November Beauty Favourites

Neal's Yard Remedies - Aromatic Foaming Bath

(Included in the herbal organic bathing collection) £13.00 *

So as you may be aware from my last post, I was recently introduced to the brand Neal's Yard Remedies. Although I've heard of this brand for a long time I had never tried there products. Since I don't have a bath (just a shower, I miss my bath) I have been using the Aromatic Foaming Bath product to soak my feet. I never thought this would work but I've found it so relaxing. The smell is also incredible and soothing. I'm not normally a fan of herbal smelling products but I've found it very relaxing (obviously a glass of wine in hand helps too)

The Body Shop - Vitamin C Skin revive 30ml £13.00

The body shop is a brand I'm much more familiar with. I often forger to look in the body shop for good quality affordable make up and skin care, yet upon my little visit there last week to pick up a secret Santa present for a girl at work I noticed the skin revive cream/primer what I had tried a while back at there make up master class. I'm not sure whether to refer to this as a cream or a serum as it's texture is a little more unusual compared to other face creams. The reviver gives an instant radiance boost to skin and contains light reflecting practicals so it can be worn on its own or as a primer. I have noticed it makes my skin instantly more radiant and you can almost see the sparkling shimmer-esk effect (in a good way, it won't leave you with a shiny face). In addition I've found it helps my make up glide on so much easier. 

Rimmel London - Scandaleyes shadow stick, tempting turquoise £4.49

I've only worn this product a handful of times so far (it's not exactly day wear make up) yet every time I've had amazing compliments. Everyone seems to instantly assure with the bright blue colour its Urban Decay and are shocked when I tell them it's Rimmel. The colour is very easy to apply considering the pencil is chunky. The colour is very pigmented and is very easy to apply. The colour lasts well, in fact it lasts so well its a little hard to remove. Considering that's my only complaint the products an absolute bargain. Since I'm so impressed I can't wait to treat myself to a few more shades, the bad girl bronze looks pretty festive. 

Maybelline - Super stay 10hour tint gloss, timeless plum 380 £6.99

The product gives a nice tint and although the colour isn't as vibrant as other long wear lip glosses and lip tints the colour is good for both day and night wear. The shape of the brush is a little too round what makes it a little difficult to apply but this is just a small criticism. The price is very reasonable and one of the cheapest on the market for long wear lip tints. 

Show Beauty - Treatment oil  60ml £50.00

I've been raving to anyone and everyone about this products, looking a little weird asking my friends to feel my hair. For me this is my ultimate hair care product at the moment.

See my full review here.

What are your beauty favourites?

Sammie

An introduction to Neals Yard Remedies

I was recently invited down to Neal Yards Remedies for a spot of pampering although surprisingly I never knew they did spa type treatments. To me Neals Yard Remedies was the shop with the funny blue coloured bottles what I often walked past after work peering in curiously. Kind of like a child in a Christmas film wishing Santa will bring them a puppy as they look lovingly into a pet store. 

Why are all the bottles blue? The bottles are all a rather striking recognisable shade of blue, as this protects the products from direct sunlight. 

So I will admit despite walking past the shop on many occasions Neal Yards Remedies is a brand that I'm unfamiliar with and have not tried at all. As much as I was very content indulging myself in the free champers,cheese board and nibbles that were kindly laid out for the evening, I really wanted to learn more about the brand and why it's so unique.

I put my little blogger head on and got chatting and started asking a few questions. The one question I think that comes to mind when learning about a new beauty brand is quite obviously; what's your best selling product. Yet with the brand been an organic brand I simply was curious about what goes into the products.  

I was very pleasantly surprised to find that the brand regularly changes the ingredients to ensure all the ingredients used are sustainable and ethically sourced. Yet without compromising on quality.  

