Wednesday 23 October 2013

Wednesday's Weekly Manicure HD Glowing Nail Polish : Lilac

So at first when I entered the local store I didn't really believe that these nail polishes were glow in the dark, but because the colour was a cute purple colour and the polish was only R35, I purchased it immediately. The polish is called HD Glowing Nail Polish.

The polish sounded so exciting, as soon as I painted my nails, I allowed drying time and then kept cupping my fingers over the polish to see if it's glow in the dark, but of course there was nothing. I feel embarrassed to say this, but my mother caught me holding my fingers near her lampshade because I thought the nail polish could "charge".

And just to kill the suspense, when I was going to bed and I sleep in the DARK, I saw a light glow on my nails, I switched on the light and "charged" my nails for a few seconds and guess what ladies? GLOWING NAIL POLISH! I was super excited, I really can't explain.

I find this polish so absolutely amazing, because it's glow in the dark and it's been lasting on my nails for over three days with no chips *miracle*. The polish colour is quite sheer, but it's buildable, I noticed the more you layer the polish, the more glow in the dark it becomes.
 
 

Stila New Sets Available in South Africa

So I am so excited for this range and I can't wait to get my hands on some of these amazing gifts! These come in beautiful packaging and are perfect for a gift or just as a spoil. Normally Stila cosmetics are quite price, however I find these sets absolutely reasonable.
 
 
Masterpiece Series: Eye & Cheek Palettes
 Selling at only R340
The Masterpiece Series includes 3 adorable paper-wrapped palettes containing 15 beautifully wearable shades of eye shadows and 3 universally flattering shades of blush.

The Masterpiece Series includes:

Volume I - The Minimalist
Eye Shadows: natural light, simplicity, elegance, subtlety, balance
Cheek: harmony

Volume II - The Impressionist
Eye Shadows: canvas, pastel, vision, watercolor, movement
Cheek: parisian pink

Volume III - The Modernist
Eye Shadows: glaze, avant-garde, mondrian, abstract, charcoal
Cheek: nouveau

Included is a book of easy-to-use tips & tricks written by Stila's Global Executive Director of Creative Artistry, Sarah Lucero.
 
 
Colour Outside The Lines - Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner Set 
Selling at R375
Draw the perfect line this holiday season with our adorable retro-chic tin pencil case that comes filled with Stila’s best-selling Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in 5 fun and versatile shades that can be worn alone or combined to create Stila’s signature double line look.
 
 
Shades:
emerald (green)
navy (blue)
aubergine (burgundy)
stingray (black)
lionfish (brown)
 
Colour Me Glossy Lip Glaze Set
Selling at R250
Stila’s legendary Lip Glaze delivers a glossy shine on lips with delicate, matching flavors and scents. These iconic click pens are perfectly portable for a glistening pout wherever you go.

Contains 9 Lip Glazes packaged in 3 Trios including: Reds
Pinks
Nude/Neutrals

Shades:
cranberry, dazzleberry, passion fruit, persimmon, wildberry, kaleidoscope, melon, strawberry cream, amaretto
 
Available at selected Truworths Elements , Foschini for Beauty and Woolworths SA
I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on these amazing Stila goodies 

Sorbet has joined the BB Train

 
 
 
So it is official! Sorbet has just launched their new BB Cream. The Sorbet BB Cream is designed to be an all-in-one formulation that replaces your moisturizer, primer, sunscreen, skin treatment, concealer and foundation. 
The new Sorbet BB Creams comes in the following shades: Light, Medium and Dark Tone
The Sorbet BB Creams retail at R100. Available at Sorbet and Clicks Stores.
 
 

Liebster Award Craze

So I was super lucky enough to get nominated for four Liebster Awards. I've been missing in action for a while, but hopefully I can wrap up my entire blogpost with awards! So this is quite an exciting experience for me ( It feels like getting an award in front of thousands of people)
 
So I would love to thank the following people for nominating me
Azraa from PrettifulBlog
Michelle from OrdinaryMisfit
Naeemah from The Jam Jar
 
So what exactly is a Liebster Award?
The Liebster award is intended to give some exposure to small blogs with less than 200 followers.
 
