Product review: Beauty Boxes San Remo beauty case

Wild! This gorgeous beauty box from Beauty Boxes is not only functional but also pretty!

The zebra print is lovely and it has a light texture to it too. The size is as I expected and this box is on the small side (the company has a great range with lots of different sizes), but fitted more than I thought! Immediately when seeing it, I thought it would make a great hair styling tools and products box – and it didn’t disappoint.

In the bottom compartment, I fit a professional hair dryer, my straighteners and my curling wand, as well as my brushes and a can of product. In the pull up compartments, I could put other accessories and products. I like that the drawers are different depth and sizes, this is really handy! I could definitely fit more stuff than I did in the pictures!

As expected from a Beauty Boxes box, this item is built to a high standard; all hinges and locks are smooth, the finish is great, the delivery service was superb. It even came with a little stickers saying the name of the person who packed it, and a quality checklist inside, also signed by the person doing the controls! Really nice!

This particular box retails for just over £50 and can be found here, in many finishes, and also browse their fantastic range (including my gorgeous Genoa trolley and make-up brushes).

This post contains PR samples, however, this review is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

My last minute spot at the BBloggersXmas event

I found out about this event very last minute, thanks to Grace from All that slap – and I am so glad they had a little place available for me.

This networking event took place really close to my home, at the Reebok bar in Canary Wharf and it was beautifully organised by Lola, from Lola Star Hearts and Victoria, from Victoria’s Beauty and Fashion Review blogs.

Lot of talk about it was going on Twitter (I am still not quite sure how I completely missed it!). Everyone was excited and thinking about outfits! I hadn’t thought about that yet, and panicked a little bit, as I was sure everyone was going to look lovely, so I settled for American Apparel wet(ish) leggings, a burgundy leather peplum from H&M, Louboutin black courts, a multicoloured necklace also from H&M, grey/black smokey eyes and burgundy lipstick (MAC’s Diva).

Around 65 bloggers, I hear, attended the event – an amazing turnout. There were some brands demo-ing their products, such as Slendertone, Aromatherapy Associates, Diva hair styling products, Bad Apple polishes, Bronze Ambition and Twisted Sista hair products. There was a quiz and twitter prize draws – lucky me here got a glass nail file with Swarosvki crystals!

There were cakes pops, Pop Chips (yum yum yum!) and lots of lovely bloggers to meet and chat away! The atmosphere was great! I find that people say bloggers are not very friendly to other bloggers, but I am not sure where people get this from – every event I attended, everyone I met was super lovely and friendly and I always have a great time!

Thank you very much Lola and Victoria, it was an awesome event, really well organised and a goodie bag to really die for – and early Christmas treat (it was like opening my stocking in the morning) and which will generate plenty of reviews!!!

Product review: Russell Organics Argan Oil

My hair (and skin, for that matter) really suffers on the run up to the winter. Something in this transitional period really upsets my hair – it gets drier at the tips, lifeless and a bit dull, so anything that can do any good is very welcome, especially at this time.

I received the Russell Organics argan oil and on the same day started to use it. I’ve been using it for three weeks now on my hair. The bottle has 2 fl. oz, and a pipette, which I love! I applied a few drops on my hand and rubbed it to warm, applying then to the ends of my towel dried hair.

My first impression was that the hair naturally dried softer, heavier but not greasy, with less fly-aways. As the days progressed and I kept using it, I feel my hair has a little bit more weight to it and is less straw-y.

Something I like liked about this product is that it has no fragrance, no smell at all. Also, it can be used all over the body, as a moisturiser, on your nails and of course, hair and a few drop go a long way!

This product is 100% pure argan oil, carefully sourced from Morocco, and eco-certified. It is toxin and cruelty free, as well as vegan.

Their whole range uses pure natural ingredients. Packaging is fuss free, to minimise environmental impact, but very functional. Russell Organics, which carries the slogan “naturally luxurious”, is a carbon free organisation and also certified cruelty free and vegan – so goodness all around!

They also have a long toxin list on their site, to raise awareness about the ingredients we should avoid putting on and in our bodies! Nice!

They are a US company, available online and in various shops but will ship internationally, with reasonable rates, according to their site.

This product was sent to me by the company to try, and I became their media partner, meaning I will receive a product once in a while. This review is, however, based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on it.

