Dark Circles...Can't live with em!...CAN live without them!

Ive been searching for the best under-eye concealer FOR YEARS!  Ive tried them all, from the highlighter-type ones including Touch Eclat and other, more cheaper versions to the ones that simply 'cover' as opposed to reflect.

From my experience and usage so far, I have to say that for me (and I have circles, not bags) the ones which cover and camouflague are the best.  I was advised by an Illamasqua make-up artist to actually use one that covers and then one that highlights/reflects.  This did work, but if you're watching your pennies, it may not be the best option.

So, Im writing this entry today, because in the last week, I think I may have found THE best dark circle concealer I have used so far!  Where is it from?  It's from a brand which Ive been using since my early teens; the wonderful MAC!  The Select Cover-Up in said to be 'liquid camouflage for the skin.'  When I was chatting to Heidi the artist about it, I made it clear that it had to fulfil two factors: One, cover my dark circles and two, not dry my already dry skin out!  I have to say that it scores full marks on both points.  There's a beautiful, creamy consistency to it and you really do not need to use very much.  The price of £12.50 in my eyes (pardon the pun!) is well worth it!

I will also add that I think for concealers and foundations, it's so very important to seek advice from one of the artists in store.  As far as MAC shades go, I am an NC shade for my face (cool) and an NW shade for my concealer (warm)  This I was told, is because our circles are often shades of blue/purple which are cool and therefore need to be neutralised by the warm (NW) type shades.  See, you learn something new every day!

Have a good weekend popsicles. 

Belle x

The Runaways

Watched a really fab movie last week, The Runaways.  It's about Cherie Currie and Joan Jett of The Runaways.  Both Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning were AMAZING!!!

...But it's not out in the UK yet, I hear you cry... No, it isn't isn't it? ;) 

The web is a weird and wonderful thing fizzy pops.

Sebastian Horsley - A tribute to my friend

Last month I was at work, doing my thing when a friend emailed me saying "Have you heard the news?"  My answer was no, but a few minutes later, I knew exactly what she was talking about.  My friend, the artist and self-confessed dandy Sebastian Horsley had died, from what I understand was an accidental overdose.  I was and still am, devastated.  I wont go into how we met, but Ive put below, a comment, albeit a rather long one, that I wrote on the website of one of Britain's broadsheets.

I am so upset after hearing the news. I was lucky enough to know Sebastian for the last two years and told him on a number of occasions how proud and happy I was to have a character such as himself in my life.

He made such a difference to how I saw things and the world itself; seeing it in his often amusingly distorted way (which often contained much truth I believe) He was so kind, witty, funny and of course had a fabulous sense of style. I love the fact that I turned him onto Barry M nail varnish; it was so funny seeing him wearing the red glittery stuff on This Morning!

I remember when he had a chat with my mum on the phone after she'd read his book and wanted to say hello to him. He was so sweet and sincere to her and even that phonecall which lasted a matter of minutes gave her such a buzz.

I have just been looking through my emails from Sebastian and Im glad that Ive kept every one of them.

I cant believe you have gone Sebastian. I will never forget you and Im so proud to have had you in my life xxx

If you haven't heard of him, check out the below:

His book - Dandy In The Underworld

His occasional blog (Ive posted the link to my favourite entry) - http://sebastianhorsley.typepad.com/sebastian_horsley/2008/09/fuck-the-aged.html

Make Up Store - more fabulous products!

My new make up crush is the aptly named Make Up Store!  Having recently opened in London, I couldn't contain my excitement when I walked past (and then into) the wonderful treasure of a store!

My favourite parts of my face that I just love to 'make up' are my eyes and lips.  Today, Im going to talk about some of their eye products.

Micro Shadow

These products are said to give you the colour that you see, they are highly pigmented and give a long-lasting result.  Well they sure do!  After a long day at work the colours are pretty much as intense as they were at 8am!  There are so many shades to choose from too.  Pictured here is Pharao, a kind of yellow-gold shade which I have, it's beautiful and extremely wearable.

Eye Dust

As a comparison, if any of you are familiar with the Barry M Dazzle Dust, these pots are pretty similar.  However, they do last longer.  Like the eyeshadows (or infact all the products in Make Up Store's range!) there are tons of shades, I mean loads!  So in short, they are loose eyeshadows that can be used in many ways; alone to get a sparkly effect or with a wet brush or on top of a eyeshadow, for a more intense colour.  These are fab!

High Tech Lighter

This is a multi-functional product.  It can be used as a highlighter, lipstick, eyeshadow or blush.  It can also be used as a primer for eyeshadow.  It comes in many shades (Comet is pictured above) and it has a lovely, creamy consistency.  These are brilliant products for making a look a bit more funky!

As far as price goes, Make Up Store are pretty much the same as other premium brands out there; the MAC's of the world which I think is great, and most importantly, they do what they say!  If you haven't already, do give this brand a try!

http://www.makeupstore.se/gten/home.php

Ok, this is THE best moisturiser I have EVER used, EVER!!

