Sails

Top: RL. Cardi: Ann Taylor. Jeans: Old Navy. Shoes: Banana Republic. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Jewelry: David Yurman, Michael Kors, Pomellato, Jcrew, GAP, BR.

MAC Cremeblend Blush

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I'm going to do a few posts on things MAC are bringing out soon, because who doesn't like a bit of insider knowledge?

March 2011 will see the release of a new range of blushes that promise to go on creamy and stay creamy, allowing you to blend better and control your contouring. Smashing!

 

There will be six new colours to choose from:

 

So Sweet, So Easy Bright yellow pink

Something Special Light coral

Posey Warm peach

Ladyblush Warm neutral coral

Brit Wit Dusty rosy mauve

Tea Petal Mid-tone reddish brown

RRP: £17.00 / EURO 21.50

 

So for all your Blush Lovers, does this do it for you? I'm pretty new to the world of blusher so welcome your thoughts :)

 
You can find out more about MAC Cosmetics HERE.  

Toodlepip!

 

xx

 

Images and Info courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

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

Layers Upon Layers

Dress c/o: BB Dakota. Sweater: Vince. Vest: Rachel Roy. Jacket: Zara. Tights: Hue. Thigh Highs: Madewell. Shoes: Luxury Rebel. Purse: YSL. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Jewelry: Michael Kors, Pomellato, David Yurman, GAP, BR.

Crisp

Dress: Club Monaco. Blazer: Jcrew. Shoes: Givenchy. Scarf: H&M. Bag: Chanel. Glasses: H&M. Jewelry: Pomellato, David Yurman, Michele, BR.

MAC Jeanius - Out March 2011

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I thought I would show you a couple of new ranges that are coming up from the cosmetic gods that are MAC, because it's nice to be in the know and be able to get all excited (or is this just me?!).

Of course there is the MAC Wonder Woman collection, but did you know about MAC Jeanius?

Naturally, the MAC Press Pack will descirbe the collection somewhat better than I, so here's what MAC has to say:

"Is there anything more enduring (besides love and heartbreak) than denim? Jeanius is a

celebration of the journey – country cousin to haute couture – the whole world wanted to go on

since America made it a national obsession. Since tooth-and-nail workwear jumped the pond in

farmer’s overalls to gussy up in the glam of the great Paris couture houses...France may take the

credit for creating it in 18th-century Nimes (de Nîmes = DeNim), but bright young American

women took it higher! M·A·C keeps up with a Jeanius collection of moody blues and indigo ink,

the quantum of modern cool, with four new limited-life denimised Eye Shadows, along with new

limited-life shades of Lipstick, Lipglass, Blush and Biker Blue & Frayed to Order Nail Lacquer.

Like the faux-metal “snap” on the Eye Shadow…completely riveting."

Prices range from £9 for a Nail Polish, to £17 for a Power Blush.

You can find out more about MAC HERE.

Do you think this is something you would try? I luurrrvveee the funky denim embossment on the eyeshadows and can hear the light nail polish calling my name.

Toodlepip!

xx

Images and Info courtesy of MAC Cosmetics.

Lou's Reviews :: NYC Colour Wheel Blush

Aloha Bloggerinos,

A cheap and cheerful product for you today. As I have said five hundred and twenty million times, I love a bargain. Whilst perusing the stands in Superdrug a few weeks ago, I was thinking to myself how much I needed an apricot type blusher, as pink clashes with my very red skin tone.

I've never really been into blushers so I didn't want to fork out a lot while I'm still a novice, and this little number from NYC was the perfect solution. It was £2.99 on sale but is only usually £4.99, which wouldn't break the bank.

I love how appeasing it is to the eye, with the tessellating colours and reminds me a bit of a turtle shell. The packaging is nothing fancy but for the price, I'm more than OK with that. I like that it has a clear lid so I can easily see what it is when it is lost in the depths of my other makeup.

It applies VERY easily with a fluffy brush (the brush actually picks up quite a lot, as the photo shows, so do be sure to tap off excess and don't make my mistake hahaha) and blends well. It has terrific lasting power and works well to detract from my natural redness.

