Merry Christmas!

Have a lovely holiday and don't forget the next issue of glean, is out beginning of January! To get a free subscription notice when it is out, please sign up at www.gleanmagazine.co.uk

HD Brows Treatment

Sooooo, had my brows done today via the HD Brows treatment. I like my brows, but felt that there were uneven and needed tidying up desperately!
The HD Brows was completed by Anycia, of Anycia's Nails & Beauty. What is great about this treatment, is it is tailored to you and what suits you. A combination of threading and waxing helps tidy the brows, whilst a soft dye and some HD Brow shadow is applied.
As I am quite fair, Anycia used soft tones to gradually define my brows to frame my face, without them looking overpowering.
Anycia was very professional, she gave me a patch test beforehand and provided forms for reference and information. She even showed me how to use my HD Brows Foxy palette and most importantly, took her time to get perfect results! HD Brows is not just limited to the ladies, gentlemen can have the treatment too!
Would I do this again? Definitely!

You can read Anycia's column about the HD Brow treatment in the next issue of glean magazine, out 3rd January 2014 at www.gleanmagazine.co.uk

Festive Shopping Trip

Hi! Just uploaded a new video to my YouTube channel, where I (sort of) enjoyed a festive shopping trip to town. Please click here to see it.

Footner Exfoliating Socks

I used to have ok feet but some years spent teaching have taken their toll on my poor tootsies.
Religious about regularly slathering my feet with richly formulated creams or Vaseline and removing hard skin with a pumice, they still didn't improve, whereas beforehand this was enough. So when I heard of the new Footner Exfoliating Socks I was willing to give it a go, despite the £20 price tag.
In the pack you are supplied with a pair if exfoliating plastic socks containing glycolic acid which you don for an hour whilst the hard skin is removed to reveal newer skin. These were fine on my feet but probably the least attractive, do a little dance if you have to but be careful not to rip the socks! I wouldn't advise using these if you have sensitive, sore or cracked skin.
After a couple of days my feet were peeling a lot, but revealed improved skin.
I have a mixed verdict on these, the price is high and don't expect all the hard skin to be removed. It was improved but I still had to use the pumice stone.
If you want to try them and have the money then give it a go!

Have you got any effective products or methods for baby soft feet? If so, please comment below!

www.myfootner.com

Molton Brown Shower Gels and Body Lotion

A few Christmasses ago, I was lucky enough to be given the gift of a Molton Brown Ginger Lily Body Wash and Body Moisturiser set. I remember how exquisite the smell was and it left me wanting more, but I never got around to buying anymore from the range.
Being a Birchbox Subscriber, I got the Molton Brown Ylang Ylang Body Wash and moisturiser sample sizes and fell in love with it all over again! This certainly is a sophisticated and uplifting scent, which lingers long after application.
I decided to make up for the lost years of MB deprivation by purchasing the Pink Pepperpod Shower Gel (which I had not smelt before) online. Since it arrived I cannot get enough, the smell is stronger and spicier than the previously mentioned scents, but it's a lovely warming fragrance for the oncoming colder winter months. And because it's less floral than the other two, you could easily use this as a unisex shower product. In fact, I can guarantee there will be a few fights over this!

You can purchase Molton Brown here

Hair Products for Blondes/Coloured Hair

[HUGE purses]
Bumble & Bumble Color Minded Sulfate Free Shampoo & Conditioner

I got this as present and have been using it on the odd day as it is extremely expensive, in fact I would not spend this normally on a shampoo and conditioner. It doesn't have the amazing ocean inspired scent of the Surf Foam Wash shampoo, but the smell is sweet, floral and pleasant enough.
You can buy it here

[Medium purses]
Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde

My absolute favourite out of the three, the smell is amazing, I also love the smaller set so you can try them out without full commitment and the fresh smell lasts. I'm hankering after the new set for Christmas though!
You can buy it here

[Smaller purses]
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Shampoo & Conditioner

I feel that these are just as good as the other products, fresh fruity smell, slightly heavier in application and consistency, very good value for money as tubes are quite large so will last.
You can buy it here

Conclusion
Out of the three brands, if I had to choose my favourite, it would be the Paul Mitchell range. I think the Bumble & Bumble is way too expensive for what it is, also I expected the packaging to be a bit more robust, after a couple of applications the shampoo bottle has half collapsed! Shame these couldn't be packaged in glass bottles.

