Galleries

Product review: Glō Minerals Smoky eye kit

glo minerals eye shadow quad - somanylovelythingsMy wonderful glō Minerals box came with this lovely eyeshadow quad called Smoky eye kit, which contains great neutrals great for everyday wear.

Packaging is nice and compact, great for your make-up bag and comes with a mirror and a guide for the use of colours.

The pigmentation is good, the lighter base colour is really subtle beige with a sheen. The lid colour is a mink shade, with a lovely golden sheen to it. Then the crease colour is a matte (but verging on satin) light brown  and the darkest liner colour is an almost black brown. Brushes pick the product well with little mess.

I used the darker eye liner colour to smoke it even more and give more depth for evening wear, so this is a good day-to-night transition palette.

As with the other glo Minerals I received (gloLash and Ultra brush), I have been using this almost everyday!

You can get the glō Smoky eyes kit and many other items from the glō Minerals UK website.

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

Product review: Cosmetics à La Carte custom blend foundation

cosmetics a la carte custom blend foundation - somanylovelythings

Just for you: it makes you feel special!

After attending Cosmetics à La Carte lovely event to mark their 40th anniversary, I redeemed my complimentary custom blended foundation at their shop in Knightsbridge.

I had the chance to browse through their many products, but Cosmetics à La Carte’s unique selling point is customisation – you get not only foundations, but lipsticks, eye shadows, blushers made especially for you, it is really like ordering à la carte; you have a big menu and put things together the way you like. It is a very useful service to bring discontinued shades you love back to life!

The service was really lovely, and the make-up artist very friendly. After a few tests with different blends and asking my opinion a few times, she set on a blend, then went off to prepare the full size bottle by weighing the right proportions. The good thing is that you can get not only the colour matched to you, but also the texture – she asks what you expect from your foundation, what kind of coverage and finish you’d like to give you something that matches your expectations.  I asked for full coverage and matte finish.

I was quite pleased with the foundation, it has good durability, applies really well and my skin looked good with it on. The coverage is excellent; a very small amount goes a long way and there’s no need to build coverage, but it feels light on the skin. The shade is pinkier that I am used to, but I think is a decent match.

What she used on my face
Various blends
The arsenal
Weighing the right proportion
The blends
Eye shadows
Loads of colours
Lippies

This service is definitely recommended if you think you still haven’t found the best foundation for you, or the ones you tried don’t sit well on your skin. Pop in and they will be happy to help!

The boutique is located at 19b Motcomb Street, Knightsbridge, SW1X 8LB.  You can book an appointment by calling them on +44(0)20 7235 0596 and you can get all the information on products on the Cosmetics à La Carte website.

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

Nails of the week: Pink and blue marble

pink and blue marble effect nails - somanylovelythings

So I rebelled last time and went for a single colour on my nails (missed it? Read about the bright green nails here), but now I am back to my normal (?) self – and it is marble time again!

I find this easy marble so good; the effort is really small compared with the impact, so I just love it, and need to stop myself from doing it every week (even tops the gradients for “cost x benefit”).pink and blue marble effect nails - somanylovelythings

If you missed, I posted a short tutorial on my last marble nails. For this one I did exactly the same, with a wooden stick, but using the turquoise electric dreams from Collection, the pink sweet tart from Revlon and French white also from Collection, finishing with Seche Vite topcoat.

This was done to go with a dress I am wearing for a wedding, is has got water colour flowers in mainly pink and blue, and I am very pleased with the result – it looks girlie, candy like and the mix of colours is great. I even tried “bigger” movements to create different patterns on the marble effect!!!

pink and blue marble effect nails - somanylovelythings

Rating:

4_star

Product review: glō Minerals glōLash Lengthening Mascara

gloLash Lengthening mascara

I was very excited to receive a glō Minerals box full of product to try and amongst them, there was their glōLash Lengthening mascara, which I have now been using for a while.

Their packaging is very nice, matte and shiny silver and it has a really nice weight to it. The brush is pretty standard, with nice bristles separation which feel very comfortable to apply. It doesn’t pick up a lot f product, so it doesn’t clump. At all. It separates the lashes really well and does what it says on the tin: lengthens.

It does not build up volume; after a few coats, the lashes are still super separated and defined; the effect is fan-like, really delicate, as it picks and coats each lash individually, even the tiny ones!

gloLash Lengthening mascaraFirst time I used, I wasn’t quite sure, but my lashes look very nice and I am loving it! Durability is good and it is not too hard to remove, which is also a bonus.

What glō Minerals say:

“Our Lash lengthening mascara is formulated to deliver nutrients and help your lashes to grow to their full potential. (…)

The exclusive antioxidant blend of vitamins A, C, E and green tea extract makes it safe for contact lens wearers.