The rules are as follows:
  • Link back to the blogger who nominated you
  • Answer the 11 questions given to you by the blogger who nominated you
  • Nominate 11 other bloggers with less than 200 followers
  • Go to the blogs you nominated and notify them of your nomination
  • Give your nominees 11 questions to answer.

  •  
    First Round of Questions by Azraa 
    1) What is your favourite fashion or beauty item, that you own?
    My favourite beauty item would be my Elizabeth Arden 8 hour Lip Balm, it is my winter life saver and always keeps my lips soft and looking their best!
     
     2) What inspired you to start blogging?
    I am a journalist and I have a crazy addiction to beauty products, so I guess the both mixed together got me into blogging. hopefully one day my blog will be an amazing famous beauty blog!
     
     3) What is your beauty or make up routine?
    Cleanse, tone and moisturise with my Clinique 3 Step, apply a primer, apply foundation or BB Cream, apply blush, apply my face powder, apply my lipstick and lastly my eyeliner.
     
     4) Who is your fashion or beauty idol?
    I really can't choose, personally I get my inspirations from all sorts of people.
     
     5) What is your beauty secret, or any tips or tricks you would like to share?
    My beauty secret would be to apply a rich body cream to dry or cracked heels, put on socks and keep feet warm, you'll wake up to the softest feet ever.
     
     6) What beauty product or fashion item is on your wishlist?
    I've been dying to try out some Soap & Glory beauty products, they just look too pretty for words!
     
     7) What is your favourite skin care or beauty brand?
    Clinique for Skin Care and Revlon for Beauty Brand
     
     8)What is your cheapest beauty product?
    My Catrice Gel Eyeliner
     
     9) What is product can you not live without?
    A nice moisturising lip balm!
     
     10) What is the weirdest fashion or beauty trend that you have ever tried?
    Pink lipstick, really isn't my thing, no matter what
     
     11) What is your pet peeve?
    I always read blogposts about all the make up everyone went out and purchased, and then go and buy it myself.
     
    Second Round of Questions by Alice
     1. What is the one beauty product you regret buying or using the most?
    It would definitely be the Rimmel Perfect Match Gel Foundation, I regret buying it because even though it gives a perfect finish, it messes everything, from cellphone covers, to clothes, even my fingers were stained.
     2. You can only choose one colour nail polish  for the rest of forever. What colour do you choose?
    PURPLE!!!
     3. Quick! There is a fire and you have to run for your life. What 5 items do you save first? (Not people or pets)
    • My Cellphone
    • My iPad
    • Car Keys
    • My Elizabeth Arden Skin Cream
    • A Handbag
     4. What is in your bag right now?
    My wallet, my face powder, some lip glosses, my camera, a make up bag, some tissues and car keys.
    5. What is your favourite season?
    Spring
    6. What advice do you have for newbie bloggers?
    Never let anyone stop you from blogging about what you like to blog about
    7. What has been your favourite beauty product that you have bought or received?
    My Maybelline Dream Bounce Blush
    8. Your ultimate brand of polish or beauty product. Which brand would you love to have everything of?
    Definitely Mac! I recently purchased some Mac products and I am obsessed with them!
    9. If you were stranded on a island what would be the 5 things you would want with you?
    • My Phone
    • My RiRiWoo, because nothing can go wrong when you're wearing red lipstick!
    • My Boyfriend? If it counts! I'd choose his company any day!
    • A watch, I feel naked without a watch
    • Chocolate
    10. What has been your most special moment during your blogging time?
    When I get an amazing beauty product and I really can't wait to share my findings with everyone else!
    11. What is your weirdest habit, that most people don't know about?
    I choose a colour of polish to paint my nails, I paint them, admire them and then remove the polish and paint it another colour because I didn't like the first colour, weird I know!

