FrontCover Packing Case - Swatches!

Hello there, sorry I've been a bit absent for the last couple of days, Christmas has been a hectic one where I haven't managed to get much time at my computer, not even on my new laptop either (that I rather ironically got for Christmas from Mr Beauty Scoop).

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas with lots of lovely presents? Feel free to tell me what you've been given in the comments below - I'm always interested to find out (and a little nosey too haha)! I'll be putting up a post with my gifts when I am back at home, although I didn't actually get many beauty related gifts this year, unfortunately (still, I'll treat myself in the sales)!

Anyway, this is just a quick post to show you the swatches from the FrontCover Packing Case gift set that I mentioned in my Last Minute Gifts From Boots! post! I've only got swatches of the eyeshadows and blushers, as unfortunately the other photographs with the lip gloss on are at home on my other computer.

The shadows are lovely, very pigmented and they apply very well too as their texture allows for a smooth application with fantastic blendability - I'll do an EOTD with these for you soon. :-)

The blusher shades that are included are very shimmery, not glittery really but they are very glowy so if you prefer matte blush shades, these may not be your ideal shades. They are lovely all the same, and some make great highlighters too.

I've shown the blushers individually and also mixed together to give you some idea of what they would all look like when blended - obviously this will be different for everybody depending on your skintone and how heavily you mix the colours etc.

This was £18, but will now be £9 in the Boots 50% sale. x

Merry Christmas Everybody!

I hope that you're all having a fantastic day, I just wanted to say a big Merry Christmas to you all and thank you for reading my little old blog. xx

Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) 'Noir Terriblement' 5 Shadow Palette!

YSL have done it again with another palette that I adore, their Noir Terriblement Palette is inspired the the classic tuxedo and even comes with it's own little 'tux' jacket - very cute.

You might think that a palette of blacks would be a bit, well, boring... but there's enough difference in both the the shade, texture and finish of the shadows to make it a worthwhile purchase for me. I actually find that one leads towards more of a brown-y tones black and one more grey-black too.

No flash (dull day, sorry).

I love a smoky eye, which is another classic look, and this palette is perfect for creating one; especially with the white highlighting shade that you can use both to highlight and also to further change the shades of black on your eye, making them more grey if you desire.

On the left I have swatched the shadow with no base, and to the right I have used Urban Decay Primer Potion (a staple in my beauty bag) and onthe white shade, the UDPP is at the top.

As you can see, the depth and shimmer/glitter are both more intense when using the primer, but I quite like that the shadows have a buildable quality to them when using them with no base, as this to me makes them a lot more suitable for daywear, where a full on black smoky eye may not be as appropriate! This also means that you would get a lot more use out of your palette and that can only be a good thing.

I hope you can see the differences in the shades in these photographs, I tried to capture the images in varying shades of light to show that there were slight differences to the shades.

Available for £39 from House of Fraser and other YSL stocking department stores. x

Christmas Gift Guide: Valentino 'Valentina' Perfume!

It's Christmas Eve, oh my god, I actually cannot believe it's here already and will be gone even quicker than it arrived. I had so many more gift guides planned this year, but unfortunately postal and email issues, along with the fact that time has been going at least twice as quickly as it should have really kicked most of them to the kerb so I hope you have enjoyed the little gift ideas that I have managed to post up!

Perfume is always a sure fire hit in my Christmas stocking (I don't actually have a stocking, but it's better than saying in my Christmas carrier bag, or badly wrapped present as Mr Beauty Scoop has forgotten or rushed the wrapping lol), and I am sure many of you ladies feel the same?! Well, this fragrance is one of my new favourites.

For a start, the bottle is beautiful - a pleasure to place on my dressing table and one that stands out from a lot of my other perfumes (I own a lot). The floral decoration actually feels like very thin ceramic or porcelain - I actually thought that it could be plasticky or something before I got my hands on it, not even for any reason either lol.

Side view to show the floral decoration.

The notes in Valentina instantly caught my attention, here's the description that I was sent "Calabrian bergamot is a hymn to exuberance and freshness, shaken up by the insolence of white Alba truffles. In their trail, jasmine, Amalfi orange blossom and tuberose celebrate radiant beauty, while being offset by the rebellious delight of wild strawberries. Finally, the nobility of cedar is seduced by the captivating sensuality of amber" I thought these notes sounded like they'd be really lovely together... and they totally are. I absolutely adore the fragrance.

My first thoughts when I actually smelled the perfume was that it reminded me of Nina Ricci's Premier Jour (even though I don't think they share many of the same notes - from what I can tell they only share vanilla and amber), but my mind changed when it settled as it started to then remind me slightly of Hugo Boss, Deep Red perfume with a touch of Armani Code too, that also share a few notes with it; thankfully it's not exactly like any of these, as I own (and love) all three of them.

