Kimono

Today's outfit of the day is a cropped top & leggings , teamed up with this gorgeous silk kimono jacket I purchased a whole ago but never had the chance

To wear due to the weather.

Love love it, the texture is so smooth and the fitting is loose but looks elegant - I've had a few comments about it in the street today!

March statement pieces!

Love shopping and I love admiring fashion !

I can't deny I love shopping but I am very picky when it comes to clothes - especially when following trend.

Here is a collection of my March peices - all from high street stores .

ranging from Zara, Topshop, River Island, H & M, Primark, Forever 21, Victoria's Secret, Marks & Spencer

River Island - {currently on sale}

Black cleated sole gladiator platforms

XOX

Sephora + Pantone Universe Nail

Fire

Sephora + Pantone Universe invoke the primal wonders of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water to forecast a season of elemental thrall. Introducing a spectrum of rare umbers, ethereal lilacs, rapturous vermillions, and deep sea ceruleans—all harmonized to create the perfect storm of supernatural beauty. (from Sephora website )

In October I was over in the States, Utah, Salt Lake City. I went into Sephora and managed to pick up some of their latest collection of nail polishes, including Air, Earth & Fire. These are limited edition and retails at just $10 per bottle. 

Due to the nature of my job, I don't often paint my nails but when I do, I love making sure they stand out. I always paint my toe nails all year round, but they are mainly covered up. 

In this collection, it is designed to:

Unleash the force of the four elements and adorn your nails with these high-impact lacquers in four dimensional effects: earthly chrome, watery shimmer, airy sparkle, and fiery glitter. These unique colors and finishes can be combined to create unique nail designs. ( Sephora )

Pro's:

• gives a metallic pink finish, very unique and shiny
• fast drying
• applying 1-2 coats is enough
• thick soft brush, perfect to brush onto wide nails like mine
• lovely presentation bottle and box
• cheap for money

Con's:

• peels off the following day
• can chip off easily even with 2 layers therefore I would recommend a clear top coat
• limited edition

If you're a nail fanatic and love strange patterns/colours then try this!

Have fun!

XOX

Tru Face® Revealing Gel Nu Skin Product Review

Gemma Shephard & Emma Forbes Salute to this product!

There are many factors around us which damage our skin and it's not difficult to understand why we must take care of our skin, just depends if you want to or not!

Not only does our skin protect our organs, but it is the biggest organ in our bodies. 

Our skin shows us how good/bad our immune system is, and when it's low we see it as well as feeling it. For instance, dehydrated body can lead to dry and flaky skin, which is never attractive (unless that's what you're into).  Also, spots around the chin area means your body is lacking fluids! Spots in general can spread so it is very important not to touch the infected area and know what you are putting on to of that area whether its water or lotions. For me, I have sensitive skin and that's due to various factors and something I was born with. It's improved over the years due to me taking good supplementation and a better controlled diet.

Did you know there are many major factors around us that damage our skin? such us:-

• pollution
• emotional/mental stress
• lack of sleep
• diet
• dehydration
• harmful UVA/UVB rays
• smoking
• infared

We may or may not see the effects on our skin straight away but in time, it will show - do you want to prevent it?

I have tried various methods to have flawless skin and it's not easy! A lot of work involved but knowing what you're using is the first important step!  Then to maintain it is the next big step but its worth it!  I have a clear understanding that only very few options worked but I still keep trying!
 Long term wise, I use my Galvanic Spa as well as my ageLOC Elements skin care .  Everybody has different skin and depending on your budget, you would have to try it before you decide if you like it or not, the results speaks for itself!

I discovered an alternative to a harmful face peel (also known as micro-dermabrasion) which is extremely effective for removing dead skin cells resulting the skin to a more plumpy and hydrated face BUT causing pain! Tru face revealing gel is formulated with gentle, patented, polyhydroxy acid (PHA) technlogy,  which gives us the youthful looking complexious without any irritation.




I demonstrated the use of this Tru Face Revealing Gel on 4 coins. This process is similar to the oxidation and damage free radicals cause to the skin. Excess free radicals in the skin, can also create a sallow, dull complexion. PHAs reverse the oxidation damage and brighten the skin without harshness or pain.

