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

Stunned by The Phantom Card

Of late we have seen just slight glimpses of good weather. And every time we do, it’s a cause for celebrating. Not long ago I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening at Pepper Dining, a fabulous Indian restaurant with very good food. A little group of us had a very nice meal, but the evening was made perfect, all thanks to a bit of plastic. The highly acclaimed Phantom Card.

This card is causing quite a stir among twenty-something’s who enjoy sophisticated evenings out in so many different lovely restaurants, but are also wise with their cash, and I was excited to put it to the test myself. Now I am NOT someone who is easily swayed. Nor am I someone who tends to go along with such offers, because I always think they are a bit, well, naff. Somewhere there will be a catch, or the deal is never really that good. But this card is genuinely different.

With the Phantom Card, you sign up for a year’s membership that becomes your hot ticket to eating out and socializing at great venues for dramatic value. A one off payment and say goodbye to big bills and dampeners on your evening. Let’s get real – these economic times make going out harder, as we are watching what we spend, and spending less time going out with our friends and having a good time. It doesn’t have to stay like this. It’s time for us to have some wonderful food, glam up for some very exciting restaurants and do it all over again a week later. Because with this card, you can.

If you don’t believe me, then take a look for yourself. Here is a snapshot of my bill. The bill would have been £54.10. I paid £35.93. I know what you are thinking, I literally jumped for joy right there (don’t forget that often when using this card you are in rather lovely places, so proper behaviour is still your responsibility!)

The amount that the card is protecting you from having to pay is just unknown with any other discount scheme.  It is the evolutionary accessory that I now absolutely adore.

Plan ahead, get the card, spread the word.

We like to spoil you here on She Thinks She Speaks. Enter the very exclusive SHETHINKS code for £15 discount on membership. 

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

Dandelionhead Jewelry

Simplicity is at the heart of great jewellery. Raw talent and a story to be told won’t go unnoticed.  Katharine Irwin, founder of Dandelion head, is an ingenious new designer with some real flair – headlining with her own dandelion hair.

Dandelion Head is jewellery with sentimentality. This is evident from  Katharine’s first collection. This collection is influenced by her grandmother, who in humble circumstances fashioned  beautiful clothes by hand along with her sisters.  Her gift to her granddaughter,(someone who clearly has already been gifted with her grandmother’s eye for design), was a jar of buttons.  I too, was given a jar of buttons by my granny. But while when I was small I would pretend these fastenings were currency for my ‘shop’ , Katherine these days put’s her materials to much better use. The earrings have a wonderful antique feel to them, each a one of a kind set, with many different designs to choose from.

This more vintage collection is diversified by the flash of colour of her eclectic “All the colours” collection. It is daring in colour but feminine in design. True to her own wardrobe, Katie comments on this collection “the buttons and flowers I wanted in as many colours as possible, as sometimes you just want a matching shock of colour to coordinate and not be a statement”.  They give off a hint of illumination that cannot help but catch your eye. Her jewellery in this and her Little Animals Collection are absolutely lovable, proving  jewellery doesn’t always have to be taken seriously – a great philosophy from someone who is serious on talent.

Friends, family and fond memories are the reasons behind Katie’s latest  Nautical Collection and Tea Party Collection .This collection of all ships and sailing things is a popular collection for Katie, and it is easy to see why with its sailor mood. Katie’s tea party collection is my favourite – I love the miniature tea cups and tiny dolly dishes, a thought Katie had had when salvaging her much loved doll house as a gift for her niece. It is really encouraging to come across such a passionate and gifted artist as Katie is.  A designer to take note of – I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot of her. If you are interested in Katharine’s  jewellery ,  then make haste to  Dandelion Head Facebook Page.

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

Wavy and Curly Hair Product Review

Miss V:

There are a lot of products for hair out there. Too many. One can feel overwhelmed walking around department stores at all of the promises of each individual brand. This is especially the case with hair products. I have actually stood there in the middle of the pharmacy in a genuine dilemma over whether I should be concentrating on my split ends, boosting roots,or expertly anti-frizzing.

Yet, recently a wonderful advisor in Space NK told me that the best advice she had heard from an expert hairdresser was the importance of keeping the routine simple. Which is remarkably hard to do – given all our hair types, and multitude of styling/condition requirements.  Now my hair is quite wavy (the outcome of the gene maths when one parent has poker straight hair and the other a mop of curls), and while a great recent haircut did wonders for maintaining the wave (seriously, if your tresses need pruning, this can work wonders) I am always on the look out for better ways to define the ‘do.  Definition, in my eyes, is not a problem for Miss D’s hair. Gorgeous corkscrew curls frame her face, positively cherub-esque, however, as she will also fill you in, she has certain requirements of her products that must be met in order to be hair-happy.

So we talked ‘tousle’, and this is what we got.

Miss D here!