     Third Round of Questions by Michelle
    1. What is in your bag right now? My wallet, my face powder, some lip glosses, my camera, a make up bag, some tissues and car keys.
    2. What is your favourite nail art technique? Stamping! Not an expert on it as yet though.
    3. You can only choose one colour nail polish for the rest of forever.  What colour do you choose? PURPLE
    4. Quick! There is a fire and you have to run for your life.  What 5 items do you save first? (Not people or pets)  Ipad, Cellphone, Car Keys, Elizabeth Arden Cream and a handbag
    5. Your top 5 beauty products you have to have and can’t live without? Lipstick, BB Cream, Eyeshadow, Eyeliner and Mascara
    6. Why do you blog? What do you want to achieve most? I blog so I can share my beauty findings with all of my readers
    7. Who is your favourite author or favourite book? My Favourite book is The Secret
    8. Your ultimate holiday destination.  Where would you like to travel to most? I would love to go to Paris
    9. Your ultimate brand of polish or beauty product.  Which brand would you love to have everything of? Nail Polish -I would choose Nails Inc
    10. Strawberry or banana? Strawberry
    11. What is one thing no one – or very few people – know about you? I'm an only child, and yes... I am a spoilt little brat!
    Round Four of Questions by Naeemah
    1. While you are writing a blog post, which position is most comfortable? (Laying down, sitting up, half up half down, etc)
    Depends on where I am, most of the time it is sitting up
    2. What do you listen to while blogging? (Music, audio books, tv for background noise lol, etc)
    The TV!
    3. Which beauty item is your holy grail?
    My Beauty Blender
    4. What's your favourite tv show?
    The Big Bang Theory
    5. If you had to pick between a muffin and a cupcake, which one would you take? 
    Cupcake with lots of icing
    6. How many times have you burnt yourself with a hot styling tool?
    Three, I have lovely scars and everyone thinks I burnt myself with a cigarette (they look like cigarette burns)
    7. If you could be any Disney character, which one would you be? and Why?
    Minnie Mouse, because she's carefree and she's always got Mickey running after her! *giggles* I'm also secretly jealous of her bow on her head!
    8. Horror? Comedy? Action? Thriller? Romcom? 
    HORROR!
    9. Fill in the missing words: I would rather "_______________" than "_______________" 
    (Ex: I would rather eat cockroaches than touch the sledgehammer from Miley Cyrus' Wreaking Ball video)
    I would rather repeat my matric year than do communication science again!
    10. If you could have anything made in your honour, what would it be? and Why? (Perfume, clothing line, jewelry, makeup products, etc)
    It would be make up, because I love make up and I feel make up should be in every ladies handbag.
    11. Coca-Cola or Pepsi or ________? (I  ♡ Pepsi, btw)
    PEPSI!!!
     
    So here are my nominees who I've chosen
     
    My Questions
    1. What is your dream beauty product or hair styling tool?
    2. What is the best part of being a beauty blogger?
    3. If you had an unlimited bank balance, what would you purchase?
    4. Are you a matte lipstick person or a crème lipstick person?
    5. If you were a perfume, what fragrance would you be? (Try for one which matches your personality)
    6. Which electronic item can you not live without? (Cellphone, iPad, Tablet, Laptop or Computer)
    7. Would you rather spend your last R100 on a beauty product or a bath product?
    8. Which are the 5 most used beauty products in your daily routine?
    9. How can you describe your make up look?
    10. What is your favourite flavour of ice cream?
    11. If you could invent a beauty product, what would it be?
     

    Nicki Minaj Pink Friday Fragrance

    Everything about this perfume, including the box... Is related to Nicki Minaj. The box is a beautiful pink and purple gradient box which has Nicki Minaj's silhouette in a gold embossed print on the box. The border of the box is a gold chain, which reminds me of Nicki Minaj's gold bling which is always around her neck. The box's colours (pink and purple) are completely Nicki Minaj's colours which she's always wearing, while the gold resembles all the bling. 