I actually cannot stop smelling my wrist whilst I wear this perfume, I can't get enough of it and I've had compliments on it whenever I have worn it. Yet again, my mum is coveting a bottle for herself - her birthday is in February so maybe she'll get lucky for it. :-)

I think this perfume would be perfect for any occasion, day or evening and also for any season as the different elements of the notes keep it from being too floral/sweet (summery) or woody/spicy (wintery)!

Since it is Christmas Eve, I thought I should write about something that you could actually rush out and buy right now, and this is available now from most department stores (I've seen it on Debenhams, Selfridges and John Lewis websites, so I expect it to be in stores too) and also online if you can wait until after Christmas. x

Christmas Care!

This isn't a beauty post, but is still a topic that I feel strongly about posting up, especially at this time of year. You see, Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year for many, many people... but for some, Christmas can feel like a very lonely and depressing time of year.

I've suffered with depression for many years now, and I know only too well how a feeling of despair and loneliness can spiral into something a lot more sinister. It's something that you feel like you can't get out of, that you have no control over and when you feel lonely, and like nobody cares then things can get dangerous as life can suddenly feel worthless; especially if you start to think that nobody would miss you if you weren't around.

I've been in that place, I know how it feels to feel invisible, to feel like there's no point in carrying on and that the world would be a better place without me.

[Edit: In March 2013, I suddenly found myself back in a place where I felt that my world had ended, that my life had no value, and that I was worthless. I ended up on a life support machine in intensive care and am very lucky to still be here today. I use the word lucky, because I do genuinely feel it, having been told that it could quite easily have been the opposite outcome for me; and now, having had the time and opportunity to realise that no matter how much I had felt that there was only one way out of my despair, that there was, and is light at the end of the tunnel and a life that is not only worth existing for, but a life that, whilst not perfect, is definitely worth LIVING.

I saw how upset my family had been through that whole ordeal, and also how relieved they were that I had survived whilst I was recovering in hospital, and feel hopeful that I could never put them through that again.]

I have also seen what suicide does to the people (my family) who are left behind, the very same people who had been thought not to care for the person who unfortunately ended their life (my cousin) and it was devastating, really devastating.

So if you feel like this, or even suspect that somebody you know is feeling anything close to this then please, please take positive action, there are people who can help... there are people who care.

Your life isn't worthless, and you are not alone. x

MIND
www.mind.org.uk
0300 123 3393

Samaritans
www.samaritans.org
08457 90 90 90

Alcoholics Anonymous
0845 769 7555
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/newcomers

Stonewall
Info line 08000 50 20 20
www.stonewall.org.uk
London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
0207 837 7324

SANELine
0845 767 8000
www.sane.org.uk


Preventing young suicide
www.papyrus-uk.org

For people in Northern Ireland
www.lifeline.info
0808 808 8000

Childline
www.childline.org.uk
0800 1111

Depressionalliance

www.depressionalliance.org

Refuge

www.refuge.org.uk
0808 2000 247

Eating Disorders Association
www.edauk.com
0845 634 1414

Shelter
www.shelter.org.uk
0808 800 4444


NHS Direct
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
0845 4647

No Panic
0808 808 0545
www.no-panic.co.uk

Many thanks to Big Fashionista for sending over the links. x

A Festive Chanel & Dune Mini Haul!

2 weeks ago, I decided that whilst I was out doing my Christmas shopping and spending lots on my loved ones, that I'd also treat myself to a little something. I ended up with 3 small (ish) but perfectly formed (and slightly pricey) 'me gifts' including 2 items from Chanel's Holiday 2011 Collection, Rouge Allure 'Luminous Satin Lip Colour' in the shade Famous (207), a gorgeously festive pink-toned red with added sparkle in there, just for good measure, and the equally festive and similar toned shade, Rouge Carat (587) Le Vernis Nail Polish.

Swatches coming soon!

My final purchase of the day was a beautiful pair of Dune shoes (The Sparkling Shoe), and not only are they totally gorgeous and super sparkly, they're also limited edition and raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust with a whopping £50 from their £90 price tag going to the charity, which makes them quite possibly the best pair of shoes I have ever bought, and also the easiest purchase to justify to Mr Beauty Scoop!

The shoes look pink at first glance, but they actually contain multi-coloured glitter particles that pick up different lights and colours from the area surrounding them. Stunning.

Christmas Gift Guide - Last Minute Gifts From Boots!

If you're not very organised for Christmas and have pretty much missed all the last delivery dates for online purchases, then this little gift guide could hopefully give you a little help and save you from turning up empty handed on Christmas morning!