I say this time and time again.  I am ALWAYS on the search for new products, I love to find and try new things, and I get quite excited when I can see the results (good ones that is!)

So here it is, the best moisturiser I have ever used.  It ticks all the boxes, yes, all of them.  What is it's name?  Well, it has two!

Bamboo Leaf Ultra Soothing Anti-Redness Cream.

Bamboo Leaf Anti-Redness Intensive Night Cream.

These two WONDERPRODUCTS are from the Grassroots Research Labs line, a company owned by Estee Lauder.  As you would expect, the night cream is the richer of the two, yet both give my skin perfect moisturisation.  The bamboo creams of this line are said to 'visibly relieve stressed skin and instantly help calm irritation, redness, dryness and discomfort, while rebuilding the skin's natural defense mechanism.'  For my skin, this is a dream come true.  I do suffer with redness, dryness and irritability and after using for the last 6 weeks, I can say this has worked more than anything Ive ever used; I could actually even see/feel the results after using for a couple of days!  These creams are also free of Parabens which ticks the extra box!

Now like they say, you can't always have everything, and this my friends is no exception.  At the moment, it is only possible to purchase this from within the US, you cannot even get it over here online.  BUT, there's often a way.  Take a trip over there, rack your brains on anyone you know who lives there who could purchase it for you and send it over!  I really do hope that they introduce it over here in the UK, everyone would love it and it would certainly be on my gift list, both to and from people!

http://www.grassrootsresearchlabs.com/

My love affair with Shu Uemura!

As you'll be able to see from some of my entries, Ive recently been trying products from Shu Uemura's range.  So far, Ive been very impressed.  I want to reiterate how amazing I believe their UV Underbase is - it certainly does the trick and smells good enough to eat!!

So, today Im going to be talking about the Hard Formula Brow Pencil and Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation.

Hard Formula Brow Pencil - This is the most unique brown pencil I have ever used or seen!  Why?  Well although the pencil can be sharpened with a regular sharpener, it's recommended that you go instore and have it sharpened using a kind of pen-knife into a broad, flat shape.  This is done for the lifetime of the product as a complementary service at any Shu Uemura counter.  I have found that this different approach to shaping the pencil has a huge benefit for the way in which my brows look compared to other pencils I have used.  The website states that the pencil only releases colour pigment when it interacts with the oils in the brown hairs giving natural and defined brows.  It is definitely true that they look much more natural and that 'harshness' which is all to easy to get when enhancing your brows has been completely removed.  I give this product a well deserved 10 out of 10.


Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation - The problem Ive had in the past with foundations is that they don't moisturise my dry skin enough, they cause spots and don't last through the day or night!  This product says that it gives coverage, yet allows skin to look flawless.  It is also said to give skin a fresh and natural look, be semi-matt and give a hydrating sensation.  Does it pass the test?

Well, Ive been using it for about a month now, and apart from the usual once per month breakout I seem to get around one side of my chin (one of the many perils of being a girl!)  my skin has been crystal.  It both feels and looks smooth and fresh and I can easily go out after work without having to re-apply.  It also smells divine too; a bit of a common theme with this brand!  I will gladly give this product a 9 out of 10.  It misses out on the 10 mark, purely because it isn't the cheapest of products at approx £28.  Not that cheap is good, because it often isn't and I usually tend to spend approx £20 on foundations anyway, but at near the £28 mark and considering the amount of money I spend on make-up, I have to have some restrictions, if only a few!  I suppose out of all the make-up products a person uses, the foundation could be the most important, as it gets abosorbed by pretty much, your whole face!  It therefore makes sense to spend a bit more on your foundation.  Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation, would be a good choice to make!

http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/

Make Up Store - AMAZING nail polish

You'll see from a previous entry that I recently discovered the fantastic Make Up Store.  At the launch party, I was given some fab products to try, so today I will be reviewing their nail polishes.

Elin, is a fabulously fluro orange-pink, perfect for summery toes!  For me, the most important factors when purchasing nail polishes are:

- the colour in the bottle IS the colour that ends up on your nails! 

Isn't it annoying when you purchase what appears to be a rich, vibrant colour, to then apply it and find it's thin, watery and a lesser version than what the bottle in-store/online suggested?

- it doesn't take ages to dry. 

They say it can take a good few hours for polishes to dry fully, but once they are touch dry, you can usually get on with whatever it is you are doing.  This is important in this ever-increasing pace of life that some people impact on themselves.

- it doesn't chip easily.

Some polishes are better than others at this (for me, Barry M, OPI are great, Chanel isn't)  Of course they will chip, and it can sometimes depend on if you have used a base/topcoat, and what job you do (!) but in general you want them to last a day or two before chipping/peeling!

- the brush glides on well and is of a decent quality.

Such an important point when it comes to applying and getting an even coverage.

