The Best Of February

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Well, I meant to write this post for Friday, but will with all the upset of loosing my little Mindycat, I took a day away from my laptop. I'm sure you won't mind.

February was a proud blog month for me. I challenged myself to upload a post every single weekday and I succeeded. I wasn't exactly a breeze but I really enjoyed getting stuck in and am pleased with the content I produced. Look at me being all self praising! Haha. 

I'm reluctant to challenge myself to do this throughout March as I know I have a LOT on in the next 4 weeks but I'm going to give it a while. In for a penny, in for a pound as they say...whatever that actually means!

So, before it's too late, let's reflect on the great month that we just had and tomorrow we'll be looking forward to the next one. Smooooth.

We kicked off February with THIS post, oohing and arring over the latest offerings from Urban Decay. The above palette is the Naked Blush Trio, the sister product the the Naked Eyeshadow. I'm crossing my fingers for more from this range.

Still in total makeup junkie mode (when am I not in this mode?!) I told you all about THIS amazing Illamasqua Event I had attended and we talked about speckled nails. Last month I also saw that L'Oreal are continuing with the speckled nail trend so I suspect this will be something we see a lot of in the months to come. Exciting to have something new.

In week two, as well as having a long overdue blog redesign from Blogger/Author/Designer WonderForest, I talked about spending quality time with Darcy and making THESE oh so cute Valentine Cards for our family. 

 

In that same week, I uploaded THIS Happy Wife FOTD and took a new approach to photographing products - grouping! I by far and above prefer this method and think I will keep it up in the future. 

 

February's giveaway was for a pair of Cloud Nine Stylers (won't link it as this giveaway is now closed). I was thrilled with your enthusiasm and may try and do a few more of these sorts of things. I'm quite fortunate in that I am offered to do giveaways by a lot of brands but I only really do them if the prizes excite me or I think they are extra special. Shall I do more? You decide.

 

February was the month that I launched THIS new feature- Baby Style. If Darcy will stand still for 2 minutes and I can get a decent snap, you'll see a lot more of this kind of thing! After THIS insane clothes haul, I think I've got enough clothes! Haha.

 

In the final week of the month, we had THIS good old fashioned DIY post. As always, it was easy and affordable as I think that's what makes projects most appealing! All too often I have given up on things when they were too complex (I'm looking at you 'easy sew nappy bag') and felt frustrated and out of pocket (yeah, still you 'easy sew nappy bag. Grrrr). If your repins on Pinterest were anything to go by, this DIY tutorial was a hit. Woot woot. 

And then finally, at the very end of a brilliant month, there was the very sad news of my wonderful kitty going up to heaven. She is buried in my back garden (I paid extra for the vet to come out to our house and leave her body- well worth the expense if you are ever in this awful position as the animal is a LOT calmer) and I imagine that she is up in heaven with my Mum and Gran and her kitty Mum and any brothers and sisters she might have had. She had a good life. 

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So a busy month! On top of all of those highlights (and the low light), were my regular posts like Amazing Advertisers, Bedroom Beauty Challenge and four Motivational Mondays (I think my favourite posts to write). 

Is there anything specific you'd like to see in March? What did you enjoy or maybe dislike (holds breath and hopes you're kind!) in February?

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Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is  Kittenish Behaviour. If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE. 

Happy Wife FOTD

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

A little while ago my gorgeous Husband surprised me with a baby sitter (yay for sisters) and a trip out for some lovely time together.

Before leaving, I took a few quick shots of my makeup for our 'date night'.

I've been sporting this casual look quite a look of late. I do love dark smokey eyes and bright lips but I feel very confident and comfortable in this more low key one.

Beauty Products To Achieve This Look

MAC Strobe Liquid :: Great to mix into foundation to give lacklustre skin a bit of luminosity.

MakeUp Forever HD Foundation :: I love the finish of this but I do find it needs the strobe liquid to prevent the dreaded 'flat face'.

MAC MSF in Soft and Gentle :: My holy grail. There is no other warm toned highlighter in your life. Stop what you're doing and buy one now.

Sienna X Matte Contour Powder :: Incredible pigmentation, I have been using this every day for over 3 months and look how much I've used- next to nothing!

Clarins Palette Eclat Face and Blush Powder :: I focused my brush more on the coral and pink tones  for a blush and was really impressed with the lovely candy hue it gave.

L'oreal Super Carbon Gloss Liquid Liner :: Fabulous for winged liner in a rush.

