I’m in hiding. It’s that time of the month. So you’ll find me under my Lululemon hoodie, clutching a hot water bottle and mumbling something about how everything sucks…

…apart from my new PINK faced Michael Kors watch. Picked it for an absolute steal (£99) in The Watch Store, Belfast. Just looking at it makes me feel brighter xo

]]> http://dressjunkie.com/2011/10/09/lemonhead/feed/ 12 http://dressjunkie.com/2011/10/06/a-dark-day/ http://dressjunkie.com/2011/10/06/a-dark-day/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:34:42 +0000 dressjunkie http://dressjunkie.com/?p=3994

Dress – H&M £14.99
Leather Jacket – Michael Kors via TK Maxx £99
Shoes – Topshop Vectra…. again
Bag – Miu Miu Vitello Lux Bow Bag
Scarf – H&M £7.99
Watch – Casio £8.99

Chilly, dull and windswept here today. The temperature yesterday was 16˚c but just 24 hours later it’s 7.5˚c!! Brrrrr!

I wrapped up warm in my newish leather jacket. It’s that soft subtle leather that keeps you super toasty. Bought to replace my All Saints Owain Jacket which I sold a month ago. Although pretty I found it absolutely rubbish at providing heat. Something to do with the type of leather? Who knows, either way it just didn’t cut it for me and so to eBay it went.

Matthew and I spent the morning together in Belfast city and he bought me this very special gift

An iPod Classic ♥

RIP Steve xo

I went to Carphonewarehouse last night to pick up my HP Touchpad. I was lucky enough to secure a 32GB one for £115!! in the recent fire sale.

I might do a wee vid on it within the next week. My expectations were pretty low but I am seriously (read gobsmackingly) impressed with how fab it is. Matt has always had iPads and while I appreciate they’re great, the £400 pricetag (do you know how many pairs of shoes and bags that is??) means I’m never going to seriously consider purchasing one for myself.
Likewise the £99 Android tablets never piqued my interest as for that price I assume it’s gonna be pretty blah.

BUT knock a £479.99 piece of HP branded tech down to just over a ton and I am in there like swimwear.

It really is super pretty to hold and operate and since I’ve updated the software it runs 1080p vids just as smoothly as my laptop. Honestly, should you by some chance come across one at the heavily discounted price I urge you to snap it up. You won’t regret it for a second.

Onto my other lucky purchase. On the WANT list for the past month, I had all but given up hope of securing these babies, well unless I wanted to pay 200 quid on eBay…. (I’ll admit I was tempted)

What am I on about I hear you say?

The elusive Topshop Ambush Boots (£75) in black *swoon*

The fashion bloggers have went mental for these, and rightly so. They are an uncanny dupe for the much MUCH more expensive Acne Pistol Boots and in my opinion NICER looking.

There is nothing faddy about these boots, they’ll be as fashionable in 5 years as they are today, simply because they’re that classic cut of ankle boot.

The leather is distressed but not overdone and the heel is perfection. High enough to slenderise the leg but low enough to avoid sore feet and shoppers regret.

So thank you Topshop Belfast, for being the branch that gets allocated everything last. It has its perks

Saturday in Belfast was monumentally shit weather wise. It literally rained ALL day.

So I fought back with bright lips and mega glam falsies. Foolproof

I love these huge Ardell false eyelashes, they make the best reusable imo.

The eyes were simple and all shadows were from the Urban Decay Naked Palette (a true MUST BUY). Half Baked on the inner part of the lid, Smog on the outer and a smidgen of Dark House in the crease. No crazy blending. Old Skool eyeshadow

Eyeliner is MAC’s Fluidline in Blacktrack. I honestly hadn’t used this in 6 months easy, and you know what I kinda love it again. So cool when that happens!

My base was Dior Forever (full coverage) set with MAC Prep & Prime Transparent Powder. No blush, just a touch of Topshop Bronzer under the back of the cheekbones. Fresh but glamorous with a real pin up influence.

OOTD consisted of G12 @Asda Leggings, a Primark smock top (practical long sleeves) and my black Tall Uggs (I offer no apologies for my footwear choice).