Genoa cosmetics and make-up trolley from Beauty Boxes

Genoa Cosmetics & Make Up Trolley from Beauty Boxes - So Many Lovely Things

A girl’s beauty dream

If you are a make-up mad person as I am, I doubt you never dreamt about having all your lovely cosmetics organised in a gorgeous beauty trolley.

I mean, just think about having everything visible, in one safe place that is mobile. Well, I no longer have to dream.

The Genoa trolley from Beauty Boxes is a “workstation on wheels” and it is suitable for make-up artists and beauticians, as well as to have at home. It’s not too big and bulky, so it sits comfortably even in homes that don’t have that much space (like mine), and because it is very pretty, it can (and should) be on show!

The delivery service was exceptional – next day and I got an email on the day specifying an hour time slot for delivery, and it came 5 minutes into the slot. In all my excitement, I opened the box to find an amazingly sturdy, finished to a high standard trolley, with very smooth hinges and sliders. There are two mirrors inside and it also comes with two make-up brushes holders which can be hung on the trolley when open. The top compartments have a good depth and the bottom part too – it’s deep enough to fit hair tools. It also has a key.

I fit most of my make-up in it, well, the usual suspects that is, leaving out many odds and sods, some palettes and a few products I haven’t opened yet! At the top I put my face and lip products. In the second fold of drawers I put my single eye shadows and all eye stuff. In the compartments at the bottom, I put my beloved Urban Decay palettes and bags with the other eyes, lips and face stuff I use less often. There were two empty compartments where I could put my other eye shadow palettes, skincare and/or hair dryer, straighteners, curlers and products. On top of it, when closed, I had the brush holders and my lovely Revlon mirror with lights, so the trolley is really versatile!

In terms of mobility, I found it is not too heavy when loaded. The wheels are smooth, and the handle strongly built.

It comes in three colours; mine, rose, a lovely bright-ish pink with a snake skin-like texture, baby pink and silver, both with a metal finish – all in 38.5cm width, 62cm height, 30cm depth and 7.4kg of fabulousness.

Would I recommended that anyone that has a considerable amount of make-up and cosmetics buy one? Definitely. If you don’t have that much, Beauty Boxes has an exciting range of practical, durable and versatile beauty boxes and trolleys which are also very pretty and stylish, to cater for varied needs – oh, and with free delivery!

Beauty Boxes kindly sent me this as a PR sample, and I could not be happier. Serious amount of excitement. Views are my own, based on honest experience with the product.

Olympia Beauty Show 2012

Extreme nail art! Scroll down for more pictures

After registering as press to the Olympia Beauty Show and receiving my badge, I was delighted to finally attend the event on the 23 of September.

The exhibition is one of the “UK’s premier beauty trade events” and this year it took place at Olympia’s Grand Hall, in Kensington, London. Registration is free; but only open to therapists, salon and spa managers/owners, make up artists, hairdressers, nail technicians and beauty students.

I must mention that I was very impressed with the communications prior to the event; I received various emails with press releases, interview opportunities, and general information to enable me to make the most of my visit.

There was a media lounge and the social cloud, where attending press could talk directly to some exhibitors, swap cards, get some samples for review, as well as have a sit, have some coffee and water. There were also press releases from various companies and a few goody bags – always fun to see!

Nailed it!

This year, I have to say, it was all about nails; so many nail product stands! Gel manicures were really all the rage; lots of brands launching gel ranges, doing demos, massive queues of people wanting to have their nails done.

I am lucky to have healthy and strong natural nails, know to do my own manicures which are well finished and last in a great state for 7-10 days, so I am still a traditional nail polish gal. Plus, I get bored of the colours really easily. For all that, I haven’t bought into the shellac advantage, but I can totally see why people are going crazy for them – anything that promises busy women 14 days of nail peace is nothing short of a miracle! Even more established brands, are launching gel manicure ranges.

OPI, China Glaze, NuBAr, Minx and other big nail brands names were represented (OPI had a massive stand with own security, heaving with people!). I also met people from a cool polish brand and salon, Filthy Gorgeous, which have a line with striking colours. Their bottles come with a cute (and working!) plectrum. I was giving a lovely purple shade called Judy Baby and hope to try it soon!

Tantastic

Tan was also massive. Loads of stands offering spray tans to the exhibition attendees, in addition to selling the tools and materials of the trade. I have still to review self tanning products in the blog, so I am delighted I met Nicky from Sienna X, who offered me a sample version of a cute kit they are releasing for Christmas and also one of their gradual tans (really looking forward to trying this!), as well as a lovely bronzer I cannot wait to review, its texture is lush! They had a massive stand which was buzzing with professionals ordering for their salons – I was happy to see that, as Nicky was so lovely to me!