    The perfume bottle is a bust of the pop star herself. It freaks me out a bit as well, but the fragrance is absolutely divine. The bottle cap is Nicki Minaj's face which is in shimmering gold, while the hair on the bust is of course...Pink with the signature fringe. The remainder of the bottle has the body of the pop star, which is clear and then has a boob tube top in a different frosted glass. What makes the bottle of this fragrance unique is that it has a name chain in gold which is attached to the bottle, the name says "Nicki Minaj" which is similar to the one she wears.
     
    I was absolutely lucky enough to receive this perfume from my boyfriend as a present, of course my boyfriend knows how to spoil me. I'm not really a Nicki Minaj fan, but the scent is so amazingly dreamy and fruity, I couldn't say no! I received the 50ml bottle, which is a little different from the original bottle I spoke about on the top, however it's mainly the fragrance which I love and not the bottle. The fragrance is perfect for summer because its more of a summer or spring fragrance. 

    The fragrance which is in collaboration with the Elizabeth Arden company has a lovely refreshing scent, the scent is an intoxicating floral, it's a musky one which is mixed with fruity notes, pink flower petals, creamy vanilla, musk and wood.  The fragrance opens with notes such as star fruit, Italian mandarin, and a blackberry and raspberry hybrid called boysenberry. In the heart of the fragrance are lotus and starry jasmine petals while the base notes have caramelized pear, vanilla, musk and woody notes.  

    I would really recommend you get this fragrance! It's a lovely scent which you can get addicted too... The fragrance comes in a 50ml bottle which retails at R395 while the bigger bottle is a 75ml bottle which retails at R495. Whether you're a Nicki Minaj fan or not, you must try this perfume. It's fun, fruity and pink... what more could a girl ask for? Plus the scent isn't overwhelming but lingers on skin all day long.

    Friday 11 October 2013

    Yardley Loose Bronzing Powder

    I purchased this AMAZING bronzing powder recently, the bronzing powder is part of the Yardley Wild Summer limited edition range. As soon as I entered Clicks, the Yardley stand caught my attention, everything in this range is bold and absolutely eye catching. I chose the Loose Bronzing Powder because I can never have enough of bronzers. 

    The bronzer comes in a clear bottom compact which allows you to see the golden shimmering product, while the lid is a bright hot pink lid with a shimmering blue leopard print which is super cute. The bronzer comes in the shade Bronze Delight. I was pleased to know the bronzer comes with a powder puff, the powder puff has a  velvet smooth feel which is perfect for sensitive skin so there is no hurting or irritating skin. 

    The bronzer has a sieve which contains 20 spaces for the product to come out, the sieve is quite big for enough product to come out, however this doesn't make the product good for travelling because extra of the product will fall out if the product is tossed and turned in your bag, so that is the only downfall of the product. 

    The actual product is amazing, it's the perfect shade of bronze with an amazing shimmering gold tone which leaves skin looking sculptured and contoured as well as high lighting facial features. I've been using the product for just over a few days and I'm absolutely loving this bronzer. I use it with my angled brush because I find it easier to apply my bronzer.  

     
     
    I would really recommend everyone gives this bronzer a try, it's fine and lightweight on my skin. The shimmer really gives your skin a glow which I'm crazy about, it also makes this bronzer perfect for a day time or night time look. Just a friendly reminder, after purchasing the product, when you are removing the safety sticker on the sieve, BE CAREFUL!  It can spill everywhere. This bronzer retails at around R79. 
     
     
     

    Wednesday 9 October 2013

    Catrice Mattifying Oil Control Paper

    I was absolutely lucky enough to get one of these from the lovely ladies at Catrice. I think this is one of the most convenient products I've ever come across and they also help keep our skin looking amazing for longer. These mattifying oil control papers are always in my handbag so I always have that perfect matte complexion.

