Bows, Pearls and Gorgeous Girls

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Warning: Picture heavy post. 

This Saturday was my good chum Ceri's 24th Birthday and we all shlepped down to Richmond for a good old fashioned knees up!

I thought I'd show you a few pictures of our jollyness but mostly I thought you might enjoy the hair and makeup side- I hope so anyway, otherwise I shall feel very silly indeed! Tehe!

If you would like info on any of the makeup me, Charly or Ceri are wearing, let me know, I'll be happy to tell! :)

Me being a bit posey and boobiliscious! I have wanted massive pearls like this for ages but never thought I would wear them. I bought some from Primani for £2 and have worn them loads. What are the odds, eh?

The Birthday Girl Ceri sporting a funky wig to mis things up a bit and being a silly billy with my new purse (£2.99 from H&M).

Ceri and her lovely new Boyfriend Daniel, who I know for a fact reads this at work! Naughty Boy! Hello Daniel, do some work!! hahahaha

Me and my longest best Chum Charly. We have been best friends since we were 8 and I love her more than some of my own family! ha!

Even after a few sneaky drinks, my love for the MAC Dazzleglass is strong!

These are the twins- Ceri and Clare and frankly, they are far too cool and pretty for my liking. Hahaha x

This is a group shot that I chopped myself out of but is literally the best gruop shot I have- that says it all.

Nice to see you.....to see you nice! (Google Bruce Forsyth if you have no idea what I'm talking about/posnig about)

Ahh the blessed breakfast run in my PJ's the morning after. Classy. Daniel, you, your car and your knowledge of McDonalds drive through are comparable to none. Hahaha!

Hope you all had a great weekend too. I love it when I see your going out pics on your blogs :)

Toodlepip! xx

Issobelle's NOTD

Aloha Bloggerinos!

I have a few NOTD posts coming up soon because I was sent some GORGEOUS goodies from Tans and Talons - click HERE to visit this treasure trove of nail goodies, but when I was having a little sort out on Saturday, Issobelle popped round (not by herself, being only 4 years old, hahahaha) and was VERY excited by all the nail varnishes and eyeshadows and makeuppy goodness. So, with her Mummy's blessing, we went to town and she choose five colours for Aunty 'Ooweeze' to paint on.

Yes, I know I haven't done the neatest of jobs, but alas, little girls don't hold very still for very long! After we had painted them, she spotted a tube of glitter that was part of my Tans and Talons loot and instantly wanted some. It looks so cute in the little vial that I couldn't bare to open it so I sprinkled on a little of my MAC Glitter Pigment on the wet paint and we then had one very happy Issobelle!

In a bid to play longer with my nail goodies, she kindly modelled a few bits. I'll do full reviews later and I have mentioned them in my youtuberrino channel :)

Nail Art Glitter:

Nail Art Rest (very handy I tell ya!):

The nail art rest and glitter are only a couple of pounds each or so and are brilliant! The nail art rest is perfect for someone like me who is a nail art novice, it really does help :)

Hope you enjoyed my (well sort of "my") first ever NOTD. Many more to follow!

Toodlepip! xx

Little disclaimer- For those of you that don't agree with cosmetics on children, her Mummy removed this the next day and I don't put false lashes and tan on her so I hope you aren't too up in arms! :)

MAC & Barry M Mini GIVEAWAY

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I've been having a little Spring Clean of my cosmetics and decided that it's out with the old and in with the new!

I have chucked a lot of oldy old old bits out but a few items are in tiptop condition and virtually unused, so I thought I would do a few mini follower giveaways because one girls' junk is another girls' treasure right?