Topshop Kohl in Coal :: Works wonder on your water line and also smudges well on the skin if you want it to.

Boots No. 7 Exquisite Curl Mascara :: The curved bristle wand is great for catching every eyelash and coating from root to tip.

Benefit They're Real Mascara :: Use to just thicken up the outer corner lashes. I think I really like this mascara but I'm still having the odd off day with it.

MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study :: The all time perfect champagne base colour for eyeshadows.

MAC Cyrstal Avalanche, Antiqued and Amber Lights :: Ideal for creating a neutral eye with a bit of a kick.

Look Beauty Brow Perfect Kit :: Despite being so hard to open that I jabbed 2 finger nails in the powder (massive grrr), I love this little powder compact. It does just the job for unruly brows, you are given a lot for your money and it's under a tenner. Woop.

Balmi Lip Balm in Raspberry :: I have two balmis and I adore them both. I keep them in my makeup drawers (because my last one broke in my handbag, I'd like slightly sturdier packaging) and apply them right at the start of my routine, when I do my moisturiser, and then by the time I come to putting on my lipstick, my lips are fully ready and in prime condition. 

Clarins Joli Rouge Brilliant Perfect Shine Sheer Lipstick in Guava :: This lipstick is from the new Spring Summer collection and I have been loving it. It's delicate, subtle but with a hint of glimmer- perfect for day to date!

And that's it! When you lay it all out like that, it looks like a lot more than it feels. I just had a quick count and it was twenty products- crikey.

I quite enjoyed doing a FOTD post in this style, with group product photos- what do you think? More in the future? Do you spot any products that you'd like a full review of?

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Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Ji Ji Kiki . If you would like to find out more about advertising on this blog, click HERE. 

Lou's Reviews || Collection 2000 Glow Getter

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

You know those products you have, that might not be the most glamorous high end products, but you use them day after day until they are old and tatty but you just LOVE them? Well Collection 200 Shimmer Shades 'Way to Glow' is my one of those. 

I bought it about 2 months ago and have found myself using it every single day since. Now, as an extreme beauty junkie, this is high praise indeed!!

I use the 2 darker brown shades under my cheek bone to contour and this gives the illusion of a shadow. You want to create this illusion because it then makes people subconsciously think your cheekbones are more prominent and your face is slimmer. It's a great little trick if you have a round face or a bit of extra chub like I do.

(Mmmm maybe I should just felt tip on myself. It's so shexy!)

Above that (so on the lower part of my cheek bone) I use the peachy blush shade and then above that to highlight, the pearly shade. I tend not to use the peach and pearl shades too often as I have other blushers and highlighters that I enjoy, but the two brown colours are a staple. 

I love that there is a warm and a cool toned bronzer in this kit as I can match this according to weather I am (fake!) tanned or au naturally pale. 

The packaging is sturdy and functional. It's not the most beautiful item I own, but it does the job, never pings open in my makeup bag, is clear plastic so you can see what you have and isn't unnecessarily bulky. 

I have found the pigmentation of this to be fantastic, my slanted contour brush (which I sell in mine and Zoe's SHOP in the mineral collection) picks up the pressed powder beautifully and it has EXCELLENT staying power.

Really, at £4.19, you'd be silly not to add this to your kit. I find myself choosing it over my much more expensive products- crazy.

All in all, I literally cannot fault this quad. Great formula, impressive lasting times, good packaging, bargain price. 10/10.

Do you have any 'must have' staple items like this? Share in the comments and we can all diminish our bank accounts! haha!

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Confessions of a Secret Shopper. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top! 

February FOTD

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Those of you who watch my videos may well have noticed that I have been sporting the same sort of look of late. I have found a look that I find quick, easy and suitable for day/night/the lot.

On Saturday morning, before leaving for the IMATS, I snapped a few quick shots. I never know quite how to pose for facey shots, I know there is a certain blog style but having tried them, I look like a total goon, so I just tried to show you the products like a noooormal person.

Face

Moisturiser- I'm currently trying out a few, reviews to come.

MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer, NW15.

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint Foundation, 02 Beige.

MAC MSF, Soft and Gentle.

2True Face and Body Bronzer.

Lips

Boots own brand Strawberry Lip Balm.

Topshop Lipstick, Brighten Rock.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss, Pink Pop.

Eyes

HD Brow Kit, Vamp.

Illamasqua Pure Pigment, Beguile.

Topshop Eyeliner, Coal. (Smudged with a pencil brush)

L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara (loving this at the moment, review to come).

