July Magazine Freebies

My July Vogue was delivered yesterday and as per I dived straight to the back for the beauty pages!  Chanel AND nail polish just makes me smile :)

But I just thought I'd give you heads up about July mags and their freebies...

Firstly you guys should know by now how much I love Leighton Denny right?  Well in Harpers Bazaar, they include a free LD polish; there are three shades available; Supermodel (classic taupe), Maroon Me Knot (neon matte finish purple) and Coral Reef (red/coral).

Marie Claire has gone down the free nail polish route too with Ciate; again, three shades are available in a pink, lilac and a taupe.

Glamour magazine (bargain price of £2 btw!) has a choice of three different Benefit products; That Gal Primer, Bad Gal Mascara or Benefit Professional Primer.

InStyle last month had the choice of some fab Nails Inc colour but this month they have two Body Shop Eyeliners in black and in blue or a full size mascara.

Red magazine is giving away a choice of Jemma Kidd products; a black eyeliner or a black mascara.

If you know of any more don't keep them as a secret... comment and let us know :)

By the way if you don't own Supermodel - this is your chance to get it!  I adore it!

Girl Crush of the Week - Lucy Jo Hudson

Wow has this girl changed since her days in Coronation Street (a British soap to the none UK readers out there!)

This week I'm loving Lucy Jo Hudson... how stunning does she look rocking the BAFTA Awards?

How amazing is her dress?!  It's uber chic and elegant; I love it!  I love her!  I follow her on twitter and she seems all round a nice person which is a must for getting on my 'girl crush' list.  

I'm also envious of any girl who can rock short hair; sometimes I love the idea of getting my locks chopped and starting again with them... I tell myself I would look after them and not use too many products or heat styling tools or let a bleach highlight near it!  But I haven't the guts.  Plus I'd look like a full on boy and an ugly one at that! 

:/

Artsy Wednesday - Skittle Mani

If I'm honest I didn't know what a 'skittle' mani was but I asked Michelle over at Lab Muffin and she pointed me in the direction of manicures I had done in the past which I had called 'bubble manis' so I went with what I know and because it's the Jubilee here in England this coming weekend I went with the red, blue and white theme:

NOTD: Nails Inc Pont Street Mews

Nails Inc's Pont St Mews is described by them as a 'cerise pink' but I see a purple tone to it for sure!

NOTN: Pink with Orange tips

On Saturday night I went out wearing a white dress so I had LOADS of options with my nails.  I decided I wanted to incorporate orange somehow as I was wearing tan shoes with an orange trim and I have just bought a Mac lipstick called Morange so I thought I could wear that too.  So here are the nails I went with:

Friday FOTN

Hello lovelies!

Just thought I'd share yesterday's face of the night!

Dress Splurge

I'm really bad at wearing the same dress twice; especially when in the same company.  I can't do it; I obviously have ideas above my station because the reality is I can't really afford this mentality but it's just one of my things!

Last night I purchased three:

Zara

Topshop

Zara

I am loving the last one; the back on it is fab... AND it was like £35!  Barg or what?!  Can't wait to dress up in it on Saturday night!

What items of clothing do you have a weakness for?

Hope you all have an amazing sunny weekend!!!

New Zara Handbag

I love everything in Zara.  Fact.  Most of my wardrobe is from Zara to the point friends often say 'oooo...where is that from?  Wait... don't tell me... it's from Zara isn't it?'  Not that I'm predictable in any way!!

A couple of weeks ago I bought a large tan shopper from Zara and I love it but I was greeted with this lil beauty on Monday night so the tan shopper has lost it's novelty and I'm all over my new baby (yep...I'm fickle too!):

This was bought for me and I done a lil squeal when I opened the bag... it was one of those girl squeals that when you hear someone else do, you cringe!!  But anyways... I was excited!!

The shape of it is similar to the classic LV Speedy bag and it's covered in studs which totally fulfils the biker chick/magpie in me!!

Awww handbags make me happy :))

Addicted to Lips!

This past week I've bought three Mac lipsticks and two Lord and Berry!

