sweet & simple

Dress: ASOS (similar here). Jacket: Zara (old). Shoes: Jcrew. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Pin: Vintage. Purse: Celine. Jewelry: David Yurman, Michael Kors, Coach, Gap, BR, Jcrew.

Mrs MakeOver

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

My Auntie Jackie is a gem. She does about sixty million jobs, as well as being a wife, mother, stepmother and all round good egg.

Her latest project has been setting up a teashop and it has been a lot more successful than she had thought it would be. Obviously this is a brilliant problem to have, but it's led to a lot of hard work, time away from life's little luxuries and a lorra lorra scone baking.

Last week, whilst she had a window of free time, Baby Glitter and I went over with a humungous box of beauty products and restored her former glamour.

Naturally, I took my camera and snapped away and thought I would share the fun with you lovely Sprinklerinos. Mwahaha, Jackie will be just thrilled at the thought of her 'before' pictures being out there- tehe.

Oh me oh my, just looking at all that makeup gives me palpitations. Nice and normal then.

Isn't she a beaut?

Of course beauty is only skin deep, but when you are run ragged and have a much desired makeover, it really can make you feel great on the inside too.

I've actually been toying for a long while with the idea of taking a course in makeup artistry or something of that nature, do you think I should go for it? Eep!

Toodlepip!

xx

Quick News

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Just a quickie to let you know that I am now taking bookings for February advertising slots.

If you have a blog or handmade business (it must be handmade) and would like to showcase it (with a 200px wide ad and a linked feature in my monthly Amazing Advertisers post) on Sprinkle of Glitter, please do drop me an email at louise.pentland@hotmail.co.uk. Please ensure you include a link to your blog/site as I like to ensure I advertise things of a suitable genre.

I have had fantastic response from the January ladies and lots of repeat booking so slots are filling up fast.

I usually just tweet to let you know but I struggle to get anything into a 140 character phrase, let alone all this! Haha!

Please email before midnight tomorrow to ensure a 1st of February start.

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews :: Illasmasqua Beguile Pure Pigment

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

It's not often that I will review something both on my YouTube Channel and on my Blog, but once in a while, a product so fantasmic comes along and I feel compelled to share it from ever available platform.

If you watched this video (embedded below) then you will know how beautiful Illamasqua's pure pigment in 'Beguile' is.

At first glance, this little wonder looks like a nice whitey highlighter. However, after swatching or holding it up to different lights, you will see flecks of finely milled mint green and babydoll pink lightly dotted around. Seeing as my favourite colours are mint and pink, this is a HUGE thumbs up on my behalf.

At £15.50 for 1.3g of product Beguile is certainly a luxury item for your makeup bag, but definitely worth it. I've worn it a lot over the last fortnight and can say hand on heart that it's perfect. It blends marvellously, is incredibly versatile and has a long durability time.

Here's how I have been wearing it:

♥ Applied over the black of a smokey eye using a damp small eyeshadow brush.

♥ Over my bare eyelid, patted on with my ring finger and then smudging black kohl eyeliner up into it a little. This is by far my favourite look because it looks a little bit like sparkly water and a little bit smokey/mysterious. Oooohh. Also, you can really go wild on the eyeliner smudgery and make your eyes the feature, or you can just do a little liner and a little Beguile and then make your lips the feature.

♥ Applied with a wet eyeliner brush as, you guessed it, an eyeliner. I like this but I prefer it as a shadow because you can see the sparkles more easily.

♥ Dotted onto clear lipgloss with my finger. I like this look but am wary that I may look a little '12-year-old-at-the-disco' with it. I'll get back to you on that one.

Basically, it has become my go-to special product. You know how you have your regular go-to items (foundation, mascara etc) and also your special go-to items (that you know will give you that bit of edge)? Well this is my special one. I loves it.

