Sleek Face Contour Kit: Review

Something that has been driving me a little insane for a while now- there seems to be an abbreviation for everything these days...like OMG seriously, trying to read messages is like having to solve a puzzle! Ok, I am guilty of using a select few abbreviations myself, like LOL (how many of you have actually said LOL out loud in a fit of laughter?! I have...), ASAP- this seems to have become a word now *aysap*, and BRB. But I do not abbreviate the entire english dictionary! Someone messaged me '10Q' the other day...I sat there, blankly staring at my screen, trying to decipher this new puzzle, until I finally relented and replied 'huh'. It's short for 'thank you' *rolleyes*

Also, why do people right 'hugz' if it isn't even a short form of 'hugs'? I've seen people even write 'ily' instead of 'I love you'- don't tell me you love me if you can't even be bothered to type it out! Which reminds me, I was playing Words for you (version of scrabble) the other day, and the opposing player messaged me 'ASL?' I thought THAT had died out a decade ago!! (I did reply. Pretending to be a male. The game was over pretty quickly though...) 

Anyway enough of my moaning and on to my review. The Sleek Face Contour Kit is one of my most used product. I have it in the medium shade, and I absolutely love it. Both the bronzer and highlighter are very pigmented, easy to blend and very buildable if you like dramatic contouring. I prefer to apply the bronzer and highlighter with a soft hand, to a sheer finish.

The bronzer is completely matte, with no shimmer effect which makes it perfect for contouring. The highlighter is very shimmery so you do have to be careful with it. I like apply it to my cheekbones, bridge of nose and on my cupid's bow. Its also perfect to use as a highlighter under the brow and on the inner corners of the eyes.

I would definitely recommend this product and would repurchase again. Although I do not use the bronzer every time, as I'm not much of a contourer, the highlighter is my absolute favourite. I have used this for over a year and still haven't hit pan! It's a perfect size for travel or for your handbag, and costing £6.49 it isn't too heavy on your wallet either. The only problem I have with it is that sometimes it's lid is hard to open as it is quite stiff, otherwise it's a complete winner.

Anyway, I gtg ladies! Have a gr8 weekend!

RATING: 9/10

Pixi Glow Tonic: Review

How many times have we given into a hype and then realised it was not worth it at all?! I remember when everyone was so excited to upgrade their computer/laptop systems to windows vista, which had become such a hype at its release, only to realise it was an epic failure. When I was in school, it had become a sudden hype for all the girls to get their own website at freewebs.com...so we all created our own website and upload tons of pictures of ourselves, extremely excited by this new novelty...and then that was it. We realised it really wasn't that exciting at all.

I also gave into a hype not so long ago. The Pixi Glow Tonic has such a cult following; bloggers rave about it, many have recommended it and it's out of stock many times online, so I had to give in to my curiosity and see what the fuss was all about. My skin has become rather dull since after my recent pregnancy so I ordered myself a bottle of Pixi Glow Tonic, in hope for this promised 'glow'.

Pixi Glow Tonic is an exfoliating, alcohol free toner, suitable for most skin types, with ginseng and aloe vera as its key ingredients. It promises to help tone, firm and tighten the skin. Many reviewers have claimed it has dramatically helped reduce their acne, scarring and preventing blemishes; most they hype around this product is how much it makes their skin glow.

To my utter dismay, this for me was just one of those hyped products that just did not work out for me. I have been using it for almost 3 months, and having tried so hard to like it and look for results, this product did nothing for me that any other toner could not do. It removes the last of the dirt or cleanser off my face and that is all; oh and it smells pretty lovely. But all in all, a waste of £18. 

I personally would not recommend the Pixi Glow Tonic, but it is a very popular product and does seem to work for the majority, it just did not work for me. 

Now to find something that will do something about this dull skin of mine...any recommendations?!

RATING: 3/10

Bourjois Velvet Edition Rouge Lipstick in Nude-ist: Review and Swatch

I have an endless amount of lipsticks. Reds, pinks, a few purples and browns, nudes...I think there's an orange in the collection too... My husband can't seem to fathom why I need so many of the 'same shades' and why I keep purchasing more. There are many other things that he does not understand, like why I spend hundreds of pounds on makeup and then even more money on products that remove the makeup... Men!!