This giveaway is open until Sunday April 11th (so you have a fortnight) and is open to everyone, everywhere. To enter, become a follower and leave a little comment letting me know you would like to enter. Simples :)

As you can see from the photographs, the items in my mini giveaway are a MAC Pigment in Golden Lemon and a Barry M Dazzleglass in 58, which is a baby pink. I bought the Pigment about 5-6 months ago when I was going through a "everything must be gold" phase but found the colour to be a bit harsh on my skin tone and never used it. As you can see, the pot it full the the brim and I believe these are worth about £15 in shops. The Dazzledust has never been worn, only swatched. I bought it about 4 months ago when I was lured in by a "buy 2 get 1 free" offer and have just never found a time to wear it. These are usually about £4.50 and are not available in the US unless you order online and pay shipping costs. Bummer.

If you would like to pop my giveaway in your side bar (I know some people do this) then I will enter you twice, but this is in no way mandatory- just let me know you have done it so that I know to enter you twice.

To clarify, these items have been opened and swatched a couple of times. I haven't actually ever worn the pink Dazzledust, but I have worn the MAC Pigment once (I'm a clean brush freak though so you'll be reet! ha!). Just wanted to emphasise that bit :)

I have a few more bits stashed away and will do those in my next mini giveaway. Woop woop!

Good Luck Bloggerinos!

Toodlepip! xx

Lou's Reviews- Sleek Storm Eyeshadow Palette

Aloha Bloggerinos,

This is a quickie about my latest love- Sleek Eyeshadow Palette, Storm.

I already own the Original Palette and was highly impressed by the quality and the staying power. The Storm palette has been out quite some time now, and after seeing a few reviews on other fabulous bloggypops, I decided to take the plunge and part with my £4.95 (I think) and add it to my frightenly extensive eyeshadow collection. Well, this was £4.95 well bloomin' spent! I have used this evveerrryyyyday :)

The colours are perfect for a more toned down natural look, or you can use the darker colours for a smoke smouldering effect. I will defo have to take some pictures of the looks you can do with this because I would honestly compare the brilliance of this with MAC and it is literally a fraction of the price- Woop woop!

I haven't done swatches because I have seen a lot of blogs with them on (comment below if you would like to know which blogs- I don't know off the top of my head but will find them for you) and didn't want to bore you with the same pictures over and over. What I will say though is that both the lustre and the matt colours have a wonderful pigment and go on like a dream. The sponge applicator provided is good, better when used damp, but I tend to use my own brushes.

This palette is great if you are going away for a weekend or something because it has a range of colours and finishes, the handy and reasonably good applicater and a large mirror- what more could a girl ask for?

In short, I love this product and I love love love the Sleek range, such high quality for such low prices. Sleek can be found in Superdrug in the UK, I'm not too sure about overseas, let me know please!

Can't wait for the Bohemian palette to come out so I can get my hands on that little beauty.

Toodlepip! xx

Lou's Reviews- MAC Slimshine Lipstick

Aloha Bloggerinos,

This review is of a couple of oldies but goodies, my MAC Slimshine Lipsticks. I have had both of these for ages and love them very dearly :)

The first one I bought was actually in a 2008 Christmas gift pack jobby. Yes, I know, you shouldn't keep makeup that long, it's bad for you blah blah blah, but I figured that for a lipstick, no real harm will come to me. I don't wear it everyday and I look after my lips with my Lush Bubblegum Scrub and Lush None of Your Beeswax Lip Balm so it's not tooooo bad. There, justifications done, this is my MAC Slimshine in BARE.

As you can see, this is pretty bashed up from its adventures in my handbag, but I like to think it is "loved", like the Velvetine Rabbit- did anyone ever read that when they were little?

When I first saw the colour, frankly, I was horrified! I thought it was far to tawney shaded for my liking, but after swatching it on my hand, I was pleasantly surprised.

(Grrr blurry pic- sorry)

The shade is actually much more red than brown and has a lovely glossy finish to it. I'm not too keen on lipsticks that are matt but not too keen on the super shimmery ones either so this is just right.

