I'm Commenting at 'My Daily' Today!

Hey lovelies, I'm over at MyDaily today, commenting on these beauty looks - why not pop over and see what you think?!

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Models Own & Hed Kandi Nail Polish Collection!

L-R Beach Party, Balearic Cool, Disco Heaven, Ibiza Mix, Hedonist

Hed Kandi are an iconic clubbing brand, and I've had many amazing nights at Hed Kandi events, especially those in Ibiza in the summers that I worked out there - good times. This year is their 10th year on the party island of Ibiza (I can't believe time has flown so quickly, it doesn't seem like 5 minutes ago that I was partying every night out there) and to celebrate, they've teamed up with Models Own to create a fabulous looking collection inspired by Ibiza, the ultimate party location.

Beach Party - a sunny, bright and intoxicating polish inspired by the world famous sunsets on the White Isle;
Balearic Cool, a crystal aquamarine blue inspired by the waters of Formentera;
Disco Heaven, a glittery, gold disco bomb;
Ibiza Mix, a dense multi-coloured day-night sparkle;
Hedonist, a no inhibition hot neon coral.

I don't know about you, but Disco Heaven, Ibiza Mix and Hedonist are all calling out to me now I've seen the promo image. Talking of images, I absolutely LOVE Hed Kandi imagery, it's so summery and really eye catching, don't you think?

Anyway, these are available from Boots stores, nationwide for just a fiver each. Whaddya think?

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Wordless Wednesday - Chloe!

Caught yawning!

She's too cute, I can't help but photograph her.

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Celeb Sunday - Stacey Solomon!

This is a first for me, my own photograph being used on Celeb Sunday - I thought it would be rude not to when the lovely Stacey Solomon was looking so radiant, after her appearance on Sunday Brunch; which is the new show that 'replaces' Something for the Weekend, on Channel 4 on Sunday mornings at 10am, if you want to watch it - and you should, it's great!

Not only did Stacey look fabulous, she was also absolutely lovely with it - very down to earth, and clearly very family orientated too. Big win!

I'm a little late in posting this, I had intended on getting this up on Sunday, however due to internet connection issues, I was unable to - and since I've been home, I've been struggling without my main computer as the power supply has broken, and I'm still waiting for a replacement part to arrive - which is also why there's been a general lack of posts on here of late. xx

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Beauty Blog Link Love!

Inspired by spring and St. Patty's Day, Miss Beauty Nerd showcases her favourite green-hued products this season!

Phyrra's Independent Spotlight for March is with Maria of Cult Nails! Learn all about Maria and how she made her dreams come true!

Love colour? This week Madame B Fatale shows you her almost neon makeup tutorial!

This Spring at theNotice is all about Clarins. (Yeah, you read that right.) Check out the one limited-edition liquid blush Rae thinks you HAVE to have this season.

The fifth and final episode to the series Eyeshadow Tutorial for Asian Eyes. This time, we discuss the Horizontal Gradient Method!

Why settle for just one blush when you can have three in one palette?! Beauty's Bad Habit reviews Sleek 'Pumpkin' Blush by Three.

With Spring offically here, Beauty In The Mirror reviews Benefit Cha Cha Tint - perfect for a spring glow on the cheeks!

Think fancy, structured updo's are too hard? Gouldylox found one that is really easy and perfect for spring weather!

It's almost summertime, which means Shannon at Lipstick Musings is on the hunt for a great warm-weather red lipstick. She's found one with NARS Sheer Lipstick in Manhunt!

This gold, taupe, and blue smoky eye on My Funny Valentine adds a little tribal to your weekend.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed discovers that not all frightening things are found in horror movies - some of them are actually as close as her face! Take a trip with her to the Vichy Skin Health Centre for a scary good time!

Check out Jenn at Spicedbeauty backstage coverage of Maybelline Beauty for Toronto Fashion Week.

Fleurissante shares her impressions on Ambre Oud, the most recent by Kilian fragrance.

Will the Hunger Games movies influence future makeup trends? Come join the discussion at Beauty Reflections!