It creates noticeably longer lashes by conditioning your lashes whilst you are wearing the formula. Apply the Lash Lengthening Mascara alone to define lashes or apply after Lash thickener & conditioner for thicker, fuller lashes.”

eye make up - somanylovelythings

Using my new mascara!

The formula is very mild and gentle on my eyes, so I am enjoying using this one; it became part of my daily routine!

You can get the Lengthening mascara and other products on the Glo Minerals website.

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

What I’ve been wearing – 17 July 2013

I’ve been sooo excited about the warmer weather, been taking an enormous pleasure to put outfits together and creating looks with MUCH fewer items! Love summer months. It takes so long to get to the “no jacket, no tights” point every year and it is so miserable until then but the first warm rays of sunshine seem to erase the grey memories pretty quickly.

So here is my latest selection:

Outfit #1

outfit 1

Long straight black skirt, from a shop in Stratford Centre, Lulu Guinness for Uniqlo t-shirt, white block heel sandals from Topshop, necklace from Topshop, bracelet from new Look, rings from H&M and Primark.

Outfit #2

outfit 2

Navy blue shorts suit from New Look, black sleeveless shirt from Primark, black and white court shoes from Viviana Calçados, necklace from Little Birdie London, bracelet from new Look, rings from Sobral, H&M, Topshop and Forever 21.

Outfit #3

outfit 3

Black and white flowery dress from Primark, black patent peeptoes from Ibiza (a shop in brazil, not the island!), necklace from Primark, rings from Primark, New Look, Disney Couture.

Outfit #4

20130709-154531.jpg

Black and white printed maxi skirt and black top from H&M, denim waistcoat from Primark, black studded block heel sandals from H&M, necklace from Little Birdie London, rings from Topshop and H&M.

Outfit #5

20130709-154554.jpg

Navy trousers and nude lace top from H&M, nude vest from Primark, nude slingback sandals from Topshop, necklace from Accessorize, bracelet from New Look, rings from H&M and Topshop.

Product review: glō Minerals Ultra Brush

Glo Minerals Ultra Brush

This little brush really packs a punch! I love a flat face brush to apply powder and the glō Minerals Ultra brush is perfect for this.

I was so happy to open my glō box and see their Ultra brush in there to try – I knew it was going to be great when I saw the picture on their site and I wasn’t disappointed.Glo Minerals Ultra Brush

It is quite a small brush, with dense, very soft bristles. It picks up a great amount of product and offers a great application, it buffs really well, so the powder blends really well on the skin, providing a smooth and even finish.

Although this is a great size for your make-up bag, they also have a retractable version of the Ultra brush, which is even better to use on the go!Glo Minerals Ultra Brush

I didn’t know glō Minerals but I am very impressed with the product and have been using it almost ever day since I got it!

You can buy the Ultra Brush and other products on the Glo Minerals website.

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

Nails of the week – bright green

bright green nails - somanylovelythings

Shock horror – this week I have a single colour on my nails!

And it is green- a bright, acid kinda halfway between lime and avocado green, with a lovely golden sheen to it (delivered by the addition of “special golden pearl”
to its fomula).

Sounds great, no? And it is. Pure and pretty. I was going to add stuff to it but decided not to, it shines on its own.

I am wearing the lovely limited edition green number 427, Amable Chartreuse, from Kiko’s Sun Pearl collection. Application was alright, the polish is a bit thick and it feels like the rush strokes will mark, but it settles nicely and they don’t. I am using two generous coats, but the polish is very pigmented. The finish is just lovely – shiny and intense. And it lasted very well.

As usual, Kiko delivers great value for money – this baby was only £2,40 on their sale!

Vevie pop-up shop in London

Vevie

Feeling fabulous and beach-ready with Vevie

Seaside frolics, anyone? How to refuse an invitation to such themed event? Impossible – so off I went to the Vevie pop-up shop on the King’s Road in London. I am glad I did and got to know more about Vevie, a lifestyle, exercise and fitness clothing brand that also do the cutest swimwear.

I got a very warm reception from Alexandra and Carie from Seymour PR and the lovely British designer Caroline Greenslade, who designed swimwear for big brands during her career before deciding to fly solo and launch Vevie at the end of 2012. There was bubbly, lovely canapes and a cute cutout board for pictures.

However, the stars of the evening were really the garments, especially the swimwear. The fabrics are amazing; you can really feel the quality upon touch. The designs are classics and very stylish; clean with adorable touches, slightly retro. They also have in-built support, removable cups, boning, are chlorine resistant, have anti bag & sag performance (up to 200 hours!!!) and are resistant to suntan oils and Body oils.