So, how did the Make Up Store's nail polish fare? 

Top marks on all of the above points!  The colour is exactly as I expected, it dries in good time, easy to apply brush and is durable; my nails did not chip for a couple of days (and I spend much of my time typing!)  I want to also add that I've used their polishes on both my toes and fingernails and they have lasted very well so far!

If you havent paid a visit to a Make Up Store yet, put it on your 'To Do' list; you won't be disappointed!!

http://www.makeupstore.se/gben/home.php

Shu Uemura

I've been using Shu Uemura eyelash curlers for the last couple of years and they are amazing; I certainly agree with the fabulous reviews that the top beauty & fashion magazines give them!  The last few times I've been past their counter, I've noticed that their extended line of cosmetics is ever increasing, and so today, up for trial are their Ultimate Expression Mascara, Liquid Eyeliner, UV Under Base and Red: Juvenus Vitalizing Line Reducing Eye Essence....Phew!

Ultimate Expression Mascara

Now you probably know if you read this blog that I LOVE mascaras and am always on the lookout for a better one!  This one promises extreme volume, dramatic length and a beautiful curl.  Does it do this?  In short, YES.  I would like the formula to make my eyelashes a bit thicker (in the way that Diorshow does) BUT it does lengthen, curl and volumise (to an extent) so what more do I want?!  Upon feeling my lashes (I am wearing two coats) they feel a touch dry, but no more than the average mascara makes them.  They aren't crumbly, flakey and they are very jet black and they still look great at the end of my working day!  Id give this mascara a 7 out of 10.

                                 Liquid Eyeliner

All I can say about this is WOW!  I discovered liquid eyeliner pens a couple of years ago as I was desperate for the cat's eye effect, but was having no luck with the standard liquid eyeliner pots (think Rimmel, Mac)  I invested in the Shiseido one after reading in a magazine that it was the preferred one used by make-up artists on the gorgeous Angelina Jolie....and well, if it's good enough for Ange...  If I am to compare this to the Shu Uemura one, the latter wins.  I cant put my finger on why, but the pen glides on so smoothly and the effect is amazing...for me, it's Shiseido 8 out of 10, Shu Uemura, a 9!

UV Under Base

I've never been one for using bases, as I just see it a another expense, and there are already enough aren't there?!  A good friend and fellow make-up addict of mine is really into using bases/primers and she swears by the difference they can make to your look. 

So, here we have the UV Under Base by Shu Uemura.  Now I have dabbled in primers/bases over the years (make-up artists would give me small samples of them sometimes when I purchased foundations) so I do understand how they work, important elements being covering/minimising pores, evening out skintone and simply creating a flawless bass upon which to apply foundation.  This base, is fabulous!  It is in the format of a foam and only one pump is needed.  It absorbs and dries quickly and smells pretty good too.  My foundation definitely lasts longer when I wear it and I don't get the flakiness towards the end of the day like I often do when I haven't used a base.  Need another plus?  It contains SPF 10.....Winner!  This gets a HUGE 10 out of 10!

Red: Juvenus Vitalizing Line Reducing Eye Essence

There are many eye creams available and a variety of price ranges span across them.  It's always important that it doesnt sting or give the delicate eye area any pain!  I say this because a while back I purchased one from YSL, specific to dark circles, and it really really hurt!...of course I binned it!....looking back, I probably should have taken it back instore as it was pretty pricey...but anyway...  This one is meant to target fine lines and dark circles and make skin feel more supple.  I've been using this for about six weeks now and my dark circles are certainly reduced; their appearance is better, less noticeable.  Are the fine lines any finer?!...not really.  Maybe this is because I don't have any really noticeable lines around my eyes (well not yet!) and I am using another line-filler at the moment too (to be blogged about in the coming weeks)  We must remember that we shouldnt expect miracles from these creams, beauty companies don't create miracles (yet!) BUT my dark circles are reduced and the area around my eyes does feel more supple and moisturised.  I'll give this cream a good 6.5 out of 10.

Im pretty impressed so far with the products from Shu Uemura; keep reading for more product reviews!

http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/

Make Up Store has landed!!!

Well.  I was strolling down Carnaby Street in London a few weeks ago, and like a magpie to glitter, as soon as I caught sight of the Make Up Store, I legged it over there!  Wow, a beautiful boutique of colours, make-up varieties, glitter, pigments, tools, body creams....Oh my!

I had a chat with one of the artists and she explained about the different products that they sell, informed me about the pigments (a big thing if you like your colours to be bold and last) and I was also given a beautifully put together Make Up Store magazine, which is full of features, step-by-step guides to various techniques and a full worldwide pricelist.  I was pretty impressed and bought myself a lovely lipstick and lip pencil (in Prairie and My Precious Coral, if you're wondering!)