Jewellery was my gold fill sideways cross which I’d resigned myself to having lost, but it had actually fallen into the Misters knicker drawer! I paired it with the latest addition to my collection, a cute pearl & silver chain from Accessorize which can be doubled up. £8. Bargain.

Finally I added a pop of colour with a River Island scarf £14.99.

xox

I went into town today to buy a bra. I came out with….. a Winter coat   
Sometimes I surprise even myself…

It’s from the Top of the Shops (Topshop for the slow ones…) and cost 80 smackaroonies. I’d rather have spent less… about 80 pounds less.. but since it wasn’t in the sale and I’m not keen on shoplifting I had to suck it up!

Excuse the crap in store photo, washes the colour out a bit and I appear to be sucking on a lemon… but you get the general gist of what it looks like on. It’s a Wool Duffel and it’s AMAZING!!

You can see the caramel colour better here.

The deep pockets, cuffs and hood have a classic tartan detailing.

Check out the wooden toggle buttons with quirky red and green stitching. The quality and finish is superb.

One of my favourite features is the deep hood. My head ain’t small and a hood normally pulls up to my hairline at most. This can be pulled right down over my eyes if needs be and two top buttons allow the coat to be fastened up over the chin. A perfect hidey hole on a bitter cold morning.

Size wise it’s an odd one. I’d normally be a UK size 14 in a coat, especially a winter one where I’ll be layering jumpers underneath. In this even the size 10 was ok on me, room to spare. I think it’s the intended fit. It’s meant to be a roomy coat. I ended up going for the size 12. Happy medium

I really don’t want to take it off yet! However I don’t think it’ll be too long until I’m pulling this coat on out of necessity.
Especially once the NI Brrrrr! sets in.

The only other thing I bought today was this sweet little necklace from River Island for £6.99.

xo

It’s a grey overcast day in Belfast, not cold… not hot… just a kinda meh temperature. The hardest kind to dress appropriately for.

I settled on a bandeau playsuit with a cardy over the top which meant that when I got too warm I could just whip it off and pop it in my bag. I had to do exactly that for the duration of my shopping in town. Cardigan FAIL.

Playsuit – Zara

Cardigan – Tesco

Flats – Primark

Bag – Mulberry

Vivienne Westwood Necklace and DIY Disc

Links Of London Charm Bracelet and mixed silver bangles from Miss Selfridge

Eye make-up was a simple lilac wash of shadow using NARS Night Rider, blended out with a smidgen of MAC Stars n Rockets. Lilac Liner from Gosh and L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara. Lilac tones bring out the green in my eyes like no other colour <3

Shopping was very uneventful. 3 hours later I was home with 1 bottle of brush cleanser. That’s the way it goes sometimes. At least my purse is smiling.

xo

Now THIS is my kinda highlighter! *pushes Stereo Rose MSF to the back of the drawer*

I give you the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Beach.

Apologies for the shitty macro quality. I’m currently using my Dad’s Coolpix while I wait on my new camera being delivered. To say it can’t cope with getting up close and personal is an understatement.

I picked Beach up in my local House of Fraser. On first sight I thought it appeared too reddy and dark in tone and I was convinced it would just look like shimmery mud on my pale skin. Thankfully I took the advice of the MA for once and had it applied. I was pleasantly surprised, very surprised.

Even with a generous swirl of all the colours it simply creates a beautiful peachy glow.

It not only highlights in that lovely powder to cream finish but it also deposits “subtle” colour. Exactly what I want from this kind of product.

I definitely don’t want a tonne of orange/pink product sitting bizarrely where it shouldn’t. Beach is wearable gorgeousness!

OOTD is another comfy number. It’s a bank holiday in Northern Ireland today and that can be either fun or a bit of a nightmare due to the nature of the holiday….

I think we’ll just hang around the house today and catch up on all those little DIY jobs we’ve been meaning to do.

I’m wearing Asda Ski Pants, a grey tunic from Tesco sale that creases like a mutha!! and white Havaianas

xo

Granny had the kids for us last night and so I we had planned to go out to eat and then see Eclipse at the cinema.