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Sure Maximum Protection - My Verdict!

On Monday I posted about the new Maximum Protection range from Sure and today I am back to let you know my thoughts on the deodorants that I was sent to try out. The aim was to try these out when I knew that I would be out of my comfort zone, as that's when my body would be more likely to perspire - which is much nicer than saying sweat, don't you think?!

My trial began on Saturday when I travelled down to London, I was loaded up with luggage (I never can seem to travel light) and had to navigate the tube with said bags as a result - and if you've ever been on the tube, you'll know how warm it can get down there. I did get warm, but not once did I feel like I was in danger of getting wet patches (eww) because of the heat.

Once I had dumped my bags at the hotel, I proceeded to the shops where I tried on plenty of clothes in a bid to find a new outfit for the next day - this is something that always gets me hot and bothered, but things were surprisingly pleasant in that department too, I'm pleased to say.

The only photograph I took at the SFTW studio, sorry for phone camera quality!

The next day is where I was completely out of my comfort zone, as I was visiting a TV studio to watch the last ever Something for the Weekend show, live. I knew that I would be nervous as I've never done anything like this before, I also knew that the studio lights would add to any heat that I was already generating myself. This is where the real test came into force as if the deodorant failed me at this point, I would quite possibly die there and then, on the spot; I mean, how embarrassing would that be!!

Luckily, it passed with flying colours. I felt confident, fragrant and most importantly, dry throughout the day - which actually turned into an afternoon, then evening of drinking before travelling back to Manchester, bags in tow. I arrived home feeling as fresh as I had when I left the hotel room that morning, and the fact that not once did I feel the need to check to make sure I didn't smell throughout the day, spoke volumes!

The deodorant has a creamy consistency that is smoothed into the skin.

Just to prove to myself that this product WAS the reason for my underarm 'drought', I made sure that I continued to use Sure Maximum Protection before I went to have my hair coloured this week. I'm quite used to having this done, however I do always get very hot as they wrap you up in many layers to protect you from colour spillage. This, combined with the heat lamps that they put you under, the heat of the salon and also the heat of the sun blazing in through the window would usually be enough to send me into meltdown, literally, but this was not the case that day and I put that down to using Maximum Protection!

So, all in all it has been a very successful trial - and a surprising one, as to be honest, I wondered how something like this could help in such a significant way. I mean I am not an overly sweaty (errgh, I really hate that word) person, but I'm certain that these situations would have created some perspiration, and to feel so fresh, dry and confident was a real revelation to me.

There are 2 varieties available currently, Senstive (purple packaging) and Confident (pink packaging) and I think they both smell absolutely lovely, and both have the same degree of effectiveness against odour and wetness.

Sure Maximum Protection is available from all leading retailers priced at around £5.30 for 45ml of product which isn't too bad as you only use a small amount per underarm (2 clicks each), and is a very small price to pay for the confidence that I gained from using it.

Sponsored post - my views remain 100% truthful and unchanged by this.

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Wordless Wednesday: Models Own - Summer Beetlejuice Collection!

Out now!

Models Own Site!

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Kooky Nail Wraps - Upcoming/Newly Released Collections!

I'm a big fan of Kooky Nail Wraps, and I'm always pleased to see new designs coming from them as you can never have too much choice where Kooky Nails are concerned, in my opinion.

These 2 new collections are no different, I only have these images to go off (although there are individual pictures of the Lace collection on the website as they have just been released) but they look absolutely lovely. From the modern, geometric looking designs of the New York On My Mind collection to the pretty but bold lace designs in the Queen of Lace collection - both are looking fabulous, don't you think?

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Sure Maximum Protection!

Deodorant may not be the most glamorous of beauty items, and is probably something that you don't think too much about. However, having a good deodorant is essential for feeling confident, because let's face it, nobody wants to get hot and smell/feel like they smell like the bottom of a teenage boy's laundry basket; let alone have wet patches on show for all to see.

