♥ My forgotten about Lip Glosses & Lipsticks

My forgotten about Lip Glosses & Lipsticks

I decided to show my least used lip glosses and lip sticks from my collection. Before I went to Sweden a few months ago, I even planned a post showing my whole lip product collection. Some of them I don't really like, like the first one from NYC. All the others I should really try to use more often :)

Which one is your favourite?

xx

You might want to read this:

• Collection 2000 Cream Puff review (number 5 in pic)
• Sleek Pout Paints- how to mix them & create ombre lips (number 7 in pic)
• Collection 2000 bright red lipstick (number 6 in pic)

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ The Bodyshop Amazonian Wild Lily

The Bodyshop Amazonian Wild Lily

This is my new to go perfume! You know that one you keep in your bag or makeup bag when you're out an about. Seeing as it is a Eau de Toilette, it's perfect for use on the go. Usually I wouldn't be one to go for flowery smells, but it really grew on me. If you want a perfect refreshing perfume, this is the one for you! I won't buy this when it's finished, but I would by the same with a different smell, I've got my eyes on the Vanilla one!

Click on the picture below to buy this

This is how it is described on www.bodyshop.co.uk

"Escape to the Amazon with wild lily. Inspired by the rain-kissed freshness of the jungle, this crisp, luminous eau de toilette from our Scents of the World fragrance collection features a blend of floral and aquatic accords.

• Aquatic scent
• Layer with other Amazonian Wild Lily products to build the fragrance
• Blend two scents from the collection to create your own fragrance"

Have you tried the BodyShop Perfumes?

What do you think of flowery smells?

xx

You might want to read:

• Different types of perfumes here. I writing about the difference between Eau de Perfume and all the other different types.
• The BodyShop Chocomania Dry Oil review
• The BodyShop Coconut LipGloss Review
• The BodyShop Melon LipGloss Review

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

(*)

Read more »

♥ Smokey Plum Cat Eye

Smokey Plum Cat Eye

What do you think about this?

xx

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ DIY Scalp Oil & Hair Lotion

DIY Scalp Oil & Hair Lotion in Applicator Bottle

A scalp oil for me is essentials in order to not get an itchy scalp, and also keep it from getting dry.  I actually hada terrible experience with a rash in my whole scalp for 2-3 months a few years ago. A hair dresser actually said it was psoriasis, since I don't have that- I am pretty sure it was a reaction to a relaxer. At that time I didn't care that much about my hair, nor scalp and didn't think much of it, but it was disgusting and extremely flaky.

Moving on, now I use a scalp oil about every other day. It's a great way to also try and give yourself a scalp massage before going bed, increasing the blood flow to your scalp- which promotes hair growth.

What to put in your scalp oil mix?

• Majority of the oil should consistent of at least one of the 2 only oils that will actually get absorbed by skin and hair. These are Coconut Oil & Jojoba Oil. Using a thick oil like Castor Oil (when you leave it on your scalp) can give you an adverse effect- making your scalp itchy!
• Peppermint Oil! Amazing for scalp, feels very soothing and depending on how much you put in, it gives a cooling sensation too. 
• Tea Tree Oil. Add some of this for the antibacterial and anti fungal properties it has. This will keep your scalp healthy and clean between washes.
• Rosemary Oil. This can help stimulate the circulation to your scalp, and thereby promoting hair growth.

What to put in your hair lotion/oil?

• Shea Butter (Melt it and pour it in, don't use more than a 3rd)
• A cheap carrier oil like Almond or Sesame Seed.
• A few super nutritious oils like: Linseed Oil & Hemp Seed Oil
• Essential oil of choice for the scent (will make your hair smell newly washed between washes), like: Lavender, Sweet Orange, Rose Oil

Essential for both mixes:

• Vitamin E oil: An antioxidant which prolonges shelf life of a product as well as promotes cell growth.

Read my post on: Vitamin E Oil here, Coconut Oil here, Shea Butter here, Jojoba Oil here, Oils in general here. 

Do you use oils in your hair?

& whats your favourite?

xx

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ Eyebrow Plucking Chart

How to pluck your own eyebrows, and eye brow plucking chart

I thought I'd take the time to show my disgusting not-plucked-for-a-week-eyebrow. Yeah I really think un plucked brows look disgusting lol. So in this picture you can see a clear difference between my un plucked brow, and my newly plucked brow. My natural brows, I'd say are really bushy, like man brows lol! This means I constantly have to pluck them. I have never had anyone else but myself touch my eyebrows, and I've never had them threaded.