What we actually did was have a sumptuous dinner at Aldens in Belfast, drink lots of yummy wine (well I did) and totally forgot about the cinema part because we were having way too much fun just chatting and laughing. We finished the night up at The Lonely Poet, our local pub. It was bliss. Even more so because I’m not dying of a hangover today. Win!!!

Outfit of the Night was a smart casual little ensemble.

Skinny jeans from AWear (currently £10 in the summer sale)

Sequin body from the Dunnes sale quite a while back. I think it was a fiver.

Coral Cardigan from Dunnes £8. I just adore the crystal button detailing. Bargain!

Jewellery wise I went for my Links of London Charm Bracelet. The dolphin is a new addition and very dear to my heart. Matt and I watched the sun go down one of the nights on our cruise and we saw a school of dolphins up close. I never thought it would be as amazing as it was. They literally took my breath away and I felt completely in awe of the world right at that second in time.

My watch is an oldie but a goodie! The Michael Kors crystal square face. I actually bought two more of his watches at Duty Free (I know.. I know… v extravagant for me) while we were away. They’re definitely my favourite brand, classic as well as classy!

The shoes are a new purchase from the Oasis Sale £40. Still a little more than I would have liked to have paid but these are the comfiest heels I have ever had. I guess it’s the wedge heel that works so well for me. I’m so in love that I plan to purchase them in the dark grey also. They’re reduced to £25! Don’t you hate when clothing shops reduce like that, by popularity of colour? Grrr bugs me. Swindlers!!

Stunning tan lines....

Make-up was my fool-proof eye combo of MAC Woodwinked, Mulch & Soft Brown. MUFE Smoky Lash Mascara (review to follow), Dior Nude Foundation and the over-hyped product of the moment MAC Stereo Rose MSF. My counter had an abundance of this so I’m guessing the sell out thing is just a mainland issue. It’s nice for sure, worth selling your first born for? Definitely not. I’m still “working” with it.

Finally a little Teddy update.

Ewwww!

His wound is continuing to heal. There is a mild infection which he is on antibiotics for but his stitches were removed yesterday, and he is in great form considering. Total legend!

xo

Girly night went ahead as planned on Friday night.

Ladybolan and I got off to a “reasonably” sensible start with drinks at Karenquinn’s pad… however once we hit Lavery’s Bar and started drinking Buckfast Cocktails (who’s idea WAS that actually… I want to kill them) it all got a bit Riverdance/ Skins.

I think the night ended about 2am… although I can’t be sure… because I have absolutely no recollection of getting into bed.

Belter Night

I wore:

Cropped Denim Jacket – Miss Selfridge - Sale past season £?
Navy Bib Dress – River Island – Sale £20
Rudey 3-Strap Shoes – Office – Gifted from the Hubby ages ago (fave shoes evaaaaaar!)
Red Plastic Beads – Claire’s Accessories – £2
Gold Bangle – Vintage
White Fossil Watch – Debenhams
Quilted Bag – Warehouse – Sale £5

For make-up I caked it on but basically it’s Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, a classic brown/ grey/ black smokey eye. NARS Blush in Outlaw and Gosh Barbie Lipshine <3

Come Saturday morning I was feeling a little peaky (to say the least), but I’m not one for lying in bed and so I got myself dressed  and took a trip into Belfast with my fave boys. The sunglasses weren’t just a fashion accessory, they were actually medicinal!

I’m wearing:

2 Layered Vests – Dorothy Perkins £5 each
Lace Trim Leggings – Primark £4 ish
Denim Shorts – New Look Sale £10
Studded Gladiator Sandals – Peacocks Past Season
Sunglasses – H&M Past Season
Peach Earrings & Ring – Etsy Liz Hutnick
Watch – As Before

While the boys did boy things = spending a small fortune in Games Workshop, I made myself feel instantly better by falling into MAC and accidentally on purpose buying some cosmetics I didn’t need. Oops…

I picked up “Dirty” Greasepaint Stick, “Honesty” Eyeshadow and the Prep & Prime Finishing Powder.