This smooth formula is applied onto the skin day & night on clean skin, upwards and outwards. You then let the formula do the hard work whilst you continue with your day/night. The results work before you know it! I was astonished by how my skin felt and looked!

 After about 30 minutes, I had an immense result from where the gel has been sitting on the coin and this is the result.......

The results on the skin is pretty amazing causing me no problems but just adds extra smiles to my day!

Ingredients:

• Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs)
• Lactobionic Acid and Gluconolactone: these ingredients encourage the sloughing off of rough, uneven skin and stimulates the production of young, healthy cells and creates a smoother surface.

Water (Aqua), Betaine, Gluconolactone, Butylene Glycol, Sclerotium Gum, Lactobionic Acid, Squalane, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Arginine, Methyl Gluceth-20, Fragrance (Parfum), Chlorphenesin, Methylparaben.

Seeing is believing

How this works on the skin:

• Gluconolactone—this PHA gently penetrates skin to reduce the appearance of pore size and the visible effects of photoaging. Proven to be effective in visibly improving skin texture and radiance.
• Lactobionic—a PHA clinically shown to significantly enhance skin cell turnover while improving skin brightness and texture. Works gently, without irritation. Acts as a powerful antioxidant and metal chelator that is so nurturing it is used as a preservation solution for transplant organs during transport.

It makes me wonder how much damage has my skin had to go through after all these years?! 

I love the fact this product is very suitable for those with sensitive skin like me, it works like wonders and a little goes a long way!

For 30ml of product at the price of £46.00, you would use this day & night if you wish. How much you use it entirely up to you depending on how often you want the face to be pampered. I would use this no more than twice a week along with my ageLOC Elements kit to maintain the maximum effect.

Pro's:

• suitable for sensitive skin
• small lightweight product
• little goes a long way
• easily blendable
• suitable for male and female
• suitable for any age
• alcohol free 
• no harshness and certainly pain-free lotion
• very gentle on the skin - as stated by Celebrity Stylist Gemma Shephard

I would highly recommend this to those who want a healthy glowing face without going through harmful face scrubs. It's a great gift idea for those who like luxurious products with very effect results without paying too much for!

If you would like to purchase this then send me an email so I can register an account and offer discount!
strawbeefull@gmail.com


XOX

** I am a distributor for Nu Skin, this product was purchased with my own money and I have given my most honest opinion, I have not been contacted by the company to give this review in any way. **

Nu Skin AgeLOC Elements Product Review

Look at how luxurious this box is!!!! JUST LOOK AT IT!!! haha!

White cardboard box , neatly presents 3 items

• ageLOC® Gentle Cleanse & Tone: anti-ageing foaming cleanser and toner
• ageLOC® Radiant Day SPF 22: anti-ageing day-time facial moisturiser with SPF 22
• ageLOC® Transforming Night: anti-ageing night-time facial moisturiser

The first time I purchased this kit was early this year and I have been hooked on it since!! I am currently on my second box and I just love how it works, how great it makes my skin feel and look, and most of all, the fact that it is nearly presented with such good quality material.

Nu Skin has a range called ageLOC which works on your ageing DNA. It doesn't change your DNA or clone you, the clever thing is that the company have top scientists and they have figured out that it is our ageing DNA that makes us age, also factors around us.

ageLOC targets the ageing DNA and change the appearance of ageing such as wrinkles, dark spots, large pores, not only this but also protects our skin from the factors around us such as environment, harmful UV rays, and lack of sleep!

When I first started researching ageLOC I was very a

amazed by the photographic evidence of how flawless and wrinkle-free the users have got since using ageLOC and so I continued to research into it before purchasing. After all, this is going on my face, which is the most sensitive part of my body so I want to make sure I am using top-notch ingredients!

For £144 the kit includes a gentle toner & cleanser in one, day cream and a night cream. You can purchase these separately but it works out cheaper to buy the kit and you can benefit from the whole range at the same time for maximum effects. For me, this kit lasted me for just over 3 months! A little goes a long way!

This kit is my step 1, 2 & 3 for my skin regime. 

I love travelling with the toner & cleanser as it's so light and easy to pack with, I put the night cream into a small pot as the jar is made of heavy glass and I take the tube of day cream as it's so light!