The store officially launches this week and they are having various nights targeted at customers, media and make-up artists.  I popped by last night, where I received a 12 month discount card which entitles me to 20% off products from the store (see cards T&C's)  There were also canapes and glasses of wine on offer along with many of the company's artists to advise you on finding those perfect products to beautify yourself.

I was lucky enough to be able to get in touch with one of the guys from their head office a couple of weeks ago, and so last night, he very kindly gave me a 'wonderbag' of products from their current Fifties range (see above) to try!  Keep your eyes peeled for my reviews.

From what Ive seen/tried so far, the products work like a treat and their costs are on par as other premium brands such as Mac and Illamasqua.

Check it out!
www.makeupstore.se/gten/home.php

Living Nature - 100% natural skincare

If you've read any of my other entries, you'll see Ive been getting into the whole Paraben-free lark.  More and more, Im taking notice of what exactly is in the beauty products that I use, and Im finding that in many cases, they are not all that beautiful!

A friend of mine who works in the skincare industry told me about this brand called Living Nature, she calls this her skin saviour.  Enough said, I had to try the products for myself!

I have pretty dry skin, and of course around the eyes, where the skin is thinner, is always an area that I think we should all pay attention to!  The products I tried for this was their Extra Hydrating Toning Gel and the Firming Flax Serum.  Both products, although different, are meant to nourish and hydrate dry skin; did they work?  Yes, and I have to add that the Firming Flax Serum is AMAZING!  I have never used anything that feels so beautiful and smooth on the delicate eye area.  Could I see a difference after using it?  Yes.  Could I feel a difference after using it?  Hell yes!

I also tried the Nourishing Night Cream which like the Flax Serum, is so creamy and velvety; it too, works like a treat!  I dont want to overlook the Extra Hydrating Toning Gel, as this works well too, but for my skin, the other two mentioned ones were the best.

Yes, their products do cost more than some other well-known brands, but they also cost less than other ones AND contain much better ingredients for you.  Many stores stock the brand, and it's also possible to purchase online from their website.  Id definitely recommend this brand to anyone!

http://www.livingnature.com/

Biotherm Homme – proper skin care stuff for the modern day geeza.

No, I havent had a sex change...  Today's entry is brought to you by a member of the male species, my significant 'other'....Enjoy!

I’m not one for all that ‘metro’ male lifestyle business.  In my opinion, that’s for guys with too much time on their hands and have their priorities all mixed up.  These views have been challenged somewhat of late following my acquaintance with the male skin care brand, Biotherm Homme.  It was the Mrs - who you can probably see from this blog knows a thing or two about beauty products and what it takes to look after yourself, who bought me a collection of these products as a special treat.  I promised her I would write about my experience so here you go, promise kept!


Cleansing Gel

I’m someone whose skin produces enough grease to run a fish and chip shop.  I’ve always been told this will help me to age well, albeit with the occasional unwanted spot.

After just a few days of using the cleansing gel, I noticed an immediate reduction in grease.  My skin also feels really smooth.  With results so immediate, I wondered whether the rest of the products would be as good???

Aquafitness – Shower Gel

This is without doubt the best shower gel I have ever used!  I never thought I would feel so strongly about a shower gel but I suppose after years of using the cheaper mass market brands, Ive never known any better. Yes, it makes you feel clean but Id be worried if any shower gel didn’t result in a clean body.  What makes this gel so good is the smell.  I can only describe it as modern day masculinity.  Masculine smells often get mixed up with your dad’s old Brut aftershaves – this is nothing like that.  There’s nothing ‘girly’ about the smell either.  Its fresh, lathers up well (if that floats your boat) and smells fantastic.  This will be on all future birthday lists!

High Recharge Yeux

The Mrs probably knew that as soon as I opened this, I would say this wouldn’t work and was simply a gimmick – she wasn’t wrong!  But like all things in life, I'm willing to give it go…

Described as an anti-fatigue cold eye serum, its supposed to give the eye’s an instant recharge as well as help to reduce the appearance of dark circles – great for those early mornings after a night out on the tiles.  The description is pretty accurate.  It does give you a pretty instant boost – a bit like splashing your face with cold water, minus the water.  It's hard to admit but I quite like it because it does work!  The only slight drawback is that the ball doesn’t always roll perfectly over the skin and the ‘wake-up’ feeling it gives you doesn’t last long enough.

Aquapower – Absolute Gel

It's basically a moisturiser.  It was only a 50 ml size tube, but you don’t really need that much.  It smells quite fresh and has that same masculine smell which ive come to recognise as distinctly unique to the Biotherm brand. Result: Another thumbs up!

So how would I describe the Biotherm Homme brand to my other like minded blokes?  Proper skin care stuff for the modern day geeza.

http://www.biotherm.co.uk/

http://www.biotherm.co.uk/_en/_gb/men/index.aspx

Marvelous Mineral Mascara by Kiehl's - is it really marvelous?

