A Hair Miracle.

In January, I won a giveaway of Lisa's and was sent a surprise gift, which turned out to be the Style Shifter Spray from Schwarzkopf OSIS  (the one I secretly wanted), which is a liquid texturising spray. Lisa had previously reviewed them calling it her 'hair saviour', so I was expecting big things, (you can read her review here). I was not disappointed, and I'm not exagerating when I describe it as my miracle spray.

I am so lazy when it comes to my hair and usually just twist it into a bun before it's completely dry,  and shaking it out an hour later or so, but this really helps to define the waves and give them a little 'boost'.  It makes it look like I've spent an hour curling my hair, when all I've done is turned my head upside down and giving them a light spray and scrunched my hair with my hands. I do completely agree with Lisa, I think this works best for those with natural waves or curls, and really adds more body and shape. Basically, I think it's amazing, and it smells like coconuts and tropical paradise. Mmm.

I definitely recommend this line, it's been an absolute time saver in the mornings when my hair looks a mess, and there's no more fusing around with straighteners or my hot brush to make my hair look presentable. If you're anything like me, and enjoy your sleep this one is definitely for you. It's also worked really well for me when I've had to get ready with limited time for a night out, a quick spritz and my hair is done. I'll definitely be purchasing this when I run out.

It is a salon exclusive product, and comes in three different strengths, this one being the lightest, and retail for £8.70. So if there's a salon near you that stocks Schwarskopf OSIS products it's worth checking out. Lisa also found a website that sells them, so have a look at her post if you're interested in buying online.

Just a quick word of warning, don't spray too close or you can find your hair can get a bit crispy!

Any hair products you swear by?

 

Thanks for reading! 

Nic xxx

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A small MAC haul, naturally.

As soon as I saw the promos of MAC Naturally collection, I was excited about the release of Redhead and Blonde MSFs (both limited edition), and for ages I didn't know which one I wanted, but I set aside the money for one and waited patiently. Last week, I finally made it in store to swatch and ended up walking away with Redhead, it's the perfect champagne pink and is beautifully pigmented. On my skin it works great as a blusher/brightener/highlighter all in one, and think it will look amazing with a tan. 

I also had some empties to back to mac and originally was after Blankety or Hug Me, as I wanted a brown based nude, but both look awful on me, so I went for Fanfare (from the permanent line.) which is a very wearable everyday yellow toned pink, with a slight sheen. Adds a great hint of colour without being too in your face, I'm very happy with my choice.

Redhead applies so beautifully, with no grittiness at all, and the colour really does instantly brighten up my face. I definitely feel I went for the right one, but in a world were money is endless, I definitely would have picked up both. (thanks to the boyfriend who helped me chose and for being very patient with me!) Fanfare is a cremesheen finish and is lovely and smooth on application, but perhaps not as sheeny as others in the line.

l: redhead r: fanfare


In other news, I've recently been asked to join the writing team over at FAME online, which is a student run online magazine, who also do a quartly print edition. All the writers volunteer their time to get involved, and talk about things that are passionate to them, and there's a broad range of great articles. I'm very excited to get started, should have my first article up in the next couple of weeks. I'll be writing for the beauty section, so now doubt I'll be linking to my articles, and would love it if you could check it out.




Nic xxx

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The One

For years, I disregarded the importance of using a primer on my eyelids, I've fleetingly used the ELF one (really impressive for the price) and UDPP which, to be honest, I really didn't like, it just didn't work for me, but neither became regulars in my eyeshadow application. But a lovely sales assistant in Santa Barbara opened my eyes, and I can happily say I've found the one.

MAC Painterly is a pale nude, which looks pink/flesh toned in the pot, but when it's applied to the lids it had a slight grey/purple tinge to it. But it is pretty neutral, and so it makes a perfect base for any colour to be applied on top. It sets quickly to a matte finish, and ensures my eyeshadow stays in place for hours. Although it's not technically a 'primer', it's worked better than any I've tried. (I may have on occasion gone to sleep with my eyeshadow still on from a night out (oops), and wake up the next day my eyeshadow looks perfect. Seriously perfect.)

It can, obviously, be worn alone, if you like a pale pink, but for me I solely use it as a base. MAC do offer other great shades, and finishes in the paint pot line and I'm very tempted to pick up another when my ban is over, something with a bit of shimmer perhaps. You can see the full collection here.

They retail for £14.50 and mine has been worth any penny!

Nic xxx

(ps. sorry about the dirty pot- it's been well loved.)

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My First Taste of Jemma Kidd

I won't deny, these two purchases were heavily influenced by Anna's raving reviews, I'd previously seen PawPaw on A Model Recommends so I didn't need to be told twice.

