Tag Archives: belleza

Nails: nude and rose gold

Posted in Beauty, nails by

nude and rose gold nails - somanylovelythingsHow long has it been since I posted nails on the blog, you ask? Let’s not talk about that. Let’s just say it is so long I am no longer entitled to call these type of posts nails of the week.

In fact, I’ll touch on it. Known for my ever colourful nails, I took what can be considered a sudden turn for the worst for a nail blogger: I fell in love again with plain reds and nudes.

Yes, there you have it. And is not limited to nude and red. Any simple, plain, block colour I will be all over.

nude and rose gold nails - somanylovelythingsSo I bring you my latest in a string of nudes; the pretty essence I ❤ Trends “The Nudes”  pure soul (o5).

This is a fabulous very light peach beige has very subtle pink shimmer undertones that are way too pretty. It is however, quite sheer by nature, so I needed four coats to reach a deeper colour.

As most light nail varnishes, it stains a bit on the first coat, less on the second than pretty much nothing from the third.

nude and rose gold nails - somanylovelythingsIt dries pretty quickly (especially taking into consideration how many coats I used) and last well. You wouldn’t believe this nail polish is only £1.80. Yes, you heard it.

To finish the look off (and take the edge of the plainness), I added some cute essence nail stickers which cost only £1.30 (!!!).

These are met’ addict and it is basically a pack full (more than 65) of tiny and delicate rose gold outlines of classic shapes like hearts, rectangles, circles, chains, stars, triangles and others.

nude and rose gold nails - somanylovelythingsI put a double heart on my ring finger nail and a single one on my indicator.

So there you have it. Nails. breaking the dry spell. I hope to post more from time to time, but only if they have anything interesting.

And while I’m at it, I must confess I had never before tried essence products. Have to say I am rather impressed by the quality and the value for money.

Their range is superb, covering most corners of beauty and there will be popping up on the blog soon.

You can get essence in the UK at Wilko. This nail polish is part of their “The Trends” line and it is limited edition, once it’s gone, it’s truly gone.

And while you’re at at it, you can see all my nail art, paint jobs and designs here.

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

A 10 in 1 hair product? Meet Got2b All Star Styling Treatment

Posted in Beauty by

got2b_allstar_review - 1You know I have  thing with Schwarzkopf, from hair spray to oils, they are my go-to styling products.

You also know I love a multi-tasking product and they don’t come more multi-tasking than the Schwarzkopf 10-in 1 All Star Styling treatment.

Yes, yes, you heard it right. Ten. In one. How? Well…

Its (magical?) formula sees to style and shape hair at the same time as treating it. It gives shine, smoothness, volume, combats frizz and humidity, protects against heat and adds thickness and volume. Phew!

It is meant to be used on damp hair and the smell is amazing! I apply to the tips after washing and it helps tame to create a smooth style and keep hair in place, even in the London weather. Hair feels lovely when using it.

got2b_allstar_review - 3The volumising, texturising and thickening effects are, for me, the best feature. This product is great to use before you have your hair styled in any way; it gives hair grip and “puffiness”, but tames the frizz at the same time, helping create sturdy styles.

Plus, I love the colours in the packaging!

It is perfect to have on the go, especially when travelling, so you don’t have to carry lots of heavy and voluminous bottles around.

On top of that all, there should be an 11th wonder: its price. At under £3, from major retailers nationwide, this is a no-brainer.

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

Clock change: make it empower hour!

Posted in Beauty, Body, Lifestyle by

dove_empower_hour - 5
Good morning lovely people, we just got an extra hour! Yay! Let’s not think about when it is taken from us – yet – and let’s fully enjoy it by using it for ourselves!

Dove has challenged me to have a moisturisation empower hour. They gave me a few tips and sent me some products to help me get the best of that “free” hour.

Here’s how I started my day and used that brand new 60 minutes, that was given while I slept and claimed when I got up, all for myself.

