Toni and Guy Sea Salt Texturising Spray

My wifey has used sea salt spray to create curls in her hair for YEARS.  I never have though because I have naturally wavy hair so thought it was pointless.  However as I'm growing my hair the weight of it is meaning my natural waves are looking a bit flat.  Boohoo!!  So I picked up some of Toni and Guy's Sea Salt Texturising Spray from Boots et voila!

Girl Crush of the Week - Jodie Marsh

Okay, this week's girl crush is and isn't a girl crush.  Personally I don't find all these muscles attractive, but I do admire the dedication and willpower to have them and because I admire someone it does make me crush on them a lil.

For me, it isn't about the looks at all really...stupid that when I write a beauty blog!  I do believe though that beauty is on the inside and how a person is in their character for me makes them attractive or not.

Therefore this week I am crushing the hell out of this girl, Jodie Marsh:

As far as celebrities in the tabloids go I think it's fair to say Jodie has had a rough ride and to be honest I can't think of many people who have turned their life around like she has.  How many celebs do you see hit the slippery slopes to drugs, alcohol, severe depression and God knows what else because of people sitting behind a screen making things up and basically creating negativity around them?  

For her to stand up and basically say 'F you' takes an enormous amount of strength.  Strength that is to be admired as well as celebrated. 

I think without a doubt that Jodie Marsh is pretty mint.  I think we could all learn a thing or two from her positive outlook and attitude.

NOTD: Stripes ahoy!

Okay so the title is a tad misleading; this mani is far from the nautical stripes thang however I love the word ahoy so I went with...

FOTN: Mid Week Date Night

For a mid week date night I decided to keep things minimal and simple.  No eye shadow, no eye liner, no bronzer.  This is what it looked like:

Foundation - Bare Minerals in Fairly Light
Highlight - M.A.C Mineralise Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle
Blush - Bare Minerals, Flourish
Lip - New CID Cosmetics iKiss in French Rose
Mascara - Bobbi Brown no smudge mascara in black
Eyebrows - Eylure eyebrow palette

I notice the lighting in the pic isn't the best but you get the jist.  I hope!

Artsy Wednesday - Ombre

Eeeee I love this week's mani!  Just had to get that out there! :)  This week we used the 'ombre' theme as nailspiration and this is what I came up with:

Tangle Teezer - Desert Island Beauty

This is one of my most used beauty tools... my tangle teezer.  It de-tangles wet hair like nothing else and I love it!  

Cleaning Makeup Brushes

It is a task that must be done even though it's mundane and messy.  Girls have all the fun of the fair don't they?  Cleaning makeup brushes is that one thing I always try and put off but once done it's sooo satisfying!!

Here is a snap of the mucky water post wash:

Bare Minerals Foundation - Review

I've been toying with the idea of changing my foundation to a liquid one for a few weeks now; I occasionally dip into a liquid one I have from Clinique but on the whole I use Bare Minerals in fairly light :  

ROAR! Animal Print Nail Art

I ADORE animal print.  In any way shape or form.  I also love nude nails and pink nails so this is a bit of a win!

Girl Crush of the Week - Imogen Thomas

This week I am loving Imogen Thomas. Love her or hate her, she's pretty beautiful and in this pic I'd even say Kate Middleton-esque?

It's actually hard to find a pic of Imogen that I think does her justice as being a glamour model a lot of her pics leave little to the imagination.  I think natural beauty shines through and more sophisticated outfits like this one pictured above and shots of her sans makeup are far nicer than any other.  

Who is your girl crush? 

OPI From Me to Q - Swatch

I got this in a TSV from QVC a few weeks ago.  It is a polish which OPI have designed from QVC and is named 'From Me to Q':

It's a red creme but with an almost dusty pink tone to it... it isn't your pillar box red or even you're tangerine red.  It's more dulled down than that.

It's a good wearable shade though and is a red that can be worn all year round I'd say unlike bordeaux reds where I think are very much a seasonal shade.