Here comes my own eye brow plucking chart for you :)

Tips for eye brow plucking with NO pain at all:

• A GOOD tweezer is essential. Can be either expensive or cheap, you just have to look around.
• When your plucking, don't just "drag" the hair out. Stretch the skin surrounding the area, and pull it out in the Same direction in which it is growing.
• It's a myth that you can't pluck above the brow, you can- but be careful, it's not likely that you will change the shape of your eyebrow here, only pluck excess hairs.
• If you have a big issue with pain when plucking, hold an ice cube against your skin just before starting to pluck, to numb the area.

How do you do your eyebrows?

Thread, pluck, salon, at home?

xx

Check out my old eyebrow tutorial too (here I show how to use your tweezer to determine the shape):

• http://yolandaas.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/how-i-do-my-eyebrows.html

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ Face mist or Setting Spray

Face mist or Setting Spray

Uses for a face mist?

• Your rushing in the morning, and need to quickly refresh your face.
• You've been to the gym, and your face needs a pick me up before you get home and shower (Well, I don't shower at the gym, I don't know about you)
• You've done your makeup, it's looking very matte and you want a more dewy look.
• You've done your makeup, and want it to last- use the face mist as a setting spray.

Which face mist do I use..?

I only have the two face mists in the picture so I will tell you have I use these two, and for what.

Dermalogica Soothing Protection Spray (mentioned here)-
This has very nice ingredients. It contains Butylene Glycol after water (but it seems all face mist need this?), then followed by Glycerin, Extracts of: lavender, cucumber, camomille, wheat germ.. etc etc. Pretty natural and skin calming ingredients.
Use this: Instead of your moisturiser when you don't have a lot of time, or use this in your to go makeup bag if your skin needs a bit of extra moisture during very cold times, or very hot times.

The BodyShop Vitamin C Energising Face Mist-
This also starts with water, butylene glycol, but then polysorbate-20 before glycerin. After that there is actually a preservative, not sure why that needs to be that high up in the list? After that it's got hydrogenated castor oil and in the bottom there is ingredients such as Aloe Vera Juice. Since the ingredients aren't as good as the other one, I now use this as a setting spray or to give my makeup more of a dewy look. I used to use this after gymming too.

Do you use Face Mists?

Did you know they can be used as Setting Sprays?

xx

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ All ELF Palette Blushers

All ELF Palette Blushers

 Having recently re discovered this ELF blusher (third one) and absolutely loving it, I thought I'd show you all the blushers in the palette. As I've said before, I don't really use blushers but I'm getting more and more into it. Especially these ones, where they all have golden shimmers in them.

I actually made a mistake in this picture. The number 3 is in fact number 4, and number 4 is number 3. 

Also, the most accurate one I'd say it number 4 in the pic (which is actually number 3). This is my absolute favourite and I've dedicated a whole post on that here lol. It was soo hard to catch the right colour of the blushers in the picture above. Please see picture below for accurate shades.

Have you tried any elf blushers? 

Do you have any elf palettes?

xx

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ Cantu Shea Butter First Thoughts

Cantu Shea Butter Leave in Conditioning Repair Cream

For me, there is only one hair product that I use daily (except for oils & essential oils) is a leave in conditioner or/and detangler. I have to detangle my hair every day since my new growth is really thick and tightly curled (read my transitioning posts here). Since I have to buy it so often, I am still looking for an affordable, fairly natural & great working product.

I have of course heard of the Cantu Shea Butter before, I even recommended it for my friend once because the ingredients looked great. At that time I think I just didn't buy it because there were silicones in it.

Anyway, my TIGI leave in conditioner is almost finished (review here) so I headed to the hair shop. I was about to pick up the Kera Care leave in lotion but it's a bit pricey and there is not a lot in there, so again- it would finish really quickly. I saw the Cantu Shea butter in a massive jar of 16 FL OZ/473 ml for only £3.99. For some unknown reason I only skimmed through the amazing top part of the ingredient list missing mineral oil at the faaar bottom!! Might not sound like a big deal but I really don't want to use mineral oil, especially not in my hair. However, it is in the bottom of the list and it can't be more than a really tiny bit of it, so I will still finish this product.

Other leave in conditioners/detanglers I have tried:

• Curls- Curl Souffle (love this, but it's so pricey)
• Jamaican Lime & Mango no more relaxer transitioning cream (this is great, and fairly cheap. Doesn't last for long though)
• TIGI Love Peace & The Planet- Has amazing slip, but is sticky (could be due to the fact that it was bought from TK Maxx and it is apparently old stock, click to read more)

Have you tried any of the Cantu Shea Butter products?