Before I got into the shower, I lit an aromatic candle in the bathroom and kept the lights off. Low lights send a relaxing message to the brain.

dove_empower_hour - 2I took 5 minutes to breath. Recently I was gifted a brilliant shower aromatherapy shower oil called Clear Mind and it helps with mindfulness, a practice really close to my heart.

I rub the rich, golden and fragrant oil in my hands and deep inhale three times, then I rub my tummy and chest with it, before stepping into the shower. It is great; it delivers a true moment of calmness.

Then I swept a dry brush up my arms and legs towards the heart for 5 minutes to stimulate lymphatic circulation. This helps the body get rid of toxins.

dove_empower_hour - 1For a good 10 minutes, I exfoliated my whole body with the gorgeous Dove Exfoliating Body Wash, which gives skin a gentle scrub, removing dead cells and moisturising at the same time.

The skin is left super soft and ready to better receive the next skin care steps. I always use a body oil after showering; and I cannot recommend the Dove DermaSpa Goodness³ Body Oil enough!

I then used a Dove moisturiser on damp skin (at the moment I am loving the richness of the DermaSpa Goodness³ Body Cream) and for another 7 minutes I rubbed my muscles; especially forearms, thighs, shoulders and upper back.

I also manage to squeeze a quick 2-minute massage with the Dove DermaSpa Uplifted+ Body Roll-On, which is a fabulous treat for the body.

Plus a cheeky 60 second hand fix to exfoliate and moisturise my hands, which are ever so often neglected.
dove_empower_hour - 1 (1)After that, I put a soft dressing gown and slippers on and applied a face mask for 10 minutes. I used Caudalie’s Detox mask to help unclog my skin. Following that I applied a second one for another 10 minutes, this time a hydrating face mask, also from Caudalie.

While I waited for the masks to work their wonders, I had my handy humidifier on, had a coffee (yeah, I can’t shake that habit) and caught up with my magazines.

I find the humidifier is great in the winter to help counteract the central heating, which is super drying to the skin. For me, it is extra helpful as I suffer from rhinitis. The fact this has a soothing light is a bonus!

After removing the face mask, I took 5 minutes to moisturise and massage my face. I used an oil (the extraordinary Dr Jacksons Face Oil) and a serum (Liz Earle Superskin Face Serum). I applied both with upwards movements to stimulate circulation.

dove_empower_hour - 8Finally, with my last 5 minutes, I gave myself a powerful, knot-crunching hand massage using the Dove DermaSpa Intensive hand Treatment, which is super moisturising and smells amazing.

I feel revitalised, ready to face the shorter days. Well, I mean, as ready as one can be. As the steps in the hour are very short, I will certainly be picking and choosing to incorporate them to my routine.

What about you? How are you using your extra hour today?

The Dove Exfoliating Body Wash costs around £2.55 for 250ml and £4.38 for 500ml and is available now from retailers nationwide.

You can read my full review on it.

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This post contains PR samples and was written in collaboration with Dove.

 

 

Look good, do good: Kiehl’s Tinie Tempah Ultra Facial Cream

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by

kiehls_ultra_facial_cream_review - 2Kiehl’s is a brand I’ve always regarded quite highly, but had never tried anything from, even though I many a times set myself to buy.

I was very happy that the first product I got to try was the limited edition Tinie Tempah Ultra Facial Cream. Hang on. Tinie Tempah?

Kiehl’s partnered up with Tinie, who designed the lid for their classic Ultra Facial Cream and MTV Staying Alive Foundation to raise money – and awareness – to the prevention of HIV and Aids spread. Tinie Tempah is the UK ambassador for the charity.

kiehls_ultra_facial_cream_review - 3The Ultra Facial Cream is a 24-hour moisturiser as it helps reduce moisture loss and draws moisture from the air to keep skin hydrated for longer.

The white cream is much lighter than it looks. It spreads and absorbs well and is great for use day or night.

It feels great on the skin, you don’t need an awful lot to cover face and neck as it spreads extremely well and behaves very well under makeup.

