Return of the mac

My shopping ban seems to have taken over my life for the past couple of months. Mainly due to the lack of funds and my life being taken over by work again.

So in celebration of the bank holiday weekend and trying to pick myself out of this horrid non-shopping slump I picked up these beauties!

Mac Cine-matics face brushes!! My trusty 187 stippling brush was starting to malt a bit and I was going to buy a new one anyway..but with this kit you get a stipple, foundation, concealer and angled contour brush. Bloody lovely and for around the same price as one brush too! You also get a handy denim case to house them in. I'm absolutely loving these!

There is also a "Cine-matics all over brushes" for eyes and face but I don't really wear eyeshadow enough to warrant them for myself, they are still stunning though!

x

Threading disaster

Karma has kicked me right in the arse for straying from Millies to get my brows threaded.

I went to a salon that I used to frequent when I was an avid waxer as they had just brought threading in - what a nightmare! The lady who did it was also in the middle of dying some girls hair and left her sat in the chair while she took me downstairs to the beauty rooms. In hindsight this should have started the alarm bells ringing.

So in this darkened room I lay on the bed and she announced that she would do the threading first and then tint them...ummm, what?! Surely that is the first rule of eyebrow school that you do the tint first??? Then she took her thread and did what can only be described as violate my eyebrows. I was left with sore, red, inflamed and bleeding skin. This wasn't right.

Then I had the joy of her sticking what must have been rubbing alcohol on them and I thought I was going to pass out. Around this time I remembered that she was still intending on tinting what was left of my brows. This done I paid, kept my mouth shut and left to have a wee cry.

Want, want, want

It feels like I haven't bought beauty goods in an absolute age! In fact i'm pretty sure I haven't bought anything since around June time and I have an itch that only a mega shopping spree will scratch...So here's a few things that I'll be "investing" in come next weekend *massive smiles*

(I don't own any of these images)

I'm craving some Liz Earle goodies and top of the list is of course Cleanse and polish. I used to be the queen of face wipes and now thanks to the lovely ladies who ambushed me at Clarins I hardly use them (apart from when I'm hungover). So, after using the Daily Energizer cleaning gel, which is amazing!, I'm going to try out the most loved cleanser in the beauty blogging world.

My hair has really been misbehaving recently so I reckon it needs some tlc and a change of products, so also from the Liz Earle brandwagon I'm going to get the shampoo and conditioner. Out with my Toni&Guy haircare that I've been using for at least 2 years I love them that much... but it's definitely time for a change AND the Liz Earle range is SLS free so that can only be a good thing..right?

One thing I cannot wait to get is a new razor. I bloody hate the Venus spa breeze - it has completely cut my legs to shreds. Which is a massive shame really because it's very pretty but I'm going back to the Venus Embrace which is much better and doesn't leave my pegs looking like I've waded through a sea of glass.

A new black maxi skirt and I'm in dire need of this pretty midi pleated skirt from H&M

Lastly! I need my eyebrows tinted desperately, they are quite fine and grow back quite slowly so don't really need much else doing to them but naturally they are blonde...and having black hair it's not a good look. A little tidy up threading session and tint & I'll be happy again. The off to have another fish pedicure.

Retail bliss. x

A Worrying Trend

Do you ever look through up & coming clothing trends and feel that dread that its just not going to suit you? To be honest I get that every time a new collection is released. It takes me a long time to wait for new styles to mellow out enough to suit my plump frame. I don't mind that in all honesty. Everyone needs to learn how to work fashion to suit themselves and this is how I go about it.

Image taken from Google. I do not own this.

I used to work in nightclubs so could always see the latest looks and see the good & bad ways to wear those looks. Although it did get to the point where everyone looked exactly the same and whilst they all (mostly) looked great I honestly couldn't tell one Topshop Bodycon mini dress wearer from another Topshop Bodycon mini dress wearer. 

 Not that my curves would ever be caught dead squeezed into a Bodycon, this just an example. 

Advice I live & die by: If you don't have a flat stomach, DON'T show it off.

But this is not why I'm writing this post. I have a major worry about the latest trends appearing on the internet. especially the heavily vintage inspired trends which in all honesty I'm in love with!  

My concern?

They're ALL high necked!

Dresses all taken from Asos Curves. I do not own these.