Ok, so I might not have actually NEEDED them but I’ve used them all already and I can honestly say they will be staples in my make-up bag PLUS I hadn’t bought anything cosmeticky? in AGES… (justify… justify..)

Dirty GP Stick (sounds wrong lol)

Honesty e/s swatched over Dirty

Such a pretty, wearable combo don’t you think? and the Greasepaint sticks are AMAZING, literally don’t budge… well at least this one doesn’t. I did note in store though that all the shades seemed to have different consistencies, some much creamier than others. Part of the reason I picked this one over the others was it’s more solid form.

I’d love to say these few purchases have satisfied my MAC urges for a while, but I’m afraid the opposite might be true. I’m seriously impressed, no regret buys!

…..which makes me think WHAT ELSE am I missing out on? Do tell girls, do tell!

xox

Hmmmmm… note the House of Fraser slogan….

They aint lyin!! I was lucky to get out of there with some change in my purse!

Now I’m not sure if it was nationwide, but the Belfast branch of House of Fraser has been holding a 2 day Sale which ends this evening. With discounts of up to 30% off the majority of fashion brands, and 10% off beauty. Hooray!

I went in with the sole purpose of buying a clutch sized bag, and ended up with not one but two bags (…well you DO don’t you?).

In my defence it is entirely NOT my fault. If places like HoF are going to reduce bags by one of my favourite designers by 25%…. and then on sale day by a FURTHER 25% I’m going be pretty bloody helpless in saying no, …. right?

Disclaimer over….. and I got my small clutch

It’s a beautiful butter soft black leather one by Badgley Mischka , almost pouch like. The big selling point for me was the fact that it features a long thin strap enabling cross-body wear. This is a must for me on a night out. If the bag is not physically connected to me in some fashion I WILL lose it. Trust me, after 31 years on earth you get to know yourself quite well, and I lose clutch bags… a lot.

Bonus too that the strap can be doubled up, which shortens it and means you can wear it underarm. Cute AND versatile!

I also fell in love with this Badgley Mischka tote. I admit mostly because of the stunning colour.It’s so unusual! Almost peach.

This also has a detachable strap and therefore can be worn in a multitude of ways, although it won’t be getting any wear until June as I’m saving this for our Summer holiday

Beauty Hall purchases were strictly limited to skincare for a change. I’m just not “feeling” make-up at the minute. I’m more than satisfied with what I already own tbh so I just picked up 2 things from Origins.

The “Make a Difference” Ultra Rich Rejuvenating Cream. I’ve been on the hunt for a really rich night cream and the sales assistant directed me towards this one. I didn’t argue, felt rich, smelt unoffensive and wasn’t ridiculously expensive. Sold.

She was actually really enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the Origins range (as she should be) which is probably how I ended up with “refreshing eye cream” that I didn’t know I needed (… until I’d bought it) but I was in one of those carefree shopping moods this morning, open to trying new things and being easily influenced. Sometimes that’s the best kind of shopping.

Anyway, that’s my lot. I’ve been on a post shopping high all day!

Enjoy your weekend folks, whatever you get up to!

Me, I’ll be chilling tonight with the family, and then tomorrow night I’m hitting Belfast with one of my chums. It’ll be a heels, lipstick and champagne kinda night. Can hardly wait!!

xox

I’m all out of Estee Lauder Double Wear and I need it for a wedding this weekend. Bang goes £24

However I’ve learned a lot about my skin, hair and make-up over the past few years. One of those things being that I need to pay high end prices for the kind of flawless finish I’ve come to love from a foundation. On the flipside though I also now know that drugstore brands offer comparable if not superior lipsticks and eyeshadows for a lot less ker-ching.

Recently I came across a fine example of this. Boots Natural Collection “Pink Mallow Moisture Shine Lippy at £1.95 and their “Turkish Delight” Juicy Lips Gloss £1.95.

Cheap as chips.

I’ve looked at these many times but never purchased, convinced that the product quality would be in line with the price. However while out in Belfast on Sunday I had a lip emergency. I had left the house wearing YSL Rouge Volupte in Lingerie Pink, but neglected to put it in my handbag for touch ups. After around half an hour in town it was all but worn off. I adore YSL lippys but their staying power is monumentally rubbish.