I find that this lipstick doesn't leave my lips gasping for lipbalm and makes them look lovely. Also, the colour lasts a good while- about 4-5 hours I would say. I know some lipsticks claim to last all day but I question their quality. This lipstick looks just as good at lunchtime as it did in the morning. One lady in my old office loved this lipstick so much that she now has her own! Hello Alison is you are reading! :)

This product is easy to apply, its slimness means you can pop it on without worrying about going over the edges like you can with some very fat lip products. This colour is rather sheer, which means you can do alot with it. Slick on once for slight lip enhancement or build up for a more noticable look.

(bit of an odd angle but this was the best shot of my lipperoni's)

The colour is very subtle on the lips, but just enough if you have gone to town on the eyemakeup, which I often do! I always feel really grownup wearing this colour, so if you have a big interview or something similar coming up, I would opt for this.

Up next is the MAC Slimshine Lipstick in GENTLE SHIMMER, which is my absolute favourite.

The colour is a lot more peachy and has, you guessed it, a gentle shimmer! Whereas the Bare lipstick was more of a day colour, I would say this one is good for both day and night.

As with the product above, this has a brilliant quality, is easy to apply and leaves my lips feeling fine and healthy and not dry as sand!

When you compare the two colours, you can see how much more sheer the Gentle Shimmer is to the Bare. Also, why is my hand so hairy?! Haha.

On the lips, this is a lot more nude/natural. MMmmmmm love it.

The packaging of both of these products is sleek and black, the standard MAC look. Don't get me wrong, I like this look, it's very 'MAC', but it is very similar to a lot of other things. It is practically identical to a GOSH lipstick I reviewed a while back. Still, you buy MAC for the quality, not the packaging.

Both of these items retail st £13.00 of 2.3g of product and as you can see, last a looooooong time. I would definately repurchase a product from the slimshine range again and look forward to trying new shades :)

Phefw! This post has taken me about 3 hours to write because my mouth hurts sooooo much! Has anyone else ever had root surgery? Ow ow ow!!! xxxxxxxx

Toodlepip! xx

Glamour Magazine- News Just In!

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I have tiptop news!

As you can see from the photos, Glamour Magazine (UK. I know there is a US one too but not sure about other Countries) has asked me to be on their Reader Beauty Panel and review some products for them!!

As you can imagine, when this came through the post and I ripped it open (thinking "oooo gaawddd what else have I bought off eBay!?!"), I was very bloomin' excited! I have been sent the Johnsons 3 in 1 facial cleansing wipes and the review will be in the July issue! Woop Woop!

(This is a bit nerdy but I do like to see all the chemicals and whatnot!)

Also, I shall do you a little review of them too. I've not finished the pack but so far, so good :)

This was just a short and sweet post because I'm feeling tres sorry for myself tonight. I have just had to have 2 teeth removed at the dentist- woe is me.

Hope you're having a terrific Tuesday (lovely bit of word play there haha) and will keep your teeth are in good condition, just like mine! hahaha!

Toodlepip! xx

Floral Fun

Aloha Bloggerinos,

The smell of spring is in the air and the shops are going gaga for nudes, lace and florals. Florals excite me massively! I thought I would give you a bit of eyecandy and show you some flower power accessories that I have been sporting lately. Woop woop!

This little beauty is actually from the children's section in Monsoon. The kiddie section is always jam packed with cutise hairclips, necklaces and purses :)

This headband is from good old Primani. Hand up who loves Primark?

Another Monsoon children's section jobby :)

Now this one is actually from the grown up section of Monsoon- haha!

Now these two below are my most recent babies. I bought them at yesterdays craft fair. Yes, yes, I know, I was meant to be running my own stand, but I had to have a little shop didn't I?!

There was a fab stand run by a lady called Mandy, that sold GORGEOUS bracelets, necklaces, hairclips and the likes. They were mainly acrylic (I think) and in every colour of the rainbow. I was limited on cash and wanted to buy more but I went for this bold black necklace with lushious pink rose on it. It has a ribbon tie so you can make it as long or as short as you want.