Sure claim to have the perfect solution to these issues, in the form of their 'Maximum Protection' deodorant, a creamy deodorant stick that offers around the clock protection from wetness and odour. Sure Maximum Protection is formulated with 'TRIsolid innovative body responsive technology' which has 3 important components, including:

• The maximum wetness protection ever from Sure
• Encapsulated odour-fighting technology, and
• Skin moisturising ingredients.

This protection is said to last throughout the following day, even after a shower which all sounds good to me on paper, so I've been putting it to the test to see how these claims stand up in real life when I'm in situations that are outside my normal comfort zone - so, make sure you come back on Friday to see what I've put it through, and how well it worked.

Sure Maximum Protection is available from all major retailers for around £5.30 (45ml) although prices may differ between them.

Sure Maximum Protection Deodorant - Confidence

Sure Maximum Protection Deodorant - Sensitive

Sponsored post!

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Celeb Sunday - Sheridan Smith!

I'm absolutely loving Sheridan Smith's red hair, the coppery red hue really suits her skin tone and warms it up beautifully. The updo and new fringe just enhance the look as a whole - I'm definitely a fan. What do you think?

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Jimmy Choo Perfume Offer @ Cheap Smells!

I've lusted after this fragrance ever since I first clapped eyes (and nostrils) on it, but just couldn't justify spending so much money on it when I already had a million (ish) other perfumes.

This all changed when I got an email letting me know about this weekend's offer on the Cheap Smells website, for said Jimmy Choo perfume at up to 36% off - I was definitely going to be having some of this, and promply ordered the 100ml EDP as one of my many beauty treats to myself - ha!

Anyway I thought I'd give you the heads up, so that you could go purchase some yourself a bottle - if you fancied, and save yourself some money in the process.

Jimmy Choo Perfume - Cheap Smells!


Ends 18th March 2012, or whilst stocks last!

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Wordless Wednesday - Chloe!

I hope you're not getting bored of my Chloe photographs, I just can't help snappong away at her looking so bloody cute. Anyway, she loves sleeping - and finds many suitable beds around the house, this is probably one of her favourites, the back of the sofa. The final picture shows her just after waking up when I took the pics, I included it as I thought it looked quite funny, she's clearly still half asleep and confused haha.

Oh and apologies for my absense, and late posting of this - the schedule didn't work, and I've only just been able to get back online after my visit to London on Wednesday to sort it out.

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Food: Cheese & Onion Pie!

This was my gorgeous cheese and onion pie that I made a couple of weeks ago as a belated nod to National Pie day. It's so unhealthy (cheese and pastry, come on - and that's not mentioning the mashed potato that accompanied it) but it tastes so good. I try to balance it out by having smaller portions and a huge side salad though - not sure how much good that does, but it's the thought that counts.

It's so easy to make, just use a basic shortcrust pastry recipe (I used this one but you could also buy ready made stuff), roll it out and line a pie tin - or even a small, oven proof plate with half of the pastry (after lightly greasing it).

Grate a LOT of cheese into the dish (I prefer cheddar), remembering that the cheese will melt so you should add extra in, just to be sure ;-) and some finely chopped onion too.

Top the pie with the second half of the pastry, crimp the edges to seal the pie and then stick a knife in the lid to allow steam to escape!

You then need to egg wash the top (that's what makes it gorgeously golden, but you can use milk if you'd prefer), before baking at a medium-high heat until the pastry is cooked and looking golden brown. The cheese and the onion always seem to be ready at just the right time when doing it like this - but if you cut your onions a bit bigger, you may need to pre-cook them a little before!

Then.... devour, yum!

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Oliveira Lisboa Shoes - Perfect Holiday Shoes!

What girl doesn't love a good pair of shoes? I know I do! I've got a fair amount of shoes to my name - although I have to say, I do spend most of my spare (and not so spare) money on beauty products, so my collection isn't as large as I'd like it to be - yet! ;-)

I have to admit, I love a bit of animal print, and these fabulous shoes from Oliveira totally satisfy my animal desires, without going over the top. The mixture of the animal print with the bronze-y brown works perfectly and would flatter any skintone, in my opinion.