The pic is taken without flash, in natural daylight, two coats.

Artsy Wednesday - Nails Inspired by Nature

I was a bit stuck with this week's mani; I had too many ideas running around in my head.  Nature immediately jumps out as trees/flowers for me but then that leads me to think about Ladybugs and birds and then rainbows and clouds!

So I went with my initial thoughts of flowers and done a 'Dandelion Mani' (or 'clocks' as I know them as!)

OPI - You Calling Me a Lyre Swatch

This is from my archive; a post I've never got around to writing up so I'm taking advantage of my unwell state and catching up!  Gotta look for the silver linings right?

This is, You Calling Me a Lyre from the OPI New York Ballet range.  It's a pale pink and this is two coats.  It does go more opaque on the third coat but I like it like this with maybes a coat of Pirouette my Whistle over the top?

It's a soft, feminine pink with a peach tone to it which works for my skin tone; even though I don't know what tone my skin actually is?  I don't know if I'm warm or cool... I just know what works and what doesn't when it comes to polish :)

Nspa Melting Cleansing Gel Review

You may have seen my post on my most recently discovered beauty brand Nspa.  I have found it's brilliant quality and value for money!

This is a review on their Melting Cleansing Gel... it reminded me of Elemis' Melting Cleansing Gel which I've had previously but at a rather different price range!

It comes boxed and retails at £5 and is available is Asda:

Queen Baker - Batman Birthday Cake

Girls I had to share this post with you because it's something I'm really proud of!  I made a Batman birthday cake with fondant icing at the weekend:

Now I know it isn't anything spectacular but I've never used fondant icing before plus I didn't have the right equipment!  I cut the batman shape using a vegetable knife and just done it free hand (hence why one side is a bit wonky... but I'm chuffed with myself all the same!

I think I'm going to invest some cake decorating equipment as soon as because baking this has given me the baking bug again :)

Weekend Via Instagram

I had a fairly chilled weekend... as you can see!

NOTD: Blue and Grey OPI Nails

I had planned to do some animal print kind of nail art but got distracted by a blue shimmer from OPI and nail crystals:

Nail Polish Storage

I know that compared to some of you out there my nail polish collection is teeny tiny.  I have approx 175 bottles of nail polish; the majority of which are by three brands; OPI, Nails Inc and Leighton Denny.

My collection is kept in my dressing room on a shelf and consists of one box, one case and one bag.

The box holds my OPI and Nails Inc (plus Barry M, Essie and Models Own):

The case holds Leighton Denny and a couple of Ciate:

Pink base with pink and purple polkas!

I love me some polka dots.  They're just super easy to do and take your mani to the next level without actually doing much or requiring too much brain thought! 

The base of this mani is a bright pink by Leighton Denny called All About Me.  The lighter purple dots are Leighton Denny, Rebel and the darker ones are Leighton Denny, Embellish Me.  The pink dots are also Leighton Denny, Berry Nice.

I love pink and purple together.  So girly and cute :)

Olympic Manicure

As the Olympic torch is making it's way to the North East tonight I thought I'd go with the Olympic theme.  (I bloody love a theme!)

Polish Peeves

I bought a collection from Leighton Denny called Jet Setters last week and I was soooo excited about receiving it but then when I opened one of the bottles this is what faced me:

I was REALLY looking forward to wearing this too!  I bought the collection for this polish only!  Gutted.  Returns here I come...

Has this ever happened to you?  Which brand of nail polish haven't you got faith in?

Zara Wish List

Not only am I trying to save for a holiday at the moment but also another personalised LV so I'm trying to curb shopping for clothing because face facts... me cutting down on beauty products ain't gonna happen.

I love Zara.  Most of my wardrobe is Zara and it has been for many years... I was GUTTED when the Zara on Northumberland St closed... GUTTED!