 I am absolutely loving the velvet edition rouge lipstick in the shade 'nude-ist'! Its the perfect nude, and creates that my-lips-but-better look. I love the velvety, smooth texture and it's completely matte without drying out the lips. I only have to apply this once and it literally lasts all day, even if I've been eating and drinking! It is opaque on first application but I prefer to apply a second layer to intensify the colour a little more.

I think this shade is universal and will suit everyone. It is a rose-pink toned nude, with a slight hint of brown. I would recommend exfoliating the lips prior to application as it does emphasis peeling skin. I would say it is worth the £8.99 price tag, and most of the time it is on 3 for 2 offer at boots. Definitely a thumbs up from me!

RATING: 10/10

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation: Review

Hello Ladies! I'm back! It has been so so long- so much has happened and I've been so busy! Since my last post, I've gotten married and had a baby boy, who is now almost 3 months old! But I've missed blogging so much and my passion for makeup has only increased and I'm so eager to share with you all what I have been loving recently! I'm so excited and nervous to be back on the blogging sphere! I have changed the name of the blog slightly and I hope you all still enjoy reading my posts as much as I do writing them.

You know that feeling of falling in love for the first time? Or even falling in love again with someone new?! The excitement, the joy of new-found love, the eagerness to be with them as often and for as long as possible?! Smiling at the thought?! Yeh we've all been there...

On the 26th of May, 2013, the day of my wedding, I fell in love. Again. It felt so new but so natural! It made me all glowy and feel beautiful. Others around me noticed too. I think they fell a little bit in love too. Yup, it was certainly love all over again. But not with my then to-be-husband (whom I love to infinity and beyond). I fell in love with Nars Sheer Glow Foundation.

My makeup artist used this on me on my wedding  day and it left me looking dewy and flawless. I wanted the bridal glow and it certainly did the job! She used the shade 'Punjab' on me, which matched perfectly, and soon after my honeymoon trip to Malaysia and Bali, I purchased this from my nearest Nars counter.

It is a medium coverage foundation and can be built up to a full coverage. I like to buff it into my skin with my Real Technique's buffing brush; it's runny texture makes it ever so easy to blend.  Due to its dewy finish, and since I have combination to oily skin, I do need to use a mattifying translucent powder on top and make a few touch ups during the day, but otherwise I have no issues with it. Although, I wish it came only in pump form, rather than have to purchase a pump separately. Also, for 30ml, the cost of £31 is rather steep, but a little goes a long way.

Overall, I love this foundation. It covers all my scars and blemishes and gives me that dewy finish that I love. If I did not have to make so many touch ups, I would give it a full rating. However, I imagine this to be perfect for dry skin. I definitely recommend this product, and suggest you go and get yourself a sample and see whether or not you also fall in love!

RATING: 9/10

Random Banter: Fifty Shades Of Me

Hello, Ladies! Oh, the weather has been so lovely recently with the odd shower now and again, the Olympics have begun and I haven't had time to write posts! Sorry! This will be a slightly busy month for me, hence there will be less posts from the next couple weeks. It's Ramadan, and fasting drains all energy and thinking capabilities out of me- I tried to write this post the other day, only to find myself staring blankly at the screen, unable to structure a sentence clearly. But that was just the first day of Ramadan...it's getting easier day after day! Nevertheless, I shall endeavor to post as often as I can during the coming month. So until my next post, I thought you all should get to know a little more about me, other than what it says on my profile! So, here is a random post with random bits and bobs about me!



I'm scared of heights.


I lived on campus during my three years of uni. One of the best times of my life!


I love the way a guy changes gear when driving, and the way he switches lanes swiftly.


I think the italian accent is hot.


I wish I had dimples. The one on my cheekbone doesn't count.


I blush easily. I turn a brilliant shade of red.


I'm possessive.


I like the smell of petrol when a car drives past with the engine roaring.


I day-dream alot.


