How To: Pretty Purple Eyes! x

1 -  Prime your eyelids.

2 -  Apply a thin layer of white eyeshadow as a base.

3 -  Pat a purple eyeshadow over the lid.

4 - Blend a light gold in the inner corner and crease of eyelid.

5 - Add a little more purple if it's overpowered by the gold.

6 - Highlight the brow bone.

7 - Smudge over the lower lash line with purple shadow.

8 - Line the inner lower lash line with a black pencil liner.

9 - Apply black mascara to top and bottom lashes.

10 - Apply your other makeup as usual.

What do you think of my pretty purple eyes? :)

OPI Giveaway! x

Hey Beauties!

Just a quick post to let you all know about a fabulous giveaway that's going on. Becky over at Beautiful the best and the rest has just reached 50 followers and is giving away a brand new OPI polish, Pink friday from the new Nicki Minaj collection to celebrate.

 To enter you must follow Becky's blog via GFC, live in the UK and be aged 16 or over. You will recieve 1 entry into the giveaway when you comment on her giveaway post and 5 extra entries if you do a post about the giveaway on your own blog.

Click here to enter

Good luck everyone!

xoxo

The nail polish tag! x

Hello my lovelies!

This is the Nail Polish Tag :) Aly from Seven Things Beauty tagged me, so thankyou hunnie :) Below are the rules for the tag and my answers. I also tagged people but you can still do this even if you weren't mentioned specifically!

Rules

1) Answer the following questions.

2) Send the tag onto 5 other bloggers.

3) Make sure the 5 bloggers you passed the tag onto know about it.

Questions

1) How many nail polishes do you have?

I only have around 40 at the moment, because I've just had a huge clearout. I had tons that were like years old and they just couldn't hold on any longer! I also had alot of colours I had never used or only used once etc. I keep my polishes in 3 cute little cosmetic bags at the moment, It's kinda great not needed as much storage anymore!

2) What is your favorite brand of nail polish?

At the moment I love Jessica, but my favourite changes all the time :)

 

3) Do you like or hate crackle polish?

I love it! My favourite is the black Barry M one, but OPI's is great too!

 

4) What was the brand of your very first nail polish?

Ooh god I can't really remember, but it was probably gallery colours.

 

5) If you had a nail polish line, what would it be called?

Ermm how about Just Tiffeny? I could have a nail polish line, clothing range, perfume ... Reach for the stars! :P

 

6) What nail polish color do not look good on you?

I don't really like dark colours on myself.

 

7) What nail polish shades do look good on you?

Any pinks :)

 

8) Name 2 of your nail art best friends.

#1 - Beauty Formulas nail dry spray

#2 - Glass nail file

 

9) What is the best nail polish gift you have ever received?

The christmas before last my fiance got me some No7 nail polishes and I was really impressed with the colours he chose. He is a man after all :P

 

10) Make a speech about the blogger than gave you this award.

Aly is great, as is her blog :) Her posts are always really interesting and on wednesday she was chosen as bloggers.com featured blogger of the day! Click here to check out her fabulous blog ♥

 

Who do I tag?

Lizzie from Cupcakes & Cosmetics

Danielle from Tinks Tales

Lauren from The Cosmetics Kitten

Rachel from Life Of A Sweetaholic

Rachael from Island Girl Insights

Please leave me your link if you do this :)

Interview With A Beauty Blogger #3

Hey Cuties! 

Today I would like to introduce you to Hollie from h0lliedays :)

Questions

1. When and why did you first start blogging?

 I started blogging just under two weeks ago now and I started as I wanted to express myself and my interests somewhere other than my journal.I thought I could relate to other bloggers about their likes/dislikes and communicate with people similar to myself.

2. What do you like most about blogging?
  I like that you have the freedom to write about anything to your hearts content! Also the fact that its a little keepsake for you personally to look back on.

3. Is there anything you dislike about blogging?
  Not at the moment.. I used to use tumblr and disliked the layout so switched to blogspot and havent had any problems yet

4. What do you think of my blog?
  Your blog is very colourful and packed with great images which you've taken which is always a plus!

