Versatile Blogger Award!

Hey Darlings,

I am so overwhelmed to have won the Versatile Blogger Award. Without sounding too mushy, I would just like to say thank you to you. Every single person who reads my blog, thank you. You wouldn't believe how excited I am to see a new comment or a view or anything. Of course, a big big thank you to Sarah, who nominated me for this award. Please make sure to check out her fabulous blog also.

To be honest I wasn't one hundred percent sure what exactly the Versatile Blogger Award is (I know how awful of me!). So I checked it out and found out the rules if you get nominated. So here they are:

1. Thank the person who gave you this award. 

3. Next, nominate 15 blogs/bloggers that you’ve recently discovered or follow regularly.

3. Let them know that you have nominated them.

4.. Share 7 random things about yourself.

5. Add the Versatile Blogger Award logo to your blog post.

Here are my Seven Random Facts:

1. I am still in school!

2. I am really into basketball, I just love it!

3. I lived in America for six years.

4. My aspiration is to be an editor of a major fashion magazine.

5. I have been playing piano for about six years now.

6. I have been obsessed with Paris, mostly the Eiffel Tower, for as long as I can remember.

7. I don't know what I'd do without Google- I google everything!

Now regarding the 15 blogs I nominate. I do have some fabulous blogs that I love to read but problem is, they are already very popular and have already won the Versatile Blogger Award. I really want to give this award to people who are new on the blogging scene (like myself) and who have some fabulous blogs! So what I've decided to do is ask all of you! Please let me know your blogs and some blogs that are pretty new to blogging and are worth a look at. I will then post a blog post in a few weeks or so, nominating some blogs for this award. 
I think it's better this way as that way we can all find out about some new blogs. I also really just wanted to get this post up cause I'm quite excited about it! 


Thank you so much again to you all and don't forget to 
leave some blog links below! 


xo

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream!

Hey Sweeties,

So since BB creams (which stands for blemish balm) have come onto the scene over here in the Western World, I've been eager to try out all the various ones on the market. This is only my second trial of a BB cream, my first being the Garnier BB cream, which I do quite like. I decided to give the newly released Maybelline Dream Fresh BB cream a try, read on if you'd like to read my thoughts on the product.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in 'Light'

So, what's a BB Cream? Well if you don't know, you've been missing out! BB stands for Blemish Balm as previously mentioned.  It is said to be originally formulated from Germany and was used in Asian countries primarily. It claims to have skin whitening, anti aging and many other 'miracle' properties. BB creams also contain SPF UV protection. This particular one contains SPF 30 which is impressive. 

Maybelline says this is an 8-in-1 product. I'll list the claims and then my opinions of 'true' or 'false' next to each.

1. Creates a natural glow True

2. Compliments skin tone This depends on what shade you pick up. I picked up light and really I          should of got medium. It did adjust quite well and certainly lets your natural skin shine through.

3. SPF 30 UV Protection Presumably true!

4. Hydrates all day True (note I have oily-combination skin)

5. Blurs Imperfections  Only minor imperfections as concealer is needed.

6. Oil free- Non Greasy True

7. Looks Visibly Smooth True

8. Feels Fresh True

Packaging: Nothing special here. Just simple plain plastic, the colour on the top varying to the shade you choose. Very travel friendly though.

Formula: This formula is noticeably thicker than the Garnier BB cream, but I actually prefer this one as I think it's more suited to oily skin types (which I have). The Garnier one is slightly dewier so may be more suitable for those with dry skin types. 

Lasting-Power: This is a slight downside to the product, and a con I find with all BB creams. This will probably wear for around seven hours or so, without a primer, but with powder. This is what I find personally, however please note I do have oily skin so this will definitely affect this. 

Coverage: BB creams are meant to be very natural, as this is. This blurs redness but will definitely need concealer unless you are blessed with flawless skin. I also recommend powder, especially if you have an oilier skin type.

Swatch: Top without blending, bottom blended

Shade Selection: This is available in four shades: Light, Medium, Dark and Universal Glow which apparently will suit all skin tones.

Price/ Availability: ₤7.99 available from Boots and various drugstores. 

Overview: I really like this product. It has a nice formula and is good value for 30ml of product. A little goes a long way and so far I'm really enjoying this product. I would recommend it but the lasting power is the major downfall.

Rating: 8/10

Thanks for reading Dolls! 