All those who know me know I'm not a fashion dresser at all; I like what I like and that is quite simply animal print and anything with studs on.  Therefore I have decided I want need the following items forthwith:

Can Zara do no wrong?  Nope... I don't think they can...

NOTD: Blue Shimmer

To cheer myself up from my unwell state there was only one thing to do; buy nail polish!  So I purchased the Jet Setter Collection from Leighton Denny and in this collection is a blue shimmer called 'First Class' and as I am first class (jokes) it had to adorn my fingers straight away:

It's a really difficult polish to take a pic of!  This is the only pic which remotely does it justice.  It's more like a really delicate holo than a glitter even though it's described as a glitter.  It's a lovely shade.  It's a classic what I would call 'denim' blue but with that purple/indigo undertone and of course then the light holo shimmer throughout it in silver.

Sorry my descriptions aren't always the most concise!

I do know I like this shade though... lots... and to think only a few months ago the only blue I had would wear was Russian Navy!

Girl Crush of the Week - Donna Air

Being a Geordie, we are quite a patriotic breed and support our own so this week's girl crush is Donna Air.  Not JUST because she is a Geordie obviously but because she is (in my opinion) so very pretty!

Her skin always looks flawless; I like looking at someone and noticing skin as opposed to makeup if that makes sense?  I think it shows the health and well being of a person.  Plus she is one fashionista; I don't think there is an outfit that she doesn't manage to pull off!  Yes... this week I am girl crushin' on Donna Air!  :))

Book Giveaway

Hello you gorgeous lot!

I'm having a clear out of my general life at the minute as I have far too much of everything and I've sorted out some read books.  All books are in a good condition; some look newer than others but all pages are there etc..

Dorothy Koomson - Goodnight Beautiful

Cecelia Ahern - P.S. I Love You

Alexandra Potter - Me and Mr Darcy

Carmen Reid - The Personal Shopper

Meg Cabot - Size Doesn't Matter

Wendy Holden - Fame Fatale

Marian Keyes - Rachel's Holidays

Marian Keyes - Sushi for Beginners

Marian Keyes - Watermelon

Sophie Kinsella - Shopaholic Ties the Knot

I HATE throwing things out and usually I give stuff like this to a local hospice or charity shop but my charity shop isn't accepting any more books as it is has too many as it is!  (How crazy?!)  So... I thought I'd offer them to my lovely blog followers... think of it as a 'pass it on' thing... I'll pay for the postage to you, you don't need to pay anything for the book but just promise that once you've read it, you pass it on to someone/somewhere else?  Simples :))

The rules bit...

This giveaway is only open to mainland UK addresses.  Comment below and tell me which book/books you would like (maximum of 2 books allowed per person) and leave your email address where I'll contact you and we can do the boring address thang!  

Books will be sent out on a first come, first served basis so providing you follow me via GFC and you leave the correct email address the book(s) are yours!

:o)

Artsy Wednesday - 3D/Embellishments

This week's theme for the Artsy Wednesday mani is 3D.

Now I feel a bit bad because I haven't been too well so I've had zero energy never mind inspiration so I'm cheating a bit this week with a past mani.

My feather embellished nails:

If you click on this link it should take you to the original post with all of the polish and how to information.

NOTD: Leighton Denny, Healthy Glow

God I love these nude shades.  I have about a dozen now which are all much of a muchness but it's a problem. I have a serious addiction to them.  They go with ANYTHING and work well with my skin tone (or so I think).

This is Healthy Glow by Leighton Denny.  It is a light taupe shade, quite creamy looking and it's a solid opaque.  It's easy to apply; no streaks with one coat although you do need two coats for opaque coverage.  It's another 'go to' for me.

What's your favourite nude or are you not a nude girl?  I can't get enough of them!  Is there any which you would recommend?

Emma Hardie Moringa Balm - Review as a Cleanser

When wearing heavy 'goey out' makeup as I call it, it can be difficult to find a cleanser that will remove everything, including my Mally mascara which is indeed bullet proof!  Once that bad boy coats the lashes it ain't budging!