Do u mind using Mineral Oil?

xx

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ FOTD Every day look

FOTD Every day look

It's fair to say this is my everyday look. Only takes about 5 minutes, but it still makes a big difference to wear any coloured statement lip. I also don't do my hair when I get ready, I do it before I go to bed (braid out in my fringe or twist out).

My favourite Pout Paint from Sleek (see here).  To achieve this colour I actually mixed it with a lighter pout paint.

See how long my lashes on my right eye (LEFT for you looking at the pic) are.. does this happen to anyone else..? Only one eye of nice long lashes..

With my semi natural hair, it's evident to know how to plait hair, cain row hair and twist hair. Having only basic hair skills I only know what most people know- how to plait hair. So when my fringe is curly it's usually from plaiting. However, my boyfriend's sister recently showed me (tried to lol) how to make a twist. Took a few tried but eventually I managed to do ONE. This fringe is my first ever twist, I love it because it's a lot quicker than plaiting and quicker to take out. I'll definitely keep practising.

Dont forget to check out my Sleek Pout Paints Ombre lips & other mixes here.

What's your everyday look?

xx

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ Chocomania Beautifying Oil

Chocomania Beautifying  Dry Oil Review

Use this for your hair, face or body! (Click on picture below for link to Bodyshop)

Seven first ingredient, full ingredient list here Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Emollient), Dicaprylyl Carbonate (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Parfum/Fragrance (Fragrance), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil/Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter/Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter (Emollient)

Described on the website as "Beautifying Oil is pure beauty in a bottle. Made with a lightweight blend of nut oils including Community Fair Trade marula oil, it gives instant hydration and a shimmering finish. This one has a deliciously chocolatey scent"



What is a dry oil?
From what I've understood it's a more lightweight oil, usually mixed with other emollients too. When I apply this on my body there is a noticeable difference to normal oils, there is no grease. Think a super light oil, but just as moisturising.

Results?
This really is amazing! You guys already know I love the Chocomania range, I bought it last winter I think and loved it (see here). One thing I love is the bottle, it really squirts the oil out making it easy to apply.

For hair: I used this when I straightened my hair for the first time in 7 months plus (see pics here). I found that it made it super soft. Not sure if products not containing water can moisturise but I felt like it moisturised my hair too.

For body: Amazing to use as an in shower/bath oil or just to use on skin after showering. Big plus for smelling amazing. My skin has not been dry since using this. I shower every day which means it keeps your skin non dry for at least 24 hours.

For face: Although I tried it, I haven't used it a lot on my face, only because I have another facial oil I use (see DIY here)

Related links:

• BodyShop Massive Haul
• Bodyshop Coconut Lip Gloss review
• BodyShop Melon Lip Gloss review
• Oils (blog page/label)

Have you tried any of these Dry Oils?

If so, link your blog post :)

xx

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

(*) Pr Sample

Read more »

♥ EOTD Favourite?

What's your EOTD favourite? 

Click on the links below to see what products I used for these looks :)

1. Purple Smoke, Click to see
2. Greens & Browns (no post)
3. INGLOT Fiery ETOD
4. Pretty Turquoise
5. A Glitterbomb EOTD
6. Fiery Red (Vs. Pretty Turquoise)
7. BodyShop Smokey Eyes (Featured on Hello Cotton)
8. How to: Elongate Eyes (Featured on Hello Cotton)

What's your favourite? :)

xx

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ Current SkinCare Product

The BodyShop Cucumber Freshening Water (Toner) & Cucumber Cleansing Milk

Toner: I hadn't used a toner in such a long while before buying this (check out the haul here), even though I really think it's essential. When you clean your face, strangely enough no matter how thoroughly you clean, there is always traces of makeup on your face when you use a toner. Except from taking of any remaining makeup from your face, a toner is used to tighten your pores and moisturise. I think this is great, and smells amazing! The cucumber theme makes it feel so refreshing too :)

Cleanser: When I first used this I found it a bit odd. It was different to other cleansing milks I had previously used in a way that it really doesn't come off your skin without a face cloth. A bit similar to a bar soap, it leaves a film on your face and the makeup just sticks to it. However, use a face cloth to wipe it of (as your meant to, it says in the instructions), it works wonders! Leaves your skin very moisturised.

Guys these are currently on sale, they are not still on the website so maybe they're sold out. But I saw them in a shop about a week ago.

