Make Up to Make Out

WE’RE TRASH, YOU AND ME..

by Lina on April 26, 2013

You may have spotted this on my Instagram yesterday, my new Hello Kitty trash-tastic bling phone case! What do you think?

Since getting my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 phablet (a phone/tablet hybrid), which I am absolutely loving, btw, I decided after several drops and knocks and scratches from daily wear and clumsy, small hands, it was perhaps time to invest in some kind of protector for it. I had always, always loved the big, tacky, super trashy toy/jewelled Kawaii inspired phone covers that I’d seen on various iPhones online (not sure I ever actually spotted one in IRL), however really struggled to find something of equal quality and ‘bling’ for my android handset. Until now.

Admittedly, this probably isn’t offering the best protection out there, but if we were all simply looking for efficiency alone than the world would undoubtedly be a very boring place!

My phablet, pre pimped.

I got it from a custom design place on Etsy, and including postage it came to around £25, which I thought was reasonable. My phone is huge anyway and it does add a considerable amount of bulk to it, I can imagine people thinking it ruins the phone’s sleek design factor, however I love using it a 100 times more now, it has definitely become an accessory, and ironically I actually treat my phone far more delicately since having it so as not to ruin the case! Go figure.

It’s clearly an acquired taste – which works for me, as I am too! I ADORE it.

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LANCOME HYPNOSE DRAMA EYES PALETTE

by Lina on April 25, 2013

Last week I attended a breakfast event for the new Hypnose eye palettes launched by Lancome. The new Lancome Hypnose Eye Palettes are broken into three styles, Doll Eyes, Drama Eyes and Star Eyes, comprising of twelve palettes entirely, each palette complete with its own eyeliner shade.

I had the opportunity to watch Lancome’s UK Make-up Ambassador Alex Babsky demonstrate how the palettes can be used wet or dry to create a strong, statement look.

The palettes looked absolutely gorgeous and the versatility seemed brilliant. I was given the Lancome Hypnose Drama Eyes in Violet Magnetique in my goodybag to take home, however I gave it away on Instagram as purple isn’t really my colour and just felt someone would have appreciated that particular shade more than me! I did take a quick snap of it before sending off to its new owner though..

Are you excited to try the new Lancome Hypnose eye palettes?

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SKUNK ANANSIE, MADE IN CHELSEA ‘CAMEO’, UKULELE & OTHER THINGS

by Lina on April 23, 2013

The sun is finally here and last week was the first time in ages I actually felt really good about everything; amazing what a bit of sunshine can do. Nothing that great particularly happened, but just I really enjoyed everything in it and had one of those odd occasions of feeling content.

On Monday I saw Skunk Anansie do an unplugged set at the Cadogan Hall with Zoe, which was so impressive. When I was a teen I remembered liking them but not really being a huge fan like others, I had a couple of singles and knew all the hits and that was about it. However seeing them perform live, unplugged, really opened my eyes to what amazing musicians they were and I definitely will have a more vested interest in the band from now on.. I think Zoe and I left with a bit of a girl-crush on Skin, the singer. I’m actually meant to be sending over some beauty questions for her, so if there’s anything you’re dying to ask Skin let me know and I’ll send it through!

The rest of the week was made up of Ukulele lessons, – which I started with Lily two weeks ago. I’M SO ENJOYING IT. It is literally the highlight of my week but there is lots to learn. – events, blogging, 5:2 dieting with the week ending with a nice bbq soiree for Lily’s b’day! Here I am nestled amongst Zoe and Lily, wearing my River Island Aztec Print Dungaree Dress, which I have been living in since buying a few weeks ago, and my very recently purchased Topshop Petite Sleeve Crop top!

Just as I was thinking last week was a really fun, good week, it appears the good luck had continued as yesterday I discovered I was on one of my favourite shows, Made in Chelsea!!!

I had absolutely no idea I was going to be in it, I was actually watching something else pre-recorded whilst that was recording to watch later, when I got a ton of tweets alerting me to being spotted on the show so I quickly switched over! It was filmed during Fashion Week and is literally just me strolling around for maybe a second max, but it was enough to make me go giddy with excitement of being on my favourite show! Haha..

P.S. I’m thinking of starting a tumblr.

P.P.S. All these pictures were taken from my Instagram.

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KIEHL’S ACTIVELY CORRECTING & BEAUTIFYING BB CREAM

by Lina on April 18, 2013

Having tried a few BB Creams in the past, I have always been left rather unimpressed. Until now. The new, freshly launched Kiehl’s foray into BB territory is the only BB Cream I would actually step out of the house as my ‘foundation’ in.

One of the things that instantly appealed to me about KIEHL’S ACTIVELY CORRECTING & BEAUTIFYING BB CREAM* was the Broad Spectrum SPF 50. Those who know me know I’m an SPF nut. Which I admit is a bit of an odd thing to be a nut about, but not really when you’re in the beauty industry knowing that UV rays are single-handedly the biggest contributor to skin ageing. These days I insist on having beauty products with SPF in, so with SPF 50 I’ve hit the jackpot!

The coverage is genuinely buildable and easily controlled; one tiny blob for sheer, two for moderate, three for pretty damn good! I use it after moisturiser as I have exceptionally dry skin, and with a little concealer my base is natural, but good.