There's a lot of press about mineral make-up products, and since their launch in the 70's, many brands worldwide have cottoned onto this.  In short, they are products made of all natural, finely ground minerals from the earth, without any of the chemicals, dyes and preservatives found in traditional make up.  Does any of this really equal 'better'?  As with anything, there are always both sides, so really the best way is to try it for yourself!

Kiehl's is one of my new favourite brands so when I came across their Marvelous Mineral Mascara it needed to be tried!  I simply love mascara, the darker the better!!  Ive never had to worry about the length or thickness of my lashes as they are pretty good, of course with the aid of a good mascara!...but hearing that this one doesnt contain any Parabens or fragrances, means it is certainly worthy of a try.  As well as the formula in a mascara, the brush is very very important.  So many times have I tried mascaras which have terribly limp brushes and even if their formula is any good, it certainly gets overlooked because if the brush is no good, then even the best formula wont apply well.

It is important to note that this mascara has been both opthamalogist and allergy tested, which is a major plus for me, since I often get sore and watery eyes from mascaras which are too fragranced.  The brand also doesnt test on animals, which is an even bigger plus.

 

So, the verdict:

Does it apply well?  Yes. 

Does it make your lashes look all glossy and dark?  Yes.

Does it last the day, without going all flakey?  This mascara does flake a bit, but no more than some others which Ive used.

Does it clump? After using the mascara a few times, it does seem to get a bit clumpy/gooey so you may need to use a tissue to wipe some excess off the brush, but apart from that, it's fab!

How does the brush contribute to application?  As Ive mentioned above, the brush is so important in a mascara.  You wont be disappointed with this brush, it is spectacularly designed and easily glides onto your lashes.

Does the Acacia Senegal make a difference?  From what Ive read on this, in cosmetics, it acts as a conditioning agent.  I must say that my lashes do feel quite soft when using this mascara, so I will see if in the long term, they become 'more conditioned'?  I cant say that the conditioning of my lashes is anything Ive ever really thought about, but if after using this mascara for a while they strength and dare I say it, thickness and length improves, then I certainly wont complain!

See below for some Kiehl's links which contain information and even a video on application.

So is this Marvelous Mineral Mascara by Kiehl's really that marvellous?....I think it is!

http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/face/whatsnew/marvelous-mineral-mascara.htm

http://www.kiehls.co.uk/index.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=brand&utm_content=brand&utm_campaign=brand&gclid=CP7V98Tm3aACFcUB4wodv2F4BQ

There she goes again....crash, bang, ouch!....Little Miss Whoops.

I am Little Miss Whoops!  If I had a fifty pound note for the amount of times I clumsily hurt myself, well... Id have quite a bit of money!

I dont know what it is; is it my eyesight? (no according to the Opticians) am I unaware of what's going on around me? (certainly not, Im probably too aware) or is my coordination a bit skew...?  Possibly!

Is this something that occurs within the female species more than it does in the male?  Is it due to some unconscious masochistic desire to hurt myself?  I really dont know the answer, but I really wish it was something that I could put a stop to, or at least do less. 

On today's agenda, a very sore elbow which I bashed on some hard pipe thing which was sticking out of the wall in the loos at work.... The result; within a minute, a small swelling and bruise started to form...and it bloody hurt and temporarily ceased a good percentage of movement in my hand and fingers.  Other incidents include walking into door frames (even if there is a lot of room, yes really!) bashing my hands/arms on various things around my flat, whether it's walls, door handles, opening doors into my feet, knees and burning myself with hot water, hot food, or on the kettle (I have a lovely burn currently covered in Germolene New Skin from an incident last week which just missed my most recent tattoo by a couple of millimetres)

Can Little Miss Whoops EVER stop being Little Miss Whoops or am I stuck with her forever?!  For now, I'll have to keep the aforementioned New Skin close by, along with some Arnica, Vitamin C and Zinc!

Time for a rest!

I think everyone is fed up of these cold, cold days and we are all rooting for the spring to at least try to begin.  I was feeling a bit run down at the beginning of the week and made the decision to have a chilled week.  This consisted of working (not chilling I know, but until I win the Lotto it has to be done!) sleeping, good food and in general just slobbing about.  I didnt even go to the gym.  A week OFF.

Do I feel better for it?  Well I didnt really feel 'bad' in the first place, but I certainly feel more rested!

I think it's important in the hustle and bustle of the world, that we all take time to chill.  Whether it's through meditation, regular holidays away (for those who can afford it) or watching your favourite video with a takeaway pizza!  Since living in London, Ive become even more aware of the constant rushing about that so many people do and I just dont think it can do you any good....apart from the obvious potential problems (tripping up/falling over) it cant promote a dome of positive wellbeing now can it?  (see previous blog on the Tube Zombies http://flicks-licks-chicks.blogspot.com/2009/12/tube-in-london.html)

Being self-aware is one of the most important attributes a person can have....and if a person is not aware of oneself, then what exists to be aware of?!