 5. Who/what inspires your blog?
 Fashion bloggers like beauty crush and any beauty related websites (dollybowbow) and magazines (vogue,elle,look)

6. What do you use to take pictures for your blog?
There are 3 choices i am lucky enough to choose from! Either my iphone when im out and about, my nikon d5000 or a sony cybershot little compact camera.

7. Do you or would you work with pr companies?
 I havent been approached yet but i wouldnt mind them contacting me and don't mind reviewing a product or two.

8. Do you or intend to hold giveaways on your blog? If anyone was interested I would hold a giveaway, depending how much response I got.

Favourites 

Beauty product: hard one! Most probably MAC MSF natural
Hair product: definitely unite 7 seconds leave in conditioner (but my argan oil comes at a close second!)
Blog: beauty crush without a doubt
Website: Topshop
Magazine: elle
Food: roast potatoes!
Film: The Notebook (a sucker for romance)
Music: cant choose. Have such a wide variety of music I listen to.

This or that

Opi or Essie: opi
Mac or YSL: mac
Barbie or Sindy: barbie. Sindy looked evil!
Facebook or Twitter: twitter
Newspapers or Books: books
Pizza or Pasta: pizzzzza
Staying in or Going out: going out
Rock or Rap: rap

Finish this sentence

You should visit my blog because I would appreciate some feedback as I've just started out and I'd take the time to check yours out too:)

Links

Blog: h0lliedays
Facebook: Hollie Galvin
Twitter: @h0lliedays

Thanks for allowing me to interview you sweetie ♥

How much does your face cost?

Hello my darlings!

A while back I came across this tag on Life's Pretty Visions, saved it in my bookmarks and forgot about it. Until now! The idea is to add up the cost of all the products you use everyday and see how much your face costs :)

These are the products I use most days ♥

YSL Touche Eclat - £24.50

Soap & Glory Show Good Face - £11.00

Soap & Glory Arch De Triumph - £8.00

Avon Colortrend Final Touch Pressed Powder - £4.00

Avon Colortrend Lip & Cheek Balm - £2.00 approx

Avon Colortrend Pencil Play Eyeliner - £2.95

Avon Super Shock Mascara - £5.00

Loreal Made For Me Naturals Lipstick - £8.19

No7 The Essentials Palette - £14.50

The Only Way Is Essex Lipgloss - £2.00 each approx

Colour Bronzer - Unknown, came in a set

Studio Eyebrow Gel - Unknown, came in a set

Grand Total = £82.14

So I've seen higher amounts than this when other bloggers have done this tag, but I had no idea mine would be this much. I'm pretty shocked to be honest!

If you decide to do this leave the link so I can be nosey :P

The Ugly Side Of Beauty

At this moment millions of animals are locked inside small cold cages in labs across the country. They are in pain, lonely and long to roam free and use their minds. Instead, all they can do is wait in fear of the next terrifying and painful procedure that will be performed on them. Over 100 million animals every year suffer and die in cruel experiments. To test cosmetics hundreds of thousands of animals are poisoned, blinded, and killed every year by companies. Many of these tests are not even required by law and often produce inaccurate or misleading results.

I have always been very against animal testing. As a child I wrote to my local mp about it, but what difference did my opinion really make? My school girl petition probably just got pushed to the bottom of a pile of a hundred other forgotton papers. If I thought campaigning againgst animal testing would help I would get involved, but if even celebrity ambassadors voices are going unheard what use would mine be?

"I don't want to inflict harm on anything or anyone, especially animals that don't have a voice."

- Kimberly Wyatt

I have done some research into which companies use animals to test thier products and I am very upset to learn that a lot of my favourite brands do. I cannot honestly say that I won't use these products again, but what I can say is I totally disagree with the methods they use to test thier products.

If you would like to check out companies that do and don't test on animals go here

I wish I could live my life 100% cruelty free, but at the end of the day it just isn't practical. I don't always have time to read the labels on every single thing I buy and then find an alternative if it isn't suitable.

If some companies can test products without using animals why can't they all? It makes me feel guilty when I realise the products I like and use have caused pain to defenceless animals, but I believe it is companies that need to change thier ways, not consumers.

What are your opinions on animal testing?

Lumiere Cosmetics Review! x

Hello my lovelies!