I'm not a bathroom-singer. I'm not any kind of singer. But I love to sing.


I'm an agony aunt.


Me and my mind argue alot. We don't get along.


I like clicking pictures and wish I had taken a photography course.


I like to read people's facebook statuses, butIi don't really care what you ate for lunch. Unless you're offering.


I believe in the motto: if you cannot convince them, you confuse them.


I want to be cast opposite Ian Somerhalder in Vampire Diaries.


I hate feet. I have like feet-phobia. It's the toes that freak me out.


When I'm angry, annoyed or excited, I add extraaa letterrrsss tooo myyy worrrddssss.


My nerves go a little haywire when people tYpE lIKe tHIs- cut it out. Seriously.


I'm not very good at taking compliments.


I could not read a map to save my life.


I forgive, but I never forget!


I'm easily confused, a little complicated and overly cautious.


I think life is a series of distractions to get me out of bed every morning!!


I think there's more to life than shopping. Just kidding!


When I text back with 'LOL' im not always laughing, i just want you to leave me alone.


I philosophize a lot. Is a hot guy cool or a cool guy hot?


I want to dance in the rain.


I like going to the dentists. I always get a lollipop for being brave =D.


The Ali-G voice imitation is quite hot.


I love fish.


I look at the freebies before I consider buying a magazine.


I love it when guys raise their eyebrows.


Its annoying when relying on someone else to take a picture because I want to be in it, and it ends up coming out off-centered and out-of-focus.


I HATE being tickled. It may make me laugh my head off, but it also makes me punch harder.


I love hot chocolate with hazelnut syrup and lots of whipped cream.


Love tea. Green tea, Earl Grey, Apple Tea, Cinnamon tea, Masala tea....mmmmm...


I seriously cannot understand why people try to have conversations with someone who is in the bathroom...it drives me bonkers!


I ♥ Cupcakes. Especially red velvet. Yum.


I love surprises!! 


I cry at the movies.


I hate cooking. Oh God, please may my mother-in-law still love me regardless o_O


I wish I knew how to bake. Burnt mixture of flour, egg and sugar anyone? Did it need milk?


Yes! I DO watch Star Plus and the mother-in-law vs daughter-in-law dramas. Shoot me now.


I want pets one day. Except those that bark, scratch, attempt to fly and require no regular washing. Fish?


I procrastinate. I need to stop. I'll start tomorrow.


I'm cranky when I'm ill, when noone listens to me and when I'm hungry.


I write faster than I talk. And yes, that's possible even for me.


I wanna rush into a cab, point ahead and say 'Follow that car!!'


I ♥ to read classics from and set in the Victorian times. Jane Austen's my favourite novelist

Would love to see a similar post from fellow bloggers!

Korres Sunflower & Evening Primrose Eyeshadows in Brun and Bronze Brown : Review & Swatches

*ACCHHOOOOO!* My immune system seems to hate me, lately. Well, right back at it pppffttt. I had only just begun to recover from my previous attack of cold and flu, that its ugly head made a reappearance once again, before I could even dispose of  the heaping pile of tissues in the bin next to my bed. GRRR.


I was on the tube the other day, when I erupted in a series of sneezes. Thank God, I had tissues on me...otherwise, well you can imagine what... Anyway, whilst most passengers around me continued to act all nonchalant and were polite enough to not show the worry on their faces that they too will now be catching my germs (I'm sure they were throwing curses at me in their heads), one elderly lady sitting opposite me smiled at me pitifully and said, "Bless you, dear." I muttered my thanks in between some more sneezes and sat there staring at the floor, silently praying my sneezing stops. The lady continued to 'bless me' a couple more times, laughing nervously, until even she politely begun to ignore me. I actually felt sorry for myself. *Sigh* But more to the point...is it not so awkward when a stranger on the train/tube/bus says something nice to you, or offers you a seat, or something, and then you don't quite know how you should behave with them the rest of the journey? I didn't know if I should smile at the nice lady every time I looked up. Should I have struck a conversation? Or made a joke even? (I couldn't crack one to save my life.) Should I have said bye and wished her a lovely day when she was getting ready to get off at the station? Well, I didn't. In my defense- I COULDN'T. I was sneezing.