I've dubbed myself 'mop- head'. Why? Because I have a mostly unruly mass of curls atop my head. I know I should love what I've got, and I do quite enjoy the fact that my hair type is apparently much sought after by many women, but it can sometimes be a bit of a pain, proving to be big, frizzy, &not that sexy. Yet, I've managed to find a few products that help tame my mane.To boot, I only ever use products that haven't been tested on animals, &I aim to use potions &lotions without SLS, parabens or any other nasties. :) So here you go...(straight after Miss V's wave review :)). 

Miss V: The Wave Review

·         Umberto Giannini Scrunching Curl Friends jelly £4.79 [Score: 1/5 ]

Really poor product considering its ‘designer’ label. My waves felt weighed down and sticky, and scrunching seemed to create a birds-nest, not hair-best! Possibly more of a strict – corkscrew curl product, but did nothing for waves.

·         Boots Essentials Curl Crème, £1.32 [Score: 4.5/5]

Funny how sometimes the best products are in the most basic packaging and with the lowest price tag. I had heard rumours this product was worth trying, and considering it was costing me about the same as a Latte, I thought it was worth the risk. The product smells pleasant, can be used on wet or dry hair, and upgraded my waves to almost curl status! If you fancy trying any of these waverers, then for me this is one of the most Barnet and budget beneficial.

·         Aveda  Be Curly Curl Enhancer, £17.50 [score 3/5]

This is a good product to have on your shelf. However, would I buy it again? Maybe. If I’m honest for wave definition it is ok. What for me is really good about this product is that it combats any frizz wonderfully. However, the price-tag is pretty extortionate.  You pay for the name, and for my hair type, I’m not sure I can afford the re-introduction.

·      Pantene Mousse Defined Curls, £2.99 [score 3.5/5]

I’m quite a fan of mousses – I think they can be great for adding a bit of body/texture to your hair. The size of the bottle shows how it lasts for ages, and I have had no problem with the mouse whip going flat (I guess this is the same worry of people making a meringue). Good hold, imagine it is great for anyone wanting to prep for rollers/curling tongs.

·       Samy  get curls curl re-activator £4.67 [score 5/5]

The wave fave. It looks like a serum, yet its consistency is really light-weight and non-sticky (if anything it is more like wave fluid). You can use however generously you want, and it maintains hair softness and definition. Price tag is pretty reasonable – the bottle is a good size, and most importantly for me, my waves stay wavy.

Miss D: The Curl Review


Paul Mitchell, Round Trip, £12. 95 { 3/5}
Ok, so I've heard good things about this brand, and I love that they've always been cruelty free. The company itself is pretty ethical, too. Naturally, I guessed that all their stuff would be pretty damn good. I read about Round Trip, and thought it might be worth a try, yet with a steep price tag, I decided to search out a sample instead. The results? Honestly, it was ok... For such a boutique-y product, I expected frizz free, defined curls. Yet after my  hair was left to dry naturally, it still looked pretty unruly, and in need of extra serum/ anything else to keep it at bay. However, the product felt light on my locks, &I didn't get the dreaded 'crunchy' feeling some products deliver. Would I buy a full size bottle for almost £13? Mm, probably not. 


John Freida, Ease Curl Reviver Corrective Styling Mousse, £5.29 {4/5}
For such an affordable product, this delivered impressive results. I only needed a little bit to make my curls defined, bouncy, &frizz free (yay!). My hair wasn't weighed down, and I didn't need any serum to smooth it down. The only niggler for me is that I'm a little wary of using products that are heavily laden with chemicals &other substances I've never even heard of. Yet, as a cheap, go to product that you know will deliver results, this is definitely a good 'un.


Naked Curl Tamer, £3.98 {5/5}

First up, this stuff is bloody brilliant. Miss V has often told me that I could be Naked's brand ambassador (not what you're thinking...) because I'm a complete sucker for their offerings. After using a tiny bit of this mousse, my locks were frizz free, defined, &manageable. What's more, its silicone free formula makes sure that your hair isn't damaged or left a little flat by product build up. My verdict, if your curls are driving you barmy, this stuff is your winner. :)

Neal's Yard, Rosemary &Cedarwood Hair Treatment, £6.35 {4.5/5}

Strictly speaking, this isn't a product for curly hair. But it does serve as a luxurious de-frizzing masque for worn out hair. Plus, it's packed with essential oils so it smells beautiful! Leave it on for anything from twenty minutes to all night, and wash it off for a gorgeously soft barnet. I use it every fortnight, and it's definitely helped make my hair easier to contend with in the mornings!

Lush, Curly Wurly, £9.50 {3.5/5}

This shampoo is rammed with coconut, so it leaves your hair smelling delicious all day long. Seeing as it's a Lush product, you know it's (pretty much) all natural and packed with extracts which are actually good for your hair! It did leave my hair soft, but I needed extra products to tame my curls a little bit more. Also, the coconut shavings are a bit of a pain to comb out when you're in the shower, &I found the tub strewn with them after I climbed out, much to my flatmate's dismay. :)

Cake for your curls? Ooh, why on earth not?!

(Chef's hat optional).

{Via la vie en rose}