Rimmel's Scandaleyes Kohl eyeliner

Merry Christmas one and all :) while travelling abroad I have a few moments to blog, so thought I would tell you about the latest product I am RAVING about! It is Rimmel's Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl eyeliner. I have heard some great reviews about this eyeliner, so I wanted to try it for myself. Before, I was using MAC's eyeliner in 'engraved', which is a great eyeliner (especially for contact wearers like myself !) , but of course costs a little more. It also has the tendency to smudge towards the end of the day, so I wanted a budge-proof eyeliner on a budget. This eyeliner definately ticks all the boxes! It gives quite a smokey finish, which I like as I hate it when eyeliners look too harsh and artificial. This is therefore briliiant for taking a look from day to night, as I think it is perfect for a stunning day time look, as well as highly suited for an evening out. Do go and buy, at £3.99 why wouldn't you ?!

For more info and colour options, click here for the Rimmel site.

Miss V x

Cologne and Cotton

Everyone likes to take a little time to get lost in beautiful shops, and this is what I did when I re-visited my much loved haunt of Cologne and Cotton. After a few years spent close by to the Kensington store, this shop is a place I like to come to look at the gorgeous soaps, perfumes and cottons that this store encapsulates. The items in the shop are quite unique and all of a very high quality, and the presentation of the shop is of a significant level of sophistication. The staff are welcoming, allowing you the space to look around but on hand should you have a query. In my view this is a fabulous place to pick up gifts, as everything is something you would want to receive! If you have the chance do go in if you see a Cologne and Cotton. It certainly won’t be long till I return !

Miss V x

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes and Bourjois Black Jack Volume Clubbing Mascara

I don’t know where I would be without mascara and I know a lot of you would agree with me! I get a bit overwhelmed with all the different options out there for mascaras, and the prices can vary a great deal. So I thought I would compare two volumizing mascaras with different price tags and tell you what I thought!

The first is the highly acclaimed Givenchy Phenomen-Eyes. Most notably is the packaging of this mascara – it is gorgeous! I couldn’t wait to try this out when I received it as a present, and was very intrigued by the orb like brush. So did my lashes have volume? When you first put on this mascara, it is quite striking and does really open up your eyes. I felt like all my lashes were covered and it gives enough volume for a day-time look. Another reason why I wanted to do this review however is that I am a contact lense wearer, so I need my mascara to last all day without smudging and that is compatible with wearing contacts. Unfortunately, as the day went on, this mascara did smudge around my eye area. It isn’t a massive downfall, as it takes a few seconds to wipe away the smudge – but it wasn’t what I expected from Givenchy cosmetics! However I am aware that maybe this is because I wear contacts – so it would be great to hear if anyone else disagrees with me, or has also had this problem.

The volume mascara that I am comparing Givenchy’s mascara with is the Black Jack Volume Clubbing Mascara from Bourjois. I am afraid I am probably already biased towards Bourjois Volume Clubbing mascaras because I think they are all absolutely fantastic! I first tried Volume Clubbing mascara a couple of years ago and couldn’t believe the volume! My eyes literally looked double their normal size, and I was wearing it during the day with natural makeup, and also when going out in the evening. The major thing for me with this mascara is that is never smudges. A day in a gale wouldn’t  budge this range of mascaras! The volume is significant and for me it is probably better than Givenchy. It says on the Black Jack mascara that it has ‘light-reflecting micro-particles of gold’ in its composition, but I think this mascara isn’t dissimilar to the rest of the volume clubbing mascaras. As a contact lense wearer this is a perfect mascara for me, and lasts a long time.

Quite honestly if the volume clubbing range had the packaging of the Givenchy phenomenal eyes it would be the ultimate mascara! Let me know if you have tried these mascaras, or if you think another mascara gives shocking volume!

Miss V x

Pastel Polish Adore

I got this polish from Pixi in Carnaby treet - a fabulous make up boutique that has some really great products ( feel free to click here to have a peek at my Pixi review !). One of the polish brands they do is Pop beauty. I really like their polishes because the colours are bold and they are also a really good quality. 