I think that Boots is a great place to visit for this last minute gift grabbing, as not only do they stock their usual fabulous cosmetics and fragrances (and more, but let's keep this beauty related) but they also have a plethora of Christmas gifts available at varying price points. Here's a selection of my favourite from this year's gift selection:

FrontCover:

Packing Case is a lovely little set from FrontCover that contains everything that they think you need for a weekend away; including 4 fine line baked powder eyeshadows, 4 fine line baked cheek colours, double ended black mascara/sealer, mini black kohl pencil with smudger, double ended suit-all lip stain and iridescent gloss, translucent pressed powder, mini tweezers, cheek brush and double ended eye applicator! Now that's quite a lot for the £18 that it costs... and that's without including it in the current 3 for 2 offer - bargain. I'll be posting swatches of these later today.


No7:

No7 Liplicious Library (£16 and included in 3 for 2 offer) - 5, 5ml No7 lipglosses in shades Marshmallow, Angel Cake, Caramel, Sweet Peaches and Sherbet Twist for £16 (also on 3 for 2 currently)! Perfect for the pouts of your loved one(s) and the colour selection is great too - there's a gloss for almost every occasion in there.

17:

17 Large Eye Palette (£10 and in 3 for 2 offer): - A great palette containing both day and night appropriate shades all in a slim case (not always a fan of cardboard casing, but a lot of brands are using it these days, so I won't moan about it throughout as that would get tedious)! The DAY shades included in the set are: Limited Edition Green, Medium Purple, Light Pink, Orange and Pink and the NIGHT shades include - Limited Edition Bronze, Dark Purple, Grey, Light Blue, Dark Blue (5g of each selection, 10g total). I had swatched these, but the photographs broke somehow - will try to redo on another post as soon as possible.


Strictly Come Dancing:

The Eye Colour Collection (£16 and included in 3 for 2 offer) - I think this set encompasses everything that Christmas is, shimmer, shine and glitter with double ended eyeliners (including glitter options), gold, silver and bronze chunky pencils, mascara and normal eyeliner pencils too. Again, a lot of the swatch photographs I took are with the ones that broke,but I did salvage this one from the chunky pencils.

Strictly Latin Lookbook (£10, and also included in the 3 for 2 offer): Another multi product gift set, containing eyeshadow, pressed powder, and lip glosses. I love that this comes with a pull out section with hints and tips on how to get the look. Bargain.

PR Samples - Views and extensive last minute gift shopping knowledge are my own!

Wordless Wednesday - Chloe the Cat!

At least somebody is chilled out in the run up to Christmas; it's a cats life, eh! On the other side of the coin, I am mega busy with organising Christmas, clearing out the house and trying to get all the blogging I want to done. Is anybody else the same? x

Chistmas Gift Guide: Jonathan Ward Candle - The Gypsy (From The Russia Collection)!

I love a good candle, especially through the dark and cold winter months where all I ever want to do is snuggle down with a duvet with a beautiful candle burning in the background (well, we don't have a log fire so candle fire is the best we can do)!

This candle by Jonathan Ward, London fits the bill perfectly as it looks stunning (that red and gold packaging is screaming Christmas to me - in a VERY classy way) and smells good enough to wear as a personal fragrance.

The Jonathan Ward website says:

A deeply sensual Gypsy inspired floral with notes of Carnation, Sandalwood, Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Patchouli, Amber, Cedarwood.

Housed in a Ruby red collectable glass and complete with a signature printed box.

Ingredients:

Amber, Cedar Wood, Jasmine, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Carnation, Ylang Ylang

The scent of this candle is stunning, and has a very unique scent to it - I really don't think that there's anything I can compare it to, but I will say that it has the perfect mix of floral and warmer notes to my nose,and they keep it from being too seasonal - I'd happily burn this candle at any time of the year.

As expected, the scent is also very strong and you get a great scent throw from the candle in the room without it even being lit, I love this as it's not always practical to burn a candle if you're not going to be in long enough to appreciate it, so this still gives you some enjoyment from the candle.

Even Chloe wanted to smell it.

I'm never disappointed with Jonathan Ward candles, I know that what I am getting is a completely luxurious and well made candle that smells divine, and will burn cleanly and evenly, and for a decent amount of time too. I really do feel that you get what you pay for with a JW Candle, and actually, when I have broken it down before they don't work out that expensive if you think of how much it costs per hour or use.

For instance, this candle is available in both medium and large sizes at £25 and £35 respectively and the medium candle has a 30 hour burn time which equates to 83p per hour whilst the large burns for 45 hours which equates to about 78p per hour- not that much in the grand scheme of things, it's not even minimum wage! In fact, one hours burning cost would probably just about buy you a bottle of water which may last about the same amount of time, or less.

I'm pretty sure there are many others like myself, who at Christmas would love the treat of a very special and very posh candle, something they may not buy themselves as it is quite a luxury item, but still very affordable in gifting terms, I feel.

To view the rest of the collection, or to purchase this one please do visit the Jonathan Ward website (you might also want to check out his other candles whilst you're there)!

PR Sample - Views are my own!