    These mattifying paper come in a cute purple compact which is made out of hard plastic so it's much more sturdy than any other mattifying paper compact I've seen. The inside of the compact also holds the mattifying paper with sections so you can only pull out on sheet of paper per a time. I find this convenient because if you're rushing, you still don't waste. 

    The actual mattifying sheet may look quite small, but the mattifying sheets are actually folded, therefore it's double the size of the compact, you'll never notice until you try one out. Therefore it's big enough to make all areas on your face shine free. Within seconds this amazing mattifying oil control tissues absorb all the oil for a shine free and matte finish which lasts long. The mattifying paper doesn't leave skin dry or irritated. 

    I find this mattifying paper perfect for setting make up, removing oil or just making sure you have a matte look after applying moisturiser. This compact is perfect to stay in your handbag because it's small and discreet, it's also slim enough to fit in your pocket.


    I would really recommend you give these Mattifying Oil Control Tissues a try, they have 50 sheets per compact and have a very reasonable price. I absolutely love these oil control sheets, and I promise I'm not just saying that because the compact is a royal purple shade!

     

    Tuesday 8 October 2013

    Labello Lip Butters

    These amazing lip butters are quite a hit in other countries however they are made by Nivea, while in South Africa the lip butters are made by Labello, which is basically the same company. These deliciously scented lip balms come in: 
    • Original 
    • Raspberry Rosé
    • Vanilla and Macadamia 

    I purchased both the Raspberry Rosé and the Vanilla and Macadamia as soon as they hit the shelves in the local Dis-Chem. I was quite pleased to know that they weren't a huge hit on the bank balance and retailed for an amazing price of just R30. 

    On the packaging the product is meant to: 
    • Be an indulging formula to pamper lips
    • Relief dry, chapped lips
    • Seals moisture providing long lasting care
    • Leaves a soft shine on lips
    I'm going to review my Raspberry Rosé Lip Butter because I've been using it all week. The lip butter comes in a cute tin (vintage of course) and you know how I love these cute little tins! I think the tin is a reasonable size and holds quite a large amount of lip butter (19ml).  The lip butter as a delicious scent which hits you as soon as you open the tin, however the scent isn't overwhelming. The Raspberry Rosé smells a lot like a raspberry smoothie, and has a sweet scent which I really like.

    The lip butter is lightly tinted pink, and as a soft buttery texture which is smooth on fingers, in the tin the product looks quite solid, however it melts on fingers as soon as you touch it,  once applied to lips, your lips feel a nice smooth sensation with a yummy scent. The one thing I wasn't too impressed with was that the lip butter gave my lips a slight whitish look which made me feel weird, but when used in the night, be prepared to wake up to super soft lips!

    The lip butter gives lips an amazing moisture burst which I love, it keeps my lips well moisturized and hydrated.  The lip butter is very smooth and silky and not sticky at all, it leaves lips well glossed by giving lips a natural shine. These lip butters are a must have this Summer to keep lips looking and feeling amazing.

     

    Friday 4 October 2013

    Friday Favourite Five

     
    1. KFC Sparkler Virgin Mojito : It is absolutely refreshing, they threw in some Sprite, fresh mint leaves, lemon and crushed ice. Doesn't actually taste like Mojito but its DELICIOUS!
    2. Essence all about matt compact: Spring is here and so is the heat! I love to keep a fresh matte face and thanks to this compact I can.
    3. Maybelline Colour Popstick: Sheer colour which is moisturising and a sweet scent which is refreshing, what else can be cuter?
    4. Garnier Clean Sensation: With the hot weather this is perfect to keep me dry all day, it has a 48hr dry protection and this underarm roll on has a clean scent which is refreshing.
    5. Catrice Prime and Fine Eye shadow Base: Longer lasting eye shadow, more vibrant colour and beautiful crease free application... I am loving this eye shadow base!
     