“The eyes have it”

Brows and lashes (fake and extensions) were well represented. Designer/stencil brow bars were everywhere, and the people responsible for the prettiest lashes ever, Paperself was also present – and doing a free application of their minis, so I left with the gorgeous Peacock (in love!). Have to say, I directed a good half a dozen people to their stand, as they asked me where my pretty lashes were from!

For the pros

Obviously, they were lots of stands with furniture e tools for salons and equipment for aesthetic face and body treatments, massages and alternative therapies.

Something I had never seen before were tanning tights. Yes, your heard it right- tanning tights. You wear them for 10 minutes, the tan transfers to your leg, afterwards, you can still wear them as normal tights!!!

Where is my make up?

The only think I missed were more make up stands. Really, I couldn’t spot many, I think I only spotted NYX and New CID! Please more make up next year!!!

The exhibition also had four live stages, with presentations on the business of beauty, creative nails, make up art and medical beauty to give professionals an all round support on their business. There were competitions – artistic make up and nails, so I spotted some wonderful designs walking around! All buzzing, very organised, a great atmosphere.

My purchases weren’t as crazy as they could have been, seriously, so much temptation!!! I bought a couple of OPI polishes, three NuBar polishes, two Minx nails foils packets, a couple pots of glitter and crunched gold and silver foils for nails of course!

Overall, I had a fantastic time and would love to go back on the second day, sadly, I work all day, but I will certainly be going back next year.

: Another overview

: Overview of the exhibition

: Full, but comfortable

: Exhibition in full swing

: Amazing and crazy nail art!

: So intricate!

: Nailympics

: Nubar… oh, the colours…

: Sienna X new products

: Minx nail wraps

: Lauren from TOWIE promoting her beauty line

: Brows!

: Lashes being applied

: The gel nail fever is contagious!

: Paperself lashes

: The prettiest lashes…

: OPI nail polishes selling like hot cakes

: A world of nail polish from China laze

: Can’t get enough of the colours!

: More Nubar polishes

: Glitter!

: All about nails…

: Make-up/beauty trolleys!

: Body spraying

: More body spraying

: Tanning tights!

: Manicure

: Massages!

What I wore – 21/07/12

It really feels like every week, when I show you what I wore, I mainly moan about the weather. Well, I do. I cannot take anymore. All the tought and effort (and a bit of frenzy) that went inbto building a lovely summery wardrobe are totally in vain. Oh, well….

It feels like my tights are glued to my legs. My only attempt not to wear tights last week was aborted in the middle of the day; I didn~t wear them on Tuesday, but I brought them in my bag. By midday had to gie in… just not warm or dry enough.

It had been a while since I wore leopard print, so I decided to start my week in it; and I closed my week confronting the grey weather by going all colour with a bright pink playsuit.

And on Wednesday, I wore I dress I bought a few years back in New York; so pretty, inspired on the Prada collection at the time, it seems to keep giving!

Here are the details:

Monday

Leopard print blouse (Forever 21), black leggings (H&M), taupe shoes with gold toe cap (Viviana), animal rings (Miss Selfridge), resin ring (Sobral), spike and leather studded bracelets (New Look), NYX lipstick in Peach Bellini.

Tuesday

Mint green lace panel top (H&M), black pencil skirt (H&M), mint green shoes with silver toe cap (Topshop), skull ring (shop in Paris), triple spike and black heart rings (Forever 21), believe ring (Disney Couture), Revlon lip butter in Strawberry Shortcake.

Wednesday

Black and white print dress (Forever 21), tricolour shoes (Zara), metal belt (Primark), pearl earrings (Accessorize), ear cuff (Topshop), flower rings (Accessorize), big heart ring (Forever 21), D heart ring (Miss Selfridge), bracelets (a mix of New Look, Topshop and Primark), MAC lipstick in Russian Red.

Friday

Pink flower print playsuit (Primark), black leather ankle boots (gift from a friend), skull ring (as above), star ring (Primark), snake ring (New Look), purple stone ring (Accessorize), bracelets (a mix of Topshop and New Look), NYX lipstick in Chloe.

How are coping with the “summer” in the UK? If you are not in the UK, how’s the weather over where you are?

