Wedding reception, not mine! Stila Magnificent Metals foil finish eye shadow - review

So a Wedding Reception party, and time to get glam.  An evening do, I couldn't wait to try out this new eyeshadow I have recently purchased... Stila Magnificent Metals foil finish eyeshadow in Comex Platinum.  So by now you probably realise that I am not averse to the odd silver shadow. In fact its a bit of an obsession.  I am always on hunt for that perfect sparkle...!

 

 

I wanted big eyes and not much else.    I would think that I would look like a bit of a prat with bright lips too, so I opted for a nude.  But hey, I probably look like a prat anyway, lol!!!  The eyeshadow has lots of gizmos to go with it and actually looks a bit scientific.  Way too complex for me, but I gave it my best shot...

A shadow in a pot, a vial of gluey stuff, a pipette and a mixing tray.  Idea is you mix the shadow with the liquid and apply.  And that's it!  Again, with this one I used no base and it seemed to work fine.  It lasted ok, but I let dry and reapplied several times to get that wow factor...

In my humble opinion, it looks a bit patchy in this shot, but I assure you, not patchy at all in the flesh.  It does literally look like foil on your eyes.  Its a little bit different to anything else I own, so will defo keep it safe.  Take a look, see what you think... xxx

 

 

Here's Kian, all dressed up and being Spiderman

 

 

And Maya, channelling her inner Princess

 

Hope you like! xxx

 

 

This week I'm Loving... Matcha Green Tea!!

 

So I have to admit, it wasn't me who had this idea.  But my husband done good.  Its brilliant stuff.   Apart from the caffeine, this stuff makes you feel great!  Its meant to be excellent for your skin (boy do I need that), your hair, your mood, concentration and I could go on.  I need anything to make me feel and look better...  This one is Doctor King, and tastes a bit like grass!  Its an instant pick me up and just what the Doctor ordered LOL!!!

 

Give it a go, the taste is odd, but you get on a natural hippee high!  Yay! xxx

My new haircut!! Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40 a review

 

I was really excited to hear about Bobbi Browns latest addition:  Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40, so I had to try it out!  What did I think?  Honestly, not sure about this one.  Ok, so my skin has a gleam but being a fan of their Luminous Foundation (which they are discontinuing!), the lady at the counter assured me that this was a great product, and was replacing it.

I have to admit I expected big things.  Don't get me wrong, its good enough, but maybe because I have mature skin, it didn't really work for me.  That, and the whopping price tag.  I found that it kind of sat on top of my skin and maybe even looked slightly grey...  But maybe I just need more coverage but I have other foundations which deliver a whole lot more moisture (and colour!) to my dry skin.  I used it in Warm Natural 4.5.

Verdict?  I will use it now I have it, but not for any special occasion...  I think it is OK... Don't take my word for it, try it out and see what you think!  xxx

 

A little glum and a little grey, me.. lol!!!

Birthday Party! Bobbi Brown Blush in Bahama Brown a review

 

 

 

Ok.  So after all the drama I am now slowly getting back into the swing of things.  What better than a party??  So, my sister hit a major milestone and I'll be next.   How old??   Not telling lol!!!

 

So, I love Mac Relentlessly Red.  But what blusher goes with it.  Pink and you look like a marshmallow.  So I decided that a bronzey browny blusher would work best.  I used Bobbi Brown blusher in Bahama Brown.

 

I did a light dusting over my foundation just over my cheekbones just for definition but I didn't want to overdo it.  The star of the show is the lipstick.  Its great for evening because it has a subtle shimmer and pink and brown undertones.  Staple product that I use with most of my brighter lipsticks.

So, that's that.  Now eyeshadow.  I didn't mean to be matchy matchy it just worked out that way in the pictures!  Its my old favourite Lancôme in Cuban brown with a bit of Chanel sparkle on top.

 

 

 

So I needed to look nice, I find dressing up therapy especially seeing how great my sister looks...!