This shade is 'Peach Glow' and I bloomin' well love it! NYC also had other shades of Colour Wheel so I'm confident that you would find something to suit your skin tone too. I feel a new obsession coming along- eep!

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

MAC Cosmetics At London Fashion Week

Aloha Bloggerinos,

As I mentioned in my recent Red Lipped FOTD, I was one very lucky lady and was invited to a tres swanky MAC Event at London Fashion Week on Saturday. Despite being 9 months pregnant, I knew this was not to be missed and waddled my massive self there and had the BEST DAY EVER!

There were 5 other gorgeous Beauty Bloggers there and I'm sure they will do a write up of the day, so check them out too- Milly, Princess Livia, Jen, Zara, Shirley and Sammi. I sat next to Milly and Jen and we had a hoot (after a brief scuffle with a very huffy woman at the fashion show who refused to move, despite us having tickets for those seats. I of course said rather firmly "Well I'm 9 months pregnant!" and sat down. Ha!). Jen and I had a little chitchat before the whole day got started and she seemed so nice, I could've talked to her for hours.  

Oh how I wished I'd picked up some of these. You know how I feel about peacocks :(

So, I waddled in a few minutes early and was greeted at the MAC Media Booth by the really nice PR girls. You know when you see slim, pretty, 'together' type girls and you feel a bit intimidated? (this could just be me because I'm a bit larger and not Mrs Fashionista, but let me know if you get my drift). Well they were the opposite of this. They were sooooo friendly and offered me drinks and asked lots about Baby Glitter and how often I blog and all that kind of thing. I wish I'd taken a picture of them to show you.

Once everyone had arrived and we'd been served fancy nibbles (see embarrassing story at the bottom re canapes), we were shown a video on the upcoming makeup trends that we can expect to see for AW11.  The three to look for are 'Pop', 'Raw' and 'Copper'.

Pop was described a kaleidoscopic explosion of colour, fluro, neon. Raw as skin that changes as it passes through light, muted pastels, texture and Copper as amazonian goddesses, seashell shades, 70's. I think Pop excites me the very most- fuchsia lips, here I come!!

After the video, we were introduced to Terry Barber, Director of Makeup Artistry at MAC (oh me oh my) and he proceeded to show us one of the new looks that is going to be very on trend for AW11- reds, golds, yellows, rusts etc. Now, I was quite sceptical about how he was going to pull red off, but after working his magic, he bloomin' well did! It was watching this makeover that gave me the confidence to ask for a red lip look on my makeover.

Already prepped and primed and ready to go go go!

Bringing the red pigment out into the temples. Terry explained that for runway, you must really over exaggerate what your brushstrokes and be BOLD.

You see that red lipstick in Terry's left hand? It's a prototype for next season. The Makeup Artists often 'trial run' the prototype products-my dream job!

How beautiful does she look?! I thought she was one of the runway models and was totally shocked when she told me she wasn't and actually works in the Head Office!

He was really chatty all the way through, it was like listening to a chum really. He told us lots of interesting snippets from his experiences in the industry like how Diana Ross had the biggest false eyelashes he has ever seen and how Grace Jones did her own highlighting using foundation meant for whiter skin tones.

Terry's table. Ooohh I would've enjoyed a play with all that!


Terry, The Bump and I.

After marvelling at his creativity and seeing the finished look, we were ushered off to watch the Betty Jackson catwalk show. I've never been to anything like this before and felt somewhat frumpy in my Next Maternity jeans, but alas, what can you do? It was great to watch and see all the outfits and do a bit of celeb spotting and all too soon it was over.

We headed back to the MAC Media Booth, where it was time for makeovers- yeeaaahhhhhh! I have already done my little post on this, which you can see HERE. I am now lusting desperately over Cherry Lip Liner, Red Russian Lipstick, Prep & Prime for lips and a Clear Lipglass. Oh dear.