Trends: inspiration for Autumn/Winter 12-13

My autumn/winter 12-13 moodboard

There have been loads of talks about transitioning into the colder season – guess what, I am still transitioning into summer – but it looks like I will be on a 12 months transition, the temperature doesn’t get any better and I am just changing the collections leaving some previous season legacy behind! Sad times! Still a month or so of hope, maybe I will be wearing pretty dresses and sandals till September.

Every year, I follow the fashion weeks across the globe, and something always jumps to my attention (I feel in love with LV SS12 collection so much that much of my current wardrobe is inspired by it!); but by the time you actually get to wear the trends, you kinda forgot about them… but the fashion mags and the high street won’t let you forget. Or me.

Some trends are right up my street; others, I pass, thank you, and that is the beauty of it – making what is “in” your own, picking and choosing – and why not mixing – moulding the trends to suit your own personal style.

I will be slowly leaving my pastels behind and looking out for some trends I will be adopting.

Soooo pleased that the “womanly” trend is being dragged into the next season, thanks Lanvin and Calvin Klein – I just love the nipped waists, curve skimming shapes, part femme-fatale, part innocent, part dominatrix! Sharp, fierce, elegant, and red lipped.

I see this burst of femininity, an ode to the female shape, much as retro inspired wear, so will definitely embrace more!

Glad I can still wear some leather skirts I bought last season I didn’t get to very much. A leather biker jacket is number one on my wish list.

Goth, as seen in Chanel, JP Gaultier and may other – I love lace. And fishnets. Lots of black, my favoured going out shade, I count on studs and spikes to keep going for a while. That mix of religion and rebellion. Heavy eyes. Dark lips. Hang on to my skulls, get crosses. Really want an above the knuckle cross ring. Cute.

I love dressing very feminine but with an edge, a bit of a rough edge – so accessories following the goth trend will give me just that when thrown in with a pretty pencil skirt or a dress and sexy sky scrapping heels.

Exaggeration. HUGE necklaces. I mean, seriously. Haven’t been into necklaces very much lately, but something tells me this will change… courtesy of Miu Miu and Prabal Gurung.

Embroidery, appliqués, crystals, jewels. May be altogether. A tribute to Baroque – all very decadent, lavish and a lot of gold. Think fabrics with flower prints with texture that could be on sofa. Love it.

Some crazy everything goes… well, I like mixing styles sometimes, so add big sunglasses and I am possibly in. I don’t like print clash myself, but admire those who manage to do it well.

Of course, counting on (faux) fur for the season, and to me, leopard print is never a no no.

As colours go, I am paying attention to berry shades: from lighter to darker, red to blue based; deep reds brighter than last autumn’s hero, the burgundy and purples; earthy tones: browns, tans and taupes, greens, not jade as last winter’s; more bottle or forest green. Black of course, dark greys with a blue tinge and silver.

Have seen some sporty items I could wear, even though I am not massive on the trend – H&M is full of them – really thick “lycra-ish” fabrics, sports bralets oh so cute. Not sure I am leaning towards them beacuse of the Olympics fever, as long as they are girly, I am in. We shall see.

Peplums seem to be the shape of the moment, but I have been wearing it for the past three years, so not that excited; still, a feminine, flattering shape.

Opposed to last autumn’s colour blocking, I think this one will be more about texture; and I am loving it.

Glad to see red lips still on (are they ever out? Not for me!). Geometric liners, not so sure I can pull that one off, but will give it a go. Sculpted cheeks (love it, make you look great on pictures!).

Hair? I am thinking sleek hair – down straight on in ponytails.

I am inspired. However, I will ride this “summer that never came” vibe for a while longer. I still have hope to make my pastels worth their money!

What I wore – 14/07/2012

Bad, bad weather. Been desperately trying to keep my pins out, but it feels like the tights are stuck to them!

Black, white and red is my favourite combination ever for dressing. So pretty, effortless and instantly gives you a classic look. Cannot have enough of it, as you can see this week!

Fruit print seems to be a recurring theme this week – appeared twice in my wardrobe!

My favourite outfit was Wednesday’s, I am in love with the blouse… I thought I’d make a bit more of an effort as I attend Cointreau Rendez-vous in London, a lovely event where you got a cocktail master class, mini manis and the lovely ladies from Wish Want Wear. It was held at the super-quirky Ninetyeight bar in Shoreditch.