   

I really like this quite neutral, yet quite confident 'Lavender Love' shade. It is actually quite hard to be sure what the colour is - I would say it is like a very very pale grey, with a hint of indigo (the colour is so washed out I would say lavender is a bit strong, but it is gorgeous anyway!). I wear a lot of neutral colours so this fits my wardrobe perfectly, and the colour will stay put for a good week. 

One thing you could do is add a mattifying top coat to really create that subdued colour effect. This Rimmel one literally does last 10 days as the bottle claims, and is great for any of your pastel polishes.

Miss V x

Be Beautiful (& nice about it)

As my better blogging half will tell you, I am a  sucker for natural & ethical beauty products. I spend an embarrassing amount of time looking up new eco/animal/pocket friendly brands, and as us girls (and some blokes) like to look good, to me it makes sense that the products we use do good too. Here are my three new-found favourite treats, all of which have their own special place in my grooming basket, and are the creations of two companies that are changing the face of the cosmetic industry.

L-R: Model's Own Nail Polish in Stormy Night, Trichomania by Lush, &Silky Underwear, also by Lush

Pro Nail Polish by Models Own (Stormy Night is my favourite)

I'll be honest, when it comes to make up, I'm pretty clueless &tend to use a mere slick of eyeliner, even when I'm going out. I make up for this lack of macquillage with a magpie like addiction to nail polish, especially the fruits of Models Own. What I like about this brand (besides the wealth of hues on offer), is their '3- Free' formula and no- go attitude towards animal testing. Kinder to you, furry creatures and the planet? A job well done.


Trichomania by Lush

Thanks to my Dad's genetic make-up, I've got a somewhat unruly mass of curls a'top my head. Judging from the beauty sections of many women's magazines, ringlets are much coveted. Yet, as I'm sure many curly haired folk will tell you, they can be a right royal pain in the behind. In my case, frizz abounds, and I have always been on the look out for something that will tame my misbehaving tresses. Step in Lush, with their wonder of a solid shampoo. It might look like an ordinary bar of soap in the above photo, but it packs a punch. This stuff not only smells beautiful (it's packed full of coconut), it lasts for ages due to its concentrated make-up, and it actually works, delivering soft, silky &defined curls that manage to stay frizz free all day long. Thanks to this wonder bar, my straighteners have been banished to the bottom drawer in my dressing table, & I'm beginning to understand all the fuss about curly hair.


Silky Underwear by Lush

Ok, don't confuse this for the talcum powder of yesteryear, it's much more exciting. I'll be honest, I brought this dusting powder mainly due to it's gorgeous jasmine scent, but as I soon found it, that's not all this humble looking bottle delivers. It's made up of lashings of crushed up cocoa butter, so it doubles up as a moisturiser of sorts, leaving your skin uber soft. They say 'it's all anyone needs to wear', and while I may not be brave enough to test the theory out, you may well be.


Miss D x

Great British Nails

Isn't the Olympics a wonderful opportunity to have fun with fashion? I am so proud of GB as it is my home team, but it is so fantastic how we are all rooting for each other, and making this a spectacular Olympics. Did my own manicure inspired by olympic cool :), catch them on Grazia Daily too!

Happy Olympics to all countries, you are all stars.

Miss V x

Star of the Month: Emily Eddington

July has been a busy summer month, but someone needs to be acknowledged for being genuinely fabulous, and this month it is dedicated to Emily Eddington.

I cam across Ms Eddington from browsing beauty videos on Youtube. She is so genuine and down to earth I feel like she is a personal stylist and make-up artist! If you haven't already do check out her videos here, so much great advice and beauty tips, as well as make up reviews. The experts in the beauty industry, and those behind the brands are of course paramount for keeping up to date with the latest must haves for your make up bag, but bloggers are also where we need down to earth advice from people who want genuinely effective products! Do visit her blog and watch some of her reviews, it has changed my opinions on a lot of products.


Emily is also a news anchor, I am pretty sure she is invincible!


Thanks so much Emily, you well and truly deserve our star of the month!


