I'm uber excited to announce that there will be a few guest bloggers being featured on my blog during next week!  More about that later.

I've finally received my order that I made from E.L.F. Cosmetics (Eyes Lips Face) and will be reviewing the products in the coming weeks as I get a chance to try each item.  So keep your eyes peeled!

My box of Elf Cosmetics goodies :)

Some of the goodies that I ordered includes:  Professional 9pc Brush Collection, All Over Cover Stick, All Over Colour Stick, Mineral Infused Primer, Shimmery Eye Pencils, Nail Polish etc......

All these items were only half price, this is due to Elf Cosmetics having a half price code (the last ever apparently).  However, do not despair...they will have other offers on and all the products that they sell are so reasonable that it is quite affordable.

I'm also swotting up on the current fashion trends and the best places to get a new wardrobe from, so I'm reading Company, Cosmo and a few other magazines.  I think I'll skip reading Vogue (I would just become depressed *hahaha*) .

Do you have any Elf Cosmetic products?  What do you make of the brand?  Let me know ;)

Hair Colour Voila!

Beyonce Knowles - Caramel

Reese Witherspoon - Champagne

Kim Kardashian - Chestnut

Christina Hendricks - Copper

Amy Adams - Ginger

Drew Barrymore - Ombre

The hottest colours for hair is shown by the current celebrities in the photos above.  One of the colours that really made a huge debut during the summer period was sported by Rihanna.  Yes you guessed right!  BRIGHT RED!  Saying that, ginger seems to be cool again! 

I'm currently bang on trend, as always (hehehe), for once!  I'm sporting slightly red hair with a darker tinge.  However, the good news is that all the colours are very wearable and now is the best time to start experimenting for the winter. 

 If you do choose to colour your hair, keep in mind that it is very important to look after your hair and also to maintain the colour.  There are many great products for coloured hair on the market with L'Oreal, Redken and Klorane being just a few.  Dove also has a very affordable range that is available at most supermarkets and drug stores.

Be playful with your hair colour!

Popular Hairstyles for Autumn/Winter

One of the most important parts of our beauty regime that epitomizes us as individuals, is our crowning glory.  That is our hair.  Most ladies look after their hair really well, making sure that it is styled, coloured and beautifully soft to the touch.

This brings me to the most important part of this particular post.  Exactly which styles are worth having this Autumn/Winter?

Style:  Long Bob

The Look:  Jennifer Aniston ditched her longer layered crop for a much shorter bob that skims her shoulders.  The look really makes her look more sophisticated and frames her face beautifully.  Most of the world swooned at the style, because as far as the world is concerned, her hair can do no wrong!  It is one of the most requested hairstyles in America at the moment.  Following closely behind is Rihanna's blazing red crop, however where Jennifer's crop is slightly more angular and following her jawline, Rihanna's bob is softer and cut to what the hair would look like when dried.  Again, it just looks great on Rihanna, especially with her blazing red hair.


The Verdict:  I love this look, however considering my own hair is very long, I will not be investing in this particular cut.  This look will suit anyone with a heart-shaped or oval face. 

Pro Picks:
A FHI one-inch flat iron “really brings out the lines of the cut,” says Ursula Stephen, a Motions celebrity stylist, who also uses Motions Light Hold Working Spritz on damp hair to add control and protect from heat damage. McMillan uses a root lifter for “height at the crown.” Try Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip.










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Style:  The Long Bang


The Look:  The sweet, sideswept bangs of newlywed Reese Witherspoon secured the Elle silver medal, following Jennifer Aniston’s bob as the second most-requested style overall (with J.Lo’s wispier fringe coming in as a close runner-up). To keep “choppy” fringe in top form, stylist Mark Townsend, who first trimmed Witherspoon’s bangs in 2007, removes weight using thinning shears on the bottom half-inch of the bangs. To duplicate the style, start the shortest pieces near the eyebrow, with gradual layers extending to the ear.