Hmmm, reading that back it sounds like an awful lot of items but in the mornings, it doesn't feel like it. I can do this entire look in about 10 minutes. If I want to make it a bit more 'night time', I would use more eyeliner and spend longer on my lashes and also use a lipliner to do better lips, but seeing as this was at 7.30am, I was pleased.

Do you have a look that you find yourself going back to again and again?

Toodlepip!

xx

FOTD :: Simple Lips

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

You may know this, but I make little videos for this website thing call YouTube. Lately, I have taken to recording a big batch all in one day and having a babysitter for Baby Glitter. Now she is a little older, she doesn't nap for as long in that day and it doesn't give me enough time. Also, whilst she naps, I need to do things like cook, clean, have a shower!! Gargh!

So, in my videos I have been sporting a certain look A LOT. I am literally in love with it. Simple eyes, bright lips, glowy skin, easy hair. The look really is a basic yet effective one and takes minimal time- a quickee if you will.

I feel like this look enhances my nice features and is easy on the eye. For nights out and fun things, I love me a big ol' pair of false lashes, dark eyeshadow (MAC Shadestick in Shark Skin being a favourite) and sparkly lips, but now I'm busy busy, I like to tone it down a bit but still feel vibrant.

Face

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint in Beige 02

Make Up Forever 5 Cream Camouflage Concealer Kit

MAC Mineralised Skin Finish in Soft 'n' Gentle

Boots Lipsalve in Strawberry

Barry M Lip Crayon in 04

Non brand kabuki brush

Eyes

MAC Paintpot in Bare Study

HD Brows in Foxy

MAC Brow Set

Studio Makeup Liner Styler Pen

Barry M Soft Eye Crayon on Black

The brush is new from the Denman TuttiFrutti range and actually smells like blueberry's. I love a gimmick.

Do you have any good time saving makeup application tips? I'd love to hear them!!

Toodlepip!

xx

FOTD :: Amber Lights

Aloha Bloggerinos,

There are two reasons I tend not to do very many FOTD's, even though I love reading/seeing all of yours.

The First- I don't tend to do a 'fully made up' face very often nowadays because I'm usually rushing. Rushing to make bottles, rushing to sort Baby Glitter out, rushing to get in the car, RUSHING! Even in this one, I had forgotten to do my eyebrows- grr!

The Second- My camera is shoddier than a snail playing tennis, so it is pretty hard to capture a good sharp image. Also, I never quite know how to pose without looking like a goon!

That being said, here I am with a FOTD for you all today! Hahaha!

I recently bought a few more MAC pressed shadows to go in my 15 Pro Palette (someone help me, I have an obsession) and one of them was Amber Lights. The MAC Website describe this colour as a 'peachy brown with shimmer' but I would say that's totally wrong. It is a vibrant copper with reddy gold undertones and I LOVE IT. I seriously do not know how I lived without this shade in my life. Why did nobody force me to buy this years ago??

On my eyes I have gone for Amber Lights on the lid and then Antiqued in the crease, all the way across. I have applied a little black eyeliner (L'oreal Carbon Gloss in Black), mascara (lordy knows, I'm not too loyal) and that was it. It's a really simplepimple look and I've been doing it most days. I like to think it looks like it took more time and skill than it really did ;)

For the face I have used MAC Studio Sculpt in NW15, 2True Bronzer to contour and MeMeMe Moonbeam dupe to highlight.

Quick, simple, perfect for those who live their lives in a constant rush!

I have been sporting this lip colour a lot recently. It is Sleek's 'Candy Cane' lipstick (review to come soon), with a light layer of a coral gloss ontop. Its so fresh and summery, it makes me smile just to see it :)

Little story for you here- After I'd done my FOTD, I popped downstairs to the kitchen to make up Baby Glitter's bottles. I looked down the garden and there was Mindycat hurtling towards the house, pleased as punch, with a dead bird hanging from her jaw!! I knew the lounge window was open and that she would jump through to give me my 'gift' so I turned and tried to race her to the window to close it. What a mistaka to make-a! As I ran, I slipped on her kitty blanket and fell face first onto the tiled kitchen floor and just lay their, sprawled out thinking "Woah, this hurts!!". Fortunately, the bird remained outside. Dead, but at least outside.

On that cheery note....

Toodlepip!

xx

Coral Bronzed FOTD

Aloha Bloggerinos,

A little while back I filmed a few videos for my YouTube Channel sporting a summery, sunkissed look and lots of you lovely Bloggerinos left really positive comments about it.