What's your favourite BB Cream?

xo

The Many Wonders of Vaseline Lip Products...

Hello Beauties,

I'm currently sitting here, in bed, feeling a little ill, so thought what better way to cheer me up than write a blog post? And a random one at that, I may add. No, you didn't read the title wrong, this post is really about Vaseline and it's various purposes. Let's dive right in shall we?

The Giant Tin- Containing all 4 types of Vaseline.

What is it? Vaseline is actually a brand name but is one that has really become a product in itself. They sell various body products but I'm focusing on their lip jellies. If you don't know what vaseline is, which I'm sure you probably do, I'll give you a little roundup of the product. It is literally petroleum jelly and comes in a small tin. It's inexpensive and widely available. It's most commonly used as a lip balm, but you'll soon realise there's many more functions to this little tin than meets the eye.

1. Lips: Most obviously this can be used as a lip balm. This wouldn't really be my favourite use as I don't find it incredibly nourishing for the long term. This is because as it contains petroleum jelly so, your lips become dependent on it.

2. Heels: It may sound odd but this product is fabulous to but on your heels, or anywhere on your feet, that is prone to blisters. I've put it on the heels of my feet when wearing uncomfortable shoes and it's worked wonders!

3. Eyebrows: I use this as an eyebrow gel. It may not last the entire day but it certainly does a good job in keeping my eyebrows in place and preventing stray hairs! 

4. Eyelashes: I sometimes use this as a clear mascara. Just apply with your finger and it works great. I'd say it works best with dark lashes but give it a go even your fair! Some people also say applying onto the lashes at night helps them grow- not sure about that but it's worth a try!

5. Cuticles: Putting a little vaseline onto your cuticles can help nourish and heal them if needed.

6. Moisturizer: This can basically be put anywhere to help nourish and moisturize dry skin. 

7. Perfume: Vaseline apparently helps scents last longer if applied onto areas where perfume has been applied. 

8. Removing False Lashes: Never tried this but apparently vaseline can help remove false eyelash glue!

9. Insulation: This would probably only apply if you swim in the ocean but if generously applied all over the body can help keep you warm and insulate the heat!

10. Eases Punctures: This doesn't only apply to beauty. For example, if you're pumping a ball or a tyre or something of the sort, if you apply a little vaseline onto the area where you insert the pump, it eases the insertion of the pump. Weird I know, but it really does come in handy! The same applies if inserting earrings!

So that's my post on top ten wonders of Vaseline! Vaseline petroleum lip jelly is available in various "flavours". These including: original, aloe vera, rose and almond oil, sun protection (with spf15) and cocoa butter. There is also a new limited edition créme brûlée flavour apparently- sounds delicious!

Vaseline retails for usually €1.90 and is available from most pharmacies/drugstores.

Thanks for reading dolls!

Have you tried any of these strange uses?

xo

Look For Less: Eva Longoria!

Hey Darlings,

Many of you seem to enjoy these types of post, which is great because I love doing them! This is a very recent photo of the gorgeous Eva Longoria in NYC on her way to the Today Show. I love this look, so classic and stylish and perfect for Spring. You may want to wait till summer to rock these shorts if you live somewhere like Ireland or the UK though! 

For the shirt you could wear any blouse really. This one has a gorgeous bow style in the front and is quite affordable at ₤28 from River Island.

For the blazer you could try this one from Forever 21 for €26.75

As far as shorts go, you could try these pretty brown leather one from Forever 21 for €24.80 .

Now the heels are a little tricky. These are as similar as I could find that were still a reasonable enough price. In saying that, they still are a tad pricey at $155 and are available from this website.

Team with some loose waves and you've got the look!

Thanks for reading Dolls!

What are your thoughts on this look?

xo

NOTD: Nicki Minaj for OPI- "Save Me"

Hello Lovelies!

For some reason I've been slacking on the "Nails of the Day" posts that I seemed to be obsessed with a few weeks ago! Well I'm back with another and this one is in Save Me from the Nicki Minaj for OPI Collection. I love this collection and picked up the magenta crackle polish also.

Save Me is super unique and unlike any polish I've ever seen before. It's obviously glittery but this isn't your typical round glitter, these are literally strips of glitter. They even glow in the bottle! They are all multi-coloured ranging from oranges to blues- gorgeous! The base of the polish is a sparkly silver.