The fitness wear was also impressive, beautifully designed and crafted, oozing quality and style – think workout jackets, vests, leggings, yoga pants in a beautiful colour palette.

Given the quality, design and craftsmanship, it comes to no surprise they are priced accordingly. Fitness wear prices range between £35 and £125 and swimwear, £80-£160. All styles are available in UK sizes 8-18.

I also got a peek of a beautiful line of bikinis, some with stunning vintage prints, launching soon. Be very excited!

The goody bags were very generous, with goodies from King’s Road spa EF Medispa (putting together a bag with products from Skinceuticals, Biologique Recherche, Cosmedix and Results RX, £25 off a facial), Caudalie with a Divine Oil, balance Me with a skin bright hydrating face mist, a 50% off voucher for Vevie and 50% off all treatments at Lash Perfect Lash Bar! Phew!

They will be on the King’s Road Pop-up Britain shop until the 17 July. I recommend that you pay them a visit and touch the garments. You will, like me, fall in love. Pretty, pretty!

You can also get your hands on the gorgeous fitness and swimwear on the Vevie website.

Vevie’s creator, designer Caroline Greenslade
My favourite swimsuit!
Detail on fave swimsuit
Lovely green
The details are really lovely
It’s all in he detail!
Swimwear
Patterned
Cute swimwear, great colour!
Fitness wear – love the details
Amazing canapes!
Cupcakes!
Canapes
The very generous goody bags!
The contents of the goodie bag!

Product review: Beautiful Movements Mixing Medium

Beautiful Movements Mixing Medium - somanylovelythings

A while back I was lucky enough to interview former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, responsible for the Beautiful Movements Cosmetics and leave with some items to try.

Now that the products are available at Holland & Barrett, I decided to talk about a product I have been using quite a bit since getting my hands on – the Beautiful Movements Mixing Medium.

The clear cream is very versatile and a great all-rounder in any make-up bag. For me, the best use is as a primer.

I apply all over my face, after my usual serum but before all make-up. The texture on the skin is really velvety. It really saves up liquid foundation (my favourite type), as it helps spread, blend and create a more refined look with less product. In terms of staying power, it does help, and it  holds within my usual primers’ average of 6 hours (sometimes including a super sweaty spin class).

Beautiful Movements products - somanylovelythings

I also used as a mixing base, adding the mineral foundation to it. I mixed two colours from the samples I got applied all over my face. The finish was very sheer and natural and I found this a little bit difficult to build up, as I need medium to full coverage.

The other way I used it was by applying the mixing medium first on the skin then adding the mineral foundation powder on top. It is much easier to build up coverage this way.

For these last two ways of using, it lasted a good four hours in a good state, then a touch up was needed. I also noticed my skin was somewhat radiant, I liked the finish, although I do need a bit more coverage.

Beautiful Movements products - somanylovelythings

I also tried with some eye shadow loose pigments to create more intense colours with better staying power.

I finished the looks with the bronzer, which is applies well on top of the medium and foundation; it has a very subtle sparkle, and doesn’t sheen so much on the face, which I like. I think it will be perfect for the beach!

The Mixing Medium sells for £20 (20g)  and you can buy this and other products from the range at the Beautiful Movements website and at Holland & Barrett.

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

Nails of the week: Red lips nail wraps

Red lips Girlz Nailz wraps nails - somanylovelythings

When Girlz Nailz wraps got in touch asking if I’d like to try their nail wraps, I was very excited. I do like a nail wrap purely for the fact they are VERY easy to apply and the design is always perfect, even though I know they won’t last the amazing minimum of eight days my manis do! They are just too cute!

It wasn’t different with these Girlz Nailz stickers – it took me all of five minutes to apply and trim; I decided to use the hair dryer to soften them up before applying, although this is not needed (when my nails are long, the tend to bend at the corner, so I need more flexibility there!).

They count with a fantastic selection of designs and I was thrilled to receive a few which will appear here from time to time. To wear first I chose Kisses, a super cute red lips (so me!) on black background and applied on my ring fingers and thumbs, for accent. I then applied black nail polish (Colorama Black) on the remaining nails.

It got loads of compliments!!! The design is of great quality, with vivid colours and they all look different which is nice.

Girlz Nailz in Kisses - somanylovelythings

I am really pleased with this manicure. The wraps lasted 4 days in a good condition (I am quite particular about condition and remove them when the first raggedy edge appears, as it annoys me, think they could stay for longer!) which is slightly above the average for wraps on me – so quality is up there with bigger brands on the market!

Pretty!

Check out their selection at the Girlz Nailz website, where you can find the Kisses nail wraps and many others!

Rating:

4_star

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