Monday 28 November 2011

Sophia's love for Ombre hair!

Ombre hair is so pretty to me. I've liked that 'beach effect highlight' look ever since watching Sex And The City when I was 13 (nearly 11 years?!). Carrie Bradshaw was the first person I remember rocking the look. Some people hate it and think it looks trampy but I dont care, I love it!

Carrie Bradshaw (SJP)
In 2010 and still this year 'Ombre' hair became a big hit with Alexa Chung being the main style icon. I came across llymlrs blog last year, she shows you how to do DIY ombre and her hair looks lovely! My mum bleaches her hair so theres always bleach in the house. I followed the instructions and left it on for only 4 mins as my hair has warm tones and I didnt want an orange mess! Washed it off, dried it and it looked.....nice? subtle but nice. Thays where i should of stopped....... Next morning I bleached it again but left it on for 10 mins like a complete idiot!!! OMG it was bright orange brassy yellow :(  So i had 3 inches cut off and kept using semi perminent brown hair dyes to tone it down without causing further damage to my hair.
Perfect - Lily Aldridge, Hilary Duff & Lily again
Im still left with 2/3 inches at the ends and the underside is a lighter brown/sometomes brassy colour 14 months later. I dont mind the colour now because its faded so much. Ohh but i still lust after proper Ombre hair. Maybe one day I can get it done properly. I cant see me going off the style as ive loved it for so many years!

Yes Lily, I love you and your hair!

Sunday 20 November 2011

Lesley on October favourites

Hey guys,
I always seem to do my favourite posts in the middle of the month! Last month i tended to use my old favourites. Here are my three October favourites... Note * i lost all of this blog post after working on it for over an hour so i was pissssssed!*
Benefit Speed Brow Quick Set - 3g, £12.00
This is a product i reviewed and compared it to MAC a couple months ago HERE. I've been using it so much for day time looks without anything under it, or over Browzings, I've nearly finished now and will miss it dearly. I do really like it as it's not tinted and looks natural. However,  I'm going to buy a clear one next as if i apply too much to my eyebrows it looks only what can be described as when you put PVA glue on your finger and it dries and then you peel it off (anyone else used to do that as a child?) So yeah that's not a good look to have peeling eyebrows!

Debhenhams are having a 10% off and Speed Brow is available for £10.80 with free delivery if you have a beauty card  HERE.
V05 Miracle concentrate Elixir with Argon Oil - 50mls £4.99
I got this from Boots with the 3 for 2 offer along with other V05 beauties. I have seen many reviews raving about it and i wanted to know what the fuss was about...  i can tell you this is certainly is something to be fussed over! Argon Oil is from the Moroccan Argon tree and is known for being extremely rich in Vitamin E and anti oxidants, which fights free radicals. As it is a leave-in treatment i use it when my hair is wet after washing it and style it as usual, or as an overnight treatment when the ends of my hair is really dry. Also i use it on dry hair for a little pick-me-up when its feeling dull. The light formula leaves my hair so shiny and in good condition. I also love the pipette top with the bright pink handle: it is so good for controlling the amount you want. I only use a 50p size amount because it is so potent and if i use more than that my hair will be greasy the next day. I love this product and it is fast becoming my favourite hair product beside Boots Curl Creme. I think after this is finished i want to buy pure Argon Oil to see if its any different without the added ingredients.

Devon Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) 1 litre -  £11.35


This is a very non-makeup post and more like a health post. I wanted something that would build up my immune system: i get awful colds and sicknesses at least once a month. I was researching products online and saw this on Amazon. I read in reviews that only does it help your immune system it also aids with weight loss, cellulite, acne, allergies, fatigue with exercise, sore throats, arthritis and high cholesterol (sounds like a miracle drink right?!) 