My hair saviour

Have you heard about Moroccanoil?  A friend of mine who's a hairdresser told me about it sometime last year.  She explained to me that it was a miracle product that was being used on the tresses of the A-Listers in America and the buzz was coming over to the UK.

The product is said to (from their website) restore shine, strengthen and condition, and reduce drying time.  My friend told me that it would really help my dry, colour treated hair and was a must that I try it.  She used it on my hair a few times when I was in the salon, and it was clear to see that the product did at least some of what it promised; I could immediately see that my hair was shinier and felt smooth and sleek.

However to be able to test this properly, Id have to use it on a regular basis.  I tend to wash my hair 2-3 times a week and for the last month Ive been using Moroccanoil.  This product is a miracle worker.  Infact to say that, is actually an understatement!  Yes it restores shine, yes it reduces drying time, HELL YES it strengthens and conditions!

After washing and conditioning my hair,  I apply an amount approx the size of a 10 pence coin on my mid-lengths to ends.  I then blow dry it.  My hair seems to dry in no time at all, it looks and feels amazing, and more important in my opinion than any of those points, is that it has repaired and strengthened my hair.  Products that make your hair look good are great, but for me, Im into products that actually rebuild and strengthen; through this, it of course looks better too.  Ive had people recently comment on my locks (which never used to happen!) so I have to thank Moroccanoil for this, big time!

It isn't cheap (100 ml = approx £30) BUT you only need to use a tiny amount so it will last ages.  As they say, the proof is in the pudding and this pudding is super-sized, extra cream, with lashings of sauce = WINNER!!

http://www.moroccanoil.com/

Music should be fun!

Things that dont need to be serious shouldnt be taken seriously, for example, MUSIC!  Unless of course, you're at the opera...  If you're reading this and have never heard of Gideon Conn, read on.  If you have heard of him, tell me what you think of him...and still read on!

Gideon is unique, talented, easy on the ears and FUN!  His musical style is that of Pop/Hip Hop and he writes the catchiest tunes ever!  The one about fish comes to mind... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RQpaDVFIqw

He is a singer-lyricist, and so too, writes songs about love, the world, music.  The last time I watched him perform, only a couple of days ago, I looked around the room, to see only smiling faces; EVERYONE was wearing a smile.  There were a good few people who I could tell hadnt seen him before, and then there were some, like myself who had....yet the feeling was universal.

He does have a band who he performs with, but the last couple of times Ive seen him, it's just been him.  The experience is different of course, but fantastic either way.

Oh, and did I mention he's from Manchester too?  Extra points for that!

http://www.myspace.com/gideonconn

A change in tastes

Earlier today I was pretty bored and on a well-known social networking site. I was looking through my 'interests' section, and thought Id spend some time editing it.  Im not sure many of my 'friends' have even read this section, and my close friends know all too well what Im interested in, but anyway, Im waffling now.... What it has made me think about, is that my musical tastes seem to have changed so much from two to three years ago.  It's not something I was hugely aware of; I realised my tastes had changed or moved on, but I suppose actually typing them, brought upon the realisation.  Of course this links to other things, such as style, clothing and if I think about how I dressed a few years ago, how I wore/coloured my hair, that's all changed too, and dare I say it, it coincides with the music.

Ive never seen myself as someone who dresses in a certain way; I like Rock music but Im not covered in piercings (I have a few) but then again, my number of tattoos has increased (ok trippled) over the last few years, and over this time, my musical taste has moved from Indie, to more Rock/Metal/Grunge.

So maybe things influence us more than we are aware.  Maybe in many cases, we dont realise until the change has taken place.  As humans, do we we simply just get on with things?  I know I dont, I over-analyse things way too much....but maybe that's because Im female!

Im not sure where this entry is going, so will end it now!  Just putting down some thoughts!

Au revoir, for now! x

Rain Rain Go Away....

Ive really had enough of this awful weather.  There's no other way to describe it really is there?  You wake and it's dark, you get home in the evening and it's dark, just dark, dark and dark.  Sunshine, if you can hear me, please come back!....you've been missed, big time!!!

If you have dry skin/hair, read on!

If you're a reader/follower of this, you'll know Im a bit of a beauty product junkie!  Ive been into my lotions and potions since a pretty young age, and just love trying out new things, especially is they have proven benefits...and what better way to prove something then to try it out for yourself!

On today's agenda, is Kiehl's (see the previous blog I wrote on their fabulous Hand Cream http://flicks-licks-chicks.blogspot.com/2009/12/night-walked-down-sky-with-moon-in-her.html)  I have quite dry skin and hair, the latter being due in a big way, to the amount of colour Ive had on it over the years, chemical straightening (once when I was 15) and the industrial hairdryer I use!  I have to say, over the past year Ive taken much better care of my hair, having a darker colour (well not blonde anyway!), using the aforementioned hairdryer less, and using Keratin Oil and treatments (Im sure I'll blog about this at a later date!) so in general, my hair is both looking and is actually healthier.