So I hot footed my naked little lip smackers to the nearest Boots for a cheap rescue remedy. Pink Mallow looked pretty, Turkish Delight smelt yummy, and they weren’t about to break the bank… Sold!

As I holed up in a corner of Castlecourt to apply I was immediately struck by how moisturising the lipstick felt, I was able to apply a few generous swipes without caking or creasing (a problem I face with many MAC & Illamasqua lipsticks). I applied Turkish Delight over the top and felt it had just the right amount of stickiness, without being overly wet or sloppy. There is a fruity taste/ scent but its certainly not over-powering or sickening.

Fast forward THREE HOURS of heavy weight shopping later and this little lip combo was holding fast. I actually only needed to reapply after four hours, and that was because I had eaten. I’ve been wearing this combo daily since, and I am beyond impressed. If you like MAC Angel but find it just that little bit too cool toned against your skin, then I urge you to give Pink Mallow a go.

It’s a winner!

xox

I’ve spent many an eve recently browsing the Tiffany & Co website. Specifically the “Keys” section and wishing I had £200 odd quid to shell out on the worlds latest jewellery obsession.

Alas they are just too expensive in my opinion.

It’s a good thing I didn’t bite the bullet and buy one, because today I remembered, from some depth in my 30 year old brain that I was bought something distinctly “keyish” for my 18th birthday. I thought perhaps I was imagining it, after all we are talking 12 years ago…… but the more I thought about it the more sure I became.

Now I have a shed-load of costume jewellery, and a very small but much loved “fine jewellery” collection. I knew I hadn’t seen it in there and so the now frantic search expanded into the attic.

I searched through all my boxes and books (I’ve kept a diary from around age 10 and I still have them all), penpal correspondence, and it was then I saw it. A little tin, and inside was all my dreams come true.

I don’t know how I forgot (well likely cos it wasn’t all that trendy back in 1997) but my mum had had a necklace made for my 18th birthday. A solid silver chain and solid silver heart keyring, which a Belfast Jeweller soldered a loop onto so that it might become a pendant!

Voilá

Tiffany Keys?! Pah! You can keep ‘em!

I have a one off

xox

Friday nights Tweetup was a massive success, everyone was truly lovely and looked amazing! If you fancy a nosey check out some of the pictures on my facebook here

Outfit of the Night

Black Vest (under lace top) – Primark

Black Lace Top – ASOS

Bodycon Skirt – Topshop

Jewellery – Primark Bangles/ Peacocks Necklace

Nails – OPI for Sephora Metro Chic

Shoes – Barratts!!

I am totally and utterly in love with these shoes, I’m such a pointy stiletto gal, I only wear round as it’s in fashion. With pointed courts I instantly feel like my legs are elongated and look sexy rather than cute

I also tried the new Scholl Party Feet Ultra Slim Gel Cushions out, and had zero “ball burn” …… Happy Days!

For eye make-up I went with purples, a nod to the shoes, and also to make the most of the green in my eyes.

Base – MAC Paint Pot in Blackground

Main lid colour – Stars ‘N’ Rockets

Crease – Dark Purple from Coastal Scents 88 palette

Outer V – Beauty Marked

Liner – Collection 2000 in Shake it up!

Mascara – L’Oreal Voluminous

xoxo

I’m very much afraid that (for this weekend at least) I’m going to have to admit defeat and release the embrace I’ve been having with the pale. I know, I know, I hate myself for being so weak too!

In my pitiful defence I’m attending an all ladies Tweetup on Friday night, and although I was intending to go down the Rimmel Sun Shimmer route I just know I’m going to be really busy and it won’t get done :S
At least with St Tropez I can do it tonight and thats it done for Friday. I won’t have to think about it again after that, which is ten times better because I suck at time managment (and getting ready for anything tbh.)

I know if I don’t do this that inevitably come half eight on Friday night, (when I’m still drying my hair and generally freaking out about being late) I’ll say screw it and go out in all my blue/white non-glory. I don’t want to be blue!!!!