In fact, I've had an awful dry throat that kept me awake all of Saturday night and after drinking a glass of this my symptoms dramatically improved. I drank this most of September and October and didn't get sick. Although i didn't lose any weight, i found myself craving for less sugary foods and was fuller for longer. I've now started to slack and only drink it once a week if that ( i MUST get back into the habit of drinking it!) It can also be given to animals to make their coat shiny and help with flea and bites.
The bottle states: 
" Our traditional Devon Natural Cider Vinegar is made from only freshly crushed whole apples, grown and hand picked on the edge of Eurozz then allowed to mature. Our traditional apple cider Vinegar is natural and contains no additives. There are no insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, preservatives or any other additives whatsoever.
This is a natural and un-filtered, un-processed product and is cloudy containing many particles, minerals and living enzymes known as "the mother." The presence of the mother shows that the best part of the apples have not been damaged or destroyed by processing.
Take three dessertspoons of ACV in warm water three times a day at meal times. Never use hot water. Shake well before each use. ACV does not require a use by date and will continue to mature over time and to increase the mother store in light, other wise in a cool dark place."

"The mother," is such an important part of the ACV because it is where most of the beneficial properties come from. It has a high potassium content and contains living bacteria which fights off toxins. In the bottle you will see the cobweb like features of the mother, which looks a bit gross in the cup but i ignore it and you can't feel it in your mouth or anything like that.
I use three dessert spoons often in a mug or glass
 
i boil the kettle only until it is warm (10 seconds maybe) never use hot or boiled water
 
The taste takes a couple days of getting used to. At first i didn't like to drink a warm drink tasting of just vinegar but after i got used to it i was actually craving my next one! However, I  hate the strong vinegary smell but its something I've also become used to over time.

I bought the 1 litre bottle and finished that within a few weeks so bought a 5 litre for around £35.00 and have been using that to restock the 1 litre bottle, which is handy as i don't have to carry a huge bottle around with me if I'm travelling! I bought the ACV online as opposed to a supermarket because many commercial ACVs are pasteurised and unfiltered and contain chemicals.
Bobby's health shop also donates all their profits and products to helping children with cancer which is fantastic as you know the money is going towards a great cause.

Finished P10P and sharing some love

After 44 days i am happy to announce that i have finished my Project 10 (makeup) Pan!!! Hurrayyy!! I cannot believe its been nearly two months of not buying any makeup for myself and staying true to my word. It feels liberating to finish ten products which i have enjoyed using immensely and are some of my very favourite products. It was like i was bursting to buy some new makeup so I've already put in a small order to E.L.F to try new coloured primers. Post to come soon!

Now on to the last two products:

Benefit Speed Brow

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black X5 Mascara - 8mls £8.49
my worn out tube - with the extra volume brush
I've had this mascara for so long now, I'm glad I've finally finished it. I bought it and it was one of my favourite mascaras, then bought the MAC Haute & Naughty and in the drawer it went. I had forgotten how much i  really loved this mascara and will buy it again in my next shopping trip. Voluminous mascara lifts and lengthens my lashes but doesn't give the clumpy affect, like most mascaras I've tried does (even MAC does sometimes eeep!) 

You can buy Voluminous Mascara from the Boots website HERE (sorry i could only find x3 and not x5 though)
I took these pictures - 15 hours after applying around 3 coats of mascara, even my eyeshadow with primer didn't stay put for that amount of time!
I was going to put this in a separate post but thought i would share this in one post. Since i haven't been buying makeup I've been into buying clothes and jewellery to jazz up my wardrobe (as mentioned in my previous jewels post) i have really grown to admire jewellery with writing or quotes on them. In particular i  adore items of jewellery with "love" written on them. My grandma died and i got her handwriting from a letter saying "love" on the side of my stomach. I cherish it so much and these pieces of "love" jewellery also remind me of her.
I'm also getting into jewellery with crosses in them. I'm going to have to purchase a nice ring and necklace soon. What certain kinds of jewellery do you guys love and always end up buying? Please leave your comments i'd love to know :)
love, love, love, love, love!!
L-R: my tattoo, gold bracelet (set of four) from Love Hearts and Crosses, black chunky bracelet from Accessorize, silver ring from LH and Crosses (set of four), black and gold bracelet from River Island

Lesley on pretty jewels



From Love Hearts and Crosses, was £24 but they've upped the price to £25, however they are well worth the money. They say:

"Sing...... as though no one else can hear you."
"Dance...... as though no one is watching you"
"Love...... as though you have never been hurt before"
"Live...... as though heaven is on earth"

I think these messages are really quite powerful, especially the "love" and "live" quotes: they are how i wish to live my life. I love the intricate ingraining on both the outside and inside of the bracelets, they add elegance without being too much and is not very noticeable unless you are close up. You can wear each bracelet individually, some on each hand or all four. It is also available in silver which i'd like to purchase too. It was delivered with nice pink package and was a quick delivery. P&P is £1.95 with each order.