Dewy Glow Radiance Creme Iced Gold £17

I've really been getting into cream products, and thought it was only fair I added a cream highlighter, it leaves the most gorgeous soft shimmer, and sets beautifully on the skin BUT it is not compatible with powders, at least not the ones I use. It's hard to describe, but it goes a bit funny whether placed on top, or underneath a powder. So if you like to set with a powder, avoid doing it on the cheek bones etc. Basically where ever you want to highlight. The swatch really shows how beautiful it is, and I'm very tempted to buy the Rose Gold version as well.

The photos below are taken with my iPhone but I think they really show how beautiful Dewy Glow looks when the light hits it, and how it photographs. (No flash was used)

Blush Wear Creme Cheek Colour PawPaw £13

There's not too much to say about this, it's just lovely. It applies so nicely (I use a Real Techniques Stippling Brush)  and dries to a powder finish, that lasts really well on my skin. The colour is perfect for me, I love peaches on my cheeks, and find they suit my skin tone really well.  I've already added Pomegranate to my list, as I'm so impressed with the formula, and I don't have any blushes like it! It's not quite as bright and scary as it in in the pan, but my skintone mutes it slighty (NC25 for reference). It's blends out beautifully to create a barely there flush, but it's buildable when you want the colour to really stand out, so you can make it fit to your taste.


Jemma Kidd is available instore at SpaceNK, but they aren't that accessible for everyone, you can find it online at Beauty Bay or Feel Unique, who both offer free delivery.


It's really fun discovering new brands, and I've enjoyed my little adventure with Jemma Kidd, I'm hoping to get a Light As Air sample next time I'm home too.  Any other JK recommendations for me?

Nic xxx

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Oh, Origins you have not disappointed me!

I really wanted to share a couple little gems from Origins I've really been enjoying the last few months.

I've been on a skincare frenzy lately, and although these aren't new additions to my regime, I've been using them for long enough to be impressed and to be able to review them properly, on the left we have the Clear Improvements face mask aimed to help unclog pores, and the on right Drink Up a mask for dehydrated skin.

Clear Improvements 100ml link

This mask contains charcoal, which supposedly helps to draw out impurities helping to declog pores, while the clay 'dissolves' impurities. The claims Origins make seem almost too good to be true, and to be honest, I tend to take all claims with a pinch of salt when I'm deciding what products to buy, and I guess like most others who read blogs, a blogger's opinion speaks volumes. 

I am really really impressed with this mask,  no spots don't disappear immediately, and all this 'drawing out' business isn't some instant reaction. But what I did find, was that it helps clear imperfections quicker,  my pores appeared to be reduced, my skin feels smoother, and I think the clay really helps with oil control without leaving my skin feeling uncomfortable tight. It also has a great calming effect, problem areas look less red and less inflamed.  I some times use these over night just on spots and always wake up to a noticeable difference in size and redness. On application it has a slightly cooling sensation, and you only need to apply a thing layer so the tube really will last you ages. I bought it back in June and apply it between 1-3 times a week depending how often my skin needs it.


The only negative is that this is one of those masks that drys really tight, and so you don't want to move for fear of cracking it, but after ten minutes  you can rinse it off, and as soon as you add water to it it softens and washes off easily.

Drink Up 100ml link

I tend to not use moisturiser in the mornings, unless my skin is absolutely crying out for it,  as I find on my combo/oily skin I often end up looking a little too shiny.  I moisturise at night, but nothing too heavy, and so this has been great when I need an extra boost, and can feel my skin needing something more. It's also a lot cheaper than buying some rich, heavy night cream. You apply a thin layer, and rub in slightly, it leaves you looking very sticky and slighty white, but after ten minutes you wipe any excess off. It has a really lovely apricot scent, which some might not like, I love it but my mom said it smells like 'cat's piss'. (I'm not really sure in what world cat's piss smells like apricots, but hey!)  My skin feels so lovely and supple afterwards, and not greasy in the slightest. Origins also does an intensive overnight version, for those that have more dry skin types, which I can imagine would be equally impressive.

Origins does advertise this as suitable for combo-dry skin types, but I've found it perfect for me on the oilier side of combo.

I would definitely recommend Clear Improvements with those with problem skin, or even just looking to reduce a bit of shine! I've really noticed the oil control lasts really well, and when I've forgotten to use the mask, my skin does get oilier. Drink Up is a lovely little treat when are you suffering from occasional dry patches, or when your skin just needs a bit of a moisture boost, this works great.

Thanks for reading, and please let me know what your favourite masks are. I'm always on the look out for something new to try.

Nic xxx

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