It’s actually very dewy and illuminated on me, and really evens my skin tone out (which it should considering it claims ‘Instantly Perfecting Formula Clinically Proven to Correct Skin Tone Irregularities’). But because of this, I would also suggest setting with powder, particularly on the T Zone, to stop it slipping and to add a little extra coverage. Otherwise it appears to continuously pump moisture into skin whilst you wear it and can look a little shiny, especially if you’ve applied a lot on for heavier coverage. Great for dry skin, but powder is essential for oilier!

A quick snap of it on earlier this week in the midst of a busy day – sorry it’s a bit blurry!

Kiehl’s Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream is pretty much what I imagined a BB Cream should be like. The packaging is also super cute and compact (it may look uber small, but it’s actually 30ml which is average size for a product of this nature). I did have one minor complaint, and that was with only three shades and my using the darkest (Natural), it wasn’t very accessible for all skin tones. HOWEVER, I’ve been told Kiehl’s are in the midst of creating new shades so this should hopefully be remedied in the near future!

Are you eager to try Kiehl’s Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream?

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FLOWER CROWNS/HEADBANDS

by Lina on April 17, 2013

I guess I’m pretty boho when it comes to style, so flowers in my hair naturally appeals for summer headwear – especially flower crowns. So much so, in fact, I’ve decided not to do anything this afternoon except scour the ‘net and select my favourites for potential buy (all under the guise of blogging, of course)..

CROWN AND GLORY are great for good, mid range crowns that come in a massive variety of colours and flower type. The black ones are perfect for ‘everyday’ wear as they’re more subtle, however this mint one has really caught my eye as the shade is utterly gorgeous; I can see it going with so many outfits!

I was quite surprised to find this in BOOHOO, and priced amazingly at only £8! Nice, large, oversized flowers in peaches and pink. The detail and quality isn’t as great compared to the others I’ve featured, but for this price it’s very impressive!

I actually already own this, I got it last year from OPHELIA ROCKS*. It’s lovely and a good mid, uber wearable size. Ophelia Rocks’ prices are incredibly competitive and they use vintage, one-off materials so always worth checking out their Etsy store to see what’s currently out!

Lastly, the creme de la creme, ROCK N’ ROSE Georgia Oversized Floral Crown Headband. This particular one isn’t new stock by any means, however it’s a classic with colours that you could easily wear for all seasons. It is quite a bit pricier than the others but, well.. frankly, it’s simply stunning.

The great thing about these flower crowns are their versatility; they can be dressed down for festivals or completely the other end of the scale with dresses such as www.missesdressy.com/dresses/top-prom-dresses, lending an edge whilst still maintaining dresscode.

Which is you favourite flower crown?

DISCLAIMER: This post contains a sponsored link

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NEON GREEN NAILS WITH JESSICA & CIATE

by Lina on April 16, 2013

Believe it or not, regardless of what my Instagram might have you believe, I am not entirely a nails blog! But for some reason I have been all over nail polish at the moment, there has been so much fun stuff released it’s hard to space them all out when writing/instagramming them! And painting my nails is probably the one thing I am on top of in terms of grooming.

Today I’ve got very on-trend neon green nails, which I ‘created’ using Jessica Psychedelic predominantly, with Ciate Mojito as a base colour.

Every summer (and well into Winter, I admit) I go neon with my nails and my usual shade is orange. I decided I wanted to try a green and was just about to buy the latest offerings from American Apparel and Models Own when I noticed I already HAD a green, by Jessica, from years ago (2007, I believe!). I never used it as back then I didn’t realise that you needed a base colour for it to pop like I wanted, so dismissed it as too thin and watery. I’m glad I kept it after all those years now; it was in perfect condition! Not gloopy at all.

Jessica Psychedelic Neon Green Nail Polish Varnish

I went with a green base colour as bizarrely I don’t actually own any white or french manicure sets, I imagine it might appear even be more neon with a straight white underneath. Overall I’m really pleased with how it’s turned out. I did two coats of Ciate Mojito, followed with two of Jessica Phsychedelic, which is a lot admittedly.

FYI, Sorry it’s not the neatest paint job in the world! I actually hadn’t planned on photographing this particular manicure, as I did it rushed on the train and didn’t think I did a very good job. But the next day they didn’t look as bad as I thought so decided to snap them as they were for this post..

I really like Jessica nail varnishes, with a good top coat I can get a good weeks wear from them, sometimes two if I’m lucky!

You on board with the neon nails trend?

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BUTTER LONDON LIMITED EDITION FOR BOOTS & UPCOMING SUMMER HOLIDAY COLLECTION

by Lina on April 10, 2013

Yesterday I went to the BUTTER LONDON event showcasing their upcoming Summer collection, and also celebrating their launch into Boots stores with a new limited edition shade exclusive to Boots, out this month!

Butter London POSH BIRD is a smoky mushroom shot with silver microglitter. Two coats got this gorgeous depth of colour, and I’m so impressed with its finish I don’t think I’ll even add a topcoat later!

Now, I know August is SO LONG away, but I couldn’t help but share this collection now. The upcoming BUTTER LONDON SUMMER HOLIDAY NAIL LACQUER COLLECTION is designed to pop against summer skin, comprising of metallics, glitter and one milky ‘African turquoise’. I think the shades are beautiful, with Bit Faker, the glittery pink bronze shade on my middle finger, probably being my favourite.

Butter London Poole, Sunbaker, Bit Faker, Marbs, Champers.

But before you get too excited, remember this collection is not out till August! However check my Instagram as I will be adding pics of the varnishes on over the next few weeks/months if you want closer inspections till then…

Any favourites?