 

So, that night, we sat and drank Strawberry Bellinis and I was nearly on the floor.  Just the thought of having to put the kids to sleep kept me kinda sober.  Well almost...

 

 

This is what I wore:  Blazer Topshop in Stone,  White T-shirt dress Asos (below), shoes Dune

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love the British public...!!! Chicken Pox woes

 

 

So I've been away.  Not on a jolly I assure you.  There is never a drama far away from me! 

 

My daughter had chicken pox and we took it as read that my son would get it too.  My daughter screamed her way through but was generally ok with distraction.  When my son contracted it, he seemed like a better patient.  We were relieved and thought nothing more of it...

 

He had his first spot and we thought it would be ok just to take him to the shops 10 minutes away.  So when we were out, he started to look a bit peaky so we decided to come home.  My husband asked me should we give calpol.  Being the paranoid nut I am, I said most definitely.  We stopped off at Superdrug and gave him some.  We walked back to our car.  So, about to leave, my husband puts my son in his seat and I was not prepared for what happened next. 

 

He had a seizure.  In the middle of the car park, passed out cold.  His eyes were rolling all over the place and his body was limp.  No response to anything we said just had a fit which seemed to last a lifetime.

 

So, what to do in such a situation???  My son was having a seizure and no one was around.

What did I do???  I walked into the middle of the echoey car park and SCREAMED!!!

 

And what happened?  People came.  Running.

 

I had a family who supported us through the whole thing, held my hands until we got the help we needed.  They called the on site medics and brought ice and stayed with us until help arrived.

 

Those people were angels, and I have no way of thanking them for what they did for us that day.

Except to know, God is looking down on them smiling.   A big thank you for helping us through what was up there with one of the worst days I have ever known. 

 

Kian is better now, after going through antibiotics and a lot of tlc.  We were told that if we hadn't have given the calpol when we did, it could have been a lot worse!  He is now the cheeky little monkey he always was and my life is returning to some sort of normality... 

 

Keep watching, I'm on my way back!

 

xxx  

Chicken Pox! Mac Matte Lipstick Relentlessly Red

So we have been afflicted with the dreaded chickenpox and my daughter was very unwell with it.  We worked round the clock hence why I've been away from this!  Meeting with family, I wore a lipstick that I've been waiting to get my hands on: Mac Matte Lipstick in Relentlessly Red.  I've been waiting for 5 minutes so I could share!

 

 

And a closer view:

 

Ok, granted, more pink than red but its a gorgeous shade whatever its supposed to be!!! 

Go check it out.  Hope you like! xxx



My Secret Weapon revealed: Stila One Step Illuminate - a review

Hey folks, apologies for my absence.  To make it up, here it is the piece de resistance of my make up collection as a thank you for following.  I absolutely love this product and no foundation should be worn without it.  What is it?  Stila One Step Illuminate.  Absolutely give this 5 stars, it makes my sallow skin glow.  I've never tried it on its own to be honest just under, as a primer, my foundation and its fab.  All I do, is swoosh it all over my face with a foundation brush, wait a few seconds and then apply foundation as normal...  This seriously makes your face light up, and keeps your foundation stuck in place for hours. 

But SSHH!!!  Its a secret ;)

I'm back!!! Watch this space...

Hello people, many apologies if anyone is wondering where I've been.  Short answer: ill!   My beautiful little babies go off and come back with all sorts of bugs, and I'm the first to catch them!  My husband has been lucky this time, and I've literally been floored.  Please keep taking a look at my blog, I'm still here...   For more beauty info, watch this space...  And here they are, the cheeky little monkeys, looking very innocent!  xxx

My new jacket!!! Ted Baker Sapley jacket...

My new Jacket!!  Well, here's my nod to the suede trend at the moment, and I think I have tried to do it all in one go.  Camel colour: check, Biker jacket: check and Suede: check!   This is from Ted Baker and its the Sapley Jacket.   To start it is super soft and complete quality, I heart this!   I got a massive discount on it so I don't feel too bad, though my credit card does.  In my humble opinion, this jacket oozes sartorial grace...