The Lord and Berry ones were ordered from QVC and they've just arrived today... LOVE deliveries :))

Girl Crush of the Week

Rihanna! What is there to say about RiRi?  I don't think we need any words this week...

Artsy Wednesday - Celebrity Inspired

This week's challenge was probably the toughest yet for me because there was too much choice!

I had so many ideas and celeb nailspiration in my head I was ready to burst... you see being a nail fanatic I look at nails constantly... from the woman who serves me in a shop to celebs on tv or in mags.  I had in my head about 6 different looks I could recreate from Rihanna alone so I was really trying to pick the best.

I decided though to throw caution to the wind and paint my nails my favourite ever colour, inspired by Kim Kardashian; I caught five minutes of an old 'Keeping up with the Kardashians' show at the weekend and there was a scene where Kim went into a nail salon requesting OPI's 'My Private Jet' so that's what I've went with:

Tribal Nail Art

I've been admiring the tribal look now for a few weeks and it's something that got put further and further back on the 'to try' list but I overcame my fear and had a go:

Does it look a bit Easter eggy to you because it does to me!

NOTD: Blue and Orange, Blue and Orange

When you read this title you have to sing it like that 'black and yellow' song... hehe!

Excited for Touche Eclat Foundation from YSL

Touche Eclat was the first makeup product I was introduced to that I fell in love with!  Before that I had obviously loved various shades of lipstick and the likes but this magic concealer changed the way my makeup looked ten fold!

I have dark brown eyes and quite sallow, discoloured lids.  I always have had; I blame the brown eyes for enhancing this darkness!  I need concealer on my eyes to brighten the eye area more than your average girly... or so I think anyway... I do have a hang up about it.

And then... knowing my love for this lil tube of wonder...

I was flicking through this month's InStyle magazine and I wondered just where the hell I had been to go without knowing that YSL are launching their Touche Eclat Foundation in July!

To say I am excited is an understatement!  

The facts bit... it will launch in the UK on 9th July, it'll be available in 22 shades and will retail for £28.  Excited much?!  I CANNOT wait to try it!  I had the best intentions to try Mac Studio Sculpt after I've used up my current foundation but with this launching my loyalty is sticking with YSL I'm afraid!  Can't wait!

Also I have a random fact about the initials 'YSL'... an Audi I used to have had YSL on the end bit of the registration... I liked having the YSL bit on that I didn't bother transferring my private reg on it, I just retained it until I bought a new car!  (Went through a car phase in my early 20s!  Don't think I kept one for a year!) 

Has there been any product recently which you've been DYING to try out?  Are you excited for this foundation launch?  Is it shallow to get so excited over a beauty product?! ;P

NOTD: Kensington Gate

I had to try this on my nails as soon as I received it!  It's Nails Inc Kensington Gate:

I love these type of nude griege nail colours!  This one is similar to Supermodel by Leighton Denny I think, but it's a bit cooler toned because it's got a grey undertone to it.  Still adore it though.  

Happy Friday peeps! 

xxx

Girl Crush of the Week

The wavy blonde curls suck me in... yep, it's the beach ready relaxed hair that does it!

This week I'm crushing on Kate Hudson's beauty:

Her laugh is also infectious!  Who doesn't appreciate a good laugh?  Kate is in a couple of my favourite films too; 10 Ways to Lose a Guy and Raising Helen.  Raising Helen can be a bit of a tear jerker but it is funny too!!

Nails Inc May Auto Delivery from QVC

Girls... look what my lovely delivery man dropped off for me... (I think he's scared of me cos when he arrives with a package I squeal with excitement and tell him I love him!)

From the top:

Elverton Street, gunmetal grey similar to Victoria street
Cumberland St, pale blue, similar to Barry M blueberry ice cream
Pont St Mews, pink but with a purple tone
Hobart Place, soft orange
Phillimore Gardens, sheer brigtening pink
Kensington Gate, Creamy mushroom (supermodel dupe alert!)
Hammersmith, pastel blue glitter

I'm in love with Cumberland St, Pont St Mews, Hobart Place and Kensington Gate immediately!!  Can't wait to swatch and share each of them with you :))

Artsy Wednesday - Newsprint Nails

This week's theme was Newsprint:

I've never attempted to do it before and was a lil apprehensive if I'm honest but I think it worked out okay: 

Animal Print Nail Art

I swear I was Bet Lynch in a former life cos I LOVE me some animal print!  (Bet Lynch is a UK soap character for the people who have no clue what I'm on about!)