From Love Hearts and Crosses, was £6 but they've upped the price to an astonishing £12. They say "sing, love, dance and live." They are also available in gold but are only available in one size. My finger size is mostly a medium in Topshop or Miss Selfridge and i can only fit three on my ring finger. I like to wear two on each hand or a couple on their own. 
I bought this cute, dainty friendship bracelet in River Island for £6.00. It is made up of plaited black cord with gold chains and "love" engraved on a gold plate. I like the little gold charm with "RR" representing River Island and a diamante charm near the clasp (not pictured.) Black and gold worn together are one of my two favourite colours to wear as they compliment each other beautifully.


I don't normally go for a pack of different earrings because i never like one or two in the variety, but i saw these in River Island for £10 and for 9 pairs is a bargain. Most of them have cute little details, such as little  diamantes in the camera and lipstick. My favourites are the lipstick, camera and cupcakes. I also like the little diamante and pearl which i can use in my second piercing which i don't hardly wear due to the fact i haven't got any little studs to put in there.

Sunday 13 November 2011

Lesley on hair/FOTN

I thought i would share a quick face of the night with you. These were taken from last week when i went on a (lovely) date. I wanted a simple smokey affect but not something too dramatic as we were only going out for dinner. I opted for a light grey with purple smokey eye then simple pink cheeks and pink lips.

Face:
 Laura Mercier creme smooth foundation in Golden Beige
Benefit Coralista Blusher
Guerlain Terracotta Bronze Bronzer 
Benefit browzings on eyebrows.

Lips: 
Old Avon lip palette
Mac Lipgloss


As i have dry skin i like to have the dewy glow rather than a matte glow. However, i know Sophia has oily skin and loves the matte look.


The flash has washed out the eye makeup a lot so i'll have to post another picture in the future, and i'll do a step-by-step tutorial as well :)

Eyes:
No7 Perfect smoothing and brightening eye base
Natural Collection eyeshadow in Chocolate Milk
Rimmel eyeshadow in forest grey all over the lid, 
me me me eyeshadow in outer V
17 trio (purple one) in inner corner and under lash line
L'oreal Voluminious mascara

                                                                            My hair
As i was in a hurry i didn't have time to blow-dry it or straighten it so i left it to dry naturally (as you can see in my pics above my hair is wet.) After it was towel dried, i put Vo5 miracle concentrate and then when it was 3 quarters dry i put on my trusty Boots essentials Creme. I then scrunched it and this was the end result:


Now when my i do my hair it's often a hit or miss with how curly it becomes, depending on product build up and time. As i had a lot of time on my hands i scrunched it quite a lot. I wish my hair ended up like this all the time but sadly it doesn't. 

Lesley on Sunday wishlist

Now that I'm fully into my P10P i keep eyeing up mouth watering beauty products! I don't know if its just the fact I've put a ban on buying makeup or if its because I've taken the time to read good reviews, but the list is forever growing! I love seeing people's wishlists so i thought i would show you mine.

Post P10P i would like to buy...

Top L - R: Laura Mercier Cake eyeliner in Charcoal Grey £18.50, Laura Mercier Tinted moisturiser in Bisque £33.00, Elf Duo eyeshadow Cream in Liquorice £1.50
Bottom L-R: Nars Eyeshadow in Strada £16.50, Mac Blue Brown Pigment £15.50

(Click on the links above to take you to their websites.)

