8/31/2012

NOTD-CIAT'E Jelly Bean

First of all I want to just say that this is a stunning shade, it's really is. Jelly Bean is a lovely, bright pink with a hint of blue shimmer in it (the most tiny amount of shimmer, more of a blue sheen really).




The only thing I have to mention is for a higher-end nail polish, it's not much longer lasting on the nails than the likes of Barry M, nor does it apply any better, just something to bare in mind. 


Have a fab weekend everyone!

-Thesparkleicious-

Accessorize Color Intense Lipsticks

You can imagine my excitement when these beautiful lipsticks came in my post a few weeks ago. I was very kindly sent these by Accessorize and as shallow as it seems, could we just take a moment to adore the beautiful packaging? So girly and cute!

These color intense lipsticks are their latest addition and as the name suggests, they are super pigmented and incredibly long lasting, which unfortunately means they are also a tad drying, but nothing a good lip balm can't fix.

The shades:


Smitten (No 5)- This shade screams me! it's a beautiful true peach color that I find so flattering on my coloring, and the perfect daytime "pop" of color.

Love struck (No 8)- This is a very "brave" shade. It's an absolutely stunning, bright, deep blue-toned pink, the type of shade you wear to be noticed. While it is a stunning color, I have yet to find an occasion to which i'm brave enough to wear it to, and it's not the most flattering if you have any red tones in your skin, but it is a beauty.

Love sick (No2)- This shade is a very deep brown-toned plum shade that will look amazing in winter. It's not the type of shade I would really go for as it's so deep, but it is a very flattering shade that would look amazing with pale skin and winged liner.


These are available in superdrug for the bargain price of £4.95, and while they may not be the most glamours or moisturizing lipsticks, everything about them for the colors, the packaging and even the names of the shades are just so fun, bright and girly that you just can't resist. 

Have you tried these? what other items do you love from the Accessorize makeup line? do share!

-Thesparkleicious-  

8/30/2012

August Favorites




Products mentioned:
ST MORIZ self tanning mousse (review here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fECMV70UP9Y)
*S&G sit tight intense xs
*Neal’s yard bee lovely hand cream (Be sure to sign the petition to help save the bees here  http://www.facebook.com/NealsYardRemediesOfficial/app_300271273338164)
Cowshed moisturising hand cream
*CINQ MONDES roses petal rain
Botanics body brush
Loreal renewal lash serum
NUXE reve de miel lip balm
Bourjois healthy mix foundation in shade 54
REVLON lip butter in sweet tart
MAC lipsticks in viva glam gaga and impassioned
*Accessorize lipstick in smitten
Maxfactor lipstick in 825 pink brandy (and yes, it’s the same as the new one! So weird!)
Nail inc basil street
Sex and the city in charlotte
Maybelline 24hr color tattoo in on and on bronze
MAC eyeliner in I get no kick
Jemma Kidd define eyeliner in copper
Benefit eye bright
Bourjois sharpener
BE SURE TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY BEFORE THE 4TH OF SEPTEMBER! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9HOv1jePDU

Products marken with a * are a PR sample.

-Thesparkleicious-

8/28/2012

My weight loss progress!

Weight loss. diet. Why are these words enough to fill 90% of us with dread? 

Your probably wondering why i'm talking about weight loss when I talk about being happy with your body all the time and the truth is, while most of the time i'm OK with my body atm, I know I could be happier with it.I won't get it to things I have already talked about before, but as I have said I don't believe in attempting to lose weight unless your "feeling it". In my book, feeling it simply means you are feeling ready and motivated, even slightly excited about getting healthy and losing weight, as appose to the idea of no more pizza making you want to cry. 

My weight has crept up over the past year, and while i'm not going to talk numbers here, not because i'm ashamed but because I think it prevents people from focusing on what this is about and I also don't want to encourage anyone to start thinking about their own weight in in comparison....not  good idea. Anyway, I think my weight gain was due to a few factors such as my birth control and the  boyfriend nights in which involve me cooking yummy and fattening meals for him, and them eating them myself (And then there is my crisp addiction, and my late night ice cream eating...but we won't go there.)And I have ended up gaining a pretty hefty amount of weight for my 5ft1 frame.

