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Sunday, 31 January 2010
Homemade Exfoliator
Men...
Meanwhile Neil (note how he is not called Mac today... He's in the doghouse) was out at something called a 'headwetting'. A tradition (pfft) I am pretty certain was a scheme cobbbled together when he and all his mates were 15 and developing a cunning scheme to dupe their future wives into additional boozy nights out. Like a pact; they are now on their 3rd Headwetting, each ending in a similar manner.
The night begins with Neil professing that since the new dad will be shattered and not up for too much of an eventful night that he will be home 'early'. He then rolls in at between 3am-4am. Last night's was a whole new level though when he appeared in the bedroom covered in blood claiming he had injured himself. Leaping out of bed thinking he'd been stabbed on his way home, I soon discovered the truth of the matter which was he had bashed his head on a wall and knocked a crater in his ear. After a quick call to NHS24 and him refusing to go to A&E, I furiously wrapped the ear up in plasters and returned to bed.
20 minutes later, at about 4.20am while Neil was blisfully snoring his head off, I got up to sleep on the sofa. Which is where I remain writing this. Still haven't decided if the fact his ear is twice the size of his other one and bright purple will be penance enough. Maybe I'll get some TCP to 'clean' it, before adding a comedy bandage that he will need to sport at the office tomorrow. Hmmmm
While I sit here and wonder how it is possible that the smell of stale beer is managing to override my expensive fancy air freshners, I feel like Monica in the episode of Friends where she is moving in with Chandler and she cries " and I have to live with a boy..."
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Celeb Copy Cat - Rihanna 'Hard' Video
Friday, 29 January 2010
Chanel Particuliere Nail Polish
My favourites (and I am never seen with bare nails) are Rouge Noir, Vendetta, Blue Satin and Dragon -I definitely am a big fan of the classic dark colours. I am not a hater of the lighter colours, I just sometimes find the Chanel pales a touch 'Country Casuals'. After reading a review of Particuliere (505) at http://www.getlippie.com/ I wasn't convinced that I would become a fan of this brand new colour either.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Holy Bad Mood Batmanda...
So, I did some tweeting, some emailing, some house hunting - all from the comfort of my bed. Long Live the Laptop. My head, however seemed to be getting worse, so I rose, got a protein shake and hopped in the shower. Then started the ridiculous downwards spiral...
I washed my face but then washed my hair with shower gel. I put 2 different primers on instead of 1 moisturiser and 1 primer. I couldn't be arsed with getting my make-up brushes dirty so I applied my Pro Lumiere with my fingers, which resulted in all my primer rubbing into lumps on my face and having to start again. My contour powder stuck to a dry patch on my cheek making me look like I had a beard. I finished my eye-makeup and realised I hadn't put my contact lenses in. I then ended up with big semi-dry blobs of mascara down my cheeks, which once dried were impossible to budge. To top it all off, I then sprayed hairspray onto my armpits. Awesome.
The rest of the afternoon wasn't much better, but it's non makeup related so I wont bore you with it!
FFS doesn't even cover it! Tomorrow better be better!!!
Monday, 25 January 2010
Stephanie Pratt Celeb Copy Cat
Let me know what you think!
A xx
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Ruby and Millie Nails
Saturday, 23 January 2010
As Requested...
Today's Haul
- Benefit's One Hot Minute bronzer (Thanks for the recommendation Pixiwoo!)
- Benefit's Bad Gal Lash waterproof (tried & tested)
- Ruby & Millie Nail Polish in 'Green' - it's so soft and pastelly!
- Ruby & Millie White Eyeliner
- R & M Lipsticks both 'Red' and 'Nude' in sheer and 'Nude' in matte
I've popped a pic of the bullet of the red sheer as it's solid post box red in 'real life' but it's almost more like a lipgloss when applied. It's a beautiful shade.
I've never really been a big R & M fan, but the lipstick section was great - it just had the same 8 (?) colours but in 4 different textures. Fab!
Friday, 22 January 2010
Rae Morris Makeup The Ultimate Guide
What it says: "... Simple step by steps make even the most sophisticated and creative makeup easy to achieve..."
About the book - it has to be said, I simply LOVE this book! I love the no-nonsense approach to the instructions and the honesty Rae has when advising if something is worth spending money on or not. There are whole chapters dedicated to 'eyebrows', 'highlighting' or 'contouring' rather than all these elements being lost within bigger sections. In addition, I love the fact it has a whole section dedicated to the 'over 40s' and to 'asian eyes' - I think this makes it more transferrable and useful to both beginners, aspiring MUAs and more experienced MUAs.
