Cosmo Blog Awards!

Most of you will probably have already read at least one other post telling you the annual Cosmo Blog Awards are open for nominations - I hope you don't mind another!

Last January, I started Beauty Blogging Blonde when I was off sick from work long-term for 2 reasons; to keep me busy & to keep my typing skills up for when I eventually had to go back to work. Very quickly, the blog became far more than a hobby for me & since I started, I have met some amazing people, done some fabulous things & even started my own freelance business! This blog is not just a blog, it literally changed my life. I love it and it would be brilliant if you could take a few minutes to head on over to Cosmo & nominate me for an award!

To nominate me you need to do the following...

1) enter your email address

2) enter the URL of this blog which is... http://beautybloggingblonde.blogspot.com

3) select the category 'established beauty blog (more than 18 months)

4) select 'no' where it asks if it is your blog

Thanks to everyone who has supported me in the last 18 months & thanks to anyone who takes the time to nominate me!

Love A xx

NARS Orgasm Illuminator

I received the NARS Orgasm Illuminator as part of May's Glossy Box. I actually missed May's subscription, but I won my box in a giveaway by Jen over at Mizz Worthy! June's box was so-so, I'm looking forward to receiving July's. I think it'll be the deal breaker as to if I continue subscribing or not. Anyway, back to the NARS!

As I've mentioned before, NARS is a brand that I've had a bit of a distance flirt with, but never really plucked up the courage to invest in a full-on love affair with. I adore the brand in principle & I'm always lemming after other people's purchases (see The London Beauty Review and Just Nice Things but be prepared to break your credit cards out the freezer). But, I'm getting there, building a little NARS collection and this product currently takes pride of place in it!

I do love a good highlighter. I much prefer adding well-placed light than leaving it up to my skin's own devices (read oily). As a whiter than Snow White girl, I often prefer pinkier highlighters that I can layer over my blush. I was certain this was going to be too dark and too orange for me to even contemplate wearing.

But once it's blended out into the skin, it looks amazing! (obviously I don't wear this much!). A little smoothed over the top of the cheekbone, down the centre of the nose & it's like I have an amazing flushed tropical glow. It also maintains it's glow once it dries, without being over glittery. I was really impressed by the fine-ness (?) of the shimmer - not too chunky.

I found that after about 6-ish hours wear, it will be almost completely gone, but I can live with that! The tube is massive 30mls and considering you only need the size of a micro-pea, this will last forever. Making the £21.50 price tag much less 'need to hide the receipt from my husband'.

You can buy yours here.

Sleek Rose Gold Blush

In Aberdeen, this blusher only became available last week, even thought it's been part of Sleek's range for, ooh, about a year? I've been aching to get my mitts on it FOREVER and I finally snapped up the last 2 on the shelf. I am now religiously checking my local Superdrug for back-ups as I will need this blush in my life, for the rest of my life.

It's really not much to look at in the pan; in fact, it looks weirdly grainy and like it will look like you've been slapped, really hard, across the face. But a gentle sweep across the cheek & it transforms, giving a very high-end finish.

The complexity of the 2 colours is stunning - the gorgeous tropical pink, mixed with the gentle gold flecks make it an obvious, out-right dupe for NARS Orgasm blush, but at a 5th of the price.

I don't say it often about products, but you need to go buy this. Now. Immediately.

Available in Superdrug stores and online at around £4.50.

EEK!! What am I wearing on my nails??

Ever since Ruth (distinctly more 'fashion forward' than I) over at A Model Recommends, posted about her EEK Nails a couple of months ago, I have been dying to have a go. She had hers done by a professional in a professional salon, with professional tools. I grabbed a BBQ skewer & some Chanel, Andrea Fullerton & BarryM and made some magic!

Have a few meetings today, first day back at the office after 2 weeks off. Will be interested to see what my colleagues think. Work appropriate? Probably not. But I care not a jot! What do you think? A bit of fun or sheer ridiculousness?

TRESemme Giveaway Winner!

Drumroll please....

The winner of the giant pile of TRESemme goodies is.....

SJMWELL !!

Congrats!! I will email you for your details & you should receive your prize shortly!