During all my pleasant little chit chats with the staff I started to notice not once was anyone trying to push a sale on me. A pretty rare thing at beauty events. All the staff I spoke to seemed interested in what I had to say. A wonderful little example of this was when I mentioned I suffer from dry hands in the winter, a few minuets late the advisor had popped behind the counter and whipped me up a little sample of cream personally for me. In addition to this when I began moaning how much I miss having just a shower and not a bath instead of trying to sell me a shower gel not a bubble bath, It was suggest I just soak my feet on an evening instead. I'm still genuinely shocked how good a tip this is. I have since been soaking my tired little tootsies on an evening with the geranium & Orange bath soak. It's so relaxing and perfect before bed time.

To top of my wonderful little evening I was introduced to the treatments that the store has to offer. Little did I know this is a gem of a place for spa type therapy treatments including Indian head message, facials, hot stone massages and reflexology.

I tried the reflexology. This again is something that's new to me and although some people get a nervous about people touching there feet, I actually rather enjoy it. I was in good hands with their therapist Judy Hall (who actually has a few celeb clients) who made me feel very relaxed. Reflexology as I found out stimulated heeling points through the body using pressure points in the feet. I don't want to sound too cliché here but I actually seemed to notice over the next few day I felt a lot more relaxed. This isn't something I've ever had before but I would defiantly go back.  

Have you been to Neals Yard Remedies?

Full list of treatments

Sammie

Halo hair extensions (The Halo) blonde hair guide.

I have always wanted the perfect thick flowing Barbie locks we so often see in magazines. I think we have all become so used to seeing girls with thick natural looking glossy hair that we no longer even questions if their hair is extensions or if their just a distant relative of Repunzel. I was recently introduce to Halo Hair Extensions and I have to say I am fully converted. I never thought hair extensions would be so easy to apply or the fact that they would ever excite me. 

I'm really finding it a little difficult to write this as I've always been against wearing hair extensions. Firstly I've always thought they are costly, damaging to hair, would require 1000 clips in my head what would most likely fall out after too many tequilas. Not to mention the price of good extensions. However I was recently introduced to The Halo by Halo hair extensions, what doesn't use any glue, clips or tapes but in fact used a "miracle wire" to secure the 100% human hair extensions in place. 

So quite obviously the pictures of cupcakes, sweeties and goody bags suggest I recently attended an event for Halo Hair extensions. This event came at a perfect time for myself. Not because of the Christmas party's and wanting to look my best with glamorous hair but because recently I've been madly researching hair extensions and have found the reviews (been somewhat of a hair extension newby) very confusing. I have no idea the difference between pre-bonded and micro rings and I'm pretty sure I can't be the only girl who feels that she would be only one who can't clip in her own clip in hair extensions. Plus been a blonde I really don't want to add any more damage to my own hair. 

Now I did tell a small white lie back then as when I say I'm a hair extension newby, I was in fact lying. I have hair extensions in a few years backs (Almost 3 years ago now, my my where does time go) I paid £500 for individual bonded hair extensions to be professionally applied. Now when first applied they looked fantastic I can't lie. I loved them, some girls hate the barbie-esk type hair but I love it, especially when it's well maintained. However I will still call myself a newby as after paying all that money I only kept the hair extensions in for a few months, I found having bleach blonde hair having hair extensions comes with it's own additional problems is time consuming and costly to maintain. 

I never really choose to have extensions again for a number of reasons. It wasn't my experience was bad but the money I spend didn't give the long lasting results I aimed to achieve. This was for a number of reasons.

I have my hair bleached. If you have seen my other photos and posts you will notice my hair is very white blonde. I really didn't notice just how light my hair is until it came to matching the extensions (the ones pictured are a little of my own colour in the lighting). So my first problem with permanent extensions was, bleaching my hair. Although it is advisable you can bleach your hair with permanent extensions. For me the possible knotting and tangling of the hair when bleaching with permanent extensions in seemed far too risky. For anyone whos had there hair bleached, the bleach requires a lot of shampooing to make sure its all removed and can feel gritty. So the thought of bleaching my hair with extensions in screams matted hair for me. Once I had the permanent extensions in I didn't bleach my hair, I ended up with hideous roots., it wasn't worth the money I had paid. When after around 6 weeks I wanted them out to have my hair bleached. 