I have to admit, I don't see myself as uber fashionable so please excuse me if you feel the same.  I just know what I like, and what feels comfortable and lastly, hope that it will be on trend.  All in that order!!!  I can't forget that I have two small children and I have to be running around them, picking them up (with dirty shoes!) and being a general bumble bee just to get through my days.  But, I need something for me, and this jacket fitted the criteria perfectly.  I just hope you like it too!!! 

Worn with Topshop Leigh jeans in bleach wash.

Narcissist? Not me... Nars NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette

Narcissist? Moi?  Most definitely not.  Doing my blog took a lot of guts (for me) and wasn't sure whether I should do it.  In fact, every time I post I get the willies and wonder if I should find a new hobby.  99% of the time I hate my photos but I've just got to a point in life where I just think f*** it!!!  This blog is not about glorifying me, just my passion...!

Anyway, back to Narcissism.  Nars NARSissist Dual Intensity Eyeshadow palette, got me thinking (way too much!) and I have to say I am in love with it... 

 

 

 

 

It can be used wet or dry and is easy to apply.  In my photo below I used it wet and used just the golden and the burgundy shade.  I used the lightest shade to highlight my brow bone and I used that dry.  It has only a slight shimmer and I found was great for daytime when I popped out at the weekend with family. 

 

 

 

This is what I wore:

 

 

Armani jeans jacket, and I got this great jacket for less than half price!  Thanks House of Fraser!  Abercrombie and Fitch jeans and Asos Swing Top with Crochet (love love love that top).

 

 

And finally to show its more about my family than me, here they are and growing fast!!!

 

 

And to prove I can laugh at myself, here's me being a mummy and fishing something out of Kian's mouth!

 

 

 Hope you like!! xxx

No vote!!! Hungry kids...

I have to admit I have set womens lib back by 100 years (if I haven't already done so, so far).  I didn't vote.  But not because I didn't want to.  But because we forgot dinner.   We had an allocated time to go to the polling station.  As luck would have it, at 5:10 in the evening (our allocated vote time) we realised there was no dinner in the fridge for the kids.  And they eat at 5:30.  Last weekend I completely forgot to get the components of their favourite pasta dinner.  My anxiety went through the roof when I discovered that there was nothing to feed my kids.  We dragged the kids kicking and screaming to a supermarket and got their dinner albeit 20 mins late.  I had a choice, feed my kids or vote for who I would like to run this country.   My kids came first!!! xxx

My sister!!! By Terry Rouge Terrybly Flirty Rosy - a review

The other day we all went to visit my Mum.  She has recently been poorly (and infectious!) so it was a while before I could take my children;  they love it there!  The only snag is she lives across on the other side of London and it takes an absolute age to get there.  But hey, she's my mummy!!!

If you are wondering why I love dressing up, its the fault of my sister and my mother.   Believe it or not I grew up a bit of a tomboy and completely rejected any idea of looking nice.  Always perfectly groomed, next to them, I never felt good enough!  So, now, later in life I'm making up for it!!!  And really enjoying it lol!

So what make up did I wear?  I was wearing an orange Vila shirt and what lipstick did I opt for?   Pink!  It doesn't sound right but I think I just get away with it...

 

 

The lipstick is By Terry Rouge Terrybly in Flirty Rosy and I tell you it is the most moisturising lipstick I own.  In fact I use as a base to all my lipsticks so my lips don't dry out.   I suffer with dry lips and this really works, I promise!

 

 

 

What I wore:

 

 

Vila wrap shirt in orange, Topshop Leigh Jeans in Vintage wash and Rag and Bone Newbury boots in Grey.

Finished off with Ted Baker Vedette jacket in Navy

So, back to my sister!  She is actually wearing a Karen Millen top I recommended and haven't had a chance to wear yet; the cheek!!!  She's the one who gave me a pep talk about my blog to help me along (or if you prefer, a kick up the backside!)

Here she is, my sister, looking fabulous in that Karen Millen top...