Well, that's why I've been away from blogging for over a week. Stress doesn't just cause havoc on my skin, it seeks to destroy me immune system too. I've also been fairly busy the past week. But enough of the excuses, and more about this post. I am reviewing two Korres Sunflower and Evening Primrose eyeshadows in shades #36 Brun and #31 Bronze Brown.

Korres products are made from natural ingredients, free from parabens and synthetic fragrances. Both these shades provide a nice sheen and are quite silky and velvety to touch. However, the colours need to be built up to achieve a darker shade. I had to apply a few layers to achieve the colours in the swatches below:

Aren't the colours lovely?! I had expected the eyeshadows to have a lot more pigmentation, but it failed to live up to my expectations. Although the pigmentation isn't THAT bad, it isn't that great either- but as I said, the colour can be bulit up so both these shades can work for a day time look or an evening, smokey-eye look. The eyeshadows blend easily, lasting all day (I had applied these over a primer) and are crease-resistant. 


I had purchased these eyeshadows as part of a set from StrawberryNET, as I had mentioned in one of my previous posts HERE. However, I would not purchase again as I own better and have used better eyeshadows in the past. Although I love both these colours, the pigmentation lets these eyeshadows down. Saying that, I will continue to use the shadows and I'm sure they will last a pretty long time.




RATING: 4/10

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Blemish Stick: Review

I've been a bundle of nerves lately, for reasons which I won't disclose just yet! Certain things are taking place in my life right now, and it's totally nerve-racking, exciting and ever so slightly stressful. I always endeavor to retain my composure under such circumstances, before my skin decides to go haywire and erratic on me! As soon as I become over-excited, nervous, or stressed, and I need my face looking clear and flawless, my skin never fails to betray me- and this really gets under my skin (please excuse the pun)!


So, when I received a certain news the other day, my heart did a break-dance, my nerves had a mini breakdown, and not so long after- my face had a breakout. Great. Just-frigging-great. Can a girl not experience a little excitement without unwanted, uninvited blemishes raining on her parade? Pppppffttt!


So, with the not-so-little buggers erupting all over my face, I had to start taking extra care of my skin- drinking lots more water, exfoliating everyday, and eating more fruit and veg. But I also needed something to directly attack these buggers face-to-face, one-to-one, man-on-man...err, ok you get my drift...

I came across this blemish stick, containing tea tree oil and witch hazel, in Boots. Witch hazel has disinfectant properties, which can eliminate bacteria and thus reducing inflammation. Tea tree also possesses anti-inflammatory properties which can help eliminate blemishes and reduce spot size. I purchased this immediately.

On opening, the astringent smell is rather overpowering- the witch hazel and tea tree is quite evident in its smell. I applied the product onto clean skin, over the blemishes, and it did make my eyes and nose sting a little so would not be appropriate to apply anywhere near the eye, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Although the actual stick appears blue, it applies clear and invisible onto the skin. It has a cooling effect once applied, and seems to have an immediate drying effect where it is applied, but I assume this is how it works on the blemishes- by drying out the spots and thus causing them to shrink in size. I prefer to use this after cleansing in the evening, so that it may work overnight. And work it does! I noticed a reduction in spot size and the blemishes appeared less the next morning. This product is certainly my new spotty-skin saviour!


I would definitely recommend this product, as I have been using this for the past few days and have noticed a difference. Those buggers don't seem to stand a chance against this! Costing only £2.59, you get more product than what you pay for- this blemish stick would last a very long time. It can be applied as often as you feel, and great for those random, unexpected spots that appear out of the blue when you least expect it. Dirty, miserable buggers. 


Of course, you can just use a bottle of witch hazel in liquid form and a small bottle of tea tree essential oil to apply to your blemishes with some cotton wool or buds, but it wouldn't be very practical and would be time-consuming to apply. This product is a great size and easy to carry in your handbag and practical for constant use.


I will be repurchasing this product, whenever it runs out!






RATING: 8.5/10