What's your favourite hair product? 

New video - Christmas Shopping Tips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFpaWtQCyjU&feature=c4-overview&list=UUs_K-rmlnSNFPolxDkPWWuw

Topshop Make-up Review including The Damned Collection

Highlighter Powder in Crescent Moon

A lower budget item was the Highlighter powder in Moonshine. Very pretty but use sparingly as tricky to apply especially with fingers. Just a little applied on top of cheekbones after applying blush and powder.

Eyeshadow duo in Harlow Sunset

Lighter shade which is a pretty shimmer is used on the eyelid and darker shade applied in the eyelid crease and outer corners of the eye. Can also be used as a soft eyeliner using an eyeliner brush.

Lipstick in Called Up

I loved the dark berry of this shade, it looks darker in the tube but is a lovely rich colour when applied. You need to be a but more careful when using darker lip shades - I tend to use a darker lip liner first and then 'fill in' my lips using a lip brush, this gives more control over colour application and stops lips from bleeding out or looking wonky. Also, always place your finger and pull it out to avoid embarrassing lipstick on teeth! A final blot with a tissue is good to finish.

The Damned Collection

Finishing Powder in White Lies

At £14 I felt that this was a tad overpriced and while the staying power and smell of this product is lovely, there is no mirror or puff to help with application. The packaging could have also more sophisticated.

Velvet Lips in Plush 
I didn't like this as much as the lipstick, it's a brave colour to try but I thought I would give it a go! The stain lasted until I drank something, then the colour started to vanish from the centre of my lips. Also, it's not the most flattering of shades and can make teeth look a little discoloured. I did, however, like the matte velvety texture on application.

*Please note all products are purchased by me and not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned.

My first time... Nail extensions

I was lucky enough to have nail extensions done for the latest issue of glean magazine by Anycia - a very talented, fully qualified and friendly Nail Technician, who also practices HD Brows. Having never had nail extensions before, I was a little nervous but Anycia put me at ease. Surprisingly, it's quite a long process but Anycia puts her heart and soul into work, nails are first buffed, extensions are chosen to fit the the nail, clipped, filed down and then trimmed, then a nail varnish and UV light are used to 'set' the nails, the latter of which stings a little but it's bearable! I chose a nice more natural and classic French Manicure with pretty butterfly detail transfers. The nails lasted for a fortnight and put up with a lot of abuse from me, including playing with my pup. I have now had them removed to give my nails time to recover, but boy do I miss them! Did I have a lot of compliments? Yes! Would I have them done again by Anycia? Definitely!

(c) Image by Neil Hunt

glean magazine - out now!

Read for free, here:
http://gleanmm.wix.com/glean-magazine

Isabelle L'Amour (c) Clayton Bastiani

Breast Cancer Awareness Month - October

Avon Nail Varnish

It's that time of the year again when there are some great product releases in aid of Breast Cancer Care for Pink October. Below I have included just a small selection, I also noticed that Sainsbury's are selling some beautiful pink cushions, candles, throw, blanket and frames amongst other things in aid of the charity. 

Sainsbury's Country Patchwork Throw £25

Sainsbury's Country Patchwork Cushion £10

Launch of new, digital online magazine glean

After working in the magazine and newspaper industries and having a passion for magazine design, I have decided to create a bimonthly online digital magazine. It is aimed at the south coast and subscription is free. As a special gesture I am offering some limited FREE advertising spaces for the first issue only (*offer applies to client supplied complete artwork, otherwise studio fee applies) 
I am also seeking contributions from photographers and journalists/writers as well as article suggestions that may be of relevant interest. The publication date will be the 1st November 2013.

https://twitter.com/gleanmagazine

http://gleanmm.wix.com/glean-magazine

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Glean-Magazine/154880318052263

NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO UP! The Body Shop UK Honeymania Collection

NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO UP! The Body Shop UK Honeymania Collection Review:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYYaiyrpXyk&feature=c4-overview&list=UUs_K-rmlnSNFPolxDkPWWuw

The Body Shop's NEW Honeymania Range

Illustration by www.splotdesigns.co.uk

I was so excited by the imminent release of The Body Shop's Honeymania made from Community Fair Trade Honey range that as soon as it was released on Monday of this week I had to get some of the products. Today I received the shower gel, soap, body butter and a cute little honeycomb styled soap.