Emilys blog can be found here : http://www.beautybroadcast.net/

Miss V x

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

This cream is held in high esteem by just about everybody. A runway essential.  A sunbather’s soother. A lip quencher. So why is it the backbone of Britain’s beauty bag?

I have had Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour cream in my bathroom cabinet since my early teens. My mother advised me of its utility for skin irritations, and it is something I still replace without question (I cannot say this is the same for many a product that I use once and only once). I mostly use it as a lip balm, but it is very effective on bites, sunburn (my time in Barbados earlier this year confirmed its effectiveness) , it is brilliant for your cuticles and I’ve had very good feedback of its care of blemishes.

I’ve experienced that a little goes a long way (the texture is quite greasy, so plastering you face as I did with it once isn’t a great look). However add a small amount to your moisturizer and you can illuminate your complexion. I actually love using it over a lip colour, as it creates a lovely gloss, keeping lips from becoming too dry.

 Are you keen on Eight Hour, and how does it work best for you?


Miss V x

You cannot go wrong with Liz Earle

I am in love with Liz Earle Beauty products, so much so that I thought I would give a big product review of their cleansing range! I recently received lots of their goodies for my birthday, so here is a speedy review for all those intrigued by the Liz Earle Range!

Instant Boost Skin Tonic -  Basically a toner, but with a difference – no harsh chemicals and very energising for your skin. Some toners I find just dry out your skin, but this calms down any redness and is great for combination skin as it gives that extra cleanse.

Skin Repair Moisturizer (dry/sensitive) – Liz Earle do different moisturizers depending on the skin type that you have. Mine is combination, so for the day I use their combination cream, but this is great for dryer skin types or in fact when used as more of a night cream. Tip: keep moisturizer in the fridge, cooling and refreshing!

Skin Repair Light Moisturizer (combination/oily) - A real all time fave, because it sits so well under makeup. It is very light but very hydrating, and the bottle seems to last ages.

Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser -  there are a lot of reviews out there about just how good this cleanser is. They do not lie. It takes off your makeup, it exfoliates and best of all – it leaves your skin crystal clear. I honestly have had less to complain about when it comes to my complexion. I do not joke when I say I will probably never use a different cleanser!

Spot on -  If you have a really bad whelk of a spot, you might need something a bit more concentrated than the Liz Earle zit stick. For enlarged pores, or you feel a zit lurking under the surface, then this is great for any-time-of-day treatment (can be applied over makeup!). Unlike a lot of over the counter spot solutions, this also does not contain anything that could damage your skin.

Eye make up remover – I am a contact lense wearer, and get quite nervous about putting ay chemicals near my eyes. This eye makeup remover is very effective but not only that, my eyes look bright and I have had no sensitivity from this product. It is also a good product for anyone who suffers from milia, as it is very cleansing.

Superbalm – a very soothing and gorgeous scented lip balm. Melts on the lips and very hydrating.Can be used on cuticles to stimulate nail growth and soothe any dryness.

Has Liz Earle helped your skin too?

Miss V x

Lasting colour, happy customer.

Just a post-it really here to rave about Collection 2000 nail varnish! I am a nail varnish hoarder and love lots of different brands, and yet I have not ever paid much attention to Collection 2000. But...dare I say it, too cheap? Too ordinary?

Man, I was wrong.

A really lovely finish, very shiny and professional looking coverage. It also is chip-free for the best part of a week!


Miss V x

Pretty as a picture, perfect as yourself

I am such a victim to vanity. 

To say I idly flick through a glossy mag while rolling my eyes and filing my nails would be a misrepresentation of the truth. I am the girl who buys a magazine and then studies it like I am going to be graded on it. Every time those words are embellished on the front cover, promising within its contents instructions on “how to get more toned/less spots/prettier complexion/shinier hair”, I’ve already sussed out the mag and am on my way to the counter.

I, like many of you I’m sure, then do a little calculation (and trust me maths wasn’t normally my strong point) on what products I’ve then been seduced to invest in  (“oooooh I need this product because: my hair does look flat/ my teethcould be whiter/ my eyeslashes need lengthening etc) . But we always end up somewhat deflated don’t we? Somehow we still see the same person staring back at us. With the same homework/bills to pay/cat to feed.