So, while we are on the subject of hair.... Kiehl's Sunflower Color Preserving Deep Recovery Pak.  This product is both Silicone and Paraben free (Im really getting into checking out ingredients of products lately) and works to strengthen the hair (Vitamin E) and preserve the colour (Sunflower)  Ive recently had my hair coloured more red/orange, and as anyone who has coloured their hair these colours knows, they fade fast!  So far, Ive used this masque a few times, and Im very happy with the result!  My colour is looking fresh and my hair feels and smells wonderful.  You know how sometimes when you use beautiful smelling products on your hair, once you've washed them off, your hair doesnt really smell of the product anymore?  Well not with this one, my hair smells beautiful!   On the Kiehl's website, this costs £24 for 250 ml, and with you only needing a small amount, if you work out how many uses you'll get from the pot (many!) and of course the benefits your hair will receive, it really is worth giving it a try!

As I mentioned, my skin in general is dry, and at this time of year, what with the central heating and weather, it is at it's worst!  Introducing Kiehl's Creme De Corps.  Ive heard some really good things about this cream and boy are they true!  It states it has a rich texture and is for dry, flakey skin (=mine!) 

It can be annoying when creams dont absorb well/quickly, and you have to wait for what seems like ages to put your clothes on after using it!  With the Creme De Corps, you still need to wait a bit while it absorbs, as it is a rich cream, but it still soaks in relatively quickly and makes your skin feel so smooth afterwards.  Ive been using this for a few weeks now and can say it has made my skin less dry, less flakey and Im very impressed with this product.  Another fabulous buy from one of my fave brands of the moment, Kiehl's!

http://www.kiehls.co.uk/index.aspx

"Labels are for cans, not people" Anthony Rapp (American film and stage actor)

Whilst on my daily tube journey today, I noticed something that I kinda forgot existed; jean size labels, on the outside of the jeans, for all the world to see.  Im talking about Levi's, although Im not sure if other brands do this too.

What's the reason for it?  I suppose at the time (and maybe still now?) it gave them a point of difference between them and other brands.  I myself, am sure that I would have had some of these at some point, but now, I just think it looks silly!  We dont walk around with our size labels on the outside do we....Oh, Im a 38 FF (not me ha!), my arse is an XXL... (again, not me!) but you see what Im saying?  So from my journey today, I found out that the guy stood next to me on the train had a waist measurement of 34 inches and legs measuring 36 inches.

Like everything I write, it's not Gospel, it's simply my opinion, but let me know what you think!  If anyone who reads this wears these jeans that Im talking about, no offense intended!

The best nail polish Ive used so far

I adore painting my nails.  Ive tried many brands over the years, from Rimmel to Chanel (not impressed with Chanel at all) Boots No 7 to OPI, Nails Inc to Barry M, and it's only in the last year, that Ive discovered my two favourite brands; in no particular order, OPI and Barry M.

Lets look at each brand individually.

OPI - A spectacular selection of shades; you want reds, oranges, pinks, blues, take your pick from tons of shades!  Not only do you have so much choice, but you are also given a beautiful bottle, a brush which is so easy to apply the polish with, and most important of all, a lacquer that LASTS!....yes, it lasts and is so unbelievably glossy!  They cost appox £10, and when you divide this by the number of applications you get (I purchased mine in October, have used it lots and am still nowhere near the bottom of the bottle!) it really is a great deal.  My favourite colour is The Thrill Of Brazil - beautiful dashing pin-up red shade!

Barry M - A great collection of shades and finishes, ranging from plain, to glitter, to neon and hexograms.  Barry M polishes really stay put, dont take too long to dry, come in fab retro style bottles and at approx £2.99 a pop, one cannot complain!  I have a wide variety of the shades, and am happy with all of them.  My faves are: Shocking Pink, Fuchsia, Navy, Black and even the Mint Green (I dont normally go for these type of colours, very similar to the recent limited edition Chanel shade!)

http://www.opi.com/

http://www.lenawhite.co.uk/

http://www.barrym.com/

I love Pret Granola!

Well if Im being honest, I love everything that Ive ever tasted from there!

Im singling out their Very Berry Breakfast Bowl in particular, since I have a pot at least once a week, as does my boyfriend.  I always go for the Very Berry one, although a couple of weeks ago, I accidentally (shock horror!) got the new Cherry one...and how pleasantly surprised was I?!

If you've never tried one, be sure to give it a go.  It's tasty, relatively healthy (Id say it'll pretty much 'fill you up till lunch') and at a decent price at £1.80.  Id love to include a photo but I cannot find one online!

I love the fact that they use Organic milk in everything.  Being someone who only buys organic milk at home, and has to settle for standard milk at many a cafe etc, it makes me happy that Pret share these ways.

Ive seen instore that they are now selling porridge, so with these cold mornings, that's next on my list!

http://www.pret.com/

Have you seen the line up for Download Festival?