I could have easily stayed in there all day and played with the makeup and chatted to everyone but I had to wizz off for a nice lunch with my Daddio at nearby Cotes Cafe. Have you been there? It was tres nice.

I know I keep saying it but the whole thing really was brilliant, by far the best thing I've ever been too and I can't thank the MAC Ladies enough for inviting me!

Of course you will all want to know about the AMAZING goodie bags (I know I always do anyway!), so I have done a YouTube video for you HERE and will no doubt be reviewing the products soon.

Toodlepip!

xx

As promised: I always try and be cool at these things, but never quite manage it. At the beginning, we were offered lots of very swish canapes and I thought "haha I'm not fooling for this, I won't pick something crumbly or something that I might not like (like at the Eyeko Event and I actually had to spit it into my hand when no-one was watching!!), I will pick something easy and sophisticated". So, I picked a little glass of berry smoothie. Wrong. It was really thick and yoghurty and I couldn't seem to get it out of the glass and ended up half licking it (bet that looked good) and half trying to knock it back like a shot. Needless to say, I did not look cool. *sigh*

Pregnancy Update - 36 Weeks Pregnant

Aloha Bloggerinos,

This snap was actually taken 2 weeks ago at my Baby Shower (shall I do a post/video on this? I can't decide), so I'm a little bit bigger now.

Well since we last had a pregnancy catch up,  A LOT has happened and I will try and condense it all down so as not to bore you to bits.

Physically

I'm bigger. A given! But now I just feel cumbersome and find I waddle about and huff and puff and can't really get up much speed. My usual 10 minute saunter to the midwife's centre has now turned into a 15 minute lumber. Sometimes I deliberately put my hand on my bump so people realise I'm not just walking funny, and that I am actually with child! haha.

About 2 weeks ago, I had a bit of a scare and went to hospital. I had been wizzing about and getting on with life, still working etc, and then I started to notice my tum was really tender and sore. I tried to sleep it off but after 2 days I was in agony and hadn't felt Baby Glitter move for some time. After quite a few calls to labour triage (honestly, you have to practically fight your way in there!!), they told me to come in and bring an overnight bag. I was really panicked at the thought of staying over but Matt was so calm and reassuring. After being hooked up to all the monitors and stuff, it turned out I had 1. Strained my stomach muscles by overdoing things and 2. Baby Glitter was back to back, and still is. Urgh. I'm doing all the exercises to encourage her to move but she's having none of it.

After feeling very smug about gaining no weight at all, I have now gained a stone. Oh well. I'm planning on breast feeding, eating healthy and exercising (I need a reason to take my swanky Silver Cross Pram on walks) so hopefully that will go. I'd like to loose a fair bit but won't bang on about it because diets and weight loss bore me zzzzzzzzzzz.

Sleeping is really rubbish now. I struggle to get to sleep and then only have it in small bursts because I either wake up needing the loo or have a really vivid dream. I'm trying not to nap during the day (I'm on maternity leave now) so I can sleep at night but it's tricky.

There have been a few other little physical things, but at the risk of giving you a bit too much info, I'll leave it! haha.

Emotionally

I'll admit it, I've been an emotional nightmare to live with. One minute I'm standing over the beautiful moses basket thinking how amazing it will be when I can see my baby in there, and the next I'm having a huge cry over the fact that my eyelashes look 'excessive'. This is no joke, I put on false lashes for my Baby Shower, thought they looked too much and burst into tears and had to be calmed down with an ice lolly ahahahaha!

Matt has been beyond patient. He fetches me drinks and pillows and runs me baths (the only place I can be where my lower back doesn't ache) and even painted my toenails for me the other day now that I can't reach them easily myself!

Cool Stuff

I have practically everything I need now. The last little bits are nursing bras (I bought 2 but they feel like straight jackets so I need to exchange them) and maybe a bottle cleaner and to work out how to use the steriliser.

I'm reading lots of good baby books at the moment, which I may do a separate post on.

I was given soooo many gorgeous things at my baby shower and have also been sent some great bits (will defo do a video on these, or Zoe might come and kill me!)