I also think that these are perfect for taking on holiday, firstly because I think they'd look even more amazing against tanned skin (don't forget your SPF though, girls), but also as they're quite lightweight, and wouldn't take up lots of your precious suitcase space.

The design of the shoe is quite different from most shoes I've worn in recent times; mostly due to the quirky toe post, that is one of Maria Oliveira's signature design features in her shoe collection - and I think it works very well with the design as a whole. I was fully expecting the toe post to rub, like between the toe flip-flops have done to me in the past, but actually it's been perfectly fine, and dare I say... comfortable.

Comfort has to be a factor when I wear a shoe these days (unless I know I won't be stood/walking much, in which case, bring it on), and these shoes have proven to be very comfortable indeed. I think the slightly cushioned soles help a great deal, but I also think that the heels are just the right height to look good, whilst still allowing me to be able to walk in them.

All in all, I'm very happy with these shoes, and am just willing on the warmer weather so that I can make more use out of them.

I should also mention that Oliveira shoes come in an amazing plastic shoebox that has a draw in it, so that the shoes inside are accessible even when stacked up - I love this, and would happily transfer my whole shoe collection into these boxes. You can actually buy the boxes separately for £5 each - which seems like a lot if you own a lot of shoes, but if your shoes are worth more, then it's a no brainer to keep them safe (and make your life easier)!

You can buy the Lisboa shoes from oliveira.uk.com for £70 with free delivery.

What do you think my lovelies?


PR Sample - Views are my own!

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Celeb Sunday - Mischa Barton!

It's fair to say that Mischa Barton has had plenty of ups and downs when it comes to her appearance; from her soaring popularity and polished appearance when she was in The OC (I miss that show), to the many, many pap photographs of her looking rundown, unkempt and generally off her game - although some may see that as her looking like an average person, ha!

I think in recent times, she's been back to looking great - especially in this photograph with her warm, honey-toned hair. Her skin tone and overall healthy appearance please me greatly, it's never nice to see somebody who looks to be on a downwards spiral - as shown in my Lindsay Lohan post last week!

What do you think?

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Beauty Blog Link Love!

A botox virgin no longer - Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed gives you the scoop on botox and fillers - if you've been thinking about getting a little somethin' somethin' yourself, you'll want to check this out!

Lydia's addiction to Dior lipsticks is taken to a new heights with these new Dior Addict Extreme lipsticks at Perfectly Imperfect.

Lovers of the infamous Black Honey will be pleased to hear that the line's been expanded with not one, not two, but seven new shades. Check out Rae's close-up photos, swatches, and review of the new Spring 2012 Clinique Almost Lipstick lineup over at theNotice!

Miss Beauty Nerd doesn't believe that lip balm can get prettier than this... she's completely smitten by Dior's Creme de Rose lip balm!

Want to get the info on the beauty look for The Hunger Games movie? Well, Krasey Beauty's got it!

Jenn from Spiced Beauty shares a post about the NewBeauty TestTube™, a Canadian blog exclusive!

Want fluttery, long lashes? Amy Antoinette reviews Sleek Lash Out mascara.

At Musing on Beauty, Mariella tries Clarins Ever Matte foundation and powder and has mixed feelings about them. Find out why!

Very much a lipstick lover at heart, Hellcandy discovers a lipgloss that has won her over with it's lip soothing properties. Click here to discover the By Terry lipgloss that works wonders!

Duochrome AND glitter! Musicalhouses shows you her favourite China Glaze's Prismatic Collection swatches!

Phyrra shares with you Darling Girl's Only One Can Win Hunger Games collection.

Have you heard about the new Sleek Blush by 3 Palettes yet? Midnight Violets has all the details, swatches, comparisons and looks.

Tracy at Beauty Reflections cracks open her special occasion makeup bag and uses her Hourglass Aura Cheek Stain.


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Country Superstars and still-in-love couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw recently launched their fragrance for couples, SOUL2SOUL. Visit Prime Beauty and enter to win a set for you and your man!