I'm here today to alert you to a fab company called Lumiere Cosmetics. They recently sent me some samples of their cosmetics to review and I was rather excited as I had never tried mineral makeup before. When the samples arrived I was totally impressed with how they were packaged (in hard plastic) so securely and I thought the little tubs were cute too :)

I recieved 7 test pots - 3 eye pigments, 2 foundations and 2 blushes.

Left to right: Khaki, Peppermint Patti, Creme Brulee

As you can see all of the eye pigments are incredibly pretty, but my favourite would have to be Creme Brulee. This pigment is perfect for everyday wear - It's very natural, but with a hint of glam! I would wear the other two colours on nights out. The eye pigments are perfect for building and blending colour and are all easy to apply, which is great because I am a total novice when it comes to loose powders.

Left to right: Cherry Blossom, Mauvelous

I preferred Mauvelous to Cherry blossom as I like my blushes quite pink, but I think Cherry Blossom would look amazing with a tan as it is really shimmery. I blended these shades with my usual pressed powder and a little went a long way. Both gave a nice natural-looking glow to my cheeks.

Left to right: Light Medium Cashmere, Light Medium Luminesse

*These are no where near as light in real life, they just would not take a decent pic :/

The luminesse is much more my colour, but i guess the cashmere would work on paler skin. Personally I don't feel I get enough coverage from a powder alone, so I think I shall be sticking to liquid foundation.

Overall I loved most of these products, I would definately use the eye pigments again :) If you like mineral makeup, loose powders and gorgeous pigments you should certainly head over to Lumiere and check out what they have to offer ♥

Do you use mineral makeup and do you like it? :)

* All opinions are mine and 110% honest

Beauty Tip Of The Week #2! xx

Want that hollywood smile, but your budget won't stetch that far? No problem! Simply get chomping on strawberries, they contain malic acid which is known to whiten teeth. Simon Cowell who?!

Give it a try and let me know what you think my lovelies!

Interview with another beauty blogger!! xx

Hello beauties!

You may remember I interviewed a beauty blogger last week too ... This week it's the lovely Charlotte from Carlotta's Beauty Spot  ♥

Questions:

1. When and why did you first start blogging? I am part of the More Magazine Hot 100 Beauty Panel and the bloggers on there inspired me!

2. What do you like most about blogging? I like sharing my opinions in such a free way and connecting with beauty minded people!

3. Is there anything you dislike about blogging? Some other bloggers can be a little bitchy and don’t like the ‘competition’ of newer blogs which is sad!

4. What do you think of my blog? It’s one of my favourites because you write your feelings (about your day etc) and your product reviews together which makes it unique

5. Who/what inspires your blog? EVERYTHING! Make-up styles I see on the street, new product launches, new techniques I learn, magazines and old movies

6. What do you use to take pictures for your blog? A fancy new one I just got for Christmas which I have no idea how to use...nor do I know the model name (I am awful at technology!)

7. Do you or would you work with pr companies? I am part of Ifabbo and Handpicked Media, I have also worked with the PR departments of some product launches, if the product is right for my blog I will be happy to review it, but I only write honest reviews!!

8. Do you or intend to hold giveaways on your blog? I like to do one a month, I have a reputation for giveaways that are unique (this month I auctioned off the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette before it was released here) and I just gave away the new Benefit Hervana powder not out here yet...I like my giveaways to be special!!

Favourites:
Beauty product: Estee Lauder DoubleWear Foundation
Hair product: Redken All Soft Heavy Cream
Blog: http://passionaboutfashion.blogspot.com/
Website: my fav beauty website is www.lookfantastic.com
Magazine: More and Company equally
Food: Pasta!
Film: The Godfather
Music: RnB

This or that:
Opi or Essie: OPI
Mac or YSL: Mac
Barbie or Sindy: Barbie
Facebook or Twitter: Twitter
Newspapers or Books: Books
Pizza or Pasta: Pasta
Staying in or Going out: Staying in (getting old!)
Rock or Rap: Rap

Finish this sentence:
You should visit my blog because ... I never post about the same things, sometimes it’s product reviews, sometimes it’s celeb or makeup artist interviews and sometimes it’s giveaways and promotions!

Links:
Blog: http://carlottasbeautyspot.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/carlottasbeautyspot
Twitter: @cevanslondon86

Anything else you would like to add?
Thanks for your interview was really fun!!