Louboutin Mani

I'm yet to own a pair of Louboutins... I'm more a handbag devotee than a shoe one but a pair of these is still on my to buy list without a doubt!

Until I can stop spending money on handbags, beauty products and holidays this mani has to fulfill my ever growing desire for the red soul marvels!

Gym-spiration - Michelle Heaton

It's time I stepped up a gear with my gym workouts; I have a few birthdays coming up and a photo shoot (eeek) so I feel it necessary to pump it!  Pump it real good! 

Clean Bedding Night

One of the luxuries in life has got to be clean bedding night!

I have a weakness for nice bedding... my collection of bedding sets is outgrowing the amount of storage I have!  The higher the thread count the better!  I also am an Egyptian Cotton lover all the way!

These bad boys are 1200 TC and getting into them is nothing short of AMAZING!  

Do you have an appreciation for your bed too?  

Nude nails with Polka Dot

Base colour is Leighton Denny, In the Buff (my new fav nude):

Polka dots are in various sizes in various shades from Leighton Denny in Rich Coco, Supermodel, On the Rocks and Little Minx.  Little Minx is easy to spot because it's the metallic dot!

I don't know if I like this mani or not; at the time I did but the pics are leaving me feeling indifferent.  I like this type of polka dot mani in pink or blue but I'm not too sure this nude and brown colour combo works!  :/

TIGI S-Factor Serious Conditioner with Sunflower Seed Oil

I have been using this conditioner on pretty much a weekly basis recently and I really like it! 

I use it after shampooing, I put a small amount through the mid lengths and ends of my hair and then wrap my hair on the top of my head and lie back in a nice hot bath with my pink polka dot shower cap on!  After I've devoured heat magazine I tend to rinse it off but I do make sure it's thoroughly rinsed... you can never rinse enough!

After using it my hair is softer, the following day it may be too soft but as a weekly treatment I think it's really good value for money... this tube was £14 and it lasts ages! 

Just thought I'd share one of my finds!

Blog Mention

I don't have a blog roll or anything but I guess I should mention fellow bloggers more; I do on twitter but I know not everyone is a twitter addict like me!

I'd like to mention Lauren over at By Lauren Jane.  She is a beauty/fashion blogger; her beauty reviews are concise and informative and her OOTD posts are always stylish and sophisticated.

She also very kindly announces fav bloggers of the week on her posts 'Friday Favourites' and this week her 'Friday Favourite' is moi!

I really like that she does this because not only does it recognise hard work of a fellow blogger but you also get to know the person behind the blog which I think is important.

So go check her out peeps at By Lauren Jane!

:))

Eylure Brow Palette

I only ever used to do my brows as part of my 'goey outey' makeup routine, but thankfully I saw the light and a key part of my day makeup is now also brows.

My fav product of the moment is my brow palette from Eylure:

Nails Inspired by Cheryl Cole

I love Cheryl.  I'm putting it out there straight away.  She's a Geordie, I'm a Geordie, therefore that totes means we have a bond!  And now I have nails inspired by the beaut...

NOTD: Sundae Girl by Leighton Denny

I am LOVING this shade, Sundae Girl from Leighton Denny!

The above pic was taken in natural daylight but slightly in shadow.

Girl Crush of the Week

After seeing Salmon Fishing in the Yemen a couple of weeks ago my love for Emily Blunt was ignited once more:

Making a product last...

Ever come across that gut wrenching feeling when you find out a fav product is discontinued?

Well it's happened!

Artsy Wednesday - Inspired by candy/sweets

This week's artsy Wednesday theme is a manicure inspired by candy/sweets/chocolate/cake... whatever makes your sweet tooth go 'oooooo' I guess!