Step 1 & 2:

Cleanse & Tone = I just love how light it is for me to travel with, the product comes out from a pump dispenser and the formula is so soft and sinks straight into my skin! I have sensitive skin therefore I am very sceptical of what I use on my face, this has been luxurious on my skin and I have seen a clear result from using this after a few weeks. (Please note: I have also been using the Galvanic Spa together to get maximum results for my flawless skin).

Firstly, I went my face with warm water to open up the pores ready for the product to work its magic. I then use 1-2 pumps day and night for my face and neck, it just sinks into the skin and makes my skin feel so refreshed and cleansed. I have never used a toner & cleanser in one before, this is definitely magic to me! It definitely purifies my skin! The active ingredients combined make such a difference to my skin. Works with skin's own natural healthy pH, helping it to preserve its natural moisture (promised by Nu Skin) .

This 2 in 1 has lives up to its promise by cleansing, purifying and carefully hydrating my skin. I have problems around my cheeks/nose area where the skin is dry but this addresses it and calms the redness down. Some systems require a separate toner step, the ageLOC does not require you to use a separate cleanser and toner due to the unique active ingredients. I love that!!

When I first started using this toner & cleanser I did have breakouts, my skin wasn't use to the active ingredients of this toner & cleanser. After about 2-3 weeks my skin cleared up, I also used my Galvanic Spa to deep cleanse my epidermis and allowing he dermis to cleanse giving me the flawless skin. 

Step 3:

Moisturise = in the day time I use the day cream which has SPF 22, however, in the hot weather I use the SPF 35 to fully protect my face from the hot sun, when it's not as sunny I use this SPF 22 day cream.

At night, I use the night cream which is so rich and moisturising, it helps my dry/combination skin look and feel luxurious and more plumpy the following morning! 

at night time I use this rich moisturising night cream click here for review. I only use a tiny amount and it sinks into my skin quickly and has a refreshing scent! I apply it in an upward and outward motion, and avoiding the eye area as it's extra sensitive. I wake up to skin that's been looked after whilst I sleep, that's what we all want! It doesn't dry my face or give me any breakouts, that's how I know this cream has done it's job right!

Effectively, this kit has been a real good deal for the way my skin has changed, I am very suprised at how flawless it remains! There has been days where I switch up to other products due to me trying to finish off the other products but I have always gone back to this kit. I have highly recommended it to everyone as I love the active ingredients :

• ageLOC® - proprietary Nu Skin® technology that targets arSuperMarkers, the ultimate sources of ageing.
• Pea extract, bamboo extract and glucosamine - a powerful anti-ageing ingredient blend that has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and increase cell turnover resulting in visually youthful skin.
• Hexapeptide-2 - reduces the activation of melanin production.
• Hyaluronic acid - a moisturising compound found naturally in the skin. Selected for its capacity to bind and hold moisture to the skin.

ageLOC® Gentle Cleanse & Tone: Water (Aqua), Glycerine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Lauryl Methyl Gluceth-10 Hydroxypropyldimonium Chloride, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Polysorbate 20, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Salicin, Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum),Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tropolone.
Paraben-free.
ageLOC® Radiant Day SPF 22:
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 5%, Octisalate 4%, Octocrylene 2%
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Methyl Gluceth-10, Steareth-2, Steareth-21, Isohexadecane, Nylon-12, Hydrolysed Jojoba Esters, Jojoba Esters, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Glucosamine HCl, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Hexapeptide- 2, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Salicin, Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Polysorbate 80, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum), Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tropolone.
Paraben-free.
ageLOC® Transforming Night: Water (Aqua), Glycerine, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Sorbitol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glucosamine HCl, Salicin, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Squalane, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Ceramide 3, Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum), Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol.
Paraben-free.

This kit is very suitable for sensitive skin, highly recommended for those who want to get rid of wrinkles, large pores, want flawless, manageable and smooth skin.I have a lot of old scars, redness, rosacea, breakouts every now and then but hardly to be honest. This is the BEST kit I have ever used on my face and I have purchased this more than once before. It's extremely good value for money and the long term results are beyond what I imaged! Ultimate flawless skin that is so much more manageable, not as oily in my T-zone and it has definitely helped me to use less make up and show my natural skin which is matte. Personally for me, it's extremely important to have manageable skin as I model, I find it embarrassing to have bad skin therefore I maintain it well. I have been complimented a lot of times about my skin and how great it looks! My secret is a good skin care regime using the best products on the market!