Cleavage is most definitely not in fashion. And this is worrying for me and my ample bosom. I'm very proud of my assets and love showing them off! Guess I'm going to have to be extra clever to make sure the girls don't look like a set of squished pillows in those unforgiving high necklines.

The day I consider a Superdrug Ban...

I went in on Saturday for cuticle cream. I ended up swatching half the makeup aisle, grabbing a few sleek pout paints, tripling my nail purchases & buying an emergency hair dye! (In case my upcoming hair experiment was a disaster)

My Haul

It comforts me that I'm not the only person in the world who can't leave a Superdrug empty handed... 

or clean handed for that matter.

Sleek Pout Paint Swatches, I cant remember the colours!

Anyways... this is what I'm listening to at the minute, I've had both these songs on repeat tonight (separately) They both, strangely, sum up my juxtaposed mood at the minute.

Something a bit lacey.

I've FINALLY got round to trying out these Nail Rock wraps. I've had them for months but it's just one of those things I've been putting off for ages.

They are really pretty and amazingly easy to put on, with the help of a hairdryer and a bobby pin!

The only downside of these are I can see them peeling a little at some of the edges already, but I type all day in work so it's understandable. Though a mani for me can usualy tough it through a week under the same circumstances.

Pretty, no? x

Candy Cane or Spots & Stripes?

Todays nails are a very popular design around the Nail Art world at the moment, they're summery, girly & kitsch. But here's where I get divisive; Are they bows with polka dots & pin stripes? Or little sweets with candy cane stripes & spots?

The answer? Well, obviously they can be both.

It's all about interpretation, however I have painted my two hands differently to show just how slight the differences can be. Now be honest... would you have noticed the difference if I wasn't highlighting it here?

(Above, Left) Left Hand = Candy Cane & Sweet
(Below, Below left) Right Hand = Polka Dots & Bow
Note the sweet is more rounded than the bow

               

 

Polish Used

Barry M Mint Green & Peach Melba

Models Own Nail Art Pen

Seche Vite

July Favourites

A quick post to show you what I've been loving throughout July!

1: My Bobbi Brown life saving kit, every morning these two little miracle workers cover eye bags, spots and redness around my face. Iv got the corrector in Light Bisque and the concealer duo in Ivory/Pale yellow. Normally concealers dry out on my throughout the day but this is lovely and creamy and stays on all day

2: Toni & Guy heat defence spray. I've loved this for years and it smells gorgeous! Leave my hair lovely and shiny

3: Nuxe dry oil, got a sample of this (and the shimmer one) from Space NK as part of their loyalty scheme. I use this on my face at night after cleansing and it really helps get rid of spots (believe it or not!) and keeps my skin tone even and blemish's at bay

4: High beam and Posie tint, I'm still rating these pretty highly! Love their blendability and staying power, colour, highlighting ability.... need I go on...!

5: Lastly..My Favourite mascara at the moment is back to my old reliable Dior Extase. The bigger tube is empty so I'm back to using my little tester. I'm really fickle with mascara so I'll probably have another new favourite in a week or two!

Lastly I know this was only a couple of days ago and not really July but it's definitely still worth posting about! Leeds Pride was on Sunday and apart from a little bit of rain at the start it was a brilliant day! Cheesy music, drag queens, dancing, drinking, sunshine, rides(of the amusement kind) and lots of love!

Could I BE more WAH?

I am seriously obsessed with WAH Nails at the moment. They are fast becoming my favourite Nail Blog. I even purchased their Models Own Nail Art pen last night so I can retire the dodgy paint brush I've been using for my recreations. Now if only I could get my nails to grow a decent length without breaking we'd almost be on to a winner wouldn't we?! 

PS guess who needs some serious cuticle care right this minute?! Any suggestions on the best cuticle treatments out there guys?

August Wishlist

I've haven't done a wishlist post in a while. I suppose in my attempt at curbing my spending I've been avoiding looking up new ranges & brands out of fear that I become obsessed with owning them all! A few new releases I just haven't been interested in (am I the only person who doesn't "get" the MAC semi-precious collection?) & a few I did want I've either given in or lost that urgent desire I initially had. This is for the better I think.

But I allowed myself to check out some new & upcoming releases tonight & have spotted a few things of interest.