I've been playing the bump lots of music and she really reacts to it- it's amazing! She wiggles about and I like to think she is dancing and smiling and being all like "yyeaaahhhh, I love this song!".

I've probably missed lots out but I'm sure you'll hear more now that we're on the home stretch so to speak.

Come on Baby Glitter, come ouuuttt!!

Toodlepip!

xx

Fashion Drawn

Rach of the blog Visual Basic drew these fabulous sketches as an edition of her 'Blogger Sketch Sunday' series. Thank you so much Rach, your work is truly inspiring...

xo
BEE

Blending

Jacket: Jcrew. Top: Madewell. Vest: AE. Skirt: Forever 21. Boots: NYLA. Purse: Vintage LV. Jewelry: David Yurman, Jcrew, Pomellato, GAP, BR, Max&Chloe. Sunglasses: Burberry. Nails: Chanel Black Pearl.

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

Lou's Reviews :: Liz Earle Toner and Moisturiser

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Do you remember when I posted about my love for the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser HERE? Well, those crazy gals at Liz Earle were kind enough to read my review and then send me the next two steps in the range, which I was over ze moon and zo stars about now that I'm such a convert! Eep!

(How professional is that? I do think Liz Earle have excellent PR)

I was generously sent a bottle of  Instant Boost Skin Tonic and a jar of Skin Repair Moisturiser (for dry skin).

Instant Boost Skin Toner

A while ago I asked you all what the point of toner was, so it was good luck that you all answered before this product arrived, otherwise I'd be fumbling around in the dark for something to say like a blind mouse.

I have been informed, by none other than you clever Bloggerinos, that the purpose of toner is to remove any remaining yuk from the skin, close the pores and prepare your skin for moisturising. Now that I know this, I am much more inclined to use toner and much less clueless- thank you!

I love this toner. It doesn't smell the same as the Cleanse and Polish (which is a shame because I am in love with the fragrance of that one), but does still smell mature and sophisticated. I go through phases. Sometimes I like the funky vivid smells of Lush Whoosh Shower Jelly and Snow Fairy, and sometimes I like a more grown up scent.

The packaging, like all of this range, is very bathroom friendly- pastel greens with unoffensive silver writing, lovely. Also, I like the cap of the bottle. Rather than take the whole cap off, you twist the lid and tada, a little nib where the toner comes out of, allowing you to control the flow of product and prevent wastage. A bonus in my books.

I have only ever used one other toner before (Lush Breath of Fresh Air) so I am by no means an expert in this field, but I know what I like, and I like this. It feels refreshing but doesn't make my skin tingle and it doesn't leave me feeling all tight and horrid- this is a big thing for me because my other one does leave me running for the face cream post haste!

I can't say I noticed that it removed any remaining yuk from my face, but I really do think this is because the Cleanse and Polish kit deals with everything and does such a good job that there is nothing left to remove.

Phewf, who knew I could talk about toner for so long?! Sorry!!

Skin Repair Moisturiser

I'm in love. Fact.

I used to use Lush Dream Cream religiously because I enjoyed the thick, non oily consistency. Then Baby Glitter started making my tum her home, my sense of smell went gaga and Dream Cream became Nightmare-Vomit-At-The-Smell-Of-It Cream. I had been using a Vaseline body lotion in it's place because I could bare it, but this. is. brilliant!

The scent is subtle yet fragrant- I'm yet to put my finger on it but all I can think of is that it smells 'clean'. Does that make any sense? I hope so!

This product sinks in beautifully, especially after using the 2 prior steps the routine, but I have also used and enjoyed it after a little makeup wipe cleanse (sometimes I just don't have the energy for a full routine/I'm lazy).

It leaves my skin feeling revived, soft and I have noticed my foundation sets very well over the top of it.

Win win win.

Links are at the top for each product but for the whole Liz Earle site and prices (I didn't include as they are different depending on sizes), click HERE. 

Have you tried these or similar products? What did you think?

Toodlepip!

xx