Consistency: This is like all glitter polishes consistency-wise. It takes about 4 coats to build up an opaque look (as shown). This can also be used as an overcoat to add a bit of sparkle to any shade!

Lasting Power: This lasts for about four days. I was quite impressed as most polishes chip off quickly for me.

Removal: This is not super-easily removed. As with most glitter polishes you'll need a strong remover to help you get this off!

Price/Availability: This is available in many online retailers of OPI. I purchased mine from www.beautyemporium.ie for €9.95. I definitely recommend checking this site out- it's fabulous!

Overview: This polish is unique and gorgeous. I've never received so many compliments regarding my nail polish as I have when wearing this. This is one of my all-time favourite polishes!

Rating: 9/10

Maybelline Super Stay 10Hour Tint Gloss in Forever Fuschia!

Hey Dolls!

The other day I was in Boots and decided to take advantage of their 3 for 2 offer and pick up a few bits! So as I was browsing the Maybelline stand, checking out their new BB cream (stay tuned for a review coming up) I came across these Super Stay 10 hour tint glosses. I picked up "Forever Fuschia". I haven't heard a lot about these but I'm sure we will be soon- they're brill! They're also a great dupe for the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture glossy stains. Check them out here.

What are they? They basically apply like a very pigmented gloss, and dry into a lip tint!

Packaging: The packaging certainly isn't the height of brilliance or class but it's not too shabby either. Pretty standard. A plastic tube with shiny writing. I do like how the lids match the colour inside as it makes it easy to differentiate between colours.

Formula: These are not super glossy so if you're not a fan of lipgloss, don't immediately abandon the idea of purchasing this product. It firstly applies as a very pigmented lip gloss and then, after about 10 minutes, absorbs into the lips and dries as a tint.

Scent: This is a factor that doesn't apply to all beauty products but is quite prominent in this case. They smell super fruity! I really like the scent and is something that enticed me to the product. Not to worry if you're not a fan of fruity smells as the scent pretty much fades once applied. 

Pigmentation: The pigmentation of these is amazing. Forever Fuschia is a a gorgeous, vibrant pink. When first applied it seems super dramatic but after you leave it a minute to absorb it's not as crazy pink. If you want a slightly more subtle look, I would recommend rubbing in with your finger and then dabbing with a tissue. Overall I'm very impressed with the pigmentation, it's superb! Unfortunately they are only available in five shades. 

Lasting Power: Even though these claim to last for 10 hours, I don't think they really do. I got about four hours of wear at most. This is still impressive as I find it difficult to get lip products that last past two hours. 

Price/Availability: These retail for €11.49 at Boots.

Rating: 8.5/10

Topshop Lip Tint in Crystal!

Hey Beauties!



I'm a big fan of Topshop makeup. It's great quality and a reasonable price too. There are also so many innovative and unique products in their range. I recently picked up a lip tint, entitled Crystal, from their new Sisters of the New Moon collection whilst I was in London.

The unique selling point of this product is that it is a "magical" lip tint. What makes it so magical you might ask? Well it reacts to your skin tone to create a shade unique to you! Pretty cool eh? And the best part is that it really works! Apply, wait for a few minutes and watch as the shade adjusts to your lips!

Packaging: I love the packaging of this product. As it's part of a collection, it's a little different from the standard Topshop makeup packaging. The outer box is a pretty pink with black, swirly writing. The actual product comes packaged in a gorgeous silver tube with pretty illustrations along the bottom. The entire Sister of the New Moon collection gives off a very whimsical vibe.

Colour/Pigmentation: How blooming amazing is this shade?! Aah it's just beautiful to even look at! The photo doesn't do it justice. It's truly phenomenal. It reminds me of Barbie and all things sparkly and girly. Don't worry though, you won't look like you've applied a great ton of pink glitter to your lips! Once applied, it's actually very sheer, as you can see from the swatch below. Everyone's shade will be slightly different though. It gives a your-lips-but-better look and a pretty shimmer!

Lasting Power: These last pretty well. As with most lip products, it will need to be reapplied throughout the day. I would say you would get about 2-3 hours of wear but as the colour isn't hugely prominent, it isn't hugely noticeable once it wears off.

Price/ Availability: These retail for ₤9 available from selected Topshop stores and on their website.

Rating: 8/10

Thanks for reading Dolls!

What do you think of this beautiful lippy?

xo

Colour of the Year: Tangerine!