Look at last weekend, I was out with friends (gloriously flippin TANNED friends) and in the pics I stuck out like a sore thumb. I want to be all tanned and all healthy and all glowy! Hrrrmphh

Now, I can’t speak for anyone other than my insecure self, but I always feel slimmer with a tan, and for a woman that is feeling like Two Ton Tessie at the minute, that’s just another of the many reasons why I’m going to coat myself in Orange Varnish.

Phew! Feel better now I’ve got that off my chest, not really a conversational post… think of it more like a Protestants take on the whole confession maja. I’m off to dabble in the dark side.

xox

My anniversary gifts from Matthew were two books (1st Wedding Anniversary gifts are traditionally paper), I can’t wait to get The Time Travelers wife read before I see the film. It looks like a complete romance/ tear fest!!

I also got this stunning Eternity ring and I absolutely adore it!!

As a result I want to give my rings centre stage on my hand today, and so I’ve picked NYC Quick Dry Polish in Soho (222B) to wear. It’s a very muted frost pink. I’m not actually sure if I like the shade all that much but Matthew says he thinks its sweet and feminine, so its staying…. for now

Soho With Flash

Soho Minus Flash

Oh, and if you were wondering what I got Matthew….

For the paper element I got him a novelty present, a little local newspaper mock up, edited with our personal details. Just a bit of tongue in cheek fun

I actually can’t recommend the company I got this from highly enough “In The Paper”

The process was quick and easy, and most of all fun to do, too many of these personalisation websites are long-winded. This is definitely not. They also shipped very quickly (2 days from mainland UK to N.Ireland) and packaged the picture securely, as well as including a free A4 copy of the mock up which I plan to give to my mum. Best of all they were relatively inexpensive, so ticked my bargainista box too. Check them out.

I also got Matthew The Sailing Bible & some Cebe Polarized Sunglasses as he is learning to sail

I’m off to get ready for my night out now, hope you all have fun whatever you get up to this weekend xox

The other half is away in Cork on business and the kids were having some Granny time…. which meant I found myself well and truly fancy free today.

It seemed positively criminal not to head into Belfast, after all shopping sans kids is a rare occurence, and one to make the most of!!

This is what I picked up…..

Minus Flash

Under Flash

The new Sleek Safari Eyeshadow Palette. I’m not a fan of their Original or Jewel Palettes. However I’m always willing to be proved wrong, and so I’ve succumbed to the Safari mania and I’ll let you know what I think soon.

An inexpensive blush (think it was about £2.50) from Collection 2000 called “Bashful”. I purchased this as the warm tone appealed and perhaps unbelievably (considering my make-up obsession) its not like anything I already own.

Revlon Crystal Nail File £4.99. I received a lot of comments on both my Nail Tidy posts that suggest glass nail files are the business. I honestly couldn’t find a glass one anywhere, but I’m assuming this will do the job…. probably

Large Silver & Turquoise Ring from Miss Selfridge. Sale price £2.00 I thought it was super summery and I love statement rings. It’s very comfy on too.

Bee Necklace from Accessorize. I just adore this, I had been looking at a very expensive bee one on Accessories online, but this is a more than acceptable substitute. It was marked as £4.00, however when the girl scanned it into the till it turned out to be £1.20!!!!

Horse Studs from Urban Outfitters, sale price £4.99. Just another addition to my animal fashion addiction. They also had lions & pumas if thats your bag

Adorable multi strand necklace, again from Urban Outfitters reduced from £34 to £9.99. I have to be honest and say its very unlikely I’d have paid the original price tag, however this is a stunning piece, I feel the need to build an outfit around it and an event to wear it to.

I just love the mix of gold and pearl, and the stunning art deco style clasps. It also hangs at that very flattering collar bone length, not quite a choker, but very very glamourous.

Thats pretty much it barr a Goats Cheese & Chilli Jam Sandwich from Deeee Lites (who took over 12 minutes to complete my order……bah!), it was a taste sensation though and only £2.00 so I’ll give them a by ball…. this time

xoxo

Well, I think we all know my first experience with Illamasqua in Belfast was a less than positive one.