The Verdict:  This look is very wearable and one of the styles we'll be seeing more celebrities adopt on the red carpet.  This particular style also suits most face shapes, especially the heart shaped face (like Reese Witherspoon) and the oval shapes (like J. Lo).

Pro Picks:
Opt for a Mason Pearson paddle brush when blow-drying “to avoid ’80s round bangs,” suggests Townsend, a Dove Hair celebrity stylist. Applied at the root, Sally Hershberger Plump Up Thickening Mist “prevents the look from going flat.” Townsend rubs Dove Nourishing Oil Care Leave-in Smoothing Cream on his fingers and rakes them through dry bangs to add shine.









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Style:  The Pixie


The Look:  For the second year in a row, the pixie landed third on the most-wanted list, with Emma Watson’s retro-adorable makeover and Halle Berry’s sophisticated coif taking first and second place, respectively. Rodney Cutler, who transformed Watson post–Harry Potter, paid extra attention to shaping “precise, rounded layers” that “conform to the head shape.”


The Verdict:  This style really is one of those that are created for the very brave!  You have to have an attitude to match the short style and personally I've had some bad experiences with this particular style.  I looked androgenous or like a boy.  I'll leave this style to those lucky ladies who can get away with it. 
However, this style can look beautifully feminine, especially if you texture the hair like Halle Berry.

Pro Picks:
To “polish” strands, give them a finishing mist of Cutler Specialist Shine Tattoo, a vitamin-packed spray. For a sleek look, “comb Redken Glass 01 through small sections of hair,” Cutler says. To encourage hair to lie flat by blow-drying with a fine-tooth comb instead of a brush, try the Goody Fine-Tooth Tail Feather Comb.

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Style:  The Wave


The Look:  
It’s no secret that everyone tries to keep up with Kim Kardashian—her glamorous waves won fourth place, inching out Blake Lively’s Lagerfeld-approved curls. To create Kardashian’s signature strands, her stylist, Frankie Payne, applies a thickening spray, then blow-dries hair. Using a large-barrel curling iron, he grabs “small sections, starting around the face and curling outward.” After teasing the roots for extra lift, Payne “loosely” brushes the waves to look “natural and effortless.”


The Verdict:  I've been in love with this style since the day it first reared it's lovely glossy mane!  If this look is pulled off in the right way, it can look beautiful and glossy!  It is a style that could suit most face shapes and will look wonderfully feminine!  The best part of this style is that it can be worn down but also easily be taken up into a glamorous evening 'up-do'.

Pro Picks:
Wrap sections around a curling iron, twisting away from the face for “Hollywood glamour,” says Payne. Try Hot Tools one-inch professional curling iron. For maximum body and bounce, blow-dry hair with a Spornette Porcupine Rounder Brush. Lock in curls with TreSemmé 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray—it “holds the style for hours.”











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Those are the current trends that are definitely doing the celebrity rounds and have been huge on the catwalks this Autumn!  I'll be sticking to 'the wave' and work that look endlessly along with sleek ponytails.  Stay tuned tomorrow for the must have colouring trends for hair.

Which styles will you be rocking this season?

Boudoir Prive - September Box Review

It was with much ooming and aahing that I decided to do this review.  I wasn't sure if anyone would enjoy another review, but I decided that I would wait for a while and do the review during the time that I've actually tried a few of the products. 

The box looked as delightful as ever, but this time around there was no personal note from Therèsè.  It was not the end of the world though.  The box was also very late, this was due to one of the American brands (I think Zoya perhaps) sending their samples in a slight bit late.  This had a lot of BP customers up in arms, however I haven't had any problems with it.  The box was definitely worth the wait.

The beautiful soft pink 'flip-top' box

The catchy black and pink packaging, with the small holographic mirror sticker to seal the packaging.

The contents of this months box.

Before I discuss the samples inside the box, I'd like to mention that a lot of BP customers also complained about the sizes of the samples.  Personally, I thought that this was a shame and that they were missing the whole concept of the BP box.  They specifically mention that the samples are for the benefit of trying each item and finding out if it suits you and trying something different/new.  I think the samples are perhaps small but very adequate to try and experiment with.