Pro's:

• presentable box - great for luxurious gift idea
• light and easy to carry, great for travellers
• box and each bottle has expiry date printed
• luxurious feel to the skin
• money back guarantee policy on this kit (please ask your Nu Skin advisor for more details)
• can last you at least a month depending on how much you would use

Con's:

• comes in 1 size only
• SPF cream is only available in SPF 22
• night cream jar is heavy duty glass

Enjoy!!

XOX

AgeLOC kit

Galvanic Spa

** I am a distributor for Nu Skin, this product was purchased with my own money and I have given my most honest opinion, I have not been contacted by the company to give this review in any way. **

Chanel Precision Mousse Exfoliante Purete Product Review

Fancy using a designer brand on your skin! I think it's a wonderful idea that a successful designer has their own line of skin care and make up! I have never owned Chanel garment or accessories before but I have tried a few of their beauty products before.
I wasn't too sure if I would be addicted into buying Chanel's skin care/cosmetics due to the brand and the beautiful packaging, I haven't been hooked but I did go through a phase of wanting to badly purchase everything! haha!! I started to research about the products and decided to try one of their best products, which is this exfoliating mousse cleanser.

I like to try different brands of skin care as well as make up, to experience what they have to offer. I enjoy peoples reviews about what they have tried, there has been a lot of negative reviews about Chanel's skin care due to the price but then again, you don't actually need a lot of the product for the result. If I purchase a luxurious item I try to divide it by 3 (break down price for 3 years) or if it's skin care then break it down by 12  to give me the break down of cost per month.

I love the simple packaging, this is thick plastic abit like the type of packaging for toothpaste. I like how pristine their packaging looks, it looks amazing in my bathroom lol!

The formula is a pearlescent soft creamy-like light mousse, white-grey in colour with a heavy scent of fresh flowers. If you are someone who likes the smell of flowers then you may love this!

This is suitable for oily-combination skin.

I have never used a cleanser that foams up so much! A little bit goes a long way, I have used this on and off for the last 2 years as my skin changes throughout the year due to weather and hormones. I would say, it has lasted me for 2 solid summers!

I use about half of this amount usually

I use a face pad to wash my face as I find it easier to blend onto my skin and can avoid the excess oils from my finger tips! You can purchase these from beauty drug stores in Hong Kong or ebay.com.



I initially have sensitive skin and this tends to harm my skin in the winter time. I feel that it washes my natural oils out so I only use it in the hot season wherever I am. It helps to wash away the excess oil and always gives my face that squeaky clean feeling, it even squeaks!

I use to have that feeling every time I used the creamy cleanser, it makes my skin feel slightly tight and shiny which I don't like but it depends what you want from a cleanser. For me, I don't like irritated skin before and after using any skin products, this let me down in this respect. When we sleep, our skin dehydrates, I feel that I need to use a rich night cream to retain the hydration on my face, this cleanser makes me feel like my skin's natural oils has been washed away and it becomes flaky especially in the colder seasons.

After using it, my make up is not all removed, my skin feels tight and sometimes red, it feels refreshed and smells nice too!


I wash my face twice a day, morning and night before bed. I use the same cleanser and I change my whole regime products every season or if my skin is irritated from anything I use. I have learnt to understand which products to use and when. I hate having irritated skin, especially because my skin is sensitive and a combination of normal-dry.

Did you know that poor skin care can lead to early signs of ageing? You are more prone to fine lines, dull complexion, large open pores, wrinkles, and deep scar tissues? I can guarantee you will be screaming for help when you need to have clear skin for the next big occasion! Remember: prevention is better than cure! Treat it now rather than later!

I use this mousse cleanser as step 1 in my beauty skin care regime, then I tone, cleanse and moisturise.

Step 1 is important as it helps to wash away excess oils, deep clean the epidermis. Using a good quality cleanser can repair itself at night and that is why it works the hardest whilst you sleep!