The majority of the cloths in my wardrobe don't fit me (none of my jeans) and it was starting to get me down because deep down inside me I knew my body, I know i'm NEVER going to be one of those girls who can eat whatever they like and stay slim, i'm just not. I knew I couldn't go on the way I was going, and that something needed to be done. I also find that working towards something is super helpful, and i'm going to a wedding in 2 weeks and I want to look good, and rock my size 10 dress. I have also spoken about this before but I find a looking at a photo of me when I was slimmer because I know it's something achievable to work towards. This is my photo of choice, this is what I want to get back too....


I have been on a "diet" as such, for just over a week now and on the first day I felt awful, but after I got past that part, I felt grate! I don't know how much I have lost because my scales are broken because they say that my 14 year old sister who is around 50kg weights 80kg but I can feel and see that I have lost it around my belly area (On a side note: Why does it always go off your belly and boobs? my belly is always semi-flat anyway, why does it not go from my arms and face?) I will film a video about what I have been eating but I have generally been sticking to cereal in the morning, brown bread with low fat cheese and salad for lunch, and home-made soup for dinner, and drinking plenty of water and green tea. I also been working out everyday, and feel much better for it.

I will keep you updated on here and be sure to watch out for my "what I eat" video if you like these kinds of posts.

-Thesparkleicious-

8/27/2012

The Best Cleanser For Your Skin Type





Dry skin:
*S&G fab pore hot cloth cleanser (Review here http://thesparkleicious.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/review-time-sopa-fab-pore-hot-cloth.html)
Liz Earle cleanse & polish hot cloth cleanser
Boots botanics organic cleansing balm

Combination skin:
S&G peaches and clean cleanser (review here http://thesparkleicious.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/review-time-soap-peaches-deep-cleansing.html)
Balance me pure skin face wash
No7 beautiful skin hot cloth cleanser (review here http://thesparkleicious.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/review-time-no7-beautiful-skin-hot.html)

Oily skin:
Yes to tomatoes trouble free facial wash
Visably clear 2in1 wash and mask

Products marked with a * were a PR sample.

-Thesparkleicious-

8/26/2012

My Top Body Products!





Products mentioned:

The body shop brazil nut body butter
DOVE  supreme body silk beauty body cream
Vaseline aloe fresh light feeling lotion
*Good things soothing body lotion
Garnier bodytonic firming lotion 
Bio oil
Juicy summer fruit oil 
*S&G sit tight intense xs (Read my review here http://thesparkleicious.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/review-time-soap-sit-tight-intense-xs.html)
SPA find sculpted silhouette inchwrap super cellulite cream (Review here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxXYQoTs7mo)
*Good things soothing exfoliating scrub
*S&G pulp fiction foamy body scrub
DOVE summer glow

-thesparkleicious-

8/25/2012

My Top Face Brushes!




Brushes mentioned:

QVS stippling brush (Available in store in superdrug but not on the website) I seem to think it was £7.99. (Watch me using it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szNdIHwgkbI)

Real techniques buffing brush and contour brush http://www.boots.com/en/Real-Techniques-Core-Collection-1403_1252038/ (My review here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL0yVJ83NTY)

MAC 182 http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/146/1344/182-Buffer-Brush/index.tmpl

Blush professional brushes are available here http://www.blushcosmetics.com/tools-accessories/make-up-brushes/blush-professional-ultimate-makeup-brush-set-30-piece
(My review here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwahRBUsRQg)

The ASDA blusher brush (video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P-FD_n8uVA)

-Thesparkleicious-

8/24/2012

ROMWE summer clearance sale reminder!

So as you guys know I adore ROMWE cloths, they are chic and super affordable. With summer coming to and end I had already given you the heads up about the grate summer sale that will end on the 31st this month, but I suggest you hurry up so you can snap up all the good stuff first!

To get your mouths watering, here are a few of ROMWE'S best selling items......



How cute is that little black dress? I love it!

-Thesparkleicious-

8/23/2012

Face Masks Overview!