Claire is giving away a £50 Boux Avenue Gift Card over at The Beauty Scoop!

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

Bannatyne's 2 For 1 Pamper Day!

I'm on the right - ha!

Yesterday, my sister and I visted the Bannatyne Spa in Manchester (Quay Street) for a pamper day organised through Buyagift.co.uk*, for a 2 for 1 pamper day - something we were both very much in need of. I will apologise right now for the lack of photographs, and the quality of the ones I did take as I only had my phone and tab with me, and it just wasn't possible to go and take photographs everywhere that I'd have liked to.

The day started off with a bit of form filling, with general questions about health and contact details (I hope we don't get spammed by them after leaving our details), followed by a quick tour of the venue and confirming our treatment time slots. The venue we went to in Manchester was a bit of a tardis, lots of stairs, and doors leading into different rooms and areas here and there,so it took a bit of getting used to, to get around without feeling a bit lost. I think it would be nice if things were a bit easier to navigate, but it's not a deal breaker by any means.

Once settled, we headed straight for the pool area, which was fairly nice - a big pool (so thankfully no pool rage), a nice sauna and steam room, and 2 lovely jacuzzis that were lovely and hot - bliss.

The only issues I had were that there were only a total of 6 loungers for people to use/put their stuff on which would really ruin my experience if I arrived and found them all taken already. Luckily we got there early so managed to bag the 2 beds that were by themselves, near the jacuzzis. Also, the jaccuzzi bubbles only worked in short bursts - so like a minute on and then a minute off, done automatically. Personally, I think that this would work better if you could press a button to get the bubbles going when needed and would probably save energy in the long run too.

Bubbles (with sister beauty scoop) - now you see them!

Now you don't.

We swam, lounged and used the jacuzzis until 10 minutes before our appointments, before heading to the spa area to be called in. The pamper day allows you to choose one of 2 treatments from either a Swedish back, shoulder and neck massage or a Bannatyne's Energising Facial (using Bannatyne branded products) - with both treatments lasting around 45 minutes.

You can pay an extra £5 to have an Elemis facial of you would prefer, and you are also able to add on an extra treatment (so you can have both the facial and the massage) for an extra £15 - or £20 if you wanted the Elemis facial as the extra, which is what I went for (subject to appointment availability).

My treatment started off with my back, shoulder and neck massage which was very relaxing, whilst still managing to work out a few knots in the process. The fragrance of the massage oil was divine, and the therapist wasn't overly chatty - which is a GOOD thing when you're relaxing. I do need to own the oil though, and will have to ring up to see if they sell it as it also left my skin lovely and soft to boot.

I then turned straight over for my 25 minute facial, which was bliss - I love having my products applied by a therapist as I can never manipulate my hands/fingers to do the same to my own face, which usually just ends up in me slathering product on willy nilly, which isn't half as enjoyable and probably a little less effective, to some degree.

Image from Buyagift website.

After our treatments, we headed to the pool area where we indulged in a little sauna time, before swimming back to our loungers to relax. I must say, I really didn't want to use the pool much after having these lovely products applied to my skin, so I would recommend booking in treatments for when you're finished with swimming and such like to get the most benefit to your skin.

We didn't visit the gym area (or do any classes), as we were there purely for the relaxation and pampering, but the gym looked great for those of you who would be interested in using those facilities (which you can, in this package).

No food is served/available in the venue, however there's a couple of small supermarkets close by that you can go out to get some food from, and eat within the venue. Drinks can be bought via vending machines (tea, coffee, isotonic drinks and water from what i I could tell) that can be taken into the relaxation room - which is a lovely room with beds for chilling out - I loved this, so simple but so effective.

All in all, it was a lovely day, I'm not sure I'd pay the full, normal price that Bannatyne's Spa charge, but would happily pay the price that is currently being offered from Buyagift.co.uk with options of £75 for a visit anytime, or £65 for a midweek visit.