As you can image with glitter, it was a tricky little so and so to photograph but here are some snaps, taken in different lights, that will hopefully give you a glimpse of it's loveliness (if not, I apologise, my photography skills are fairly rudimentary):

I must say, I'm not massively proud of these pictures. I think I need to invest in a desk/little table by a window and a tripod, because I really want to be able to give you excellent quality. I think that'll be my next big splurge...after the IMATS....and a Baby Glitter's Birthday Party....and having my hall decorated...the list goes on.

In summary, I heart beguile a crazy lot. I suggest you pop yourself on the waiting list and get some in your life. Also, whilst you're perusing, check out Static pure pigment too. Milly from Pearls and Poodles did a fantastic review of it with far superior photos than mine and if her descriptions ("If you could capture fairy dust...") don't make you dash out to your nearest store, I don't know what will.

Are you as in love as I am? Would you part with £15.50 for glitter?

Toodlepip!

xx

tgif

Stripe Dress: Jcrew. Chambray Dress: Jcrew Outlet (similar here). Jacket: GAP (old). Shoes: Converse. Bag: Foley+Corinna (last seen here). Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Jewelry: David Yurman, Jcrew, Pomellato, GAP, BR, Max&Chloe.

double/double

Shoes: Loeffler Randall (last seen here). Bag: Celine. Top: Cynthia Vincent c/o. Denim: Cheap Monday. Skirt: Zara. Nails: Butter London 'Teddy Girl'. Necklace: Saks5th (old). Jewelry: Michael Kors, Jcrew, David Yurman, YSL. Sunglasses: Karen Walker.

Makeup Looks for Spring 2012

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

A sponsored guest post today:

Makeup looks for Spring 2012

Make-up for spring 2012 looks set to expand on the themes we saw developing towards the end of last year, as well as bringing in some new inspiration from the past. There’s some exciting and dramatic new looks to choose from, including the welcome return of red lipstick and some fabulous metallic eyes; as well as more takes on the fresh/nude face introduced in the autumn.

Vamp it up with red lipstick

A timeless classic – red lipstick is bold and undeniably sexy, and staying with us for spring 2012. From metallic crimsons through chocolate reds and vermilion shades to striking scarlet – red lipstick has been seen all over the catwalks for this season, and wearing it will make you the centre of attention wherever you go. Red lipstick typically works best with everything else toned down, letting the lips make the statement - make sure you choose the right colour for you, and wear it with confidence.

Eyes with impact

If eyes are more your thing than lips, there are a number of dramatic looks for eyes this season. The first is the cat’s eye liner, which sees eyeliner finishing with a dramatic upward flourish at the outer edge of the upper lid. Playful and eye-catching, it says look-at-me without being as uncompromising as red lips. Alternatively, sparkle around the eyes with softer versions of the neon hues which were popular last summer – soft metallic sparkles and glitter eye shadows are back for spring 2012, bringing a touch of colour and glamour with them. Colours will echo the fashion palette, including turquoise, purples and orange, as well as silver-white – choose creamy finish shadows and blend well to create a glow.

Brows are back

Good news if you’re tired of tweezing: following the sixties theme that’s running through fashion for spring/summer 2012, dramatic brows are dominating the runways this spring. To get the look, shape into a dramatic arch, darken with pigment and then brush upwards for a bold-browed look – think Liz Taylor in her heyday – striking and undeniably feminine.

Healthy glow

So recently considered a little unfashionable, blush is key to some of the looks for spring – with a flushed, almost sun-burnt look showing up in some of the catwalk shows. Layering and defining the cheekbones, the flushed-cheek blush gives a healthy sun-kissed look which will make you feel ready for summer as the winter starts to lose its hold.

Go nude

Our favourite look for spring 2012, though, is the cleanest and simplest of them all – the nude look. Characterised by glowing, luminous skin; soft petal pinks and coral colours; high-shine rosebud lips and dewy blush, the barely-there make-up look is a winner for this season.

Saisha Potts writes on behalf of www.cafelamoda.co.uk, the social fashion site. Compare men and women's fashion now at Cafe La Moda by following the LINK.

rain, rain

Striped Dress: Zara. Chambray Dress: Jcrew (similar here). Trench: Gap. Boots: Hunter. Bag: Celine. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Hat: Unknown. Iphone Case: Plum Street Prints c/o. Jewelry: YSL, David Yurman, Micahel Kors, Gap, BR, BaubleBar, Lydell.