Secondly the damage permanent extensions can cause. Ok so I'm sure there are many girls out there who wear extensions all the time and will swear to you they aren't damaging. Yet for me the whole process of having them glued in then having the glue more or less pulled back out of your hair (although not as painful as I just made it sound) is not good for any hair type. Been blonde my hair is especially prone to breaking and snapping and at the moment I've been doing all I can to prevent breaking. Let's face it anyone wanting to invest in hair extensions surly should be looking to keep there own hair as long and as healthy as possible. 

So why am I suddenly converted to Halo.

The Halo is non-permanent, doesn't require clips tugging at your hair and doesn't require permanent bonds. The Halo simply sit's comfortable upon your little head. Then blends in with your own hair. Ok a bad description there, so watch this video. As the extensions are also 100% remy human hair, they can also be dyed and toned to blend perfectly with your own hair colour. Although there are a good range of colours available and if your unsure simply email a picture to the experts and they are always happy to advise you. I love how easy they are to apply, seriously if I can do this anyone can. Finally it's affordable luxury, I know a trip to the salon is always nice but I love thae these can be applied to easily at home for those big nights out and how easy it can be removed. 

Hope you found this post useful.

Sammie

Dressing in the dark

  Jacket - ASOS (old)

Jersey top - Primark (£4)

Bag - River Island (old)

Leggings - Topshop (old)

Boots - New look (£39.99)

A little weird to post an outfit photo when my first reaction to these photos was did I get dressed in the dark? However I always love the photos Yuna takes regardless of what random outfit I have on. These outfit snapped were after the Neal Yard Remedies event last night, more to come on that tomorrow. 

As usual since I'm never prepared or punctual I was running late to this event. Having had to stay late at work this meant a quick touch up of make up, then to dash out in my work clothes. I'm really not sure what I was thinking with the tartan jacket (It's actually a rather cute jacket just not in the photos) and then a striped jersey top. It's one of the few long sleeve tops I own and in my rush to get to work that's what ended up hastily getting thrown on, I really need to buy more long sleeve tops for the winter. 

To add more clashes to the outfit I then picked up the bag I've currently been using what happens to be be a leopard print style satchel. If I'm totally honest although this entire accidental miss match looks a little ridiculous It's starting to grow on me in some ways. 

The boots are a current favourite and I've lived in them since I bought them on pay day (a whole 5 days ago). I previously featured them on a wish list at the start of the month here.

Also since the eye-make up caused a little stir at the blogger event, If anyone is wondering its the Rimmel Scandaleyes shadow stick in tempting turquoise. I'll be reviewing this in my monthly beauty favourites next week. 

Sammie

Mini cruise to Bruges

So this weekend me and my good friend Keeley headed of on a mini cruise to Bruge. Having never been on a mini cruise before I really didn't know what to expect or even the slightest idea where to begin packing. I was really unaware of what the ferry would be like on board or what to expect but I did expect it was going to be a tiring day travelling. I also will warn you know this is a long post so go put the kettle on...milk no sugar please. 

We began the journey on the train from Leeds to Hull and then boarded the ferry. We arrived a good few hours early to board the ship. Clearly because I'm so punctual, not because I had booked everything in the wrong name and I needed to correct this! The taxi from the train station cost £7 (I'll try update you all with prices etc in case anyone is thinking of booking and wants an idea) although there is a shuttle bus running once a day I believe.

The ferry soon departed and I waved goodbye to England...and possibility took a few iconic Titanic style poses on the deck of the ship (I won't share these). I then went back inside to have a brief panic we was now actually at sea there was no getting of and took a few sea sickness tablets. I have no idea why as I don't suffer with sea sickness at all but after the announcement regarding the location of life-jackets and that I should dress warm in the unlikely event of an emergency I felt I should try put myself at ease. Although I later found Grolsch and Baileys does a far better job. 

This also brings me on to my outfit. Of course since the ship sails at 5:30 and sails over night its best to dress warm and comfortable. As much as I would love to of been sailing on 5* cruise liner, this was cheep and cheerful P&O ferries, imagine Butlins at sea! I had chosen a simple jersey long sleeve top, a pair of black leggings, my trusty leather jacket and my new favourite tartan scarf. I pondered my choice of footwear long and hard after some people at work convinced me if the sea gets rough the toilets split out and drench the toilets floor and I didn't want any soggy socks...obviously this does not happen!