Thanks for allowing me interview you chick, fab answers! :)

200 Follower giveaway!! xx

Hello my sweeties! I am sooo excited to have reached 200 followers, well 210 to be exact! :p To say thankyou to all my lovely readers I am holding a giveaway. 'What can we win?' I hear you scream! Welllll I have Soap & Glory goodies and a mystery prize for one lucky winner! :)

Anyone can enter, all I ask is that you follow via GFC.

New followers welcome :D

You can earn extra entries by doing a number of different things.

Just fill out the form below :)

Open internationally!

Ends 1oth February 2012.

Good Luck & Have Fun! ♥

How To: Abstract Nail Art! x

What you will need

White nail polish

Pink nail polish

Blue nail polish

Instructions

1. Ensure the nails are clean and free of polish.

2. Gently push back the cuticles (optional)

3. Shape and file the nail edge (optional)

4. Paint each nail white and allow to dry.

5.  Do a couple of strokes on each nail with the pink polish and allow to dry.

6. Do a couple of strokes on each nail with the blue polish and allow to dry.

7. For a long lasting effect apply top coat (optional) 

Tips

 This is fantastic is you want quick and easy, yet funky looking nails :) There is no such thing as making a mistake with this, as the art is random and there is no set pattern.

If you are trying to do nail art and it goes wrong you can turn it into an abstract design by adding different coloured strokes of polish to the nails.

Try with any colours you wish and see what you come up with, let your creativity flow ♥

Have you tried doing anything like this before & what do you think of this look?

My 7th Blog Award!! xx

On Wednesday Rachel from Life Of A Sweetaholic awarded me The Cute Blog Award. I am absolutely over the moon! :) This is my 7th blog award and quite frankly I just can't believe it!  

For this award you:

 1. Link back to the person who awarded you.

2. Answer the award questions.

3. Tell something about yourself that you haven't told anyone on your blog yet.

4. Award as many blogs as you think worthy of this award.

5. Make sure to let these you gave this award to know that you awarded them.

The Award Questions:

 1. What is your go to make-up brand?

At the moment I would have to say Soap and Glory. I am loving thier concealer, foundation, eyebrow pencil and highlighter right now :)

2. What was your favourite fashion trend of 2011?

I loved all the floral prints that were big in the summer.

3. What is your favourite dessert?

I really like jam roly poly with custard :p

4. Favourite colour?

Pink.

5. What is your middle name?

Irene.

6. What's the last song you listened to?

Rebecca Black - Friday lmaoooo!

7. Cats or Dogs?

Both, I have one of each ♥

Something about me that you didn't know...

I love hot curries!

I pass this award on to... 

Danielle from Tinks Tales
Laura from Secret Diary Of A Fashion Journalist
Sarah from The Giveaway Lifestyle
Aly from Seven Things Beauty
Hannah from Which Way To Wonderland?
Lizzie from Cupcakes & Cosmetics

Lauren from Cosmetics Kittens & Classrooms

Beauty Tip Of The Week! x

Each week I am going to write a beauty tip that I have tried out and really works!

Smudged your lippy? No problem! Simply dab a cotton bud in vaseline and sweep it over the mistake :)

Have you ever used this trick & does it work for you?

A post of thanks! x

I am absolutely amazed that I know have 6 blog awards!! Thankyou so much to Danielle from Tinks Tales for awarding me The Versatile Blogger :) Thanks also to Cara Louise from Polly Pocket and Katie Alice from Katie Alice Xo for awarding me The Kreativ Blogger. I appreciate receiving these awards so much, you don't know what It means to me ♥

The reason I am not posting the awards, answering the questions or awarding them to other bloggers is because I have already received these awards recently and I don't want to be too repetetive.

Thanks to More! Magazine for allowing me to take part in thier Triple-Tested feature, check it out in this weeks issue!

Thanks to Sarah from The Giveaway Lifestyle for recommending my post on nail wraps to her readers :)

Thanks also go to Lizzie from Cupcakes And Cosmetics for arranging the BB Afternoon Tea, I can't wait! For further info get intouch with Lizzie by using this hash tag on Twiter #bbafternoontea :)

If I have missed any individuals out I am so sorry! :/

Finally I would like to say a mahoosive thankyou to my followers, I love you all!