Lou's Reviews :: Dribbles Ons Bandana Bibs

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Not a beauty one today. Unless you have literally just started reading this blog (in which case, Hi! How nice to have you over!), you will know that from time to time I slip a little Baby Glitter post in and it always seems to be well received. Yay.

Recently I was very kindly sent a couple of products from an internet company called FindMeAGift.com and I thought today I would share my thoughts on the Dribble Ons Bandana Bib.

(NB. As of yet it has not been through the washing machine, which is something that I am keen to report back on because I find the Primark, Tesco and George bibs all shrink. Once it has been through a couple of times, I will let you know the results on my Facebook Page).

The Bandana Bib is something I have been keen to try, after I saw it on my friend Clare's little baby boy Ethan. He is such a cutie and as Clare is a bit of a fashionista herself, she dresses her wee one beautifully. I have often thought that Mother's of boys have a tougher job in the wardrobe department because girlie clothes have so much more variety. Boy things seem to be very limited to blue, green, red, white/trucks, cars, tractors, stars and spaceships. I think these little bibs are PERFECT for the stylish little man in your life as they offer a fun alternative to the norm. That's not to say they're not for little ladies, I just think that if I had a boy, I would go gaga for them-like Clare does!

I took a few snaps for you and whilst flicking through the album to choose a couple, I realised I loved them all so brace yourself for a slew of Baby Glitter modelling!

As you can see, although the bib is rouched around the neck, it doesn't restrict Baby Glitter's movement. I did wonder if all the gathered fabric would make her feel a little like she was wearing a neck brace, but actually she played and manoeuvred as normal. By the by, we don't make her sleep in that moses basket with a million toys in it- she sleeps in a bigger cot and the moses has become storage!

These bibs retail for £4.99, which although more than what I would normal pay for a bib, I think is a decent price seeing as you are getting something so unusual.

The fabric is thick and ultra absorbent, which a soft micro towelling cloth on the back. Also, because of the extra material that bunches around the top, it really can collect and soak up A LOT of liquid (dribble/drinks etc)- ideal for teething.

At the back there are easy popper clasps so putting on and taking off is simples. There are two size settings so this bib can grow with the baby which makes the price even better.

I actually think you could use this bib as a bit of a fashion accessory too. I had at least two people saying, "oohh he looks like a cute little cowboy". Looks cute = Great. Looks like a boy when she's a girl = Less great! I think if I were to choose one of these myself, I would go for pink, just to avoid those kind of comments. Thankfully bandana bibs come in a variety of shades.

I also like the little tufty bits at the back, it just looks CUTE. I know I've used 'cute' about ten times but I don't care, good writing has gone out the window and I've been overcome with cute cute cuteness!

Overall, I'm really happy and impressed with this product. One of my sister-in-law's is pregnant at the moment so I will definitely be purchasing one of these for the hamper I'm putting together for her.

What about you? Are you a fan of quirky baby products or are you more of a traditionalist?

Toodlepip!

xx

cold front

Dress worn as skirt: ADAM. Sweater: Zara. Vest: H&M. Shoes: Givenchy (old). Sunglasses: House of Harlow. Purse: YSL. Clutch: Tory Burch (last seen here). Gloves: All Saints.

Amazing Advertisers :: January 2012

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

That time again already? Gosh, doesn't time fly.

This month has been a bumper month for ladies (it is open to men too! haha) wanting to book advertising space. In fact, I have already had several enquiries about February (which I will reply to asap, never fear) so if you are interested, do please get in touch sooner rather than later.

Passion About Fashion- Secret Diary of a Fashion Journalist

This blog is everything you would want in a Beauty and Fashion Blog. A little bit of fashion, a little bit of beauty and a little bit of Laura's life, all rolled into one girlie spot. Laura varies her posts so the content is always different. With regular updates, you will always find something fun to read.