This will look great with a black top at work. This necklace was £12.50 and there was a matching bracelet for £8 that I wish I had bought! Grr!

Below is my favourite of the two necklaces. This was £7.50 and is so unusual. I think the acrylic says fun and fresh but the colour says classy and chic. I love the shade and know it will go well with so many day time outfits. Mandy had these in pale greens, blue and an adorable candy pink. In hindsight, I should have picked up a pink and green one too! If I see this stand again I bloomin' well will!

For those of you who are accessory mad like me, Mandy from Butterfly (that's her business name) also does parties with all her fab items and the host gets 10% off! Wowza! Leave a message if you'd like her details :)

Which is your fav?

Toodlepip! xx

Calling all computer Wizzkids!

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I need a little assistance if you would be so kind?

I'd like to do a little blog sale of the jewellary I have made and sold at my craft fair yesterday as I have some stock left. I'd like to use paypall but don't know how it all works on blogs? I use pay pall on ebay but that's because ebay just guides me through the steps!

For those of you that have had or taken part in a blog sale using paypall, how did you do it?

Thank you for your help! I'll get there in the end! :)

Toodlepip! xx

My Craft Fair Day

Just a quickie- yesterday I did my first ever craft fair (you know how much I love a craft fair) and here is a little picture of me at my uber-girlie table.

Woop woop a very good day was had by all.

Special thanks to my little sister (or Lister as I like to call her), for all her help :)

Toodlepip! xx

Lou's Reviews- Soap and Glory Sexy XL Extreme Plump Lipgloss

Aloha Bloggerinos,

As you will (I hope) have read, I have been on a Soap & Glory binge lately, because of the 1/3 off offer in Boots. Yay!

This is Soap and Glory's Sexy XL Extreme Plump Lipgloss, phewf, what a mouthfull! This retails at £10.00 but because of the spiffing deal, I picked it up for £6.67-woop woop! This is a tube of 10ml of gloss. Lovely.

Now, being an avid lover of the Sexy Mother Pucker glosses, this was bound to be a winner in my eyes. My only wish is that they would do more than just "clear" in the colour range.

The idea of the lipgloss is that it contains nanovectors and visivolume, as well as natural oils and collagen extracts, which all work together to plump, smooth and fill. And WOWZAS, it does!

I put this on in office, I couldn't wait to get home, and within about 3 minutes my lips had gone all fizzy and tingly. For some people this might be a bit much but frankly, I LOVE IT. It's the best (err, well not THE best-ooer misses) sensation ever! Not only did it make my lips feel amazing, it actually did make them appear a lot fuller. I thought it was just me that thoughnt so, but quite a few people commented. To be sure (now I'm gonna sound like a total saddo), I made my chum Jamie take a picture of my bare lips and then after 10 minutes of the gloss on, take another picture, and yes, there WAS a difference.

This lipgloss is easy to apply with the little slanted plastic nozzle, although I think if you weren't careful, it could get cacky. It is pleasantly unsticky and looks sheeny rather than gloopy.

(Grr sorry for the blurry pic)

The packaging is another winner for Soap and Glory. The box is jazzy and looks lovely in their signature colours- pinks, neons and silvers. The actual lipgloss packaging itself is sleek and silver. Personally, I would have liked to have seen a bit of pink on it but you can't have it all, eh.

I'm pleased that I picked this up on offer, but think that when it runs out I would repurchase it at the full £10.00 because I just love the tingly feeling- it really is like none other.

Have you tried this tingletastic lipgloss? What were your thoughts?

Toodlepip! xx

Lou's Reviews- Eylure Girls Aloud Lashes

Aloha Bloggerinos,

On a recent Soap & Glory binge in Boots, I noticed that my favourite false eyelashes were on offer- what a brucey bonus! These are the Eylure Girls Aloud Eyelash range and usually retail for £5, but on this day there were about £3.60 per pair. I just checked on Boots.com and they are now £4.86, so still a tiny saving I suppose.