Having tried the body butter today I found it to be a good moisturizing texture and the smell is fruity and light with of course a hint of honey, I immediately found the soothing smell uplifting and it eased my mood.

They are doing a fantastic offer at the moment of 40% off so be quick! http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/

Well done, Body Shop!

Please note: will be reviewing this online via my vlog youtube.com/Moniker192 and other bee inspired products shortly.

NEW Liz Earle Strengthening Nail Colour

Oooh, I've just discovered this lovely lot! This is the first nail varnish collection from Liz Earle. Not only are they chip resistant but also are a bargain price of £7.50. One for the Christmas list me thinks! 

Liz Earle nail polish - website 

COMPETITION GIVEAWAY!

COMPETITION GIVEAWAY! WOO!

I have a little collection of beauty products to giveaway to one lucky winner! All you have to do is Comment below this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz3j5rIJY-g and Subscribe to my channel at www.youtube.com/Moniker192. The winner will be chosen on the 30th September. Good luck!

COMPETITION BOX CONTAINS: Cowshed Slender Cow Extra Firming Body Butter 50ml, Pure Gold Collagen 50ml, Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Plump ‘n Thick 59ml, Inner Me Lustrous Locks Vitamin Complex 28 capsules, Clinique High Impact Mascara 3.5ml.

Career Advice & Job Seeking

I have recently posted up this video, in which I hope that I have given some useful advice regarding careers and job seeking! If you enjoy the video, please do not forget to Subscribe/Like or Comment!

Espa Mandarin Lipbalm

I was lucky enough to win the prize draw for the Espa Mandarin Lipbalm!

It comes in a little printed paper bag with purple tie and purple shredded packing material and there is a pretty marble effect on the lid, it has also got a really useful mirror as well for make-up check ups.

Application is light but moisturising and the balm has a pleasant smell, I will definitely be using this on a regular basis.

New YouTube Vlogging Channel

At last, I now have a new video channel on YouTube! Check out my July Beauty Favourites here:

and don't forget to subscribe!

Keeping cool in the heat - Face Spritzers and Ocean Inspired Beauty Products

Mmmn, cooling sea breezes and a hot summer...
Does anybody remember the lovely Oceania range by the Body Shop? Sadly it seems you can't get it anymore, but I remember the scent was lovely and fresh, reminding me of a sea breeze! This got me thinking about ocean inspired products and currently I am clamouring after Essie's 'Naughty Nautical' turquoise shade. Is there any ocean inspired beauty products that you could suggest? Also, particularly loving the nautical inspired home range at NEXT and Sainsbury's currently, definitely worth checking out next time you are online or in a store.
I am lucky enough to live near the sea and took my puppy Piper for a dip earlier today, however, surprisingly, the water is still freezing!
Since we are so lucky to have such hot weather, I have been thinking of various ways to keep cool. My friends have been coming up with ideas and posting interesting photos on Facebook! How do you keep cool?

Essie Naughty Nautical

Refreshing Facial Sprays
I have always been a fan of Paul Mitchell products, my mum used to use a lot of them when I was growing up. In particular, the Awapuhi Moisture Mist is a favourite of mine, you can spray it on the face as well as the body and it has a lovely scent. I used it last weekend on my first (yes first!) day at a Spa for my cousin's Hen Do, and my Aunt and other cousin loved it.
Speaking of facial sprays, I also received a trial sample in a YOU/Latestinbeauty box, I absolutely loved the refreshing smell of Jurlique's Rosewater Balancing Mist. So much I ran out of it!
Anyway, must get back to some studying for my Marketing course, with all the warm weather to enjoy, I have been a bit slack of late!
If you are going out in the sun, don't forget to put on sunscreen on your body and something to protect your hair and scalp from the rays.

Ps. You can follow me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/splotdesignsart/

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist

July/August 2013 Magazine Freebies!

L-R: Balance Me Body Wash, Nip + Fab Dry Leg Cream and Eyeko Skinny Mini Liquid Eyeliner.