Here is me with heavy makeup (for me anyway as I don't always wear much):

Half Moon Mani Attempt Deux

Back in February I tried a half moon mani and failed miserably so I thought I'd give it another shot:

This is the only nail which turned out okay!

Ciate - Jelly Bean

As my regular followers know, Ciate was a brand I hadn't tried until Marie Claire had freebies in their mag this month so I jumped at the chance to try them and bought all three shades, Bon Bon, Jelly Bean and Purple Sherbet.

This is Jelly Bean after a couple of days of wear:

Minimal tip wear and no chips!  Totes winning with this brand!  If you haven't tried Ciate before and are able to get your hands on a Marie Claire mag this month I'd deffo buy it! :))

Beauty Love - Nspa

I can't take the credit for this find; the range was recommended to me on an online forum I follow.  A lady suggested I try the range as an alternative to my usual somewhat pricey shower products! 

Nspa:

MIA - Missing In Action

Hey you beauties!

Hope you're all well?

Just thought I'd write a quick post to explain the lack of blogging/tweeting this past week...

Since New Year I've had an ongoing stomach problem; basically after some meals I get stomach cramps which knock me for six; they are very random.  The Doctor diagnosed me with IBS however the meds I have clearly don't work as this past week I've had cramps after almost everything I've eaten which hasn't actually been much!

To top it off, on Friday night this is what I looked like (I'm vile right?!):

Both sides of my body just broke out in this horrific rash plus behind my knees, either side of my nose, my wrists, my thighs; it was horrible!  

So I'm at the Doctor's today to get this sorted once and for all.  Hopefully I shall return to my usual nail obsessed, lipstick loving self very shortly but until then I just want to say a big thank you for following my blog and particular shout outs to Wendy and Shiela from Twitter who have been uber lovely!  The support means a lot to me; I haven't been blogging that long but I appreciate the feed back and concern you guys show, so seriously... thank you very much! 

Until I'm fully on the mend I am going to try and work out some scheduled posts so I'm not completely neglecting my blog or my lovely followers so if you leave a comment and I don't reply don't think I'm being an ignorant mare; I will get back to you next time I'm online :))

Have a great week!  Love and hugs, Catrine xoxox  

M.A.C Haul

I've been shopping:

Jubilee Lips

As it was a bank holiday here in the UK at the weekend the done thing was to glam up and go out drinking in Durham.

For the night out I wore my white Zara dress which I'm in love with!  Had my Jubilee nail art on and of course I had to go red lips.  For me, the perfect red is Russian Red by M.A.C:

Have you got a a favourite 'go to' lipstick?  Russian Red is DEFINITELY mine!  :))

Hope you all had an amazing weekend whatever you got up to!

Jubilee Nails

A lot of people this weekend decided to show their patriotism on their nails and of course I was one of them!

Being patriotic I created this mani with British products too... used Leighton Denny's polishes; the red is 'Indulgence', the white 'Pure White' and the blue is 'Ink Jet'.  For the nail art on the ring finger I used Models Own nail art pen in white and a striper brush dipped in Indulgence for the red.

I know I'm missing red stripes from the flag but I was in a hurry as I was going out to party so it was all I had time to do!

Did you get up to anything exciting at the weekend?  Did you paint your nails for the celebrations?

Artsy Wednesday - Inspired by Fav Colour

This week's theme for a mani is your favourite colour; my favourite colour is coral. Not that red/pink coral but the classic peachy pink.

Ciate first Encounter

Ciate isn't a brand I've ever tried; yes I've looked at their range before and admired the uber cute bottles but because I've never heard much about them I've tended to stick to my tried and tested brands.

However, yesterday I picked up two copies of Marie Claire so I could get my hands on the freebie polishes 'Bon Bon' and 'Jelly Bean'.