Well I’ve decided that girl will just have to do.

And you know what? She looks great just as she is. And so do you.

This new leaf came when it suddenly dawned on me that as I naturally am, I am never going to be the girl on the billboard. These girls have always looked infallible. My pores sometimes look to me like craters on the moon, my mascara always runs, and I think sometimes I look a bit like a chimp. Yet how I naturally am – is me. The bigger version of the same little girl who had certain dreams and aspirations and is now all grown up.  These models on the billboard are real too, but what is not realistic is their portrayal here – we don’t all go around with the perfect lighting/make-up artist/ airbrush computer tool , and neither do they away from their work. So we need to start liking ourselves for who we are a bit more, and compare our image to others a bit less. There will always be someone who thinks you look great, just as you are.

I’m still wearing my mascara, and I still own a mirror by the way. But I am trying to be happier a bit more with what God gave me.  We shouldn’t have to change ourselves, we should however really like ourselves – be who you are.


Miss V x

Nail colour crazy

We all love nail drama. But is this summer about the pastel shades or going statement bold?


[from left: 'No Mambo Jambo' by H&M, 'Fairy Cake' by Boots 17, 'Golden Treasure' by H&M, 'Jungle Red' NARS, and Nails Inc free polish in June edition of InStyle magazine]


Miss V x

Liz Earle Beauty

This week I visited the Liz Earle flagship store in Sloane Square. But before I tell you about what I thought of their new cosmetic range,  I need to fill you in on why you need to throw away your cleanser and moisturiser,  and why you need to fall in love with Liz Earle products.


I have always had quite random skin. Sometimes it would feel comfortable and look clear, yet it also has this remarkable ability to rebel, freak out, and break out. In your twenties, this is not cool. I have used a real variety and range of products, from cheap over-the-counter quick-fixes to expensive labels. Yet none of them have really been terrific. 


Until I used Liz Earle cleansing products.


I came across Liz Earle products by total chance. Channel flicking late one night I got distracted by the beauty program on QVC, where Kim Buckland (the co-founder along with Liz Earle herself) was showing the well established cleansing product range. Kim really seemed to know her stuff, and I was impressed by the apparent simplicity of the products. No harsh chemicals. No animal testing. No drama.  Just natural ingredients to soothe and nourish. Well, it turned out I was the last to know about Liz Earle Products. Friends, family and neighbours (both women and men) were telling me how effective the products are, and how good they are for your skin. Convinced, I bought the cleanser, moisturizer and 'polish cloths' (for effective daily exfoliation).


A month later, I am standing in Liz Earle Sloane Square a day or two after the launch of their new make- up range - a new line with a generous delivery of different products, all with kind, non-fuss ingredients. How is my skin? Evidence of its success is the reason I am back, and want more. Another customer approached me, paying me the compliment that my skin was glowing. She had never used Liz Earle products but after we chatted, I hope now I have managed to convince her. The new make up line itself is really sleek and I urge you to go and see for yourself : http://uk.lizearle.com/. That day I bought one of their new Sheer Lip glosses, which gives a hint of colour and great moisturisation. 


If you are thinking of updating your makeup bag, or looking for a new perspective on cleansing, then Liz Earle products understand beauty, because they understand our skin.


Miss V x

Charmed by Pixi

Pixi Glow? I am glowing after this brand.

The floral feminine packaging of each Pixi piece is so lovely. It reminds me of the style of Paul & Joe make up, having a classic yet boho feel to their products. I have now brought several things from Pixi, and haven't felt let down in the slightest. Personal favourite: Illuminating Tint and Conceal is the all rounder and very compact for face paint (as well as offering perfect coverage in virtually a light concealer and moisturiser!) . Today's purchase: Petal Jam in Budding Berry - literally the most gorgeous smelling lip tint (have to stop myself eating it...) and really moisturizing, plus it actually looks like a travel-size jam jar!. The staff are professional and genuine, and the make up is worth every penny (which doesn't ask for a extortionate amount of them either!).


Pixi have the most darling shop in Carnaby St, London and can be found at Boots too!