There is a lot of discussion on colours suitable for different coloured eyes, hair, skin tone etc and there is a section on 'colour theory' too. It covers techniques on how to achieve particular looks such as 'bronzed' or 'retro' which I love.
Best bits: just the general awesomeness of the book - it's layout, the instructions, the photography, the diversity... I could go on
Worst bits: I genuinely don't think there are any! Honestly!
Overall - buy it! ps, it's paperback - much easier to handle when balancing an eyeliner and mascara in your other hand!
Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual
I really liked this book because of it's simplicity - I'm not convinced that professional make-up artists would find this particularly useful as it really doesn't stretch much farther than basics, colours, face charts etc, but for someone who is a beginner or who doesn't have much confidence in their techniques or abilities, then it would be great. It has a section on bridal make-up and I suspect it might be more useful for a bride who is planning to do their own make-up rather than an MUA who is planning on branching into bridal makeup. It might also make an excellent present for a teen who is starting to express an interest in make-up.
The basics section goes into some detail on different skin conditions, adjusting colours/blending colours to suit different tones, how to balance your face by changing the shape of your eyebrows, or lip colour. Also a comprehensive step-by-step instruction on false eyelash application.
The section on 'becoming a pro' is good - I like the fact it doesn't make you feel like it's an impossibility and the tips on listening, building your portfolio etc are good.
Bad bits: Hardback - grrrr, I don't know if you can get this paperback, but the hardback makes it difficult to reference whilst actually trying to do your makeup! I think it probably could've been a little bit more diverse too in terms of 'special applications'.
Overall: excellent book for novices and for those wishing to improve their basic skills, not so much for someone looking to develop their technical abilities.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
coming soon...
- Stephanie Pratt Celeb Copy Cat
- Bobbi Brown book 'review'
- Rae Morris book 'review'
- Homemade exfoliator blog
As some of you may know, I'm off work at the moment with an on-going health prob and it has unfortunately has made me feel a bit poorly the past few days, hence not much make-up chat. But, it will resume shortly!
Love
Amanda xx
Monday, 18 January 2010
Hello Late 20's. Hmph
However, I remember reading in Just Seventeen when I was about 13 an interview with women who had been succesful in their careers, love life, all living the dream and all of them credited turning 30 with feeling more confident, finally realising their own sense of style, they stopped caring what people thought of them blah blah blah so I guess that is something for me to look forward to!
I don't really have much else to say on the topic. As much as I love having birthdays, present giving (I have a twin brother) and receiving, dinner with loved ones etc I HATE that I'm going to be 28. The only thing that makes it better is knowing Mac is turning 30 in a couple of months.
*goes off giggling to self...*
PS Happy Birthday Richard! xxxx
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Orange Lips... Yay or Nay?
http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/beauty/archive/2010/01/15/beauty-trend-testers---orange-lips.htm
Friday, 15 January 2010
Recent Recommendations
So, I'd mentioned my new Michael Kors watch - I love his accessories and can be viewed at http://www.michaelkors.com/
I'd also posted about a bracelet Mac had given me for xmas from HultQuist Copenhagen, which is gorgeous. You can check out their catalogue at http://www.hultquist-copenhagen.com/
Beaute is a new cosmetics brand by Beau Nelson which has recently been launched in Canada and the US. I am currently coveting the 'weightless lip creme' so if anyone knows where I can get my grubby mitts on them, please email me! http://www.beaute-cosmetics.com/
As mentioned in the 'nails nails nails...' post, the 'Brights' look was achieved using the Acid Palette by Sleek Make-up. I spotted these palettes in Superdrug months ago but figured they wouldn't be worth the money. However after watching several Pixiwoo vids where they were used and after my friend Lisa buying one, I was convinced to give them a go. I picked up the 'Acid' and 'Sunset' palettes at less than £5 each and I have to agree - they're fabulous! The colours are amazing, they don't have that much fall-out and they blend like a dream. So definitely check them out. You can pick them up in Superdrug or go to http://www.sleekmakeup.com/
Also check out Pixiwoo at http://www.fashionface.tv/ where you'll find heaps of tutorials on make-up application, trends and looks.
Finally, and I'm not going to say much but Mister Mascara lashes are brilliant. All of the pics below feature me (except the Gwen pics) wearing MM lashes and they are simply superb. You can get 2 pairs for £9.50 in boots or go to http://www.boots.com/