Since getting my makeup done at the Laura Mercier beauty counter i am completely in love with some of her products! I love the tinted moisturisers on my skin and think this is the first product I'm going to get when my project pan is over, although i am in between 'Sand' and 'Bisque.' The cake eyeliner looks so easy to apply and i love that it can go on wet for a more dramatic effect.

The Elf eyeshadow creams will be used as a primer when I'm having a smokey look. I tend to find that normal primers don't give me that oomph when it comes to smokey eyes so i want to try it out, and for £1.50?!!? What's not to try out!

The eyeshadow and pigments are products I've been lusting after for a while now. I swatched Strada in Space NK a couple months ago and fell in love with it instantly! It's a lilac colour with a gold shimmer finish and plenty of pigment (lasted on my hand for the whole day.)

MAC's Blue Brown is something I've seen bloggers raving about in various blogs. It looks purple in the bottle but its actually a brown duo chrome which reflects blue and green. Wet n wild have an exact dupe of this colour in eyeshadow form but i can't find it to buy it anywhere, plus i don't own any pigments and am eager to see what the fuss is all about. Ive read that it looks good under black e/s.

I hope you haven't found this too boring! Have you purchased any of these products and if so what are they like? I'd love to hear your comments! Have a great Sunday evening.

Lesley on jewellery wishlist

Good evening bloggers! I hope you've had a fantastic weekend. Yesterday, Sophia and i took our grandfather to London for his 70th birthday. We went to the Imperial War museum, Lord Mayors show, London Eye and to finish off a great evening fireworks. Here are a couple pictures from the London Eye:



Unfortunately I'm a bit ill today with a dry cough, so I've been having a duvet day and wishing for a lot of stuff!



All earrings from Aldo: 1) Peaches £7.00,  2) Mosena £10.00,  3) Diluca £7.00,  4) Love hearts and crosses - Little Deer ring £25.00, 5) Odea £14.00,  6) Miss Selfridge - leaf metal stretch £10.00


I'm loving earrings at the moment and i already have Diluca in purple studs which I've received compliments on. Aldo have a fantastic range of jewellery which I've never noticed before really, I've put all the links above so if you click on the names it will take you directly to the website.

I love the little deer ring as well i think its so cute and will make a statement to outfits. Sophia and I are loving cute (and sometimes strange) rings with animals on them and i have a feeling our collection will grow soon. Love hearts and crosses is a cute online shop which a lot of bloggers have raved about. I feel a christmas/indulgent spree coming soon!

The leaf bracelet from Miss Selfridge looks so elegant. I adore Miss Selfridge jewellery and I'm always buying them when they are on sale. Also at the moment online there is a 25% off all jewellery so this is only £7.50 at the moment yay!

Sunday 6 November 2011

Lesley on Dalmatian nails

Yep another nail post :) My first attempt at a Dalmatian pattern. Please note that i was using my left hand so thats why its so messy and awful! Also, just ignore my attempt at a puppy print on my index finger, a complete fail!!
awww so adorable!
 Source: Google

Lesley on Another one down the pan!

Just yesterday i posted 5 products for my P10P, I've now only got a teeny bit left of my tinted moisturiser (yes i even cut it in two) making it my eighth product to finish in my makeup! Yay!!

Luckily i bought another one before my ban, although now i really want the Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser!
Only two more products to go :)

Lesley on Houndstooth nails

I wanted to add an edge to yesterday's nails so added a half houndstooth design onto my nails. This is the first time I've ever used my Models Own 'nail art pen' other than dots so its a bit messy, however i like this design and think with a little more practice it will look good and it will look cute on other colours such as pink.
Houndstooth design (source from google)



Saturday 5 November 2011

Lesley on Snow White nails

I had my nails manicured two weeks ago at a salon and as the acrylics started to grow out i wanted something different on my nails before i took them off. I decided to go for Model's own 'Snow White,' I've never had pure white nails before and they remind me of when i used to Tippex my nails at school but they look bright and clean and makes a nice change to the colours i normally go for. Also, i had many compliments on them today which of course is a bonus.
bit blurry... sorry!
image: google
Excuse the messy application, even though i was in a rush, i still tidied them up with a cotton bud... but the camera still caught the bits i'd missed!