The cabins on-board are shall we say compact. We was both a little shocked at this but other than sleeping you really don't spend any time here at all. I bagged the top bunk first as quite obviously sleeping on the bottom bunk comes with the fear of having the top bunk collapsing onto me. Although falling of the top bunk is a  much more realistic fear I took my chances! 

After we dropped of the bags in the room we toured the ferry which had 2 large bars both with some entertainment (one man playing a piano, another woman killing classic karaoke songs) a casino (1 roulette table) a small cinema, 2 restaurants, duty free shops and a cafe. The bar was reasonably priced with 4 bottles of Grolsch or house wine for £12. (gaining extra value for money with the entrainment of opening the swing tops on the bottles). After a late night at the cheesy entrainment, too many beers and living life on the edge on my top bunk, we arrived in Bruges. 

My only idea on what Bruges was going to be like was all taken from the film In Bruges. So quite clearly I expected this place to be like a fairytale. I really wasn't disappointed.  

We headed to the main market square for breakfast. Sitting out under a canopy on the main square amongst the cobbled streets and exquisite buildings I really did have to pinch myself slightly at where I was. We sat and ate our delicious breakfasts as the chiming bells from the Belfry tower rang above the skyline, echoed by the sound of the clicking of the horses hoofs amongst the pavements.  

After a much needed breakfast we headed of to explore the magnificent city. We first came across the canal trips. The canal trips are a must for a quick way to see the city. Although I mainly focused on the worlds fittest tour guide, the short half hour trips offer a nice insight to the city with lots to see. Legend has it in 1488 when emperor Maximilian was imprisoned in the city and his councillor was beheaded, the councillors coat of arms featured a swan. When the emperor was released he ordered that swans be kept on the canals of Bruges for all eternity. 

We then followed the lingering smell of chocolate as we walked through the streets to the cutest chocolate shop. There's so much to take in with the most adorable boutique shops and restaurants around every corner. The chocolate shops are a must and although I'm not a chocolate lover if you don't enjoy the mouth watering chocolates here you never will. We also visited the chocolate museum what I wouldn't recommend.

The finally of the day was to climb the 366 stairs to the top of the Belfry tower. Trust me in the film there is no way they are running up and down those stairs. This is a rather hellish walk with narrow twisting stair cases what almost turns into a one foot ladder near the top. However the view from the top is worthwhile with stunning views across the city.

After all that hard work there was just enough time left to treat myself to one of the foods Bruges is most famous for...fries! 

Have you been to Bruges?

Sammie

Breakfast at Carluccio's

If you read my last post on Carluccio's you will know I wasn't impressed and left with very mixed views. I hadn't intended to go back however Saturday morning me and my friend Keeley headed of for an early morning breakfast in the city centre before our trip to Brugue. We had planned to go to La Tasca however when this was closed we headed to Carluccio's. I'm very pleased I gave the restaurant a 2nd chance and the breakfast was delicious. 

Uova pancetta - £6.75

Free range eggs (I had poached) with grilled pancetta on toasted Italian bread.

I ordered the uova pancette, bacon and eggs to me and you. I was given a choice on how I wanted my eggs and I had poached. The eggs were cooked perfectly with a soft runny yolk centre. The pancetta did look fatty, I'm of these bacon freaks who cuts off every bit of fat. However the pancetta was crispy with a smoky taste and tasted delicious. This was served on a thick slice of Italian bread. 

Breakfast bread tin - £3.95

freshly bakes croissant and toasted breads served with butter and Italian jam, honey or clementine marmalade. 

My friend ordered the breakfast bread tin. Although she said the croissant tasted a bit plain and wasn't very sweet the bread was thick sliced with fruit inside which was lovely and sweet. We was both unsure of what flavour the jam was but either way it was delicious. The toast with rich proper butter is always a win in my eyes for breakfast. 