Banish those dark circles! Thank you Bobbi Brown...

The other day I was asked what concealer I use under my eyes to banish dark circles when I put my face on.  I have very dark circles and have tried most concealers out there.  The one I love is by Bobbi Brown.  It comes in two parts: a colour corrector and a concealer. 

I put the colour corrector on first, not with a brush but with my little finger and cover the darkest area of my eye.  Then, no need to wait, I put the concealer straight over the top.   I love this it really works and when I am brave enough I will post a picture sans make-up to show you!  I find also, that if you blend with your finger it doesn't crease and lasts as long as my foundation.  I have used this duo for as long as I can remember and wouldn't be caught without it...!

The colours I use are as follows:

Warm Natural Creamy Concealer which also comes with a pale yellow powder.  (But, I must admit I don't use that!).  And Colour Corrector in Dark Peach.  This is the first step of my make-up routine and I then apply other stuff as normal.  This is my saviour, and dark circles banished!!!

Hope you like  xxx

The sun is here! Soleil Tan de Chanel - a Review

So the sun is officially shining in London and it was very warm.  We needed to entertain the kids and going to the park was a good option.  But, I was having a bad skin day and needed something to put on my face.  When its hot and sunny, I have to be honest I want minimal on my face and with two kids in tow, it has to be fast.   On a day like that, I reached for my uber-favourite product: Soleil Tan de Chanel.  Ok, so not much coverage, I agree.  And perhaps I need more.  But in a rush?  To the park?  Perfect for me.  It takes approx. 1 minute to apply;  all over my face and good to go.  I also find it colour corrects too and leaves a lovely sheen to the face which (I think) looks ace in the sun.

Ok, so this was in my garden just before we left, complete with washing in the background!!!  On that day, this is what I wore...

 

River Island cardigan

Tommy Hilfiger dress

Lacoste Marthe slip on shoes (Amazingly comfy!)



Make up disaster! Beauty Blender to the rescue!

So there I was the other day with my make up on.  Jessica was raving about a new product she'd just purchased regarding applying your foundation.  Now, I am a bit of a stickler for tradition and have always used a foundation brush.  To be honest, happy in my ways, I thought no more of it.

That was until I got home.  I looked in the mirror and OMG, rocky horror show!  I had not bothered too much with my foundation that day.  I was too rushed.  I didn't do my usual routine of face wash just before applying my foundation (I didn't have time).  I know its a lil bit shocking, but I grabbed my foundation brush and just washed over the serum and cream I had worn in the morning.  And the result?  Large patches of unemulsified bits of goo all around my face.  I was mortified!   I will now make sure I use a foundation base from now on.  My sister and Jessica were too gracious to point it out; glad they didn't!   So, needless to say I will be purchasing this product, and after the reviews I've read, I can pretty much say goodbye to my hazardous brush!   I will review of course, keep watching!  xxx

Bobbi Brown blusher in Desert Rose

Hello people!  It was Easter and time to get out and see people and find out what's going on in the world, outside of my manic household.  I was tired, the kids have been ill and I opted for make up which reflected my mood.  I wanted natural and I used my favourite blush of all time:   Bobbi Brown blusher in Desert Rose.   This is a soft pink shade and you can apply lightly for just a hint of colour or build it up for a striking look.  Here, I was having a lazy day and opted for the former...

I applied one sweep over my BB Cream from the top of my cheekbone, downwards.  I wear this almost every time; its a firm favourite and lasts quite well!

On that day I wore Denham Blazer in Grey, Topshop Leigh cropped jeans (I am a stickler for my skinnies and love Leigh) and T-shirt Asos.  Ballerina flats Jimmy Choo:

Right now the sun is shining, London is a beautiful place especially in the sunshine.  And I don't want to see a computer any longer!!!  Off to grab a coffee and enjoy in my garden...  Adios!  xxx

The Dorchester! Urban Decay Naked Palette - a review

 

 

My sister in law is a classy chick.  She took us to afternoon tea at no less than the Dorchester in London.  It was amazing and redefined my notion of posh.  I on the other hand am hapless, nervous and have the East End steeped in my roots.   So not forgetting where I was from I trotted up in my finery to give it a go and see how the glitterati do it!