The exfoliating beads are small and help to make the skin glow as it gets rid of dead skin cells which hang over your face, the naked eye can see this. It ensures your face is fully cleansed and gives it that fresh squeaky feel!This would really benefit those who have large open pores as it really deep cleanses inside those pores and prevents black heads.
I apply this to my soft face pad and exfoliating this in a circular motion to help get rid of dead skin cells and remove my make up and dirt from the epidermis.

check out this article on why not having clean skin before bed is bad for you? Takes just 3 minutes of your time before bed can make SUCH a difference!

For £38.00 there is 150ml / 5 fl. oz of product which doesn't sound like a lot but in actual fact you only need to use a little bit as it foams up a lot. 
Available at any Chanel counter in department stores or online.
The consistency is thick, but smooth and foamy when it becomes wet, it glides softly onto the skin and exfoliates at the same time. There isn't much exfoliating beads which is good as it isn't too harmful for the skin, especially sensitive skin.

 Ingredients benefits:

TULIP TREE EXTRACT, selected for its anti-pollution effect.

The Tulip Tree has been planted in cities worldwide in an effort to help de-pollute the air. The tree’s shiny green leaves are covered with a protective wax that traps pollutants, which are then washed away when it rains. CHANEL PRÉCISION Cleansers and Toners utilize Tulip Tree Extract to remove impurities caused by pollution and protect the integrity of skin’s natural defense barriers. This helps to prevent free radical damage, which can lead to premature aging.

BIOGLUCANE boosts the cleansing action of Tulip Tree Extract and helps balance the skin without stripping its natural barrier, heightening the depolluting power of each formula in the collection.


This is suitable for those who travel a lot , because there are a lot of dirt collected into the pores and this product would help to cleanse effectively!
 
Pro's:

• scent smells great
• clean feeling
• soft formula
• bottle stands upright which means gravity will let the product drop down
• exfoliating beads helps to deep clean in the open pores
• glamorous packaging
• definitely is 'rich-foaming' formula

Con's:

• squeaky clean sound on the face after using it
• strips away my natural oils way too much, my skin becomes irritated especially in the colder seasons
•  doesn't remove every trace of my make up, I still have to use my cleansing cream and toner afterwards
• makes my skin feel tight, needing a rich moisturiser afterwards to calm the redness
• comes in one size only

I have enjoyed using this product more in the summer time than the winter, just because my skin needs that extra TLC during colder seasons. I don't feel that my skin benefits as much as I thought it would and I wouldn't purchase it again. I would recommend it to my beauties who like soft foaming cleansers with a luxurious feel on their skin. It's a great gift idea or a treat for their skin care regime.
To me, it just hasn't lived up to it's expectations , hence why I have used it on and off for 2 years now.

XOX

Fashion Friday: Big Framed Glasses

 Tired of people staring at your puffy, dark, tired eyes? You can minimise this and stop people from telling you how tired your eyes look!
I don't often have dark circles around my eyes but when I do, wearing less make up on the eyes is definatly better than wearing more make up on the eye area because it doesn't become more noticeable and damaging to the eyes. Wearing more make up on the eyes when you are tired can actually make it look far worse than it actually is! Of course, the first thing we initially want to do is to apply more make up on the eyes to try hide the dark circles or the puffiness, but it does your eyes no favours!! It can cause infections and irritation, which can be hard to treat!

I wear big frames glasses to eliminate my tired eyes, it's also for the purpose of a fashion accessory which is a bonus as it completes my outfit for the day.
I have 3 pairs in total, 2 are non perscription ones , and one other is my perscription glasses for reading - I have been wearing glasses since I was a young teenager. No one really knows because I use to hate wearing glasses but now I make them look like a fashion accessory!! LOLZ.

Big frames glasses can accentuate the look of the day, they say the highest point of a women is the eyes - so make it stand out!

You can chose different shapes, styles, colours and textures of these fashion accessories, I love my black simple ones and also my leopard print ones as it's one of my favourite animal prints!


I wear my glasses with and also without the lens, it doesn't really matter. Sometimes my long eyelashes would scratch the lens so I have to clean them often or take out the lens.

There are a lot of celebrities who wear the big framed glasses on a lazy day, I wear it at times when I dont wear make up and just a pop of colour to the lips can make the look natural and girly!

You can dress up or dress down with these, add abit of funky style by hanging them on the top of your hair or on your collar of your top. I like to wear mine on the top of my hair to hold my hair back as it's long. I think it looks super cool as an effortless look!


