in the Grand Central is decadent and harks back to days of old and specifically to the famous faces who graced it's doorstep many moons ago.  Bedrooms with John F Kennedy bedsteads and pictures of Audrey Hepburn adorned the walls.

The grand finale of the evening was saved for Scotland's very own Darius!! This time there was no Britney renditions just a bit of crooning :) I have to say as far as launch parties go, it was a really lovely night with plenty to see and do.  It was a true experience of what the hotel has to offer with a lot of fun thrown into the mix. 

A nod to the hotels location at Glasgow Central Train Station

 I wonder if any of the glamourous starlets of our day will ever grace the hotel with their presence ... I am already making a list of who I'd like to see staying there ....and Johnny Depp is at the right at top of the list ;)

x

Jail Bird

Fridays in my office are dress down day or casual Friday as some may know it.  I tend to not dress up for work on a Friday as I start so early I like to just roll out of bed and onto the train (I happen to live 2 seconds from the train station).  I also don't work in the most fashion forward of organisations, best way I can describe it is that it's very 'old school'.  Of course that's not to say there aren't some very stylish and utterly delectable hot young thangs that I work with - you know who you are ;)

So on a Friday I usually opt for something a little boring or on the plain side, mostly to avoid odd looks, comments or intense questioning over my choice of attire.

Friday past, I decided to wear a new top to work since I had to go into town straight after for an eye test.  I bought it in COS last week in the dregs of their sale ... which might I add still happens to have some amazing stuff on offer.  I like the leather look stripe detailing on this top, it makes it a little more edgy than casual and means it would look equally fabulous dressed up.

For this very reason I also kept this top on to go to the IMAX cinema to see Tron in 3D later in the evening.  Tron, which I loved by the way - mostly for nostalgic reasons - and couldn't help beaming cheek to cheek when Daft Punk appeared on the screen in their cameo role.  Love Daft Punk and love the soundtrack to this movie.

Top:COS; Jeans: Primark; Wedge Boots: Dune

I teamed my COS top with a very kicked in and tired looking pair of black skinnies from Primark.  These jeans look fabulous when new but with any pair of jeans you buy for £8 the quality is never going to be good enough to keep them looking pristine for long.  In saying that I have had these for ages and I wear them a lot.

I stuck to my Dune wedge boots which I am getting a lot of wear out of since I bought them... although I can't wait until the weather perks up so I can wear some of my nicer and brighter shoes.

I accessorised the top with my Links of London friendship bracelet, my new braid bracelet, braided cord bracelet and my fabulous armour ring from Ydeltuyt.  The armour ring is amazing and I think it looks a lot more expensive than it's price tag.  I blogged about Ydeltuyt not long ago here, but I am still obsessing over most things on the website and I am waiting until payday to get more of the chain bracelets as they are fantastic.

Hair was quiffed pretty high i must say.  I actually rolled my hair under like it had been set in a roller ... a little bit 1950s style.  My husband couldn't stop staring at it all night ... it was my 'Something about Mary' moment ;)

What do you wear on Casual Friday?

x

Keep Calm ...

Today I got some news that should have excited me more than it did.

I'm a bridesmaid for my sister in law in 2 months time and she called to let me know the bridesmaids dresses had arrived ... first fitting is next week.  At this very moment i'm sure the colour drained from my face and my little ticker slowed down almost to a stop.

You see, I promised myself i'd lose at least another 14lbs before the wedding ... preferably before my first dress fitting.  Has this happened?  Well .... No.

I have got back into a habit of eating what I want, when I want and being truly good to myself on the chocolate treat front.  To be fair, I haven't put any weight on since my 14lb weight loss last year which is very positive but it doesn't avoid the fact that I have been in complete denial about the extra weight I need/want to lose.

Sourced from weheartit.com

I have now set myself a challenge - to lose 5lbs by next week.  Pretty unrealistic, right?  I know it probably won't happen but if I can at least keep it in my mind every time I go to reach for a creme egg )which seems to be on sale at the front desk of every shop I go to at the mo) then it may keep my grubby mits off them.  For goodness sake people, Easter is ages away!! Tut.

So, a return to my celebrity slim and increase in protein and healthy foods as well as exercise will be the way forward.  Even if I only lose 1lb I will be happy I have achieved some loss and will need to keep it up over the next 8 weeks in the hope that my creme egg booty doesn't end up waddling down the aisle!!

Wish me luck!

x

Making a spectacle of myself

This outfit post is actually from the weekend.  My husband and I were going for a dander round the shops (which led to some fabulous bargains being purchased) and going to my sisters house for a delicious dinner.

Remember I said that when I like something I wear it to death?  Well, heres the proof, this is the third OOTD post where I have donned my leather Miss Selfridge skirt.  It's just so comfortable, casual and versatile.

I decided to wear my geek glasses too which I have been wearing quite a lot recently.  So much so I think I will invest in a more expensive pair that look a little more chic than these plastic offerings.  Someone told me I look like an annoying T4 presenter when I wear them ... this did make me chuckle as so often we are afraid to wear what we want in case someone takes the mickey or doesn't understand our sense of style.  I took it on the chin and it's actually made me want to wear them more!

We express ourselves in how we dress, the music we listen to, our interests and hobbies and sometimes when it doesn't blend in with the rest of society, others aren't sure how to take it.  Sometimes you just have to be confident even if it's a little intimidating at first and be proud of the choices you make.  You make those choices because they express how you feel and who you are, so enjoy them.  Obviously if I looked absolutely ridiculous I would want someone to tell me but for now I am happy with my £1 plastic glasses :)

I started taking photos before I had finished all my make up and I kept changing accessories (not sure why).  I hadn't decided to wear my glasses until last minute so decided to take the photos all over again once I was done.  Make up wise I used my Michael Kors Estee Lauder eyeshadow palette which hadn't been shown much love in a while and also a new Dior lipgloss that I got for Christmas.  It's such a lovely springtime peachy colour, I will do another post about it soon.

Denim Shirt: ASOS; Faux Leather skirt: Miss Selfridge; Wedge boots: Dune; Geek Glasses: Primark(!); Navy Trenchcoat: Commes des Garcons for H&M: Bag: Vintage Gucci

In other news, I also got my hair did ... it's been re-ombred so not much change at all so nothing to show really except the ends of my hair are slightly blonder than before.  I am also waiting on a new camera arriving in the post this week, it's another digital compact ... but I still have my sights set on something a little more super duper ;)

x