Products mentioned:
The sanctuary 5 minute thermal detox mask 
Soap &Glory fab pore facial feel
*ARK  purifying mask (Read my review here- http://thesparkleicious.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/ark-age-prepare-review.html)
*dermalogica multivitamin power recovery masque
Eve Lom rescue mask
Neutrogena visibly clear 2 in 1 wash and mask
Soap & Glory peaches and clean cleanser (review here- http://thesparkleicious.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/review-time-soap-peaches-deep-cleansing.html)
*Dirty works blemish buster 2 in 1 scrub and mask

On my nails, REVLON cloud.

-Thesparkleicious-

8/22/2012

ROMWE Summer clearance!

This is just a little post to give you the heads up about a fabulous clearance sale that ROMWE are holding from the 24th of august till the 31st. As you know, I have worn some of their lovely cloths in my videos (like this one for example    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyQSDUjYNLY) and they are truly grate.

This clearance will offer you grate discounts ranging form 5% to 60% off, and if you reach 70 dollars in your final payment, you will get an extra 15% discount by entering the promo code: clearance 15%  so you can end up saving up to 75% off your order!


I strongly advise you to get ready to order some beautiful summer cloths before the stock runs out, or your size is sold out because that is how sales work isn't it? so jump in there!

This the ROMWE website, be sure to take a look....
http://www.romwe.com/

-Thesparkleicious-

Back To School Makeup Tutorial




What I used to create this look:

*Liz Earle skin repair light moisturiser
Bourjois healthy mix foundation in the shade 54 (Read my review here http://thesparkleicious.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/bourjois-healthy-mix-foundation-review.html)
Rimmel silky loose powderCollection lasting perfection concealer in shade 3
MUA brozer in shade no 3
Natural collection e/s in crushed walnut
ME ME ME blush in coral
MUA  clear mascara
Maybelline 24hr color tattoo in 35-on and on bronze
Maybelline illegal length mascara
17 Mirrior shine lipstick in bee-hive

Other products mentioned:
*Ginvera green tea nude cover BB cream
No triple protection tinted moisturiser 

On my nails I’m wearing REVLON’S nail polish in cloud.


-Thesparkleicious-

8/21/2012

BOURJOIS Healthy Mix Foundation- Review!

When it comes to foundation, i'm always on the look out for the perfect one. Sure, there are ones I love, but they are never 100% perfect. Healthy mix is one of those YouTube cult classic products that everyone seems to love, And i'm no exception.

I've got very oily skin, but I also happen to be a fan of the dewy look, I just feel like it's much more natural. In terms of coverage, My skin is pretty clear but I do suffer from dark patches on my skin and sun damage, so I want my foundation to look natural, perfect and cover all the bad parts, not too much to ask right?

BOURJOIS describe it as a foundation that provides 16 hours of perfectly glowing and toned skin and contains fruit extracts such as apple and melon to provide ani-oxidants and hydration, which i'm not sure how effective they actually are, but at least it makes it smell nice and fruity. I love applying this with a buffing brush as it gives a beautiful finish, and it blends so easily. 


This is what it looks like on the skin
  
I really like the packaging of this foundation as it comes with the ever-so-handy pump action dispenser which means  it's mess free and easy to get just the right amount out. The only downside for me is it's a little oily for my skin.....my skin gets shiny after a few hours, especially in warmer weather like we are having at the moment, but it's something i'm willing to overlook due to the lovely finish this foundation. It's pretty long lasting on my skin, so on dryer skins it would be the perfect long lasting foundation. I wear it in shade 54 which is a perfect match for me now as i'm pale, but with a tan I wear shade 56. In terms of price, at £9.99 is super affordable and widely available in most Boots and Superdrug stores, and even a few supermarkets.

Have you used this? what did you think?   

-Thesparkleicious-

8/20/2012

Are we obsessed with hair removal?

It has to be said, I'm a little OCD when it comes to hair removal. I can vividly remember at the age of 11 thinking "I don't like this" and taking my dad's razor and well, hacking it all off! The older (and wiser in this case I might add) I got, the more savvy I became when it came to hair removal.