I prefer to wear bigger framed glasses as I like to see through them without seeing the frame half way through each lens! It's annoying! Don't know if that's just my preference though?

I wear my big framed glasses all year round, I try avoid wearing them in the summer time as I don't want tan lines, having tan lines on my face is the last thing I want! Don't forget to wear your SPF!!

Applying a primer before your make up can help prevent your make up from smudging when you wear glasses.

Have fun!

XOX

Hello Kitty!!

Fashion Friday: Crop Tops With Skirts

Ever see a cropped top you like but afraid to buy because you dont have to confidence to wear it and show off your tummy or abs? I do!!! *hands up in he air* I dont have good abs or anything to show so I hide it, but a good way to wear the crop tops is to wear something that you can pull up like high waisted shorts, jeans, trousers or skirts.

I love wearing skirts, I think they are so versatile either you can dress up or dress down, crop tops or tucked in tops or even let the tops hang over the skirts.

Top - New Look
Skirt - Forever 21
Belt - Primark

If you have a mid length skirt or a skirt similar to this, it's worth changing the style by pulling it up to the waist and matching it with a short top , it's totally up to you if you want to show some of your stomach, then attach a thin belt. This gives the illusion of a more defined figure.



I have mega wide hips so it's difficult for me to find skirts to fit me on the hips, I buy skirts that have elastic at the top and holes for belts. This can give the illusion of a more defined figure without looking like you just ate 10 pies and be comfortable on the stomach. As you can see from the picture on the right, my hips are where my hands are and they are so wide, the top of the skirt just sits nicely above it.


This whole outfit was less than £20 bought from high street shops which is very versatile and affordable. You could always mix n match with other items in your wardrobe.

I like a splash of color for skirts as you can change the outfit style by using different colours and patterns.

I find that this style helps to define my figure a bit more and it's comfortable as I don't show of your tummy, especially if it's not flat.

So if you're looking to team up your skirts and tops then try this style =]


Have fun guys

XOX

Chanel Nail Polish 455 Lotus Rouge Product Review

This is my first Chanel nail polish product I have ever owned. I love the shade variety there is and also the packaging is very simple but the logo really stands out, which attracts me to their products.


A few of my friends own the Chanel nail polishes and their other products but for me, I didn't know too much about the science of the products and what it would do for me.


Of course, the price isn't cheap for a luxurious brand, I wanted to know what the hype was all about! I wanted to know why the nail polishes were 'amazing' and why my friends own a whole handful of them!

First of all, it comes with this posh luxurious bag, ideal for a gift.

Simple, black and white.

There is also a Chanel ribbon attached which just makes the whole gift look luxurious!

I love things wrapped and ribboned, this just blew me away, I didn't care if the bag was empty or not LOL! The packaging itself looked so fancy I didn't want to open it.

I was actually looking for 'fire 159' red shade to match my current phone case but the lady at the counter said it had been discontinued so I decided to go for another shade of red which was 455 Lotus Rouge.
I personally am not a red lover, I don't own many nail polishes and I would never go out my way to buy red colour nail polish but I fancied a change and see what I could get out of it. I decided to try a Chanel nail polish and see if it would be impressive or not.

There were so many shades of red, it totally confused me and of coruse once it is applied to the nails, its not exactly the shade as the one from magazines or the bottle so I decided to go for a medium red.

The box is quick simple but with a lot of text. Black background, white text and gold at the bottom at the front and sides.




The box is just about the size of the bottle of polish, and the quality of the box is sturdy too.



The top of the box states the shade name and number.

I like how the lid can come off the top of the polish lid, I don't know what I would do with the empty lid to be honest but its very different to any other polishes I have ever tried.

For £18, there is 13ml of the product in the bottle. It sure is pricey but for a designer brand, that was to be expected right? I still can't believe I paid that much for it! but atleast I can say I did try it. 

Prices are more or less the same, there aren't any special prices as it would de-value the product but some places like online stores may increase the price, especially if the product is limited edition. I would advise people to look online at store prices.






I like the thickness of the brush as it means I don't need to do as many strokes of the polish and making the polish look so thick on my nails. The brush is very soft, which makes the product sit well on the brush.