Have you tried these or any other Bodyshop Skincare?

xx

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ Benefits of Vitamin E Oil

 Benefits of Vitamin E Oil

I mentioned Vitamin E oil from Holland & Baretts in my winter essentials post here before. The reason why it's so great is because you can simply add a few drops to your existing stuff, kind of tweaking them for winter time.

What are the benefits of Vitamin E (oil)?

• Promotes cell growth/stops cellular damage
• I.e. for skin is can help heal and fade scars
• The oil can help stop cracked skin and make it heal quicker

The consistency is super thick, so you may want to mix it with a carrier oil. Read more about this below.

How can I use this?

• Add to your Daily Face moisturiser
• Add to your Facial Oil (DIY Here)
• Add to your Hand Cream
• Add to your Body Lotion
• Add to your Cuticle Oil (DIY Here)
• Scalp or hair oil

Practically anything that you use to nourish and moisturise your skin! Remember that the Vitamin E molecule is very large and is best absorbed to skin in conjunction with Jojoba Oil (which has smaller molecules). Read more about this here.

For the UK: Buy Holland & Barett Vitamin E Oil here
For the US: Buy Jason Vitamin E Oil here

Have you, or will you try this?

xx

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ EOTD: Purple Smoke

EOTD: Purple Smoke

Arn't these Victoria Jackson eyeshadows so pretty? You can see the dark palette one reviewed here. If you look at the dark purple one that I've used on the crease, you can see those golden shimmers in it. I feel like the more you blended it, the more they came out, so pretty!

I absolutely adore these eyeshadows, they are easy to blend, pigmented, last well and have some nice shades :)

What did I use for this?

• Eyebrows: Viva La Diva Eyebrow Pencil (see here)
• Eyeshadow primer: MUA
• Eyeshadows: Victora Jackson Palette (see the reviewed one here)
• Liquid eyeliner: COMPANY Magazine (review here)
• Mascara: Natural Collection
• Makeup brushes: Real Techniques Base Shadow brush for blending and Real Techniques shading brush for applying on the crease. ( see reviews here)

What do you think of this EOTD?

xx

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ BodyShop Watermelon Lip Gloss

BodyShop Watermelon Lip Gloss

Description: "High-impact, glossy colour with a juicy watermelon flavour. This luscious lip gloss delivers super-shiny, sheer colour."

I must say I agree with the description. It smells amazing, you know one of those you just want to  eat. It is an orange/coral very sheer lip gloss. If you look at the picture below you can see that it actually has a tiny bit of glitter in it. 

As the description says, it's sheer, which means don't expect it to look orange/coral on your lips- it will only give a tint. As with the Coconut One (review here), it's very thick and moisturizing. The second ingredient is Castor Oil which is amazing (full ingredient list here)

Ingredient Check (√ For Yes  ||  / For No)

• Mineral Oil (/)
• Parabens (/)
• Silicones (/)

Read full ingredient list here.


This is my new every day lip gloss, it moisturises my lips and smells amazing. Even though dark lips are very hyped during winter and autumn, I feel like a thick lip gloss will really protect your lips in the cold from drying out.

What do you think of this? & What's your absolute favourite scent?

xx

Links:

• Review of the Coconut LipGloss
• My recent massive BodyShop haul
• Other Bodyshop Products

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

(*) PR Sample

Read more »

♥ Stress Free and Sleepy

Neal's Yard Remedies Massage WorkShop

I was so excited to get invited to Neal's Yard Remedies massage workshop today.
Why? I love NYR as a brand, I love giving massages (yup full time masseuse, when I was younger for my mum, now for my boyfriend lol) and oils and essentials oils really intrigue me. The event/workshop was held ahead of the National Stress Awareness Day (7th November) which I think was a great idea, especially since I didn't even know about this day and really tend to stress a lot.

We got some goodies with us to put our new talents to the test :) Carrier oil and high quality Rose Essential oil from NYR. The candle below is super relaxing and all natural, smelling it already reminds me of the event.

 A super easy way if you don't have your own scented candle is to use one of these, put a night light candle in one of these burners, put water mixed with a few drops of essential oils at the top.

We learnt Indian head massage, hand massage and back massage and it was all taught by Elaine Tompkins who is their head of massage. For those who don't know Neal's Yard Remedies don't only do organic cosmetics they also teach massage courses and they also offer a variety of Therapies like Aromatherapy, acupuncture etc.

Hereis the info about the course if anyone's interested in trying it.

What do you do to relieve stress? 