The breakfast was reasonably priced and the service was good. The restaurant has a perfect atmosphere for a relaxing breakfast and it was the perfect start for the busy day ahead. 

What's your favourite place for breakfast?

Sammie

Monthly Shoe Wishlist

This post is up a little earlier than usual (I usually post around pay day) however at the weekend I'm packing my bags and heading to the fairytale town of Bruges. Hopefully I'll have more exciting things to share with you next week. So far this week seems to be going slow and is quite uneventful. Although I was successful in getting a new job, so maybe a little has happened. Plus I have finally seen the Coca-cola Christmas advert soooo holidays are coming. I guess I've got quite a lot to look forward to next month.

ASOS - Faith Cynthia slipper style heeled shoes - £50

I'm forever on the ASOS app my phone looking at new arrivals adding everything I see to the saved basket. I usually find this tactic pretty good as it gives me chance to really think about what I like and want before I buy it come pay day. It's also a really useful tip to save everything you like then when It comes to buying a dress for example instead of looking through the 100's of pages on ASOS you can look through your saved list of things you know you like.  Anyhow these shoes have been sitting in my saved basket for a while and every time I scroll past them they become more adorable. The cute almost Christmas-esk slipper style make me think if Cinderella had a 9-5 she would of worn these.

Topshop - Malta leather brogue boots - £45

These need to be on my wishlist as I'm really lacking in practical winter shoes. Ballet pumps and converse are not the warmest of footwear and although the rain and snow is still keeping at bay for the moment, this is England and it's inevitable. I love the vintage looking boots they always seem to look more classy and chic and at least when the gritty snowy roads get there hands on them it will add to there appearance. 

The Outnet - Christian Louboutin - Devidas 140 embellished suede pumps - £742.50

I guess the ultimate on every shoe lovers wishlist is a pair of Christian Loutoutins. I came across these on The Outnet which at the moment are stocking a number of pairs of Louboutins and jumped for joy as all the pairs in stock are heavily reduced in price. Sadly for me I still can't afford a pair at the moment but I think I will be saving my pennies and one day I know I'll be strutting around in my own red soles. The Louboutins I've currently fallen in love with above are adorable for winter heels and remind me of Russian doll shoes. 

Sammie

Work wardrobe wishlist

So for all of those who don't know this week my typical same old same old Monday at work was brightened up somewhat when I found out I got the new job I applied for. I'm excited for many reasons firstly the new job is more pennies (or as I prefer to think more shoes tokens) , secondly I'm back located in the city centre of Leeds (coincidently at my old office before my current department was relocated) and finally it's a job where I can dress like I'm actually going to work. 

The third statement may seem a little bizarre to some people who always dress there best 9-5 however as my current job is not public facing it allows me to rock up pretty casually which today included skinny jeans my best band t-shirt and a pair of Nike blazers. I don't think my new employer would be very impressed by my rather trendy yet casual get up. Yet weirdly enough I'm actually looking forward to getting up each morning putting together smart outfits and heading of to work with pride. I think also the thought of working back in the busy city centre will finally motivate me to take notice of my work appearance. I'm not saying I currently dress like a tramp for work but knowing other than facing the my work colleagues I see every day or the stray dog that lurks outside the office, there's no one to dress smartly for. 

So I thought I'd share with you my new work wardrobe wish-list (tongue twister or what). Surprisingly looking through all the smart fitting shirts and tailored trousers is actually taking over my shoe obsession at the moment. In contrast to the type of look I'm currently sporting for work I hate it when people pick up things and go "that will do for work". You spend most of your days at work so why not try to look your best. 

Anyway onto the wishlist. I was hoping to put together a collage and play around editing looks onto mood boards etc (my god that sounds sad) but technology is failing me. 

  

T M Lewin - Fitted white spot dobby shirt - £34.95

Not to start the list of with the most boring item going a plain white collar shirt but it is kind of a classic work staple to own. I think we can underestimate that when a plain shirt fits well it will always remain looking classy and sophisticated.

eBay - Statement necklace - £3.09

Not to seem too dull with my white shirt choice. I've been making note of statement accessories too. eBay always have cheap statement necklaces what you can pick up for under £5.