    

    The Body Shop SpaFit Firming and Toning Gel- Cream Massager

    This has to be one of the cutest and one of the most effective products I've come across. The Body Shop has products which work, everybody knows that and I was definitely not wrong in choosing the SpaFit Firming and Toning Gel- Cream Massager .The Firming and Toning Gel- Cream is rich in texture and has a lovey citrus scent which lingers on skin, the Firming and Toning Gel- Cream is a rich and creamy texture and is white in colour, but you can get that beautiful citrus scent. The Firming and Toning Gel- Cream comes in a 200ml squeeze tube which has a rubber massager which is attached at the end. 

    The massager is made with flexible rubber which has nubs in it, which helps massage the Firming and Toning Gel- Cream into skin, without hurting skin or irritating skin. The nubs on the massager are gentle on skin but effective enough to help tone skin, however the massager shouldn't be used on dry skin because it may hurt skin. 

    To use this product, you simply twist the head of the massager and allow a sufficient amount of Firming and Toning Gel- Cream to be dispensed on the massager and then twist the head of the massager again to close it, then you simply massage your skin with the massager, leaving skin feeling much more refreshed, firm and toned. Once you've completed the process, rinse off the massaging gel. 

    With frequent use of this Firming and Toning Gel- Cream and massager, skin will appear much more firm, toned and banished from cellulite. The Firming and Toning Gel- Cream is enriched with 100% natural origin citrus and caffeine ingredients which is meant to keep cellulite away and keep skin firm. 

    I would really recommend you give this product a try because the results are absolutely amazing over a period of use. Plus skin feels much more firm and toned. The SpaFit Firming and Toning Gel- Cream Massager retails at around R275. It may sound like a huge amount to spend now, but with the results you see, it's completely worth the price you pay!

     

    Tuesday 1 October 2013

    CaCo Sticks Semi Permanent Colour

    Hair Chalking Kits are an absolute craze now days, especially for a Spring or Summer look which is fresh and cute. The only brand of hair chalk which I've come across is Staedtler Hair Chalking Kit, but luckily the local salon has this amazing chalking kit which I got to do my review on. I've never heard of CaCo before, but this brand apparently makes hair chalking kits as well as Semi Permanent Hair Colour. 

    The CaCo Hair Chalking Kit has the following colours: 
    • Red
    • Pink 
    • Purple 
    • Neon Green 
    • Green 
    • Blue 

    I've been going crazy to try out the purple chalk, but I'm too scared I will finish it and I really purchased this pack just for that PURPLE hair chalk.  I've tested the neon green just to practice and I must say, the colour pay out is just AMAZING! I've searched on the internet for examples of hair chalking styles to try out, these happen to be my favourite five hair styles which I will try out soon. 

    Yesterday I tested the hair chalk for the first time and kept it on the entire day. I am actually quite excited about the colour payout and the texture of my hair. I thought that my hair would become rough after using the hair chalk, however my hair is the same texture, I was also surprised that even on my brownish/red hair, the colour was a lovely intense colour. Of course I can't stop looking at my hair chalked this colour because I'm so excited! 

    Hair Chalking Time

    You will need: 
    • Hair Chalk 
    • Old Towel
    • Water in a bowl or Spritz Bottle
    • Hair Dryer 
    • Flat Iron 
    • Hair Spray

    The Hair Chalking Process:
    1. Cover clothes with an old towel.
    2. Choose your desired colour.
    3. Spray hair or wet hair (the more damp, the better the chalk holds).
    4. Rub the chalk in a downwards motion until the colour catches.
    5. Twist hair while chalking so the colour reaches around strands.
    6. Dry hair strands using a hair dryer or dry naturally.
    7. Straighten hair using a flat iron to seal colour. 
    8. Spray hair with a few spritz of hair spray to keep colour lasting longer.
    My Two Favourite Hair Chalking hair styles for darker hair colour

    I'm still going out today to try a new type of hair chalk which hopefully will be just as amazing! If you see any brand which brings hair chalk in South Africa please let me know, I would love to give it a try. I would recommend trying hair chalking, they look absolutely stunning on any hair type and the colour pay out is simply amazing!