I took everyones advice in regards to asking for the foundation to be changed and contacted their head office. Within hours I had received confirmation of my email and a full apology for my treatment from the UK Communications Manager and within several hours after that a phone call from their HR Manager here in Ireland.

He was equally apologetic, to the point where I felt a bit embarrassed about complaining, and very generously offered to refund the incorrect foundation, arrange for an in store makeup lesson with one of the visiting London artists, a video of the lesson, and a new perfectly matched “complimentary” foundation.

I was impressed. A man of action. He took my problem, scrunched it into a ball, threw it in the bin and got out a nice clean sheet.

My appointment was arranged for 11am last Friday. I was actually slightly nervous before I arrived, a combination of feeling bad about the situation we were meeting under again and also the fact I knew my lesson was going to be recorded. Silly I know. Especially as when I arrived they were clearly expecting me and couldn’t have been more welcoming.

My makeup lesson was with Daniel, a stunning looking man originally from Malta, this lesson was not going to be a chore

Daniel asked me questions about what makeup I normally wore, colours, coverage etc and right away ruled out the Rich Liquid Foundation that had initially been sold to me as “much too heavy for your beautiful skin”, Jesus this man was good. By now I was like putty in his hands, he could have made me up like the Joker and I’m pretty sure I’d have thanked him profusely.

I gave Daniel free reign and he went for a fresh coral summer look. I was a little worried when he brought over coral eye shadow, its just never a colour I would think of for my lids. Cheeks or nails… yes, but never the eyes. I am so glad he tried it as its truly lovely on me, its adds warmth and opens up my eyes, I think it also accentuates the green in them.

Daniel’s technique in regards to blending was new to me too, he buffs EVERYTHING. Little small swirling motions, not a window wiper technique in sight. He did one eye, then I did the other, everything was shared, I thought this was fab.

Below are a few stills from the CD I received

We laughed so much, I made a complete hash of the eye liner on my side, but I wasn’t made to feel like an idiot. It was simply demonstrated again until I was happy I could recreate it myself. This is how it should be. I was learning something as well as feeling mighty pampered!

I ended up buying quite a bit, things that I didn’t buy that were used on me were:

• Erratic Medium Pencil, very creamy and blendable but right away I deduced if I rubbed my eye even lightly or was a little too warm this pencil would be halfway across my face. Its a no for me
• Pressed Powder, I’m perfectly happy with my Prestige one
• Thunder Eyebrow Cake, happy with what I’m currently using (post on this coming soon)

So what I did get

• Satin Primer SPF20
• Cream Foundation CF205 (Complimentary)
• Under Eye Concealer UC140
• Excite Powder Blusher
• Blame Powder Eye Shadow (matt)
• Tango Powder Eye Shadow (shimmer)
• Brink Lipstick
• Alarm Nail Polish
• Volume Mascara (since returned, not impressed)

L-R; Blame, Tango, Brink

The recorded lesson is a fabulous idea, I think more counters should offer this service. Not only is it nice to have but its useful too. I was able to look back over mine and see how high up he went with the crease shadow, little things like that.

Last Friday left me very impressed with Illamasqua, I’m now putting my initial experience down to launch day nerves. I’ve also had lots of comments since my inital post of people telling me how great their experiences have been which is brilliant

If there is anything you’re dying for a review on out of my haul, please let me know & I’ll put it to the top of the pile.

For now I’ll leave you with my finished makeover look, self consciously captured in a corner of New Look, I’m giving that Mannequin behind me a run for his money…….

xoxox

As my twitter friends are aware, @cimota and I attended the Ulster Tatler Style Awards sponsored by Magners Light last night.

We had a brilliant time, I just love getting dressed up and putting on my face for a real swanky occassion. For those of you who have kids you will know what a treat getting out for a bit of adult conversation is!
We were accompanied by another married couple @theronster & @karenquinn. When Quinner is about you’re pretty much guaranteed a fun night.