ASOS - Shirt with grandad collar and pintuck bib - £32.00

Back to shirts. I really haven't much of clue why I like this shirt so much. I'm torn between it looking dorky and classy, not a combination that ever come to mind so I think that's why I love it so much. 

Boohoo - Jasmine crop monochrome aztec jacket - £20

Moving away from shirts. As its is Winter and although I have no official start date through at the moment in door jackets are always nice to have. I am a rather cold person, as my grandma use to regularly say me; I have blood like chip shop vinegar. I've no idea what this saying actually means but either way I want to beat the chill in style. 

ASOS - High waisted trousers with seam detail - £25.00

Trousers are always easy to wear and ASOS have a great selection at the moment. When I think of black trousers I have a dreaded flash back to school trousers. I always wear skinny jeans and leggings so tailored skinny fitted trousers are far more my style yet appropriate and stylish. 

Boohoo - Chloe Dogtooth Pointed mid heels - £15.00

I was going to avoid featuring shoes as my monthly shoe wish list will be up soon.Yet I came across these and gasped, then gasped again when I saw they were a mere £15.00!! 

Ark - Tartan tunic dress - £26.99

I've had my eye on this dress fora while and wanted to buy it for the day of the interview but didn't have time. The dress looks ideal for wearing with black tights and a stylish coat for work but also trendy (it's really hard to say the word trendy in my head without sounding like the most uncool person ever) enough for a casual weekend. 

Next - Gold eau de parfum 75ml £12

Finally yes I'm including perfume and when you rush to next to pick this up you will thank me.

I think we're all guilty of buying the cheap on offer perfumes (usually brought out by a c-list celebrity or ex pop star) what typically end up smelling like something I created from my nana's garden roses as a child. So when we realise they don't smell too great we simply use the fragrance for work. I know the majority of us don't like splashing out on expensive perfumes for work. So when my mum came home a few days ago raving about the bottle of perfume she came across in next it reminded me there's often some brilliant in expensive fragrances that get over looked. Gold is pretty new to next and it's such a brilliant elegant musky type perfume.I have really no idea how to describe perfume to you but two of my all time favourite fragrances are Dior Addict and Paco Rabanne Lady Million and this is kind of a similar scent to the two except at a bargain price.

Sammie

Shoe Box Appeal (operation Christmas child)

There are many reasons why I love the shoe box appeal. Firstly I have fond memories of the shoe box appeal from primary school, the class would all bring in toys and toiletries and everyone in the school was given the morning out of class to help wrap up the boxes, colour in pictures to stick on them and help pack them. 

Secondly how could me of all people not support a campaign based around shoe boxes!

I know I'm often a little materialistic so it's nice to think about others and give something back for once. I will be honest I was unaware the shoe box appeal was still going until it popped in my mind a few weeks ago and to my surprise it is and there's still time to take part. 

Operation Christmas child has been going since 1990 and has delivered shoe boxes to over a 100 million children to disadvantaged children affected by poverty, war and natural disasters at Christmas.

To take part:

Find a shoe box

wrap it

Decide who the shoe box is for:

Girl or boy and what age category 2-4 5-9 10-14

(I decided to aim mine at a girl aged around 7 so my label will read girl 5-9)

Fill your box

See what to pack

Drop your shoe box of at your local drop of point, along with £3 to send the shoe box on it's way. 

Last drop of date is the 18th November

For more information see Operation Christmas child

I hope this encourages lots of you to take part. The scheme is in-expensive and toys and gifts don't have to be new just in good condition. I picked up the contents of my shoe box at a local supermarket and everything cost me under £10. I'm not one for preaching charity at people but the appeal is for a good cause and one that has remained close to my heart since a child. I thought this post would be a nice way to spread the message and hopefully encourage people to take part. 

Sammie

Shu Uemura make over - Harvey Nichols Leeds

Photo credits : Yuna - Tech Bunny

So last week myself and some other bloggers were all invited down to Harvey Nichols Leeds for one of their beauty events. The events offer a chance to see new products launched and learn more about the different brands. Not to mention free make overs, manicures and a whole host of other exciting treats plus free champagne. The tickets for the event cost £10 what was redeemable against purchases so I'm keeping my eyes open for the next one. 