Eyeko Skinny Mini Liquid Eyeliner Marie Claire
I don't usually get on with eyeliners like these as they are too fiddly, I did use the , but this one is excellent. The thin pen meant I that I could build up that sixties look gradually. Also, where it has been so hot I have struggled with sliding make-up, however, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this stayed on ALL DAY without smudging! This is my first make-up from Eyeko, although I did have a pot of their lovely shimmery face cream years ago, such a shame they don't stock it anymore! Unfortunately the magazine and packaging was a bit bashed up when I got it but the eyeliner was intact.

Balance Me Super Tonin Body Wash Glamour
Was expecting this to be red in colour like the packaging, however it is clear. Has the Balance Me signature scent and is actually quite a generous size for a freebie!

Nip + Fab Dry Leg Cream Cosmopolitan
Lovely scent and rich in texture without being too greasy, put this on my very dry legs after shaving and they felt much better, so definitely worth a try! Tried lots of body moisturisers for dry skin before, but only the Body Shop body butters and this works.

Summer Sale Picks

Vivienne Westwood Orb Necklace

Hunter Red Wellies from OFFICE

Hawaiian Sundress from TOPSHOP

Isle of Wight Festival 2013

Ferris Wheel

Ellie Goulding

Wish Tree 1

Wish Tree 2

I posted a short video with some clips of the IW Festival, this is my first video edit using iMovie and my camera phone, so it's not great quality, hoping to do more videos soon with a proper camera etc for my vlog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTtA7Rhmn8k&feature=youtu.be

Nail Varnish Storage & Vintage Finds, Pimm's O'Clock and random Liquorice toothpaste!

Drawers from Amazon, perfect storage for nail varnish. 

My late gran's china and glassware, I was lucky enough to discover her beautiful
dressing table glass set which is now displayed on my dressing table.

One of two of Gran's mirrors.

Delicious Limited Edition Pimms

Interesting liquorice toothpaste from Birchbox

I did it! Completing the Race for Life 2013

So, despite a cloudy day and slightly damp ending, I managed to finish the Race for Life last Sunday, raising £95. The overall total raised by that particular race was £30,000, well done everybody! Loved the atmosphere and the outfits, this was my second RFL and I hope to do more.
If you wish to still contribute to my fundraising page to raise money for scientists to help find the cure for cancer, you can do so below, thanks!

www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/clairesells1

Current Reading List

I love books! I have too many books! I have already cut down on my library and also aim to download some titles onto my tablet as it's convenient and saves space. Here is my current pick of titles:

Mindfulness - a practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world
I often have trouble with anxiety and worry about the smallest things, some of which really are little! I have been recommended this book which also comes with a free CD. I also caught my friend reading it when I recently visited her! I have yet to finish it, but find the meditations really useful.

Building a business from the kitchen table
Really inspiring read from the founders of www.notonthehighstreet.com about how they created a now very successful business. I have had a few ideas of my own and wanted to read their advice and review their processes. I have always been a fan of their website. It really is definitely a case of finding a gap in the market and carrying out research to see if there is a demand for your business idea. I can think of numerous other businesses that started as ideas such as the Trunki and Tangle Teezer brush.

Reading Wish List:

Pearl Lowe
Vintage craft projects, the Queen of Style. I have already read her biography "All That Glitters"

Kat Von D - Go Big or Go Home
The talented tattoo artist releases her third book.

True Blood
I love the book and TV series equally. Can't wait for the next instalment, it's one of those rare books I can't put down!

Cabbages & Roses
Just bought a lovely dress from Uniqlo who have collaborated with Cabbages & Roses for a really cheap price and it has a nice, summery print. Seeing this has made me interested in the shabby chic style this brand has to offer and tempted by their range of books on interiors and crafts.

*Most of these are available from Amazon, Play or on the iBook store for digital downloads.

March 2013 Birchbox Review

I really enjoyed this month's Birchbox, so thought I would write a post on it!

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream
Very rich, not greasy, good for super dry areas, however, thick consistency and smell was quite medicinal. However, I am currently suffering from psoriasis on my body so will try this on my dry skin patches to see if they clear up a little.

beautyblender sponge and cleanser (R)
I like the idea of this and the cleanser is a nice addition. However, after trying these I found I had to keep reapplying foundation as I couldn't get enough coverage. I have fairly blemished skin so found it too light, but it did blend well. The additional inclusion of the sponge cleanser is a nice touch though and you can use it for cleaning other make up brushes which I may do.