Hey Sweeties,


You may be aware that Tangerine has been announced as the colour of the year for 2012. Unfortunately, tangerine isn't the easiest colour to wear and doesn't suit the best of us. Luckily for me, I actually love the colour and suits my colouring quite well. It generally suits tanner skin tones and darker colouring in general. If this doesn't really apply to you, fear not, I have rounded up some tangerine coloured items that are wearable to everyone and anyone!

1. Blusher

An orange blusher is fabulous to add a pop of colour to your cheeks, and bang on trend too! This shade is Modern Mandarin and costs ₤17.50 available on their website.

2. Nail Polish

What easier way to tie in the colour of the year but with some nail polish? 

These shades are gorgeous! This polish is from the Holland Collection, entitled "A Roll in the Hague". It is available from www.beautyfeatures.ie for €11.99. 

3. Lipstick

Lipstick is also a great way to tie in some tangerine and can also transform a look. This shade is called Infrared available from Topshop for ₤8. You may have heard it being raved about from the lovely Zoe from Zoella so it's bound to be a good one!

4. Purse

This is another simple way to tie in the bright orange. Also, how cute is this purse? It is available from River Island for ₤15.00 .

5. Jewellery 

Another easy way to wear some tangerine! This ring is just an example of the gorgeous jewels available on the market. Available from Topshop for ₤8.50 .

6. Handbags

How gorgeous is the very raved about Rebecca Minkoff bag in - wait for it- tangerine! It is a little pricey at €154.43 from www.shopbop.com.

'Hope you like the post dolls!

What do you think of the 'Colour of the Year'?

xo

Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in "On and On Bronze"!

Hey Chicks!

Excuse the retro greeting, I'm trying to tie in a bit of Easter as it is Easter Sunday today! 

Recently I finally managed to track down the highly-anticipated Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr cream eyeshadows. Woah what a mouthful! I'm sure these are more widely available now, but a few weeks back I could only find them in Superdrug stores. 

What are they? If you haven't heard of these, they are basically a cream eyeshadow. They have been compared to Mac Paint Pots. I can't comment on this as I have never tried paint pots. They claim to be super long lasting and are a multi-functional product!

Colour: The shade I picked up, as it was the only shade left, is "On and On Bronze". This is the European name but across the pond it is known as "Bad to the Bronze" which is a much cuter name! Anywho, the shades are the same. It is a beautiful bronze shade and is very shimmery also. They are available in 10 shades in the US but only 7 shades in UK/Ireland. Why are we also deprived of a few shades?!

Functions: This can be worn sheered out (top swatch above) for a quick wash of colour. They can also be worn more built up for a more intense look (bottom swatch). They can also act as a primer base or even as an eyeliner! These worked best for me when applied with my finger, I haven't ever tried using a brush but I'm sure that would work also.

Lasting-Power: They claim to be a 24 hour product, and even though I have never worn any type of product for such a length of time, they certainly last the entire day. They stay put perfectly, and once it hits the 10-12 hour mark, the shade fades a little but not exceptionally. I do have oily lids and didn't wear any primer so that may be taken into account. I didn't find any creasing problem either. Very impressive! 

Price/Availability: These retail for €7.99 at Boots and are also available in Superdrug stores.

Rating: 9/10

Thanks for reading dolls and Happy Easter!

xo

Revlon Lip Butters!

Hola Chicas!

Yes you've guessed it, yet another post about Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters! I know these have been blogged about excessively but I felt I might as well jump on the bandwagon and give you my take on these raved about products.

I have been waiting for these products to be released on this side of the pond for weeks! I finally found them in my local Boots about a little over a week ago. They are currently on 3 for 2 along with many other makeup brands. I picked up two along with another makeup item I got for free. I picked up the shades Lollipop (no.75) and Cotton Candy (no.45) both are pictured above.

Colour Selection: These are available in 14 shades in UK/Ireland. Over in the States they are available in 20 shades so we were a little deprived over here! The shade are gorgeous and range from a nude to bright pinks and reds! The colours are also very pigmented for a lip butter so I was very impressed. 

Lollipop is a gorgeous bright pink- fuschia shade. It's quite pigmented and can be built up to give a more intense pop of colour. 

Cotton Candy is much more subtle than Lollipop. It is a pretty pale, shimmery pink. It adds a lovely sheen to your lips and is extremely wearable.