With no fragrance, it’s great for men and women. For me, it is a no-nonsense approach to skin care. Even the boyfriend liked it!

kiehls_ultra_facial_cream_review - 1It contains antarcticine (a glacial glycoprotein extract), which helps protect against dryness and combat free radicals; desert plant extract, rich in potassium for hydrating effects and squalane, a signature Kiehl’s ingredient which is a vegetal lipid very similar to our skin one.

Kiehl’s is no strange to HIV/Aids prevention work. They have been working hard since the 80’s and have raised more than £2.5 million to the cause in the past 10 years alone.

The MTV Staying Alive Foundation provides funding and training to youth-led HIV prevention projects around the world. Their work helps these projects and their young leaders to develop vital skills to build innovative, culturally relevant and sustainable organisations that lead the fight against HIV on the ground.

Kiehl’s UK is giving £2 from every pot to the foundation, so it can help them carry on with their fantastic job.

You can get the Kiehl’s limited edition Tinie Tempah Ultra Facial Cream from the Kiehl’s website and retailers nationwide. it costs £43.50 for 125ml.

Because I got mine as a press sample, I have made a small donation to the foundation directly, after all, I am using a pot that should give back to the charity. You can donate directly here.

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

Unleashing my inner Rebel with John Lewis and Charlotte Tilbury

Posted in Beauty, Make Up by

charlotte_tilbury_makeup_john_lewis - 1My nature has always been a little bit rebellious. I am not mutiny prone, but do enjoy shaking a few feathers now and then.

My style is, albeit “normal”, quite rebellious in the sense I don’t really care what people think. I dress for the occasion, myself and the way I feel on that moment. And the same goes for my makeup.

So no wonder when John Lewis got in touch with me to pick a Charlotte Tilbury look to re-create, I was drawn to The Rebel.

charlotte_tilbury_makeup_john_lewis - 1 (1)After deliberating between looks I love and wear, The Vintage Vamp and the Bombshell, I settled for the one that is quite close to my soul, but ultimately that I find harder to wear.

Let me explain. I always struggled with the red/green combination. I love green eye shadow, but also love red lipstick, but always thought of it as a bit Christmassy. The fact this looks pulls it off is quite exciting.

Also, I do struggle with making a smokey lower lash line look good on me, so I am hoping to pick up Ms Tilbury’s tips and tricks and make it work.

On top of that, I do the other two favourite looks quite often, so it is great to try something bolder and different.

charlotte_tilbury_rebel_look_john_lewis - 2Armed with my Charlotte Tilbury The Rebel Look kit, which contains Luxury Palette Rebel Eyeshadow quad, Rock n’ Kohl Bedroom Black eyeliner, Cheek to Chic First Love blusher, Lip Cheat Kiss n’ Tell lip liner, K.I.S.S.I.N.G Love Bite lipstick and Lip Lustre Hall of Fame lip gloss, I set off to create my own rebel.

And I picked a night in the town rebel.

charlotte_tilbury_makeup_john_lewis - 2After creating a face base (Hourglass Primer and foundation mainly), I started with the eyes by adding the primer colour in The Rebel Eyeshadow Luxury Palette, a creamy metallic beige which is also great for highlighting, to the whole lid.

I used the pencil shadow brush to add this lighter colour to the inner corner of my eyes, to open and highlight them.

Still with that brush, I added the enhance shade, a lighter emerald green, contouring my crease and creating a shape, then a blending brush to colour in from the outer to the inner corner.

With a smoking brush I added the smoke colour, a rich pine green, above the crease created with the enhance shade and first smoked up upwards. Then I smoked downwards. With the pencil shadow brush I added to the lash line and smoked upwards.

With the same brush and colour I lined my lower lash line, making it go over my comfort zone on purpose, to create a more smoked look.

Finally, I applied the gorgeous pop shade, a rich seaweed green with gold flecks, with my finger, as suggested by Ms Tilbury herself.

The eyeshadows are soft, very pigmented, blend beautifully and have no drop whatsoever.