Maydoll

Maydoll is a fabulous blog which more often than not, makes me want to buy things. Ellie finds dupes, fashion gems and gives crazy good explanations of eyeshadow colours (I now NEED MAC's All That Glitters in my life.). Ellie's blog is sleek, easy to navigate and well worth a read.

Paperbacks and Postcards

If you don't look at Amy's blog for anything else, go ahead and check out her header. It makes me smile every time I do. Paperbacks and Postcards is an eclectic mix of beauty, music, jewels (she's an etsy lover so she's a good'un) and humour. If you get the chance, have a looksie at her 'About' page, it's a good read and it's nice way to find out a bit more about the gal behind the blog.

Laura Laments

You may remember Laura from a few months back when she advertised here last year. I'm so glad to have her back because I love loosing myself in her blog. Her writing style is amazing and you'd be forgiven for thinking you were reading a monthly glossy rather than a blog. I just read through her "25 before 25" post and I feel seriously inspired to make one myself/seriously jealous of her figure!

Verita Illumina- Truth Enlightens

Number one, who knew there were such things and sweet potato fries? Number two, have a looksie at this blog. It is a lovely mix of foodie suggestions, photographs (of crabs stealing biscuits!), beauty and fashion. Sarah is fairly new to the blogging world, but I'm sure all of you lovely lot will give her a great big welcome and sloppy kiss. Ok, maybe not the kiss then.

Beauty Butterfly Blog

Jade's blog is beauty product-tastic. If you want to just gorge on reviews, pictures, face of the days and hauls, this is the place for it. Jade is a woman after my own heart, and also hates her eyebrows. Yes, I know that's a slightly random thing to say, but I feel her pain and thought I'd share it. Jade's reviews are easy to read and well laid out (not like my waffly-onny ones!) and she has already pointed me in the direction of a few things I'd like to purchase.

Beauty and Baggage

Seonaid describes herself as a girl with wanderlust, a love of clothes and beauty product problem. I think as beauty bloggers, we can all related to this! I think solely from her header we can see that she is a lipstick lover! Luckily for us, her posts live up to this, with a huge array of lip products and well lit swatches. Hurrah!

Futures

Bex's blog is another winner. Jam packed with fashion and beauty posts, all whilst finding her feet as a new mum. Having read through it, I was really impressed that she wasn't afraid to showcase and feature products that I hadn't come across too much (like Lime Crime for example) and so it has given me a few things to put on my 'to look into' list. Thanks Bex!

Wired Jewellery

Wired Jewellery is the brainchild of the extremely talented Faye. Faye is a 22 year old Londoner who started her business this July to make a little extra mula whilst she studied. Originally using materials like clay to make her creations, but Faye has now moved onto metals and semi-precious stones to make the majority of her little beauties. She tries to use sterling silver where possible, because she believes that nobody wants green skin- I think we can all agree with her on that one! All of the Wired prices are very reasonable, ranging from about £5-£20 and if you go use the code on the add, you will receive 10% off. I think this will be a limited offer though so get in there quickly! NB- I just went to order something and it was sold out, so REALLY, get in there NOW!!

~~~~~~~~

Phhheewwyyy that was a lorra lorra Amazing Advertisers this month! If you are interested in advertising you blog or handmade business, please do email for prices and availability. I have already had a lot of interest for February, so spaces are filling up fast!

~~~~~~~

Who was your favourite from these lovely ladies? Are you going to use your discount code?

Toodlepip!

xx

Image- weheartit

denim love

Outfit One: Seven for All Mankind Straight Leg, BR trench, Zara Shoes, ASOS blouse. // Outfit Two: Seven for All Mankind Skinny, Madewell Top, Levis Jacket, Jcrew Coat, Topshop Shoes (similar here), Saks5th Necklace, Coach Bag. // Outfit Three: Seven for All Mankind Jiselle, Gap top, Jcrew belt, Miu Miu Shoes, Malene Birger Coat, Celine Bag. // Outfit Four: Seven for All Mankind Roxanne, Zara Jacket, F21 Tee, Zara Shoes.