I thought I would do a little FOTD on it and show you what I used. Nothing special, just a quickie (ooer missus) so you can recreate if you fancy it.

MAC Lipstick- Vegas Volts

MAC Lipglass- Pink Lemonade

L'oreal Super Liner - Carbon Gloss Black

MAC Strobe Cream

Eyeko Magic Mascara- Black

2True Bronzer

ELF Blusher

MAC Studio Sculpt- NW15

Topshop Eyecolour- Tundra

ELF Pigment- Elegant

MAC Shadestick- Beige-ing

MAC Brow Gel- Clear

Do you use any of these products? What do you think of them?

Toodlepip!

xx

FOTD :: Beauty UK Exhibition

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I'm a bit late posting this but I have been soooo busy with Baby Glitter, my YouTube channel, working at fanx.com (A cool way to say thanks, dontchya know) HQ (if you can call working 'playing on swivell chairs with Baby Glitter and throwing ideas at Lee' working!), taking up sewing again and keeping my house nice! Sheesh I'm shattered just typing it all out, let alone doing it!

Anyhoo, I decided to have a play with lime green to match my top. I love to match things.

Gargh I forgot to put foundation and powder in there! It's MAC Studio Sculpt NW15 and Collection 2000 Ivory Pressed Powder. Oopsie!

Any questions, let me know :)

Toodlepip!

xx

FOTD Bright Pop

 

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I was schmoozing around YouTube t'other night and I found a fabulous tutorial that I decided to give a go. I can't remember her channel name but if you type in "Burning Sunset" into the search box, you'll find it. Anyhoo, I just wanted to show you how it turned out and I think I will definitely do it again.

I didn't follow her instructions to the letter, but that's the beauty of these things, you can adapt them to how you think they will suit you and experiment with colour a little bit. I felt inspired to try this after seeing at the MAC Event that 'Pop' colours are going to be tres on trend this year.

Below are snaps of products I used. I did use a few other bits and bobs and if you are uber interested do ask, but really I would say that if you wanted to recreate this, just play around with what you have and let your imagination run free!

 (Grr blurry.)

 For those not in the know, this is the 120 Manly Colour palette that I bought of ebay for about a tenner- best bargain ever!! I loves it.

Are you a fan of bright colours?

Toodlepip!

xx

YouTube- THREE New Videos Up!

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Tonight I have made and almost uploaded 3 new videos...I can't sleep- *sigh*.

I've uploaded a Bright Pop FOTD, A Pregnancy Update annndddd Pregnancy on a Budget (which is uploading at the speed of a dry slug).

Head over to my channel HERE  if any of these float your boat, light your fire, wet your whistle etc etc. I am now clearly delirious!

Toodlepip!

xx

FOTD- MAC at London Fashion Week

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Yesterday I was one VERY lucky lady. I was invited to an event hosted by MAC Cosmetics at London Fashion Week at Somerset House and had the most exciting day ever!

I'm going to talk about it in 2-3 posts because I want to tell you EVERYTHING so you feel like you were there too, but this one is just a quickie because I'm more tired than a sloth on sleeping pills.

At one point during the day, we were given the chance to have our makeup done by one of the makeup artists, in any look we wanted- yabbadabbadooo! Now, seeing as I have been in a bit of a rut lately, doing the same looks over and over, I asked the artist (Natasha from the Dublin store- a cosmetic genius) to do strong red lips, as this is something I have never had the nerve to do myself.

I seem to be totally incapable of taking decent pictures of my own face, so here are my shoddy attempts and at the bottom I'll tell you what Natasha used.

Ok, so I look a bit mental here but I was having a 'bleaugh moment' and forgot to smile/use my face at all hahaha. This was taken in the mirror of the MAC media booth (which by the way, was heaven. Actual heaven).

This is Natasha the Makeup Goddess. She gave me so many brilliant tips that I would never have thought of and I really feel excited about trying some new things out.

So, what did Natasha use to create this look?

Lips

Lip Pencil in Cherry

Lipstick in Red Russian

Clear Lipglass

I need to buy all of these the moment I have some mula! They are wonder products for sure!

Face

NW25 Pro Long Wear Concealer

Medium Care Blend (not entirely sure what this is)

Fling Brow Pencil

Eyeliner- which I think was Fluidline but obviously I had my eyes shut! ahaha

Anndd I already had my own mascara on.