The day of the event It's an understatement to say I arrived looking worse for wear. Having arrived caught in the rain with frizzy hair, make up less and not looking my best by all means. (a long story) I really was feeling a bit down and out of place. Luckily after Show Beauty spruced up my locks and Shu Uemura transformed my face, I left feeling and looking amazing.

I'm sure its not just me who feels a bit daunted by make up counters. Often I feel to approach the counters or ask for advise I need to be wearing full perfectly applied make up to be taken seriously (I'm looking especially at you Mac, Debenhams, White rose centre, Leeds). I know a lot of people have mixed reviews of make up counters and I'm no different. Luckily the make up artist at Shu Uemura was lovely, she put me at ease made me feel relaxed and made the who experience very enjoyable. Not to mention she did an amazing job. 

This is the part where I should really tell you about the products used however I was far too relaxed sipping my glass of champagne enjoying the whole experience and the blogger head went out the window. I also didn't take any photos of the actual application of make up although I know some other bloggers got some pictures so l'll be on the look out for their posts. So here goes with what I can remember:

The make over began with a cleaning process using the best selling cleaning oils. To create a smooth base for foundation and even out skin tone the make up artists used the UV under base mousse (this is a fantastic product and I'll definitely be making a purchase) and to create a radiant flawless looking skin she used the light bulb fluid foundation and then added the nobara cream cover stick concealer. After this I won't lie I cant remember. One of the tips I did pick up was on creating smoking eyes. I've mentioned smoky eyes is my weakness and one of the best tips is to use a brown/gold tone eye shadows and then add a darker black/grey colour to the corner of the eyes. I have since tried to copy the look she created and found the tips very effective. Finally no Shu Uemura make over would be complete without a set of there signature eye-lashes.  

I would like to thank the make up artist for such a lovely relaxing and enjoyable make over. (I'm now not so scared of make up counters), I feel rather rude in the fact I can't remember her name, although I'm pretty sure I'll be returning soon to pick up a few bits. I would also like to thank Yuna for the picture. Obviously after the make over I excitedly hurried of for drinks with my friends to show of my new look. I'm sure most of you recognise my favourite picture location, good old revolution toilets! Classy as always! 

The make overs retail at £40 for full make up (price list). I think I will defiantly be returning in the future for special occasions, Christmas, my birthday, when Harry Styles accepts my date request etc.  

Have you had a Shu Uemura make over?

What's your verdict? 

Sammie

Miracle hair product - Show Beauty treatment oil review

Show Beauty - Treatment Oil 60ml - £50 

So last week myself and some other bloggers were all invited down to Harvey Nichols in Leeds for one of their beauty events. The events are a chance to be introduced to new products and also there's chances to have manicures and make-overs. 

One of the brand we were all introduced to was Show Beauty. The brand is newly launched and is one of the first hair care products in the higher end of the hair care market. For years we've seen many high end beauty products and yet hair care seems to be over looked. 

The product is created by socialite Tamara Ecclestone who wanted to created a product that made hair smell, feel and look amazing as well as been a luxury indulgent product for hair. 

I must admit when we was all been given the overview on the product my first thought was, that the product was going to be more of a gimmick designed by yet another "celebrity" who thinks they can put their hand to anything. Yet after trying the product I couldn't be more wrong.

The products packaging is stunning with a quilted design on the glass jar and gold lid, the product wouldn't look out of place on show on your dressing table and rivals some of the most elegant of perfume bottles. 

When it came to testing the product, the oil can be used or dry or wet hair. Since I arrived to event having been caught in the rain my hair was rather frizzy to say the least and I wasn't feeling too great been at an up-market event. When the stylist applied the product onto my hair I heard all my blogging pals crowed round and gasp. Feeling a little confused I got up and headed over to the mirror and was shocked at how my hair had been instantly transformed and looked smooth and glossy. It almost looked like I had just undergone a full blow dry. Although I wasn't planning on making any purchases that event, let alone a £50 hair product (I will admit the price tag is hefty, however hair care is one of the few things I don't mind splashing out on) I was instantly sold. 