I personally think there are drug store dupes that would be just as good such as ELF 'smokin hot', Barry M - 262 Bright Red/red wine, Rimmel 60 seconds - Rapid Ruby, Mac Factor gloss finish - Red Passion. Depends on your budget really.

So...... After the first coat of the polish of my nails, I personally thought it was too thin. The lotion consistency is not too thin and it isn't thick either. It glides on smoothly but I find that I need to go over my nails 3 times to cover the whole nail.

I had to apply 2 layers of the polish as only 1 coat was too thin and not make the nails look smoothly painted.


This is a picture of my nails after a week , as you can see there are a lot of dents, scratches and it doesn't stay as shiny. I used 2 coats of the polish and still I can see the polish is very thin on my nails. I decided to leave the nail polish without a layer of clear polish over to see how well it would last on my nails but this is the result. Was not totally what I had expected, especially for the price I paid and the hype on the market, the colour started to fade and didn't look pretty or glossy anymore. It disappointed me badly, but I still want to try the other colours to see how they would be on the nails.

Pro's:

• pretty packaging for the box and bottles
• pretty presentation bag and ribbon
• wide range of shades
• logo is neatly presented at the top of the lids

Con's:

• glossy look at first but it slowly fades
• scratches easily
• need more than 1 coat on the nails for the full effect of colour
• too expensive for what it's worth
•  bad quality
• too many shades available and they look similar, but when you paint them on your nails, they aren't exact the colour in the bottle therefore choosing the right shade is difficult
  
  
  XOX

Fashion Friday: The Boyfriend Jeans

Whoever thought of the boyfriend jeans style -  is amazing!! You don't have to be a male to wear these! Men's style can be so versatile for females, and comfortable, perfect for dressing down with abit of an edgy look teaming up with lots of accessories or a big jumper!

I love the boyfriend style, especially the jeans because it is so versatile! You can dress up or dress down with them and still look stylish!

Boyfriend jeans are suitable for weekdays, weekends day or night. They are basically men's style jeans as they are not fitted, slightly baggy but the bottom is slightly tapered or rolled up slightly.
They give the edgy look but also gives you the shape on the hips and not too tight on the thighs or legs.

They are so comfortable and it does not necessarily mean you have to take them from your boyfriend, the boyfriend is just a term to show they are the men's style.
Boyfriend jeans are meant to be low rise and have a cuff at the bottom for you to turn up. Some of them have rips for the more edgy look but you can add these yourself.

However, it is possibly to look classy simply by pairing them up with a pair of heels and a fitted top/smart jacket. For a relaxed look then just pair it up with a plain fitted top, I wore my long sleeve korean fashion top that has a unique design on the arms and front of the top.

 I decided to match my shoes with my handbag as I fancied adding a splash of electric blue to add some eccentric pieces to make the outfit stand out.

I personally think I look ridiculous in baggy style jeans so I rolled the bottom up slightly to give the edgy look, this can change the look completely. If you're short then I wouldn't recommend this as it would look like you're drowning in the jeans.


I would personally invest in a good pair of boyfriend jeans as you can wear them for a number of years. A cheaper pair may give you poor quality and would destroy the look you want to create, but for real denim you would be able to create your
looks better.


What I am wearing:

• Top - Korean fashion from Hong Kong Causeway Bay
• boyfriend jeans - River Island (3 years ago but they still have this style in store majority of the year but colours may vary)
• belt - H&M
• high tops - Ebay
• hand bag - Kate Spade
• scarf - Zara (2012 collection)

Some stores charge ridiculous amount for a pair of jeans, have a look at the men's section and don't be afraid to wear men's jeans. Fashion speaks for itself!

Enjoy!

XOX

Barry M Black and White Crackles Croc Nail Effect Product Review

Ever heard or seen the crackles effect on nails? It looks complicated but I can assure you it actually isn't!

I got to be honest here, I don't often paint my nails as I work in a hospital and due to infection control - we aren't allowed to.

I use to love decorating my nails and creating alsorts of patterns and making them look pretty, but now I can't! I can only paint my toe nails, which I hardly get to show them off to as I am in tights and shoes most of the year!

When I go paint my nails I like to make sure they are a statement piece for any outfit/looks.

I first discovered crackles from Barry M which is a UK company which specialises in alsorts of colours and popular for their dazzling colours and types of polishes! They also do lip liners, lipsticks, glosses and eye shadows!