I'm tempted to buy one for my mum and I to go together for Mother's day as I think this would be the perfect experience for her - although there are other options available here: Gifts for Mother's Day!


*The visit was provided free of charge from Buyagift, but my views are, and always will be unchanged by this.

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

My First Michael Kors Watch - MK5361!

I had lusted after a Michael Kors watch for a long time before I got my hands on one, partly because I couldn't choose which one I wanted from all my favourites, but also partly as I had a secret yearning for the most expensive (and glitzy) one I'd seen at around £449-499... the MK5361.

I finally decided to go for this one when I saw it on sale (half price), late last year; I quickly made it my own and have treasured it ever since. It's beautiful, a total statement watch and I love it.

It's bigger than any other watch I own, I'd say that I've ever owned, but I owned a pop swatch 'back in the day' and whilst they weren't quite so substantial, they were rather large. It's also heavier than any watch I've ever owned, but not so much that it gets in the way and rather surprisingly, I find it very comfortable.

I don't wear it like a standard watch, I don't sleep in it and I certainly don't bathe/shower in it but it still gets a huge amount of wear from me. I reach for it a lot in place of a bracelet/bangle as I find it more comfortable, since it's more snug fitting and doesn't ride up and down my wrist yet still as 'decorative'.

I'm led to believe that the crystals on the face and bezel are swarovski crystals, but whatever they are, they're gorgeous - sparkly but actually not to the point of overdoing it.

I can't gush about this enough, but owning it has only given me the taste for more. There's about 4 others that I'd like, but in particular a rose gold one quite similar to this, that I'd like to own (and have been lusting over in Selfridges in Manchester, whenever I go in).

I'm trying desperately to justify paying the £400 price tag for it, but so far I haven't managed to do so - especially when it would be instead of being spent on something more sensible like paying the money off the mortgage, or putting it towards the wedding/things for the house and the million other things we need.

As soon as I can, I'll find out the model number of that one to show you (for you to lust after too?)... but until then, here's a few more gratuitous pictures of mine. Apologies for the slight over exposure in some of the pics, I really wanted to show how the crystals caught the light - so my pictures don't do it as much justice as it should.

What do you think? x

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk

EOTD with Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara!

I love long, full looking lashes, but I'm totally rubbish with false ones. I either fail to get them on, looking good and then staying put, or, I run out of time to faff around with them for long enough to get them on etc, so a good mascara is always high on my list of beauty must-haves.

A good mascara can make your lashes look amazing, but I've never come across one that has truly made my lashes look like I'm wearing falsies (in a good way), until now. 

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara has very quickly become one of my favourite mascaras, since it pretty much does exactly what it says on the tube, which can be a a rarity in these days of lash inserts and photographic 'enhancement' via Photoshop. 

Just look at the pictures, every one of these, apart from the first one below has 2 (light-ish) coats of the mascara and was taken at the end of the day, so you can see how well it lasts too.

One light coat, no lash curling or other make-up!

I am very impressed with this stuff, I had at least 3 people in one day asking me if I was wearing false lashes, something I've rarely encountered before bu found to be reassuring that other people also thought my lashes looked as good as I did. 

It's also effortless to use, the wand works brilliantly and seems to do most of the work for you, which is always welcome with me. It's hard to believe that this mascara only costs around £11 as if I'd done a blind test, I'd have easily believed it if I was told it was a £20+ mascara.

My 'extra' eye make-up in the pictures below consists of 3 shades from the Urban Decay Naked palette (the original one): Virgin and Sin in the inner corner and over the lid, and Darkhorse in the socket. It's a very simple look, but one I find myself wearing quite a lot during the day.

Excuse the hair and robe, it was pyjama o'clock when I took this photograph.

You can see the 'stain' left on my lips from my Rouge Volupte lipstick, shade 10, Provocative Pink - another long lasting and impressive product.

 

False Lash Effect Mascara was a PR sample (views are unchanged by this), the rest of the make-up mentioned/worn in this post was purchased by myself.

This post originated at www.thebeautyscoop.co.uk