Miss V xx

Natural Beauty Treats

Shhh...beauty tips here. Miss D loves natural products, and these are two of my personal favourite natural treats.


Manuka Honey - tastes great on toast, and is great for your face, keeping your complexion clear and nourished. Either get it in its pure form 250g from Holland and Barrett at £10.49

Or Holland and Barrett do a great mask version (less sticky!) 

Dr Organic, Organic Manuka Facemask £7.19




Another great natural beauty treatment is  Apple Cider Vinegar. You need to be careful as it is quite strong (both in acidity and smell!) So seek advice before using, but it is very cleansing and anti-bacterial. I have used it as a toner and a small amount in bottled water (lemon juice in water however is another cleansing option, much preferred in taste!) and the results are really good.

This is Aspal Organic Cyder Vinegar at £1.75 (I personally think however that Braggs is the best)


Do you have any other great home beauty remedies?


Miss V x

Beauty, well-being, and water.

from Shannon Jackson via Pinterest


Every time I go for a jog, I think 'damn -  forgot the water bottle again'.


About 100 yards up the road, I am dragging my struggling limbs to the nearest bench for a breather. Probably also have a stitch. Inevitably, I am longing for my Evian.


Our bodies are made up of something like 60% of water, so it seems mega important that we keep it topped up. But, I don't know about you, but I find it really difficult to actually just drink water. 10am in the morning, the only liquid I want is a coffee, and dinner out is lovely with a glass of Pinot (great, two diuretics at the weekend  - no wonder I'm thirsty). 


Yet we are all told aren't we that we should be drinking our 8 glasses/ 2 litres a day. It is great for our pores, our organs, the shine on our hair and our general well-being. I have read countless articles where some gorgeous A- lister has thanked their personal trainer and their water consumption for their glowing looks (I am,often quite skeptical that this is all that is involved, however) 


But, I have decided to really give it a go. I am going to drink 8 glasses a day, and report back in 2 weeks how I feel. I am guinea-pigging my work performance, my complexion, and how well I can jog around that block, and in 14 days, I will let you know how I got on. 


If Jen looks this good after water, then pour me another.


Miss V x

Paying for your Product or Paying for its packaging?

{via Pamela Heywood from alwynwturner.com}


It is pretty easy to be taken in by ornate bottles, sleek boxes and stylish brand fonts, not to mention luxurious ad campaigns. But in the end, is the actual gift worth the gab?


We are in quite a tense time in the economy. I get it -brands don't want to lose business, and I'm not saying that sometimes, a little expenditure proves worthwhile in the long term. But then, we also don't want to be paying quite so much, that the only person actually benefiting is the cheeky manufacturer.


Someone was telling me the other day that it is a clever marketing ploy to raise the price of products, not because of the highly sought after ingredients used in certain cosmetics, but because it raises the prestige, and therefore the demand, of the brand. The stats show that we are more likely to buy the expensive brands than the cheaper alternatives because we assume the price indicates the effects. In our minds, cheap stuff  = minimal magic, whereas £80 for a thumb nail pot must be the miracle cure we have been searching for.


But quite often though, we are disappointed that the products haven't proved their price-tag. So how can we avoid making the same mistakes again when we are next taken in by some clever marketing and a large array of numerals? Firstly, check the ingredients. Not many of us are chemists, but we can all play 'snap' pretty well, and when you read the small print, quite often we become suspicious that we are paying more for what is virtually the same ingredients as the store's 'own brand' variation. Second - read reviews. Youtube, blogs, or fashion/beauty websites will tell you if the product is actually worth buying whatever its cost, so listening to those who have tried-before-you-buy, could save you your bank balance and a massive disappointment.


Again, don't get me wrong, some products out there are a lot of money and deliver great results - I think Eve Lom for instance, is one of those more high end, but high quality brands. But don't dismiss the cheaper alternatives - remember the Waitrose baby butter at under £3 was deemed the new Creme-de-la-mer? . Don't be conned by consumerism - it costs not to be cautious. 


Any recommendations out there of great value for money buys? Or cosmetics that you think are really worth their cost?


Miss V x