First off my make up.  I wanted to do something natural but with a slight sheen which would look natural and subtle under the lighting in the hotel.  So I opted for Urban Decay Naked Palette.  I used Sin all over my eye and placed Hustle in the sockets. Then, I used Virgin to highlight my brow bone.  I really like this palette and have used it for a long time.  I find its good for daytime and I think it has a quality finish.  For me, this is just a staple basic in my make up bag.

 

 

 

 

It was a nice sunny day and I opted for a Floral dress by Ganni.  Still with a slight Spring breeze in the air, I topped off with a cardigan from Next.  (This was actually from the kids section but I think it looks alright!!! No jokes please.)   Shoes: Ted Baker.

So, off I went and had an agreeable time.  Apart from washing my hands in moisturiser instead of soap and tucking into my pre-dessert before I was told what it was, everything went smoothly.  The staff couldn't have been more attentive and made us all feel warm and welcome.  I'm going back!  Tomorrow! (Just kidding).

 

The pre-dessert that I couldn't wait to get stuck into!

 

And some tasty treats:

 

 

Hope you like! xxx

 

Happy Easter Everyone! Bring on the wine!

Happy Easter to all!  Hope you had a nice break as did I.  The little ones loved opening their eggs, even though they have currently roped me into buying a Kinder egg every day.   They were thrilled by the giant chocolate eggs and anything that puts a smile on their face is good news for me!  I had a good break, husband off work and helping with the babies.  Boy did I need this weekend, its literally like running on empty but I now feel a lil bit more chilled out.  Well, not exactly chilled out completely. I am one of those busy bees that just don't know how to kick back and relax! 

 

So during the break we saw friends, who plied me with wine and I had a great time.  Kids entertained themselves and slowly but surely my hectic regime seems to be lifting!  But the wine just keeps on coming and I say bring it on!!!

 

 

 

What I like to do

I am out eating here with my hubby who I have known forever.  We love eating out and now with two children in tow it becomes a bit more sporadic.  Luckily for me, they are fans of Nandos and MacDonalds which is fine by me.  I have in my life, been to some amazing restaurants but not knowing my sommelier from my maitre d,  I am much more at home on the high street!

So what else do I get up to?  Apart from the obvious shopping trips and a serious scour of the internet, I like listening to music and I am a massive fan of pop music.  Not cool huh?  I suppose I should know more than what's in the charts and maybe listen to something not so manufactured!  But, I enjoy getting up and being a seriously uncool mum and singing/dancing with my children.   You would not want to be in the same room.  My husband doesn't! 

I say bring on Rihanna, The Script, One Republic and Maroon 5.  Not forgetting One Direction for Maya and Kian...!

Still not cool?  Sorry!!!  I'll try to make up for it, I promise!
 
Keep living, keep laughing, keep loving xxx

Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation - a review

 

Just landed with me:  Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation in Stromboli.   By now you probably know I am a bit of a Nars baby and couldn't wait to try their newest foundation.  And verdict?  This stuff is proper excellence in a bottle.   I literally moisturised and with a damp foundation brush, applied all over my face.  The result was magic, in my humble opinion anyway!  I wanted to see the results of just the product with no base or primer and I wasn't disappointed.  It literally lasts the whole night and left me with glowy skin.   Love, love, love.

I wanted to keep my make up low key so I opted for a taupe based eyeshadow finished off with Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Epatant.  I find it gives a subtle sparkle rather than a full on glittery finish.

 

So it was Friday night and a farewell dinner to two friends.  The separation anxiety of leaving my two children prompted me to fill up with wine!   I had a lovely night.  Bye Anita and Sanjay and good luck!

This is what I wore:

 

Reiss Perrie Dress in Papaya

Miu Miu Glitter-Finished Sandals

Finished off with Ted Baker Colete coat in Cream