It was so fun having my makeup done by a professional and I'm looking forward to telling you all more about the day.

What do you think? Would you sport a red pout?

Toodlepip!

xx

Exciting Opportunity for One Lucky Bloggerino

Aloha Bloggerinos,
I've got an exciting opportunity in my hands for you, wanna know what it is?
My oldest chum (we've been friends since we were 5 and 7- how nice is that?) has been working for a snazzy Marketing Company in London for a few years now, and has starting working on a tres interesting project called 'Makeup of the Future' or 'The Future of Makeup' (I think it's still to be confirmed).
The project is all about, surprise surprise, cosmetics of the future and various techniques might be used to transform day to night looks. Cool, non?
What my friend is looking for is a model. The model will be required to submit shoulder up photos of two 'looks'. One must be a subtle day look and one is to be a vibrant, exciting evening look, so you can really go to town with your imagination and be the boss. If you already have a blog, you could even use some of your current FOTDs perhaps? When I heard about this project, I bit my friend’s hand off for the chance to tell you all about it as I know someone will be very keen to get involved.
As this is my oldest chum, there is no mula involved (it's only a couple of images after all) and it is all about the fun of creating the looks, but your face would be immortalised and you can put 'part time model' on your CV- hehe!
If you are interested, please send me a little email and I will give you my friend’s work email as I'm not keen on releasing it to the masses on here. My email- louise.pentland@hotmail.co.uk.
This is a peerrrffeecctt opportunity for any gal who likes to create looks and wants to share her passion with ze world!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Toodlepip!
xx

Peacock Inspired FOTD

Aloha Bloggerinos!

As you may have read from my previous June Accessorize Pretties post, I am currently obsessed with peacocks. I have always been a fan of the jewel coloured birdies but lately, I love everything peacock coloured and am incorporating it into my wardrobe, makeup, home and crafts.

So, with my new Sleekedy Sleek MakeUp and my existing products, I whipped up a bit of a peacock inspired look for you to enjoy. I was going to the florist to finalise my wedding flowers so wanted a wearable look, but I can't tell you how much I want to go all out with turquoise glitter!!

So here you have it (do excuse the photo's, I found it really hard to photograph my own face!)

In this last picture, I fear I look a little like I'm going to mug you. I can assure you I wouldn't ever do this! Unless of course you had a big bag of makeup....then maybe I would.

Products Used:

MAC Eyebrow Pencil- Dirty Blonde

Uban Decay Primer Potion

Benefit Bad Gal Waterproof Eyeliner (Black)

MAC E/S- Crystal Avalanche

Urban Decay- Kiddie Pool

Urban Decay- Flipside

Urban Decay- Flash

Sleek Kajal- Odyssey

Sleek DipIt- Pastel Green

Sleek DipIt- Gold

Any mascara that was to hand (I'm a mascara whore)

GOSH Foundation Primer

Benefit Shadestix Foundation

2True Bronzer

Woah that's a lorra lorra (good old Cilla Black) makeup for one face!

What do you think? Something you might try perhaps?

PS- Peacock Cupcake? Don't mind if I do!!

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews- 2true All Over Bronzing Powder

Aloha Bloggerinos,

In line with my current money saving drive, I have been delving through my makeup collection and making the most of what I have.

A while back, I was on my lunch break and needed a bit of a cosmetic pick-me-up. Naughty I know but sometimes cosmetics are all that will lift my dreary soul. In a bid to be good whilst being bad, I decided to purchase a more affordable item. I was having a gander at the 2true range and opted for the All Over Bronzing Powder for the grand total of £1.95. Now if that isn't a bargain, I don't know what is!

As it happens, this bronzer is bloomin' brilliant! I have actually been using it instead of my Mac Belightful, you see, budget brands are little gems too!

I apply this over foundation with my MAC 187 duofibre brush (which I suspect is a fake-grr) to my temples and cheeks in a curly 'c' shape. It is a gorgeous bronzey-corally-warm tone with a slight, slight. SLIGHT shimmer but no glitter or goldy bits, so perfect for the office. This seems to look great with either heavy smokey eyes, or a natural dewy look and looks especially brilliant with coral/orange toned lips.

A very boring dashing-off-to-work FOTD, but as you can see, lovely bronzed-but-not-too-OTT cheeks (even if I do say so myself!)

I am one happy chappy with this beauty. Have you tried any of the 2true range? What did you think?

Toodlepip!

xx

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