I have tried quite a few brands of eyelashes in my quest to find the best. For me, the 'best' have to be easy to apply, don't make you look like a crazed hooker/like you have 2 featherly little insects nestling on your eyelids, and preferrably be re-usable. These lashes tick all the boxes.

This range comes with 5 different styles, one for each member of Girls Aloud, and my two favs are 'Kimberly' and 'Nicole'. I find these both to be not too trashy and obvious, but not so natural that you can't tell they're on.

They are the easiest I have ever tried to put on. When you peel them off the packaging, they stay in their arched shape and that makes them easy to just pop onto the lid. You are provided with a generous tube of Eylure glue which is simple and effective. Full instructions are also provided- woop woop.

The lashes stay on all night and even though the packet doesn't say so, I re-use them. Just take them off gently at the end of the night/day, give them a delicate clean with a makeup wipe (or cleaning method of your choosing) and place them carefully back in their box. Viola! Ready to go for next time! I use mine for as long as I can before they go cacky- nice!

10 out of 10 for these fab lashes! Above is a picture of me sporting a pair and just for my jollies, here is a picure of me being a bit of a ninconpoop and my chum Samuel- I'm sure he'll appreciate it! Ha!

Toodlepip! xx

Lou's Reviews- Soap & Glory 'You Wont Believe Your Eyes' Serum

Aloha Bloggerinos, how goes it?

I have been very excited of late make-up wise, because Soap and Glory is 1/3 off in Boots and on the Boots website- woop woop! Naturally, as any beauty lover would, I took full advantage of this and stocked up.

One of my bargains, was this You Won't Believe Your Eyes Illuminating Eye Serum. This usually retails at £9.00 but because of the super offer, it came in at £6.00. This product contains 15ml of serum.

(Click to enlarge)

The idea of this serum is that it sooths and smooths puffy eyes, reduces redness and leaves you looking a bit more zippy ;). It claims to contain cellular boosters, concentrated cucumber juice and 'sesaflash' which is a skin tightening agent.

The unique selling point of this over any other eye roll on is the niftly little applicator. Rather than the standard one large roller ball, there are 3 mini roller balls and when you squeeze the tube, you can see them stretch up out of their socket and the serum ooze out a little. This pleases me! I don't know why I like to see it do that so much but I really do! Haha. If I'm honest, I'm not entirely sure what the benefits of the tri-roller are over a singular ball, but it does feel very, very nice. I am a little addicted to rolling it over my under eye now actually. Must stop this peculiar behaviour poste haste!

Now, I must say, this eye serum was a bit of a slow starter for me. I think I made a bit of a booboo when I first bought it because, im my excitement, I applied it at my desk at work and swiped it across my smudged (grrr) eyeliner and just made a grey smudgey mess. This put me off for a couple of days but after a little while of using this in the mornings, on a clean moisturised face, I started to warm to it. When first applied, it looks like a pearly, luminous fluid. I gently pat it in a little with my fingers and it soaks it quickly and easily. It doesn't leave a sticky or greasy residue and really does feel very cool and refreshing. It also helps me wake up too before I trudge off to the office.

I think it leaves me looking a bit more bright eyed and bushy tailed and feels sooooo luurrvvvlly to apply the cool fluid under hot, puffy morning eyes- yummo!

As always with Soap and Glory, the packaging is spot on. It's girlie, modern and makes great makeup box eye candy. The tube is also very appealing- sleek, simple and sophisticated. Well Done Soap and Glory!

I think when this runs out, I shall wait for another offer to repurchase it. I think yes, defo worth £6 but perhaps not £9. Although, saying that, I have only been using this a week, so the full results are yet to appear before my eyes- haha, see what I did there?!

Have you used this product? What do you think?

Toodlepip! xx