I teamed up with Seven for all Mankind this month to help highlight their new basic fits. My personal picks were the Skinny, the Roxanne, the Jiselle, and the Straight Leg- a fit for every occasion! To celebrate the brand's roots in the arts we shot all of the above in the SFMOMA, a favorite San Francisco spot of mine. Be sure to check out 7FAM's facebook page this month for fun giveaways as they celebrate 'Fit Month'. Hope you are all having a fantastic week...

xo BEE

splash

Skirt: ASOS. Dress worn as top: Missoni. Bag: Coach (also seen here). Scarf: Vintage. Jacket: Zara. Nails: Milani 'Juicy Glo'. Nail ring (new love): Bijules. Jewelry: Pomellato, David Yurman, YSL, Lydell NYC, Michael Kors, Aqua.

layered

Jacket: Cynthia Steffe. Dress: Gap. Top: Equipment. Tights: H&M. Socks: Madewell. Shoes: Theysken's Theory. Purse: Celine. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Jewelry: David Yurman, Gap, BR, Stella&Dot, YSL, Pomellato, C Wonder.

Miniture Celebrations

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Despite having lots of 'proper' posts to be getting on with, I felt like just having a natter with you and filling you in on some of my latest mini happies.

(Yes, that's Baby Glitter on a giant tap in her new and slightly too big snow suit. As you do)

Today I was walking to the bank (more on this later) and I was thinking about all the good things that have happened recently and so I have decided to share them with you because we all need a bit of positivity on these gloomy January days. I know I do.

♥ Although I haven't managed 30 minutes exercise a day, this morning I put on my pre pregnancy jeans and DID UP THE BUTTON! This is a bit of a break through for me and my tum!

♥ I've been on 3 good walks this year to 3 different parks. That's not bad going in my books. If I had to rate them I'd give Sywell Country Park 9/10 (really cool kiddie sand park with diggers, water activities, fun slides, giant ornaments like fish/birds/taps, climbing wall, butterfly garden, reservoir, ducks, loooaadds), Abington Park 8/10 (fun children's park with all the usual apparatus, avery, bandstand, little cafe, tennis courts, duck ponds galore and lots of open space) and The Race Course 3/10 (not much there, kiddie park was vandalised, scary looking 'characters' about). I don't know why I just gave little reviews, but I did! I hate walking, but it seems a lot less arduous if it's somewhere enjoyable. Also, it leads to less wobbly bits and that's my goal.

♥ Finally, after a year and a half of repayments, I have paid off my stinking overdraft. Take that bank! Now everything in there is mine, mine, MINE! It's a huge weight off my shoulders and I'm going to promise myself not to get into such a pickle again. Now to work on the mortgage...

♥ This blog tipped over the 5,000 follower mark last night and I couldn't be more thrilled! I feel like that is a crazy amount to have grown in one year (it was around 1,000 last January) and I hope it continues to blossom and share it's sparkle with the world. Thank you every single Sprinklerino who has hit that little 'join this site button'. I loves ya.

