Images: Celebuzz
I have an irrational dislike of Scarlett Johansson but I can't deny that she is beautiful.
Products I'm using right now
I see this tag is doing the rounds again so here we go.
Shampoo: Aussie Mega shampoo .
Conditioner: Aussie Mega conditioner and Tresemme deep conditioning treatment.
Shower gel: Naked coco de mer body wash
Styling products: Frizz ease hair serum
Body moisturiser: Soap and Glory righteous butter
Deodorant: Dove
Fake tan: None.
Face Wash: Neutrogena 2 in 1 wash and mask
Eye Cream: Liz Earle daily eye repair
Moisturiser: Simple replenishing rich moisturiser
Skincare: Neutrogena visibly clear triple action lotion, Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 wash/mask, St Ives apricot invigorating apricot scrub.
Primer: None
Foundation: None
Concealer: Mac Select Moisturecover concealer in NC42
Powder: None
Blusher: Sleek in Coral and Nars Orgasm
Bronzer: None
Highlighter: Benefit High Beam.
Eyeshadow base: Benefit creaseless cream in Prenup
Eyeshadows: Sleek Storm palette (mostly neutral browns).
Eyeliner: Sleek gel eyeliner in Dominatrix and Mac Kohl pencil in Smoulder
Eyelash curler: H&M
Mascara: Max Factor lash extension effect
Lipstick: None
Lipgloss: None
Nail colour: None - I am letting my nails recover after wearing polish non stop for 6 months!!
Reading back on my previous posting of this tag, I've noticed that I have cut down on a lot of products
Shampoo: Aussie Mega shampoo .
Conditioner: Aussie Mega conditioner and Tresemme deep conditioning treatment.
Shower gel: Naked coco de mer body wash
Styling products: Frizz ease hair serum
Body moisturiser: Soap and Glory righteous butter
Deodorant: Dove
Fake tan: None.
Face Wash: Neutrogena 2 in 1 wash and mask
Eye Cream: Liz Earle daily eye repair
Moisturiser: Simple replenishing rich moisturiser
Skincare: Neutrogena visibly clear triple action lotion, Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 wash/mask, St Ives apricot invigorating apricot scrub.
Primer: None
Foundation: None
Concealer: Mac Select Moisturecover concealer in NC42
Powder: None
Blusher: Sleek in Coral and Nars Orgasm
Bronzer: None
Highlighter: Benefit High Beam.
Eyeshadow base: Benefit creaseless cream in Prenup
Eyeshadows: Sleek Storm palette (mostly neutral browns).
Eyeliner: Sleek gel eyeliner in Dominatrix and Mac Kohl pencil in Smoulder
Eyelash curler: H&M
Mascara: Max Factor lash extension effect
Lipstick: None
Lipgloss: None
Nail colour: None - I am letting my nails recover after wearing polish non stop for 6 months!!
Reading back on my previous posting of this tag, I've noticed that I have cut down on a lot of products
John Mayer covers Rolling Stone Feb 2010
I went to see John Mayer play at the Hammersmith Apollo on Monday (the above photo is mine) and posting this photoshoot is just another excuse to gush about how awesome he is. For those who are only aware of him because of his previous relationship with Jennifer Aniston, he is first and foremost an amazing guitarist.
His version of Justin Timberlake's Lovestoned interlude is nothing short of brilliant.
Sleek Storm Palette EOTD
What I used:
-Gold eyeshadow from the top left corner all over lid.
- Bronze eyeshadow from the bottom left corner on outer V and crease.
- The matte black eyeshadow on the outer V.
- ELF blending brush.
- Light gold eyeshadow as highlight.
- Mac kohl eyeliner in "Smoulder" on upper lash line and waterline.
- Bronze shadow on lower lash line applied with Sonia Kashuk smudge brush.
- Maybelline Lash Stiletto mascara.
- Mac select moisturecover concealer in NC42.
New Look vs Luella
This dress from New Look is the closest thing to Luella I will ever own. I think it's more wearable as the heart cut out is on the back (less boobage!) and I love the polka dot lining. Plus it's a steal at £25.
Nars Orgasm
I finally managed to get my hands on the super famous Nars Orgasm blusher. The colour is a peachy pink with shimmer and this made it hard to photograph as the colour varies in different light.