Using the Rock n’ Kohl Bedroom Black eyeliner I lined my upper lash line and pulled a small flick. I also lined my bottom lashes water line. I then used the pencil brush to rub the kohl in both lash lines, giving it a more fluid edge.

I coated my eye lashes with mascara and applied Eylure Fleur Loves lashes.

Then I used my usual contouring shade (a dull brown from Inglot) to the cheeks, and applied Inika and Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked highlighter high on my cheekbones and middle of the face, above my lips cupid bow and centre of the nose.

charlotte_tilbury_makeup_john_lewis - 3Using the Cheek to Chic First Love blusher swish shade above and below my contouring, near the hair and jaw line, as well as neck and chest, I moved on to apply the pop shade onto my cheekbones.

I finished the look with the stunning K.I.S.S.I.N.G Love Bite lipstick, which is a lustrous vivid orange-red, perfect for my skin, after lining my lips with the butter soft Lip Cheat Kiss n’ Tell lip liner. To add extra oomph, I dabbed Lip Lustre Hall of Fame lip gloss to the centre of the lips.

Then I added a little star just to make it cute.

The Rebel is a bold, beautiful and brave, celebrating uniqueness, which I think, for me if just perfect.

And I am over my red/green fear. Watch this space, it will appear more often. Plus, I have at least 5 Charlotte Tilbury products on my list now, as I love what I tried. *sigh*

John Lewis is a new stockist for Charlotte Tilbury makeup and there you can find all the extensive  CT makeup range and all 10 amazing look sets, including The Rebel, which cost £165 each and have all the items you need to create a day and night version of the makeup look.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for the Charlotte Tilbury Book of Make Up magic advent calendar, which will be available in John Lewis. It is to die for, I promise!

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Maybe you are thinking: But Dani, did you really need that many pictures of you? Well, no. I did, however, love them and had a lot of fun doing the look and taking the pics (thank you Andy!), there were 80 in total and I think I did well. At least they are in galleries… no?

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

Weather changes: what about my skin?

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by

winter_skincare_somanylovelythings - 1My skin is, at the best of days, problematic. After suffering from acne most of my life, I really need to be careful with how I approach skincare.

Season changes can play havoc with it if I don’t start adapting my routine at the first signs of change.

Whereas spring and summer are gentler and require less care in general, this time of the year can be quite challenging for me, and I have already started to adapt my ways.

winter_skincare_somanylovelythings - 2Immediately, the colder air seems to suck out the moisture of my skin. Although I have acne, my skin can get quite dry and dehydrated.

A common mistake for acneic skin sufferers is to think oily skin doesn’t need moisture. I myself did that for a long time. Sebum and hydration are two different thing, so make sure you are hydrating and nourishing oily skin.

At the same time, I cannot use very rich creams on my face. In the summer, I can’t even contemplate; in the winter, I can take a bit more richness, but not a lot.

I change to a gentler face wash/cleanser, such as S5 Clarity Cleanser (ever so gentle) and Trilogy Balancing Gel Cleanser.

In terms of toners, I tend to swap for gentler one, such as the Dermalogica Multi Active Toner every other day, then rotate my favourites Clinique Anti-Blemish Clarifying Lotion and Pixi Glow Tonic.

winter_skincare_somanylovelythings - 7

A pre-cleanse, when wearing heavy make up, also helps making the whole process less abrasive. The Dermalogica Precleanse is fabulous, I cannot recommend enough.

During the day, I’ve been starting with The Body Shop Essence Lotion and follow with a moisturiser with SPF, which can be Caudalie Polyphenol C15, Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser, Dermalogica Sheer Tint or Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance (the last two are tinted).

Other times I use Clinique Anti-Blemish Solution Clearing Moisturiser or thisworks energy bank sun flash or light time skin plumper with a sunscreen underneath, such as the fabulous Eucerin Mattifying Sun fluid.

winter_skincare_somanylovelythings - 8At night, I usually apply either a good moisturiser or light night cream. Favourites at the moment include the S5 Balance Fluid, The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Gel and Cream, Liz Earle Superskin Face Serum (which is a fabulous thicker serum).