@theronster @cimota @karenquinn

The event itself took place in Café Vaudeville in Belfast which I just love. The whole place is very Moulin Rouge inspired, huge chandeliers, decadent mirrors, heavy dark red brocade soft furnishings. The hotties kindly supplying us all with free Magners Light were done up in a burlesque fashion, tight corsets with opulent feather bustles and Marie Antoinette curls. Their make-up was courtesy of Paddy McGurgan who works out of Michael Quinn hairdressing, striking snow queen esque eyes and high shimmer skin (a few pics below). There was a real saintly sinners feel to it.

The lovely Zara

I wore an orange dress from Ted Baker with a button back (love little details like that), shoes by Faith and my beloved fur from Previously Loved in Holywood.

In regards to make-up I wore Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Desert Beige & the DW Concealer, MAC So Ceylon MSF, MAC Burning Ambition e/s, L’Oreal Liner, Max Factor 2000 Calories Mascara, NARS Blush in Outlaw (loves it) and Bobbi Brown Nude Lip Gloss. I did tan myself up slightly with a thin layer of St Tropez Lotion the day before, just to take the vampiric look off me

Very smiley here, Magners has taken effect!!

Much thanks to Wendi Kane & Alan Beattie whom we were guests of, most stylish couple in our eyes!!
xox

I haven’t had time to think never mind blog in the last few days, its just been go go go at this end.
My youngest son has been “especially” demanding lately but we seem to be coming out the other side of that little phase (thank god).

I managed to get out for a few hours on Friday night with friends and it was lovely to get glammed up, cute print dress from Topshop paired with red 40′s style Carvela heels (a dirt cheap Ebay purchase) that I adore and have got soooo much use out of.

Saturday I was meant to be at IMATs, but to be completely honest, I just couldn’t justify the cash that would have been required for flights, hotel, food and inevitably tons of make-up purchases. So I worked Saturday instead and earnt some more readies for the Hello Kitty @ MAC fund

Sunday I popped up to Forestside (a mall outside Belfast) and browsed for some bargain accessories. I completely refuse to spend money on expensive clothes at the moment, I just don’t see the point now that I am determined to shed the pounds. Therefore I have been focusing on the belts, scarves, bags, shoes and basically anything that adds to outfits I already have.
Below is a little peek at some of the deals I picked up including bargain boots from Clarks, the long ones were reduced from £79.99 and the short ones from £69.99!!! I love Clarks shoes, I have rubbish feet and their boots are unbelievably comfortable xo

Chainlink Hairband Blk & Gold New Look £4

Cream Leather & Chain Effect Hairband New Look £4

Chunky Waist Cincher Dorothy Perkins £5

Black Leather 3/4 Length Boots Clarks £23

Grey Leather Ankle Boots Clarks £23

My MacBook Air was off being fixed today, hence the late night posting. I missed it loads but have to say that I got a hell of a lot more housework done

My mum lives in Belfast (a.k.a The Big Smoke) and came down to lend a hand with a bit of a premature spring clean. Funny how company in distasteful things such as HW makes it much easier to do, not to mention a hell of a lot quicker!
We did manange to banjax the garage door in the process of our vigorous cleaning tho, its one of those old type, I believe its called an “up and over”. Managed to eventually get it shut, not sure if we’ll ever get it to open again tho…….

After dinner we played Monopoly “The Electronic Banking Addition” with my eldest son, if you haven’t already but love the old Monopoly this is a must. Totally negates the need for the paper money thing, you still have a designated Banker but its all done using little credit type player cards and a calculator that adds or subtracts money from your total. Really very cool.

Tomorrow I have a ton of errands to run and then on Wednesday morning I get my weigh in at Weightwatchers. I had orginally intended to update my blog with my weight every Monday but seeing as the meeting is Wednesday that seems to make a lot more sense!!!

I have been very good and I am hoping I have got 2lbs off, I am slightly worried I will be de-motivated if I’ve stayed the same, or worse yet put weight on… eeeeek! Hopefully not!
For me variety is key if I am to be successful and also making sure that the house is well stocked with healthy food. The minute I have to start thinking about what to make or pop to the shops for ingredients is when my resolve starts to slip and my hand reaches for the cookie jar.
I also need my treats, at the moment my faves are the WW Almond Slices £1 in Tesco and the WW Chocolate Rolls, yum!

Speak soon peeps xox