I've been using the product for a few days now and my hair has never felt so soft. I apply a small amount (about a 10p size blob) onto my hair before I dry it and then a little more after my hair is dry. 

Since my hair is blonde/white It's rather prone to breaking and is very dry and damaged. Since using this product my hair has stopped breaking and feels much healthier. It's also looks instantly smooth and glossy after drying I've even stopped straightening it. I will admit I was one of these who used straighteners to smooth out frizz. 

Overall I can't recommend this product enough I've spend a lot of time the last few days stroking my hair (and probably looking crazy) as it's never felt so soft and healthy. It also makes my hair feel thicker and has stopped my hair breaking. I've seen a few negative reviews of this product what shocked me. Although the product is far from cheap and I'm well aware there are many hair treatments at a fraction of the cost I still couldn't recommend this product enough. I can also confirm it smells amazing. I'm even now panicking that when my bottle runs out I won't be able to re-purchase as I'm sure this product will be a sell out. 

This product does exactly what it was designed to do, my hair feels, looks and smells the best it's ever done and I'm sure we can all admit it's always nice to splash out on something a little more luxurious. 

Have you tried any of the Show Beauty range?

Sammie

October Beauty Favourites

 Hair Chalk - eBay

£6.89

I recently wrote a post on hair chalks when I first tried them and ever since I've loved them. The picture in the post really doesn't do this product justice as my camera makes the colour look far too bright when in fact the colours look much softer and more of a pastel shade. I can now confirm the colours last one wash so you don't have to be scared of experimenting with them. There also great if you don't want to commit to a more permanent crazy hair colour. To apply I simply dip the chalks in water and rub onto dry hair. Although the chalks are non-toxic I do find the chalk dries the hair out so I wouldn't advise using these all the time. 

Urban Decay - Naked 2 Palette 

This product needs very little introduction. I may have borrowed this from my sister this week (wait to argument to now commence) and have since spent all week trying to find one. Does anyone know if this has been discontinued? I'm sure most people who watch YouTube make up tutorials or read beauty blogs will remember the massive hype around this product. For some reason I'm years behind everyone with having only just tried this, I know crazy right! Anyway the product it's self contains mostly gold/brown shades and like all urban decay eye shadows all the colours are extremely pigmented. I've found this palette has the perfect selection of colours for creating smoking eyes yet also a lot of the colours would be easy to use for day or work make up. 

If anyone can track me one down, please leave a comment or tweet me @LilBlondeSammie

Collection 2000 - Glam Crystals - Glitter liquid eyeliner - £2.99

Colours - Dig It 15 - Glitz 1 - Funk 3

I'm a huge glitter fan and have loved glitter eye liners for a long time. I used to have a stock pile almost of glitter eye-liners and would always have them on for nights out. A year or so back I would always be experimenting with eye-shadow and would always make my eyes the focus of my make up. Recently I've become a little boring and stuck to more simple make up. Yet this weekend I had an urge to get my creativity back and had a craving to buy some glitter. I've used the Collection 2000 range a lot in the past and the glitters are amazing not to mention a bargain (currently on 342 at Boots). The glitter eye-liner is easy to apply although the brush is thin which means its also easy to apply under the eyes it also contains a lot of glitter. Some glitter eye liners I often find I'm ages applying as there isn't enough glitter in the product. When you've tried these this will make more sense. Having gone out Saturday with gold glitter eyes I'm not more excited then ever for the Christmas party season. 

The Body Shop - Shea Lip Butter - £4.00

With the cold weather now here it often means skin and lips become dry and chapped. The lip butter range from the body shop is perfect for preventing lips becoming dry and the butters are non-greasy. I will say a little goes a long way as applying too much and you will have white lips. I bought a collection of these a while back and since I have one on my work desk, my handbag and by my bed I've been using these a lot. 

What have been your beauty favourites this month?

Sammie