La Sultane de Saba Body Lotion with Argan Oil
Lovely musky smell, light consistency, as mentioned previously, have very dry skin at the moment so this isn't moisturising enough for me but fine for a top up.

Laura Geller Waterproof Gel Liner
I had a purple version of this in the box. I must admit I do play it rather safe when it comes to eye liners, mainly sticking to my trusty black or dark brown powder liners (I hate pencils, they always run and smudge). Once I put this on it actually looked really pretty against my blue eyes, but probably would look even better on someone with brown eyes. The liner did stay put throughout the day as well, so I might be converted!

Molten Brown Valbonne Fine Fragrance
Light and floral, good fragrance to wear in the day. Not the best fragrance I have experienced but pleasant enough!

Lindt Lindor Heart Tin with Truffles
I am not overly keen on Lindt or other chocolate brands, my favourite is Cadbury's! But this heart shaped tin containing four chocolates is a nice touch.

Style Interiors, Godshill, Isle of Wight

One of my favourite interiors shops in Godshill, Isle of Wight. They stock various products such as Emma Bridgewater, Cath Kidston, trinkets, home accessories, giftware, cards, clocks, wall art and soft furnishings etc. I couldn't resist picking up a couple of items in the Sale yesterday (pictured below), especially as I needed some storage drawers for my ever expanding make up collection. Sadly, they are no longer selling online, but it's definitely worth a visit if you are ever here.

http://www.styleinteriors.co.uk/

Retro style Bonbons storage tin

Wood and slate small storage drawers

Zoella & the Isle of Wight

My favourite blogger/vlogger Zoella posts about the Isle of Wight!

http://www.zoella.co.uk/2013/03/sometimes-we-need-to-escape.html

Thanks Zoella!

Company Style Blogger Awards 2013

Hi all!
Just a short note to say that my blog views are creeping up quite a bit, despite this blog only still being in it's infancy! So, if you enjoy my posts and would like to vote for my blog for the Company Style Blogger Awards 2013, please do so here:
http://www.company.co.uk/company-blog-awards-2013-with-new-look

Many much thank you!!! Or something like that...

NIVEA, Urban Decay Glinda Eye Palette & The Vintage Cosmetics Company

So, a few things here!

NIVEA Pure & Natural Regenerating Night Cream

First of all, I have recently got a sample of the NIVEA Pure & Natural regenerating night cream. Usually I am quite fussy about what moisturiser I use, as I have problematic skin that not only gets acne, but is dry on the cheeks and oily on the T-Zone (NIGHTMARE!). Therefore I detest oily facecream and only seem to get on with either a light application of Steamcream or Liz Earle Light Moisuriser. But, I was pleasantly surprised with the NIVEA sample, it's easily absorbed and the smell is wonderful! Even better, it's not tested on animals and is a reasonable price!

The Vintage Cosmetics Company

I happened to discover this company when I received the YOU Beauty Advent Calendar from http://www.latestinbeauty.com/youac/. The packaging is really pretty and the general design is bang on trend. I already have the eyelash curlers from the calendar, but as my make-up brushes are looking a little worn I am planning to replace them all, so started with the eyelash comb. When it arrived I was pleasantly surprised to find it had been packaged in a funky sweetie bag. I would definitely recommend visiting their site not only for brushes and curlers, but for the false lashes range too: http://thevintagecosmeticcompany.co.uk/

Urban Decay Oz The Great and Powerful Eye Palettes

I have recently acquired a few new eye colour palettes and trying not to get anymore, mainly because I have enough and also I don't often wear make-up when it's just me working from home at my desk, but I like make-up when the opportunity arises! I absolutely love the ethereal quality of the make-up as inspired by the new film, Oz The Great and Powerful, so for now am just referring to the images below for some serious drooling! There are two palettes available (they come with a selection of eyeshadows, lip colour and eyeliners) and they are limited edition, one for Glinda (lighter tones) and the other for Theodora (darker tones).

Michelle Williams as Glinda

Glinda

Theodora