♥ I have been longlisted for the Marie Claire Beauty Blog Awards. Wow! I NEVER get long listed/short listed/anything listed for things so this has come as a huge surprise and excitement to me! To be honest, I'm happy enough to just be on the long list, but if you would like to see Sprinkle of Glitter on the short list (issued 20th Jan), then please to click HERE and select 'Sprinkle of Glitter' from the drop down. Muchos Thankos!

~~~~

As I said above, I have a tonne of 'proper' posts to write, like Amazing Advertisers, reviews on Jolie Box, Carmine, Glossy Box for Men and Lush, Baby Glitter's latest update, Ebay Hearts and a Home Corners of my lounge. Any requests on ones you'd like to see first?

What little things are you celebrating today?

Toodlepip!

xx

stripe/stripe/stripe

Shorts: Forever 21 (old). Top: Equipment c/o (you can buy here) Bag: Celine. Shoes: Theysken's Theory. Sunglasses: Karen Walker. Nails: Essie 'Lollipop'. Necklaces: Saks5th (old), Max&Chloe. Jewelry: Gap, BR, Michele, Lydell, Stella&Dot, YSL.

MAC :: Iris Apfel Collection

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

I think we all love MAC. They regularly bring out new collections (faster than my pennies can keep up in fact) and when one that reeeaaalllyyy floats my boat arrives, I have to share it with you. Now is such a time.

Iris Apfel, legendary New York fashionista/interior designer, has teamed up with those MAC Brains and created cosmetics gold. No, not actual gold, I just mean the most beautiful, vibrant, girlie collection I've seen in a fair few months.

(Image: MAC Cosmetics. I tried to crop some of the white out a bit, but alas, the photo wouldn't allow it, naughty thing)

So from this collection I am UBER excited for the lipsticks and lip liners. There isn't one single colour I don't like and I know I would get plenty of use out of them. They make me look forward to spring in a way only bright lip colours can. I currently have a MAC lip liner in Cherry and I can't fault it, it's magic.

They eyeshadows don't call to me as much. There are three matte shades amongst them and I'm more of a frost/satin kinda gal.

I like the look of the black eyeliner, who doesn't need good eyeliner after all? They eyebrow pencil doesn't entice me seeing as I am so crazily in love with my HD Brow Kit, but the beauty powder looks like it could be a winner, I need to swatch it ASAP!

I don't own any MAC Nail polishes because I have a hefty supply of OPI and Barry M to keep me happy, so I shan't comment on those.

I have to say, for me, this collection is all about the lips. Sooooo pppuurrdddyy.

I thought you might be interested to hear what the official MAC Press Release has to offer, so please see that below:

"A colour collection inspired by a rare bird who has always been ahead of her time,

Mrs. Iris Apfel. Subject of her own exhibit at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and

larger-than-life star in Barneys New York windows, Apfel boldly mixed flea market finds with hate couture, decades before doing it was considered de rigueur.

M·A·C presents Lipsticks, Beauty Powder and Eye Shadows with as much fabulous flair and joie de

vivre as the woman who helped create it."

(I wonder if 'hate couture' was a typo or if there really is such a thing?!)

L I P S T I C K

Pink Pigeon Bright cleanest pink (matte)

Scarlet Ibis Bright orange-red (matte)

Party Parrot Bright red-pink (matte)

Flamingo Light milky bright coral (lustre)

Morange Loudmouth orange (amplified)

RRP: £13.50

L I P P E N C I L

Entertain Me Clearly orange

Embrace Me Vivid pinkish fuchsia

Redd Clearly red

RRP: £10.50

S M A L L E Y E S H A D O W

Silver Gull Blue grey with sparkle (velvet)

Robin’s Egg Mid-tone teal (matte)

Diamond Dove Deep grey brown (matte)

Early Bird Bright coral (matte)

Howzat Deep grey with silver sparkle (satin)

 

RRP: £11.50

 

 

O P U L A S H M A S C A R A

Bad, Bad, Black Black

RRP: £14.00

I M P E C C A B L E B R O W P E N C I L

Taupe Mid-tone dirty taupe

RRP: £11.50

E Y E P E N C I L

Ebony Soft black

RRP: £12.50

B E A U T Y P O W D E R

Too Chic Soft peachy cream with fine shimmer

RRP: £13.50

N A I L L A C Q U E R

Oriele Orange Bright orange coral (crème)

Toco Toucan Bright blue fuchsia (crème)

Sandpiper Ceamy pale stone beige (crème)

 

RRP £9.00

 

So, will you be dashing to your nearest MAC counter, or are you waiting for the next collection?

 

Toodlepip!

 

xx

dreaming of spring

Dress: Topshop. Shoes: ZARA. Purse: Coach (last seen here). Hat: H&M. Belt: Jcrew. Sunglasses: H&M. Jewelry: Michael Kors, Jcrew, GAP, BR, David Yurman, YSL, Pomellato, Lydell. Nails: Essie 'Lollipop'.