So on to the contents: 

Agent Provocateur - L'Agent Parfum sample

Inside view of the Agent Provocateur sample

The first item out of the box, was the Agent Provocateur L'Agent Eau De Parfum.  The sample size is 1.5ml and has a floral oriental theme.  I was pleasantly surprised to receive this sample, because I have always wanted to try the Agent Provocateur perfumes, but never really had the guts to stray from my other perfumes. 

What they say:   "This seductive scent will turn you into the centre of attention and will make you feel sexy, mysterious and captivating.  A new, classic scent for ladies by Agent Provocateur."

Exotic Top Notes:  Davana Oil, Baies Rose, Ylang Ylang
Magnetic Heart:  Geranium Bourbon, Rose De Mai, Jasmin Sambac
Somber Base:  Patchouli, Sandalwood, Amber Crystals

Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment (10ml)

The Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment doesn't look like the most exciting little sample, but it has an amazing fragrance. It is suitable to all hair types and smooths, defrizzes and repairs damage to hair. I've tried this on my husbands hair, because he seems to be suffering from really dry scalp at the moment.  The oil has a very thick consistency, and was really easy to apply.  The only problem with the product is the fact that it does not mention how long to keep it on.  However, my husbands scalp was instantly hydrated and will hopefully stay that way!  I'll definitely invest in this particular product, even if it is just for the yummy smell ^_^

Cargo Boogie Nights Eye Pencil (0.82g) in 01 Silver

Sample of the colour against skin.

This product in the box was also a very exciting little surprise.  The eye pencil is a very shimmery silver with a slight glitter contained in the soft, maleable pencil.  It is very easy to apply and the colour pay-off is great and can be worn during the night or day.  I have never heard of the 'Cargo' brand beforehand, but it seems that they have some exciting products in their range.  The best products in their range is the HD makeup, which basically helps makeup artists to allow celebrities to look extra great even if the camera shoots them in high definition. 

Face on look at Colbert M.D. Nourish Eye Cream

Side on look at Colbert M.D. Nourish Eye Cream

This sample is fairly self explanatory, it is a lovely little nourishing eye cream from Colbert M.D.  I'm not sure of the sample size as there is no references to it anywhere on the packaging.  The cream needs to be applied to the eye area (under and around the eye) during the morning and evening.  It retails at an eye-watering £90.00 per 15ml.

They say:   "Colbert M.D, the skincare used daily by HRH Kate Middleton and Sienna Miller, brings you a new impressive Eye Cream which rehydrates the skin around the eyes and reduces puffiness and dark circles."

I've used this product a few times now and have noticed that it is definitely very hydrating.  As to the dark circles and puffiness situation, I'm not too sure.  I'll keep you all up to date as I keep using the eye cream

Tropic Body Smooth Refreshing Polish

This body smoothing polish is best tried on the hands according to our little leaflet.  This is probably due to the small amount that has been supplied.  There is no reference to size of sample and the product sells for £19.95 per 200ml.  It has a really zesty citrus smell and is the one product that I have not yet given a go.  I'll keep you updated on it.

They say:  "We love this 100% natural Body Smooth from Tropic Skincare, founded by the Apprentice's Susan Ma.  Enriched with nourishing Sea Minerals, Jojoba and Macadamia oil, it smoothes and hydrates skin wonderfully."

Zoya Nail Polish in colour Marina (ZP571)

Beautifully pearlescent colour in a silver-blue colour

7.5ml bottle size

The new Autumn Zoya Range

Colour chart of the new Zoya Autumn Range called 'Smoke & Mirrors'

From Left to Right:  Jana (taupe), Petra (Dark Grey), Codie (Black-brown) - Matt colours

From Left to Right:  Anja (Plum), Cynthia (Dark Blue), Dree (Khaki) - Matt colours

From Left to Right:  Nimue (Soft Purple), Marina (Grey-blue), Tao (Grey) - Colours with slight shimmer

From Left to Right:  Yara (Khaki), Neeka (Darker Purple), Jem (Bright Purple) - Colours with lots of glitter

This was the one product I was anticipating and was most excited about.  Zoya has a wonderful reputation for being the longest wearing natural nail polish on the market.  What makes it natural?  It is free of formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and camphor.  Jokingly they mention it is a vegan friendly formulation.  This is actually the biggest reason for my excitement and a reason why I would invest in further nail polishes from their ranges.  For the best results, apply a base coat and up to two layers of lacquer before finishing with a top coat.  The polish is very long lasting and smells very neutral, which is always a bonus! 