Nars Delphes
Sparkling sheer peach, Matte dove grey, Frosted sage

Nars Outremer
Matte True Blue

Nars Delphes & Outremer are from the upcoming Autumn 2011 line & oh my god I'm in love with that blue! So vivid & the fact that its a Matte just fills me with wanty giddiness. 

Smashbox Photofinish Hydrating Primer

So my reaction to Photofinish Colour corrector primer in Blend was officially 'Meh'. I mean I couldn't even be bothered to write up how apathetic I felt about it. But I'm not giving up on Smashbox just yet. This new release looks just the ticket as if it lives up to its name it will give my dry skin the hydration it needs! However, like Blend, I will be getting a sample to try... just in case.

ELF HD Powder

This isn't exactly expensive but I've resisted buying this powder purely on the assumption that once I start clicking 'add to basket' I'll suddenly remember other non-expensive must have items & my basket total will soon lose the non to its non-expensive.

Eye Candy 50s Natural Style False Nails

I rarely wear false nails any more, the glue is just too destructive but the Eye Candy 50's range is pure class. 

My last item but unfortunately not a pictured one is Benefits new They're Real mascara. The previews look great & it's no secret that I'm a benefit junkie. I'm very lucky that my local House Of Fraser is having a pre-release of it this Saturday. Now that's one must have that I really will be having! We'll call it a cheering Bex up as she'll just be out of hospital treat shall we? Yes I think we shall! 

;)

x

Nails By Desiré giveaway!

Can you imagine how many nail art posts I could do if I won this giveaway?!?
SO MANY!! It's actually like looking at porn, really girly tame porn. is that wrong? either way I've entered the comp. I've not won a blog competition yet but fingers crossed this is the one! Click the link below to find out more!

Nails by Desiré

Feeling Proud/Coral Crazy

This Saturday was Belfast Pride Festival and it was my first year marching in the full parade which I really enjoyed. Especially as I was representing my work in the parade which was a great opportunity. Here are my Day & Night FOTDs and some dodgy snaps of my nails & outfits (I tried doing proper posey OOTD pics but they looked naff so I scrapped them!)

NB: There is a lot of Coral going on in these looks. I'm Coral Crazy right now, as are most people, but as usual its taken me a while to find the right products and pieces that suit me so if you think I'm late to the party then I probably am but hey, like they say, fashionably late dahhhling ;)

Day

Face

 Bourjois Healthy Mix in 51

MAC Cremeblend Blush in So Sweet And So Easy

Urban Decay Get Baked Bronzer

Eyes

MAC Bright Future

MAC Carbon (Using MAC 121SE brush as liner on both lower and upper lids)

The Body Shop Big And Curvy Mascara

Lips

MUA Lipstick Shade 7 (LOVE THIS!!!)

Nails

Excuse my severely stunted nails at the minute, they all broke off :(

Nails

2True Fast Dry Shade 3 (Fast Dry is a lie btw)

Rainbow:

Barry M Bright Red 262

Nails Inc Instyle Candy Orange

Konad Special Polish bright Yellow

Konad Special Polish bright Green

Barry M Cobalt Blue 291

Barry M Bright Purple 303

Top Coat:

Seche Vite

My Housemates & I loving life

Cardigan: Asda | Vest: Primark (Customised) | Skirt: Topshop |
(Pose: Ursula the sea witch... Don't ask...)

Night

Dress: Primark

Face

MAC Prolongwear NC15 & Bourjois Healthy 51 Mix Blended (Brush MAC 137)

Urban Decay Get Baked Bronzer

MAC Coral Crepe Paint Pot (as blush blended with MAC 227SE)

Eyes

MAC Bright Future

MAC Carbon (212SE)

The Body Shop Eye Definer in Black

The Body Shop Big And Curvy Mascara

Lips

MUA Lipstick Shade 7 (No Seriously... LOVE THIS!)

Lisa Scott Lee.
Highlight of the weekend? Not even close, but a good nostalgic giggle nonetheless

So that was Pride! or at least that's the civilised version I'm showing you guys. I had a great time this year, the committee did an amazing job making it the biggest year yet (nearly 30,000 people!). We can only hope that next year is bigger and better and that the weather is just as behaved.
x