I think most of us girls start off shaving when we are teens, than dabble in the odd smelly hair removal cream application before we start thinking of better options such a waxing and epilating. That was the case for me anyhow, I am an avid epilator on my legs, and I would never dream of using any other method of hair removal apart from waxing on my bikini area. The only  area I have shaved in years has been under my arms because I just find it so easy to do everyday,which bring me to the topic of this post. I think i'm a little obsessed when it comes to hair removal......

I can't handle having body hair. there, I 've said it . The slightest sight of fuzz sends me reaching for my epilator (Of course sometime I have no choice, like bikini waxing for example, you have to let the hair grow in order it wax it) and I have to make sure my legs, under arms and bikini area are hair free at all times. I'm not the most hairy person in the world, but i'm not one of those lucky women who can shave their legs  once a week and can get away with it. I think in today's world, zero body hair is considered the ideal and that's the reason so many of us are obsessed with it. If you look at the older generation of women  (Late 40's to 60's in my opinion) they always seem to be much more at ease with body hair, not minding a little bit of leg fuzz or under arm hair.........So i'm asking, when and why did be become obsessed with being smooth?

Is it just force of habit or is because I always feel much more sexy when i'm smooth, and I would never even thinking about letting my boyfriend touch me if I had body hair, despite the fact that I feel super comfortable with him  and have been with him for almost 4 years, and to be honest I don't think he would even notice! at the moment i'm shaving all areas because i'm using an at home laser hair removal device that requires you to only shave, and I absolutely hate shaving!

So, is it just me who is obsessed or is it all of us? are men to blame? or is the constant quest for perfection that is to blame? Do tell!  


-Thesparkleicious-

8/17/2012

Best & Worst Of The Drugstore-foundation!





Foundations mentioned:

The worst:
l'oreal infallible foundation RRP £12.29
Miss Sporty so matte foundation RRP £3.49
maybelline pure mineral powder foundation RRP £6.99

The best:
Bourjois healthy mix foundation RRP £9.99
No7 beautifully matte foundation RRP 13.50 (Review and demo video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuiECxzih5M)
REVLON colorstay foundation RRP £12.49

The best foundations for your skin type video-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R60TBT66UQo

*My jumper is from http://www.romwe.com/


-Thesparkleicious-

8/16/2012

Most Worn TAG- Summer Edition!




Products mentioned:
Nails- ESSIE cute as a button, Sally Hansen runway red-ey.
Lips- MAXFACTOR pink brandy, MAC Vegas volt.
Blush- Fashionista blush in 07 flush.
Eyes- MAC all that glitters e/s, Benefit there real mascara.

What am I wearing?
Top- ZARA
Scarf- H&M
Watch- New Look
Earrings- TOPSHOP
My nails- Sally Hansen runway read-ey
My lips- MAC Vegas volt lipstick  and REVLON lipgloss in coral reef.

-Thesparkleicious-

8/14/2012

TRIA Laser Hair Removal Review-First Impressions!




Info about the laser hair removal:
Price- £349
TRIA website-http://www.triabeauty.co.uk/

What am I wearing?
Top- ZARA
Scarf- H&M
Watch- New Look
Earrings- TOPSHOP
My nails- Sally Hansen runway read-ey
My lips- MAC Vegas volt lipstick  and REVLON lipgloss in coral reef.


-Thesparkleicious-


Products I've Used Up #3







-Thesparkleicious-

8/08/2012

July Favourites!





Products mentioned:

CW volume body booster mousse
Vaseline aloe fresh lotion
BOTANICS  microdermabrasion polish radiant youth
Clearasil overnight serum
*Nourish treatment argan skin rescue (Review here-   http://thesparkleicious.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/nourish-treatment-argan-skin-rescue.html)
*Froher aloe and honey haze hair mist
REN hydra-calm global protection day cream
Clinque E/S in almost peach and bewitched
REVLON just bitten kissable balm stain (review here-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IjHQt5EVuI)
Maybelline color tattoo 24hr in 35 on and on bronze
Fashionista blush in shade 7 flush
*Figs and rouge rambling rose balm
*Travalo

Products marked with a * were sent to me as PR samples.


-Thetheparkleicious-