Lasting Power: These aren't incredibly long-lasting as they are just a lip butter. I would say they may last 2 hours, maybe 3 at most. You would definitely want to keep it with you for touchups though!

Formula: These have a gorgeous, moisturizing formula. They feel lovely on the lips and not like you're wearing anything at all. This is what makes them that bit different than many products on the market.

Packaging: This is subject to opinion. You may love the packaging, others may hate it. Personally, I like it. I think it's cute and sturdy and not over the top. The lid is the same colour as the shade of the lip butter which is very convenient. There is also a small clear plastic panel at the top to see the exact shade of the lip butter.

Price/Availability: These are €11.18/₤7.99 available from Boots.

Rating: 8.5/10

Thanks for reading!

Have you tried these? What are your thoughts?

Let me know in the comments!

xo

Look For Less: Kim Kardashian!

Hey Dolls,

Yay! Another "Look For Less" and this time of the gorgeous Kim Kardashian. 

This look if perfect for this time of year, especially if you live in a cooler climate, as it has some  bright colours while still keeping you covered up. It's also a great wearable way to incorporate pretty pastels into your wardrobe without being over the top! 

You will probably have a lot of the items already in your wardrobe. 

One item you may not have is the gorgeous statement blazer. Kim's blazer is by Zoe and costs over 400 pounds. Here are some really similar style, both under €30!

This gorgeous mint blazer is from Forever 21 and costs just €28.75. 

This brighter, linen blazer is €26.75, also from Forever 21.

Next thing you need are some basic black skinny jeans. Sorry for the bad quality of the pic, but these Topshop jeans are actually gorgeous. Fit great and are super comfortable! Affordable too at ₤38. Unfortunately Topshop's exchange rate isn't great so these usually translate to about €60.

Pair a basic black tank top or camisole inside the blazer. These are super inexpensive. This one is only €3.75 from Forever 21.

Now for the heels. Any black pump will really do. These gorgeous suede pair from Schuh are super cute at €90.

Now you've got the look! 

Hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading!

What do you think of this look?

xo

Spring Makeup Essentials!

Hey Dolls,

Spring has arrived! There is a bit of a transition, regarding makeup, from Autumn and Winter to Spring and Summer. This is mostly due to the weather. We can pull off heavier makeup in the cooler months, but in the sun we need lighter makeup and makeup that can take the heat.

1. BB Cream: 

I'm sure you've all heard of BB Cream, which stands from Beauty Balm by the way. I have been converted to this wonderful middle between a tinted moisturizer and a foundation. Basically it's great for Spring because it's light and contains SPF to protect you from the sun's harmful rays. Garnier is the one I've tried and I've loved. For a full review and swatches see here. It is available from Boots for €14.99. 

2. Lip & Cheek Stain:
 Lip and cheek stains are fabulous for warm weather. They last through the heat and are also so versatile- 2 in 1 product alert! The colour of this particular product pictured is Benefit's Cha Cha Tint. It's a beautiful coral shade and perfect for Spring. Available here for ₤24.50.

3. Lip Butters!

Yes I have jumped on the Revlon Lip Butter bandwagon! They are amazing. Soft, moisturizing and quite pigmented as far as lip butters go. The one pictured is in Lollipop. I love this shade. It's a gorgeous purple-pink and is actually really pigmented! Much more than I thought it would be.

These are available from Boots for around €11.99/₤7.99.

4. Cream Blush:

Cream Blushes are great for Spring as they are super long-lasting. This shade, So Sweet, So Easy, is gorgeous! I don't actually own this blush but I am really tempted to try it out after seeing these pics online! Gorgeous. Check it out here for ₤17.50.

5. Maybelline Colour Tattoo Eyeshadows:

These are so gorgeous and great for Spring as, once again, they're super long lasting. The colour names vary from US to UK/Ireland. For example this picture says "Bad to the Bronze" which is the US name but over here the same shade is called "On and On Bronze". They are really versatile and last for hours, no primer needed! They are only ₤4.99 from Boots.

6. MAC Tendertones:

Another rave product here in the blogosphere. Tendertones are basically a super creamy lip balm with SPF12. They are ₤11/€14. They may be available in some MAC stores/counters but unfortunately are sold out on their website except for the shade Tread Gently (pictured). For a full review see here.

That's it! Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed. 

Let me know your Spring makeup essentials in the comments below!

xo