Then I complement with a serum and/or oil, depending on how parched my skin feels. Favourites include Balance Me Radiance Oil, Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely revitalising Facial Oil, Caudalie Vinoperfect (to help me get rid of some sun/hormonal dark spots that usually appear on my face in the summer), Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus, S5 Purity Serum.

winter_skincare_somanylovelythings - 9I never thought oils would be suitable for my skin, having acne and all, but since I started, with Balance Me Radiance oil, I noticed a great improvement.

The theory is that once you are already giving your skin oil, it doesn’t need to produce more. It did work for me and after a while I could, for the first time in years, see radiance on my skin.

All that in conjunction with the fabulous Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster, which is great for face and eyes, giving my skin that extra hydration, day or night.

winter_skincare_somanylovelythings - 4I feel that high on my cheekbones and around the eyes,my skin get extra dry, so I use eye creams in the morning and evening. Favourites include Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair, S5 Renew Eye Cream and Joan Collins Superlift eye serum, not to forget some coconut oil from time to time.

Mists play a huge part in my winter routine. Central heating is not great for skin so I keep mine in check with a great facial spray.

I love the Jurlique Rose Mist, Pixi Glow Mist and Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritz.

winter_skincare_somanylovelythings - 6My lips suffer all year round and tend to dry, flake and chap quite easily. Unlucky for me, they are also quite “fussy” in regards to what works, and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream and Nivea Lip Butter are the only things that will prevent and treat them well.

As the season evolves and weather fluctuates, I adjust the above accordingly. I am always trying different combinations: some nights I might use oil, serum and moisturiser; some days, only serum, depending on how my skin feels and looks.

The important thing for me is is to keep it comfortable, looking healthy and most importantly, breakout free as much as possible.

What kind of changes do you make to your skincare routine for the new seasons? Does your skin suffer with it?

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This post contains a mix of press samples and products I bought myself. Refer to links for full reviews and info.

All about the eyes: Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Superlift Eye Serum

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by

joan_collins_contratime_eye_serum - 1In the past few years I’ve become a bit obsessed with eye creams. Yes, it *maybe* has something to do with my age, but it is the type of product I really enjoy, as I can feel an almost immediate result.

I was really looking forward to trying got the Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Contra Time Superlift Eye Serum.

The packaging is simple has a nice weight to it; the pump is very sturdy in gold. Easy to use and dispenses a generous amount of the stuff; I could do with a bit less to be honest.

The cream itself is a lovely fluid, off white and a tiny bit pearlescent. It is silky and non-greasy, applying very well and being absorbed straight away.

joan_collins_contratime_eye_serum - 2As soon as I apply, I feel a lovely freshness, as if it is minty, but not quite. I apply it before going to bed and it is not irritant to my sensitive eyes, and that is very important.

Skin in the area feels hydrated and smooth and I think it delivers. I cannot stress enough how important it is to use eye creams; the skin in the area is finer than anywhere else in the face and it is really prone to dehydration.

Make sure you use an eye are specific cream from you mid-20s, no matter your budget. The important thing is that is if for around the eyes and moisturises.

This product is said to work at cellular level , shielding skin against  sun damage and dehydration, as well as speeding cell renewal – it encourages older cells to behave younger! A bit like me.

It is priced at £35, so not the cheapest of items, and comes in XXml and it lasts well, so I think the price is fair.

You can get the Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Contra Time Superlift Eye Serum from their website, QVC (with great deals) and Urban Retreat.

Apart from skincare, Joan Collins Beauty also has fragrances and makeup, which is also lovely. I tried the gorgeous Divine lipstick in Crystal; you can find my review here.

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

Unleash your inner Rapunzel with Irresistible Me Hair Extensions

Posted in Beauty, hair by

irresistible_me_hair - 1Since I decided to go for an extreme chop, when I was a teenager, never again my hair got that “almost at the waist” length again.