Mai Couture Blot & Bronze paper.

The shimmery blotting paper with a little note from Mai.

As an extra little bonus, Boudoir Prive treated their customers to Mai Couture's Blot & Bronze Paper.  The paper is said to eliminate excess oil without disturbing your makeup.  The pigmented paper deposits a hint of golden color to even out skin tone while the refined shimmer gives the skin a radiant glow.  This is said to give you a oil-free sun-kissed complexion.  Again it is wonderful that the paper is paraben and talc free! 

I'm excited to try the products that I haven't had a chance to experiment with yet and those that I've already tried!  But overall, I'm absolutely delighted with this months box.  If you haven't tried a box from Boudoir Prive, it is highly recommended! 

What do you think of these products?  Let me know ;)

Parfume Palace!

It was with much anguish and disdain that I decided that I needed to buy myself a new perfume for my wedding.  Old hat, I know!  The biggest reason for this was due to the constant use of my most favourite fragrance in the whole wide world.  I fell in love with this particular fragrance almost five years ago in House of Fraser, when the sampling lady sprayed it onto a piece of ribbon and handed it to me.  That little ribbon sat in my handbag and delighted me to no ends!

So back to the new fragrance, I had gone to every department store imaginable and sprayed every sort of fragrance onto my arms from top to bottom.  Eventually I smelled like a tarts window box.  I even thought that I should create the scent:  "Tarts Window Box"!

All joking aside, I had then finally decided on a fragrance and it was love at first sniff.  So I waited for ages and the day I flew to South Africa, I decided to buy it at the airport.  What is it??  

Jean Paul Gaultier - Classique.

Jean Paul Gaultier Classique 50ml in the lovely tin.

The gorgeous little bottle of sexiness the perfume comes in!

A captivating, voluptuous fragrance...The ideal fragrance for a sophisticated femme fatale with supreme seductive powers.

Olfactory family: Floral Oriental.

Top notes: Rose.
Middle notes: Orchid.
Base notes: Vanilla.

I'm a sucker for any sweet smells that have a little vanilla or even cinnamon in.  And then to top it off with rose and orchid, two gorgeous smelling flowers?  Winner!  I was hooked.

Then, after being back for nigh on a week from South Africa, I decided that after using JPG Classique for the entire time after the wedding and honeymoon, I needed a change!  Desperately!  So thus stepping back in time, I decided to use old faithful!  Again, you might ask, what is old faithful??

Narciso Rodriguez - For Her

Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Toilette (Black bottle)

The beautiful, elegantly simple box in pink, along with the black perfume bottle.

An elegant, sensual, mysterious and delicate fragrance.  Three notes enhance the heart of musk: floral, amber and woody notes.A bottle with a black interior set off by clean, pure lines.   A soft-pink box.

Olfactory family: Sheer chypre

Top notes: Flower honey
Middle notes: Amber light
Base notes: Tactile woods

You may ask:  "What is a chypre?"  Chypre is the name of a family (or concept) of perfumes that are characterised by an accord composed of citrus top- notes, a floral middle, and a mossy-animalic base-note derived from oak moss and musks.

After using this fragrance again, I fell in love all over again!  It is truly one of those fragrances that have to be smelt to understand the beauty of it.  If you fancy the fragrance but do not want something too overpowering, opt for the Eau de Toilette in the Black bottle.  However, if you are looking for a much sharper smell, the Eau de parfume in the Pink bottle is the one to go for.

Try it for yourself...you might just like it.


Happy smelling! x x