& are you interested in massaging or just getting massaged lol :)

x

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil or NYC Eye Pencil

NYX Jump Pencil or NYC Eye Pencil

I see people use the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil as an eyelid primer. Since I don't use that product (or have tried any NYX products) I am not sure if it actually is a primer or eye pencil. Anyway, I thought why not try my favourite white eye pencil as a primer. It works surprisingly well.

Below is a swatch of an INGLOT eyeshadow first swatch on my hand, and then swatched on my hand on top of the NYC white eye pencil. As you can see it really does make the colour "pop" more and it make sit stay on for longer.

How to use it:

Start to draw, or fill in the area you want primed and then blend it all out, after that it should look something like in this picture. From my experience it works better with bright, matte colours as opposed to shimmery or especially shimmer light colours.

I used this in my previous EOTD (scroll down) and it really made the eyeshadow look more pigmented and intense.

Have you tried something like this, and have you tried the NYX jumbo pencil?

xx

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

But it here for only £1.49 from Superdrug or here for £2.21 for shipping to America.

Read more »

♥ A GlitterBomb EOTD Using MUA

A GlitterBomb EOTD Using MUA

When I first bought my MUA GlitterBomb eyeshadow palette I used it constantly. However I mainly used the browns, blacks and golden shades. I have since tried every shade except for one, the coral/peachy eyeshadow. I absolutely love the colour but every time I swatched it it kind off just "fell off" and didn't stick to my skin, therefor not coming off as very pigmented. However I decided to try it again today and this is what I came up with.

This picture is taken using flash, it is not as colour accurate but you can see the details and colours better.

What did I use for this look?

• Eyelid primer: MUA & NYC White Eyeliner (Check out my next post tonight)
• Eyeshadows: MUA Glitterbomb, the shadows above (the non blurry ones)
• Eyebrows: Viva La Diva Eyebrow Pencil (see here)
• Liquid eyeliner: Company Liquid Liner (Review here), it's amazing!
• White eyeliner: NYC
• Black eyeliner under eye: Primark (back up lol I don't really recommend it, my MUA is finished)

See my other looks using MUA GlitterBomb Palette here, here and here

How do you like this look?

x

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ Freebie Alert

Nails Inc St James

 A little freebie alert for everyone. If you buy Glamour Magazine (£2) you get a full size Nails Inc nail varnish worth £11. A was actually surprised how pigmented this was where one coat was pretty much enough, the formula was nice and it applied easily.

There were also pink, black and golden glitter varnishes to choose from.

Will you be buying this?

&  what do you think of the shade?

x

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »

♥ TIGI Love Peace & The Planet Let it Be

TIGI Love Peace & The Planet Let it Be

Update: TIGI has contacted me to let me know that they do not sell their product to TK Maxx which means that it is old stock or distributed from a third party outside of the EU. They also informed me that this specific range (Love, Peave & The planet) has been delisted over a year ago. This means my product as at least a year old, which makes it OUT OF DATE. As the bottle says 12m (how long it lasts). I remember I was about to ask for the Best before date in the shop, I guess I should have. I wonder if they would have even told the truth. 

Please take this into consideration when reading this review.

I bought this from TK Maxx (TJ Maxx Am.) which is a sort of discount store. It was £3.99 and since I was looking for a new detangler/leave in conditioner it seemed perfect. Even more perfect was the fact that it was a "natural" product. Way too long ingredient list but at least the ingredients are good.

Packaging and Smell?

The smell is meant to be almond and cherrys but to be honest, I think it smells like Cherry Cola (Not in a good way, I actually like that drink). However the smell of a product won't affect how I feel about it anyway. Packaging is great, and the squeezy bottle is great for "pouring" into your hand or straight on to my new curly hair.

Results?

To start with, for people with curly hair- the slip is amazing (this means it makes it easy to detangle hair). With Aloe Vera Juice, Glycerine and Shea Butter as top ingredient I'd expect this to be rather amazing. It's not. The consistency is weird, it's really liquidy and heavy. But the worse thing is that as soon as you put some product in your hand, you'll notice that it is incredibly Sticky. I've never had that problem before, it's still sticky in your hair and almost has too much slip.

Pros

• Great detangler with amazing slip
• Natural Ingredients

Cons

• Extremely sticky. Yuck.
• Doesn't really moisturise hair that well to be honest.
• Contains silicones which I generally don't use.

Ingredient Check?

• Mineral Oil (/)
• Silicones (√)
• Parabens (/)

Have you tried any TIGI products?

x

Twitter  || Facebook || Bloglovin || Hello Cotton || Pinterest

Read more »