In reality, for most of my life, that wasn’t really something I was thinking about. When I was in my late teens and twenties, short hair, mushroom style, was all the rage. That’s fine, you can judge me. You should.

When I moved to London, my hair was somewhat way below the bra line in a straight, all round length.lbf_countryside_autumn - 11

A bad DIY dye job, followed by an even worse DIY hair cut led to a just below the shoulder fix.

That, however, wasn’t the worse hair disaster. Trying to save some money, I went to a student hair academy, and, as I should know, the “just a trim” doesn’t quite fly in these scenarios and I got the worse layering job in the history of hairs. I promise.

irresistible_me_hair - 2After a whole month I had to pay £100 to get it fixed at the much higher expense of having what was left of my length disappear. Had to cut it just below the ear, in an asymmetrical bob, which luckily for me, was in.

From there it started. I was longing for long, luscious tresses and decided to experiment with hair extensions.

Being the chicken I am, I went for clip-ins. Had various incarnations and nowadays, I buy hair, cut and sew my own clips.

Until Irresistible Me sent me this luscious, fabulous Royal Remy set. This is their most deluxe natural hair extensions; the thickness of the hair is the same from top to bottom, giving it that luscious look.

I love the packaging. The pouch with the separate test hair is a good reassurance that you will be able to see if the selected colour is indeed a good match.

Providing you don’t break the seal, you can return your hair. In my case, the match was great so I went in to rip it in excitement (and didn’t even photograph before!).

A shame the pouch is not made of a more durable plastic to be re-usable; I usually keep my extensions in bikini pouches.

My hair is not very short (currently past the bra line, around 18in), but lacks in volume and body.

The hair is of great quality and the pack of 200g comes with 10 pieces (!) (1 x 4 clips, 2 x 3 clips, 5 x 2 clips and 2 x 2 clips).

The colour, medium brown (#4), is a great match for my natural colour.

lbf_countryside_autumn - 10The hair blends well, even though I feel it’s slightly thicker in texture than mine. In fact, it blends so well that the lovely Jamie from Beauty Rocks could not believe it was not my own hair, even in broad daylight.

Overall, the finishing on the piece is great. The clips are small but efficient and the larger piece has a neat netting.

It was lovely that they have videos on the site to help you choose your colour.

Shipping was relatively quick, especially considering the company is in the US, but the hair is order made in China.

lbf_countryside_autumn - 9

Very easy to style and take to heat and products quite well, although I tend to not use a lot, to preserve the extensions. What I use a lot is hair oil, especially when putting it away. Lately, the Got2b Oil-licious is my favourite!

The hair doesn’t tangle too much and when it does, it is easy to detangle. The bulk of the volume is on the main piece, which goes at the widest part of the head and ends just before the ears.

It washed very well, not a lot of fall, and upon scrunching and drying naturally, it took the most beautiful waves, as seen above, which makes the look even more natural.

If I am honest, to create a natural look for my, I don’t need more than 5 pieces. I tend to go for that, and that’s what you see on these images. even though it’s not quite like my style, maybe one day I will go all in.

Still, I got so many compliments on my “great hair”…

The Irresistible Me Royal Remy hair extensions cost US$299 for 22in (mine) and at the moment it is on sale for US$224, and these guys deliver worldwide.

I am truly in love. “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair”. Well, now I can.

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

Fluttering my Fleur de Force Eylure lashes

Posted in Beauty by

eylure_fleur_de_force_review - 1When I heard about the Eylure collaboration with superstar blogger/vlogger Fleur de Force I was intrigued.

Being a fan of Eylure and knowing the fabulous range of lashes they offer, what could she bring, apart from her off-the-charts popularity? Continue reading →

Friday Fixation: The hun

Posted in Beauty, hair by

olsentwins_hunBuns. I am a huge fan. Confusing. There are lots of types of buns, and I am, in general, a fan of the edible type. And why not, the derrière type too.

Continue reading →