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The photo on the left was taken with my SLR whilst the one on the right was taken with a compact digital. Both were taken in natural light, at the same time. They look like two complete different blushers but I assure you it's the same one. I think the true representation would be a mixture of the two (if that's any help at all?).
Some close ups.
It's so sheer that it doesn't show up much in natural light. In the flash photo you can see the shimmer reflecting in the light.
On days that I don't want to wear so much makeup, I wear Orgasm on it's own, and being sheer, I can build the colour up to my preference. Other times I wear this on top of another blusher (usually a coral one).
This is my first Nars product and I'm happy enough, but next time I would like to try other colours such as Mounia or Dolce Vita. I also think the £18.50 price tag is a bit steep so I'll be keeping my eyes peeled on ebay/blog sales.
Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol II
I've had these photos since November but never got round to making a post because my swatches didn't come out well. I'll make a seperate post at a later date I just wanted to show how gorgeous it is. I've also managed to capture my beloved Primark dressing gown!
A Single Man
This isn't my usual type of film but it's so visually stunning that I feel inclined to see it. A Single Man is fashion designer, Tom Ford's directional debut and is released here in the UK on 12 February 2010.
The trailer is definitely worth watching.
Review: Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes
Benefit says: "This little kit with BIG results is all you need to define, contour and enhance your eyes. We've included everything you need to "go pro" with the perfect shades and tools to create that coveted contour look that everyone loves. You'll thank us later".
This little kit includes boi-ing concealer in shade 02, alabaster pink base shadow, cocoa shimmer countour shadow, rich chocolate brown liner shadow and a mini concealer brush and double ended contour and liner brush. It also comes with a leaflet with illustrated step by step instructions which you can view here.
Swatches which were taken with flash.
Blah....the end result after following the step by step instructions.
My verdict: I admit I lazily applied the base shadow (note the fallout) but the contour shadow is not pigmented enough to show up on top of the base. Neither is the dark brown liner eyeshadow. So the overall effect is washed out and quite poor. The concealer is a shade too light for me (though you can also use it as a primer) and felt cakey. The brushes weren't too great - they were okay but useful if you haven't any brushes of your own. The only thing I liked were the illustrated instructions which are great for beginners who want to learn how to contour.
I don't rate this kit much but think it would be better suited to those with fairer skin perhaps. Also it is quite expensive at £21.50 which I would rather spend on the gorgeous Natural Eye Kit by Too Faced.
Jennifer Lopez: Elle Feb 2010
I can't believe Jennfier Lopez is 40. I just googled it and "If you had my love" came out in 1999 - 11 years ago! I feel old.
My Winter Essentials
Everyone has their favourite array of products to get them through the harsh and bitterly cold weather and I wanted to share some of mine.
1. Aveeno Bath and Shower Oil
I get painfully dry skin on my elbows in winter so I try to keep that area as moisturised as possible. I rub this oil on after I've used my usual shower gel then rinse it off. It smells like almonds and leaves my skin noticeably soft. It's part of their intensive dry skin range and contains oatmeal which apparently "cleanses, leaves a protective barrier and relieves dry skin and itching".
2. Simple Replenishing Rich Moisuriser
This moisturiser is great for winter as it's thick and rich without leaving your face greasy. My skin feels soft and hydrated after using this and it's helped to banish any dry patches.
3.Blistex Intensive Moisturiser
Forget all other lipbalms, Blistex is king! This minty lip cream really makes a difference. Unlike others which merely form a protective barrier, this one is soaked in and keeps my lips feeling soft.
4. Tresemme Restructuring Deep Conditioner
This is more of a occasional treatment than an everyday conditioner but in winter I use it every other day. It's intended for extra dry and brittle hair so that must mean it's VERY rich and conditioning for normal hair right? In winter my hair also suffers from dryness mostly because of wind exposure. This conditioner keeps it looking healthy and in good condition.
5. Soap and Glory Righteous Body Butter.
I love this! It has shea butter and aloe vera which helps soften skin and it smells absolutely yummy. I find it works best straight after you've had a shower. The tub is huge and has lasted me a very long time. It's not cheap at around £9 for 300ml but it's definitely worth it.
These are all the ones I can think of at the moment. Has anyone got any other reccommendations? I love discovering new products.