I was inspired by my fav chocolate of the moment - Nestle, Aero Bubbles:

My Face

Rather than do individual posts on FOTD from my bank hol weekend I thought I'd do just one:

I done this pic using a new app I have called Frametastic.  I love it!

Cosmo Blog Awards 2012 with Next

As you guys know, I have been blogging since January this year and I've loved every minute of it!  Blogging is my indulgent, selfish time, where I get to discuss all things girls from nails to movies to girl crushes to cake!

I would appreciate it so much if you would consider nominating me for the Cosmo Blog Award for Best New Beauty Blogger and also the Next Newcomer Award  by clicking on the links provided :))

Your comments, feedback and support has been overwhelming in my short four months of blogging.  I am finding myself inspired more and more every day by conversations we strike up and I appreciate being able to share my interests with you because the outlet you provide me with is needed!!

Thanks again lovelies! :))

xxx

Fav May find...

I know we're only at the beginning of the month but so far I have found and am loving The Body Shop's Vitamin E Face Mist:

Lip Collection

I aim to try and sort out my makeup this week bit by bit and first stop of organisation was lips!

This is my collection:

Saturday's FOTD

I had a busy lil time on Saturday running errands and the likes but because I had limited time to do said errands AND go to dinner with a large group of friends it meant I struggled dressing the part!

I couldn't be overly dressed or too heavily made up otherwise I would have looked silly running my errands so I had to meet in the middle.

I opted for a soft brown smokey eye rather than a black, a soft peach cheek and soft pink glossy lips.  I think the look is suitable for day and night which is what I needed!

I used:

Bare Minerals foundation in fairly light

Bare Minerals all over face colour in warmth (bronzer)

Smashbox blusher in Regal (from their Reign 2009 collection)

Laura Geller eyeshadow in Tiramisu 

Smashbox jet set eyeliner in dark brown

New CID Cosmetics lip gloss in Tickled Pink

Friday's NOTD

I purchased a new nude nail polish last week from Leighton Denny, called 'In the Buff' and I adore it!  I wore it on Friday:

Excuse my dry hands... I had been cleaning without gloves... I know, I know... I'm bad!!  I don't think this pic does it justice because in real life I think it looked uber chic and sophisticated! 

Friday Fun

I had enough of the world on Friday so I took the day off and took my frustrations out on my house.  It was cleaned within an inch of it's life!  I then showered and put a face on to go shopping :))

I tried out my new i-kiss from New CID Cosmetics in Raspberry rose.  It's matte and lasted AGES!  I put it on about 3 in the afternoon, went shopping, grabbed a late lunch, got home, had wine and curry and it was still on my lips!  The staying power was fab although it was slightly drying after a few hours wear... first world pains eh?!

My outfit for said shopping trip included a tan biker jacket, a cream silk blouse and a pair of jeans I have now owned for 11 years!

This is very much my style... I feminine items teamed with edgier pieces... the silk blouse versus the biker jacket is a combo I love.

NOTD: Pink and Purple Tape Mani

I was gonna go pink and orange for this look but at the last min I changed my mind to purple:

Girl Crush of the Week

Out of all my girl crushes I think this one is up there amongst the top!  Kim K:

When Kim Kardashian isn't photo shopped to high heaven and dressed to kill; I think that's when her true beauty stands out even more than usual.  I have carefully chosen the above picture to try and show that with boyfriend cut jeans, flip flops, a lose tee and a casual blazer that she can rock it!  You don't need an uber tight bodycon dress showing what God gave ya to be beautiful! :))

Artsy Wednesday - Greyscale

This week's Artsy Wednesday theme is Greyscale so let's dive right in:

NOTD: Leighton Denny Zero Gravity

Today's nails are nudeish like cos they're grey!

Excuse the red hand... I took the pic after I had been doing dishes!  Minus gloves!  Naughty!

This polish is Leighton Denny's Zero Gravity and it's probably one of my most worn polishes.  

Have you got a most worn polish?  What's your 'go to' shade?