....and if not, why not?!  I suppose Rock/Metal isn't everyone's cup of tea, but my oh bloomin my, how amazing is this year's line up?! 

Stone Temple Pilots (am listening to Core as I write this entry!) ACDC, Bullet For My Valentine, Wolfmother... and I am SURE, Soundgarden are gonna get confirmed, well they HAVE to!!

http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/home/index.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2findex.aspx

"Kiss and make up - but too much make up has ruined many a kiss” Mae West

Mae West was way cool wasn't she?!  I thought this quite apt, as an introduction to this particular entry, re my favourite make up brand of the moment, Illamasqua.

I discovered it last year, I think it launched in either 2008/2009.  If you're someone who is afraid of experimenting with make-up and always goes for the safe option, then this brand probably isn't for you; that's not to say that there isnt something for everyone though, as there certainly is, but as a whole, it's a dramatic specimen of a brand and to me, it completely personifies the qualities and aspirations of the kind of things that excite me: costume, gothic style, the dark, glitter and sparkle, lacquer, rich vibrancy and nostalgia of times gone by.

I have a variety of the products in a fair few shades; foundations, pigments, mascara (*this is the only product so far that Im not impressed with - both the formula and brush need re-working in my opinion, and Ive used A LOT of mascaras!...and have pretty damn good eyelashes too!) lipstick, liners (for lips and eyes), eyebrow cake, cream blusher, concealer, eyeshadows, liquid metal, brushes.... Favourites are Static and Fervent in the pure pigments, Machine and Intense in the eyeshadows, Rude in the cream blusher, and I think the brushes are fantastic.

* This is further backed up by a number of other reviews Ive read online re the mascara.  Guys, if you read this, maybe conduct some new market research as it is the only product which I think isn't good at all.

Ive become make-up friends with a couple of the artists at the counter in Selfridges London; Helen and Rhiannon.  Both ladies are lovely, highly talented and are always happy to show you how to apply the latest products/trends and to give you some of their very busy time; it's always rammed in there!  I havent dealt with any of the guys there yet, but they look absolutely fabulous, I definitely want to get a tutorial booked in with Mika & Adam, who I hear between them have worked with the Pussycat Dolls and Courtney Love!

There are also a variety of tutorials you can book in for; whether it's a simple make-up lesson or you want to be given a certain look (see some of my faves below!)  They also do lessons in how to apply falsh eyelashes, gotta get at least one of them booked in!

Check it out, it will change your life! http://www.illamasqua.com/

"Headaches are like resolutions. You forget them as soon as they stop hurting" Marion Crane (played by Janet Leigh) Psycho, 1960

The above quote, from Psycho, is one of the many memorable quotes, I think, from one of the best movies ever made.  I thought it particularly fitting, given the time of year.  Well Happy New Year!!  How was yours?

A few of us spent ours in the freeeeeeezing cold temperatures on Dec 31st, watching the London Fireworks.  They were the best Ive ever seen, and I am a self-confessed firework/fire addict...pyromaniac?  Possibly... However, having to wait for four hours for the ten minute spectacular to begin, in what was arctic conditions (ok, maybe a slight exaggeration there, but you get my drift, right?) has led me to conclude that that will probably be the first and last time I intend to do that.  We had to get there early as the entry gates were to close at 8pm, or as soon as the capacity of 180,000 was met, so from around 8pm until midnight, the four of us sat there freeeeeezing our little selves off.  We took supplies with, namely mulled wine in flasks, beer that none of us drank due to the cold (have I already mentioned that it was cold?) crisps, choccie and a cake a friend had brought via Amsterdam ;) and luckily, all of the above kept us occupied until the clock struck, which we could hear perfectly, due to us sitting on a wall directly under Big Ben!

It's also the time of year where people make resolutions isn't it?  Ive resolved not to make any!  Well not any serious ones, such as "I will never do this" or "I will always do that"  Someone once said to me that it's harsh to put "shoulds" on yourself..."I should be/do...." as this can just drive you crazy and ultimately make you unhappy.  What I have decided though, is to pick up my bass guitar again and start playing.  I got made redundant last year and had to stop with the lessons as I couldnt afford the extra £80 a month, but with the skills Ive built up, there's no reason why I cant start playing again.  Apart from that, Ive re-joined the gym.  It costs so much more money here in London to join a gym, double what it was in Manchester, but Ive found a local council run one which is fab and very close to where I live for half the price of most gyms here, so Ive resolved to get back into that again.  Apart from that, Im just going to try to improve myself (if that's possible haha) whether it's through the way I treat myself, others, my outlook on and attitude to things.  Did I say I hadn't made any resolutions?....now it seems I have made some....hmmmmm!...Im seeing them as an on-going process though, no pressure.  Like Marion Crane said, "Headaches are like resolutions. You forget them as soon as they stop hurting"