Image sources: Google
1. Aveeno Bath and Shower Oil
I get painfully dry skin on my elbows in winter so I try to keep that area as moisturised as possible. I rub this oil on after I've used my usual shower gel then rinse it off. It smells like almonds and leaves my skin noticeably soft. It's part of their intensive dry skin range and contains oatmeal which apparently "cleanses, leaves a protective barrier and relieves dry skin and itching".
2. Simple Replenishing Rich Moisuriser
This moisturiser is great for winter as it's thick and rich without leaving your face greasy. My skin feels soft and hydrated after using this and it's helped to banish any dry patches.
3.Blistex Intensive Moisturiser
Forget all other lipbalms, Blistex is king! This minty lip cream really makes a difference. Unlike others which merely form a protective barrier, this one is soaked in and keeps my lips feeling soft.
4. Tresemme Restructuring Deep Conditioner
This is more of a occasional treatment than an everyday conditioner but in winter I use it every other day. It's intended for extra dry and brittle hair so that must mean it's VERY rich and conditioning for normal hair right? In winter my hair also suffers from dryness mostly because of wind exposure. This conditioner keeps it looking healthy and in good condition.
5. Soap and Glory Righteous Body Butter.
I love this! It has shea butter and aloe vera which helps soften skin and it smells absolutely yummy. I find it works best straight after you've had a shower. The tub is huge and has lasted me a very long time. It's not cheap at around £9 for 300ml but it's definitely worth it.
These are all the ones I can think of at the moment. Has anyone got any other reccommendations? I love discovering new products.
Everyday Minerals Haul
I had never heard of Everyday Minerals until I read this post by Bubblegarm. I had a look at their website and decided that I "needed" a new blusher brush to fit in my makeup bag and that the Long Handled Kabuki brush was the one for me.
It's a synthetic brush and is incredibly soft and dense. Perhaps a tad too much because I find it hard to control the application of my blusher. However in it's defence, Everyday Minerals do say that this brush is suited for cheek, base and face powders. I do love how dinky it is and I use it throughout the day to top up my blusher. I just take extra care not to apply with my usual gusto.
With my order, I was given the option to add one of their Try Me kits for free. I chose the Peach blush kit which was made up of 3 small sample jars.
From left to right: Tea Time, All Smiles and Summer Stroll.
This is my first experience with mineral makeup of any kind and I don't know what to think yet. The powder is very finely milled and application can be tricky for fear of inhaling most of the product! The sample jars are rubbish because you're supposed to tip the powder in the lid, then swirl your brush around, but this is a mean feat considering the lid is about an inch in diameter. That said I quite like "All Smiles" - the other two don't show up that great. I know mineral is better than traditionl makeup in the sense that they don't have preservatives, parabens and other nasty irritants but when it comes to blusher, I'm not too concerned about this as it's not something I wear all over my face.
I wouldn't purchase a full sized product but I would go back for more brushes as I think they're good quality and inexpensive. The long handled kabuki brush was $10 and shipping came to about $4 so my total was about £8/9? Not bad at all.
It's a synthetic brush and is incredibly soft and dense. Perhaps a tad too much because I find it hard to control the application of my blusher. However in it's defence, Everyday Minerals do say that this brush is suited for cheek, base and face powders. I do love how dinky it is and I use it throughout the day to top up my blusher. I just take extra care not to apply with my usual gusto.
With my order, I was given the option to add one of their Try Me kits for free. I chose the Peach blush kit which was made up of 3 small sample jars.
From left to right: Tea Time, All Smiles and Summer Stroll.
This is my first experience with mineral makeup of any kind and I don't know what to think yet. The powder is very finely milled and application can be tricky for fear of inhaling most of the product! The sample jars are rubbish because you're supposed to tip the powder in the lid, then swirl your brush around, but this is a mean feat considering the lid is about an inch in diameter. That said I quite like "All Smiles" - the other two don't show up that great. I know mineral is better than traditionl makeup in the sense that they don't have preservatives, parabens and other nasty irritants but when it comes to blusher, I'm not too concerned about this as it's not something I wear all over my face.
I wouldn't purchase a full sized product but I would go back for more brushes as I think they're good quality and inexpensive. The long handled kabuki brush was $10 and shipping came to about $4 so my total was about £8/9? Not bad at all.
p.s. who is loving the snow?
Liya Kebede: Elle Italy Jan 2010
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