You don't have to spend alot of money on the base colour, I got mine for less than £2, the croc effect polish was £3.99 and it will last you for atleast the use of 40 nails!

Here is an old video I did for the polish....

To achieve the nail crackles pattern, it is very simple.
Here is how to achieve the look:

• file the nails to square/round tip
• buffer and smooth the surface of your nails
• apply a decent coat of white polish and wait for it to dry
• carefully apply the black crackles polish over the white (tip: for bigger crackles, don't go over the same place more than once otherwise the crackles will be smaller)
• wait for the magic to happen as it dries
• apply a generous amount of clear polish over to secure the polish on your nails

It is that simple!!

Pro's:

• amazing effect and can feel the texture on the nails
• very detailed and all the patterns are different
• easy to achieve with just 1 coat on each nail
• don't stain the nails
• there are a few different colours available for the crackles
• different choice of patterns but limited in stores
• affordable price from drugstores such as Superdrug , Boots 

Con's:

• for those who have wide nails like me, I need to carefully use the side of the brush to apply on the side of my nails, which would sometimes end up on the skin and the nails have smaller crackles in some places (but still look pretty!!)
• defiantly need a top coat of clear polish otherwise the patterns would rip off after a few days

Perfect for a quick look and easy to do! Impress yourself and others around you by using the croc effect polish!

You can purchase the croc effects polish from big stores of Boots, or online at the Barry M site or trusted ebay sellers

XOX

Holika Holika Syn-Ake Night Cream Product Review

I first discovered Holika Holika in Hong Kong December 2012 in Causeway Bay. The brand originates from Korea, and there is a store in a mall in Causeway Bay Hong Kong which sells a range of the Holika Holika products from skincare to make up.

Holika Holika is an exclusive brand in Hong Kong, any brand from Korea is hard to find outside of Korea due to it's law about copyright and licensing. I felt very happy to be able to purchase it and bring it back to England to continue using.


Syn-Ake peptide products are a huge craze in Asia and have been the last 2 years or less, I wanted to give it a try and see what the hype was all about so I purchased a few items including this wrinkle focus cream.

Syn-Ake is an alternative to botox in a bottle, it's basically a copy of snake venom, to help freeze the wrinkles on the skin but without the pain of injections.

I first heard about the use of snake venom in skin care about 4 years ago when I found out celebrities such as Cheryl Cole, Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss using it. There were reports of long queues for these kind of products in the beauty market due to its high quality for the skin.

For 50ml of the product in this fancy jar, it has lasted me about 5 months use every single night.
It wasn't too expensive, less than about $200hk, I was really excited to buy it and I even bought one for my mom as a gift.

It promises to:

• Take care of wrinkles softly
• Give soft texture like velvet for the skin
• Promote elasticity and hydrate the skin

The active ingredients are , EGF (Epidermal growth factor), adenosine, hyaluronic acid. 
Essentially, to help maintain moisture and help cellular turnover while you sleep.


I apply a thin layer of this to my entire face and neck in an upward and outward motion after I have taken my make up off, cleansed, toned, applied serum then this as a night cream. I always wait about half hour until I can sleep, this gives the skin time to absorb the product.

There is a heavy scent to this product, even when it's absorbed to the skin. At first I enjoyed the scent but then after a few months, I realised the scent was so strong and the product was so sticky on my skin. Usually after I apply any product to the face, I tap it in to help with the circulation and massage the skin, but after applying this night cream, the skin felt like it was thicker as it was covered with this cream even applying a thin layer. I also noticed my face became red at times and itchy, I stopped using it and changed my night cream for my face.
I would not recommend this to those who have sensitive skin as the perfume is so strong and it did irritate my skin.

Pro's:

• pretty packaging
• tub looks nice in my room
• screw off the top lid to reveal product and you can scoop out the product without wasting any of the formula
• affordable price

Con's:

• sticky formula even after applying a thin layer
• scent too strong
• big tub for 50ml of product 
• hard to find Holika Holika outside of Korea

The lid reminds me of snake

Holika Holika Syn-Ake Night Cream

 I personally didn't enjoy using the product after about 3 months, it literally sat on my skin and didn't do anything but irritate my skin. I am happy that I got the chance to try it and share my experience!

XOX