Before and After FOTD

I don't know if I'm brave or stupid 

but I am about to do the unthinkable

I'm going to show you my make-up free face

Arrrrrghhhhh!

This was a bit of an unintentional post 

I took the 'before' photo 

because I was experimenting with my hair and took a photo of my side bun to show my friend

Then once I was dressed and ready to go out I took a quick snap of myself 

and it just so happened to be exactly the same pose! 

Before

Make-up Free!!!!

After

Face

Soap and Glory -  Kick Ass Concealer 

Estee Lauder - Double Wear Foundation 

Sleek - Countour Kit 

Fashionista Blusher - London 

Eyes

Benefit - Big Beautiful Eyes Kit

Collection 2000 - Fast Stroke Liquid Eyeliner 

Eyelure Lashes - 101 

Lips

Wet'n'Wild Lip Liner 

Revlon - Black Cherry Lipstick 

I wore this look out for dinner and drinks with the girls on Saturday 

I love this shade of lip at this time of year!

This post wasn't a TAG but I TAG you all to show us your before and after FOTD!

I love to see the transformation make-up can give someone :)

Let me know if you do a similar post so I can check it out!

Jen <3

Dear Santa... My 2012 Christmas Wish List

Tis The Season To Be Jolly :D 

I'm soooo excited for christmas 

It is by far my favourite time of year, eating and drinking way to much 

Time off work (WOOHOO)

and presents :)

 I love giving presents but of course everyone likes to receive some presents as well.

So I thought I would compile a little list of things I would LOVE to wake up to on Christmas morning

1. Soap & Glory The Best of All 

£60

I absolutely love Soap & Glory products and have used quite a lot of them but have never had a big massive set like this before! The bag it all comes in would be so handy to store my ever growing collection of beauty products in as well!

2. Liz Earle Limited Edition Cleanse and Polish

£19.75

I have been wanting to try Cleanse and Polish for so long now but have been using the cheaper Superdrug version as I didn't really want to splash out incase I didn't like it, but I would love to receive it as a gift! 

I like the festive packaging as well.

3. Ice Phone 

£29.95

I seen this while I was watching Take Me Out on Saturday and thought it was so cool!

You basically sit your iphone in the cradle (It is compatible with most smart phones though)

and attach the retro ear piece to your handset.

I think this would look so good in my room. 

4. Vivienne Westwood Reverse Heart Pendant

£120

I have wanted a Vivienne Westwood necklace ever since I seen Caroline Flack wearing one a few years ago. When I saw this one I loved it straight away.

It would go so well with my rose gold Michael Kors watch 

5. Mark Hill Animal Print Hair dryer 

£29.99

If you know me you will know that I am obsessed with leopard print

So this looks amazing! 

My mum and I are sharing a hair dryer right now and it is definitely on its last legs so I really hope I get this from Santa 

6. Real Techniques Core Collection 

£21.99

I am slowly but surely building my makeup brush collection

and this would make the perfect addition. 

I already have the stippling brush and have used it constantly since I got it and I have heard nothing but great things about the rest of the Real Techniques brushes. 

What are you all hoping for in your stockings this year?

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Jen <3 

*DISCLAIMER* In no way do I expect to receive all these gifts this is merely a wish list created for fun

Viva Espana!

Last week I spent the week in Alicante to catch the last rays of winter sun! 

and I had a brilliant time chilling out and eating and drinking far too much. 

Gutted to be home and back to reality. 

The weather while we were away was lovely and sunny but at night time it did get chilly 

Packing for this holiday was an absolute nightmare!

and as it was a last minute deal I had ZERO money saved up so had to get everything on a tight budget

but I think I done OK 

Thought I would share a few little outfit pics with you from while I was away 

Trousers - Primark

Vest Top - H&M

Jacket - Local Boutique 

Necklace -  Dorothy Perkins 

Sandals - Primark 

Maxi Dress - Dorothy Perkins 

Denim Jacket - New Look 

Bag - Primark 

Watch - Michael Kors 

Playsuit - Primark 

Shoes - Primark 

Bracelet - Internacionale 

Sunglasses - ASOS 

Playsuit - Primark 

Flip flops - Primark 

Bag - Primark 

Sunglasses - ASOS 

It was Halloween while we were away, and I had bought my Halloween costume before we booked the holiday, but Ryanair only gives you 15k luggage so I didn't want to take it, 

but loads of the bars on holiday were having Halloween partys so I insisted on buying some face paints from a supermarket nearby so we wouldn't look left out. 

Not bad for 5euro facepaints! 

HAHA we looked like total creeps! 

So that was my little week in Spain 

came home to lovely minus 1 degree weather in Glasgow.... GREAT! 

Jen <3

A Very Pink What's In My Shower TAG

Good evening lovelies :) 

I'm back from my holiday in Spain 

and I had a brilliant time! but I did miss my little blog while I was gone

Just to let you know that my long horrible work hours mean that I am leaving the house in the dark and coming home in the dark so I can only apologise for the horrible FLASHY photos!!

I will try and take as many blog photos as possible at weekends when we might get a tiny bit of sunlight!!

ANYWAY

back to the post at hand

So when I went in for a shower this morning I realised how pink and coordinating everything in it was!

this was unintentional as but it looked so nice that I decided to do this TAG which I had seen floating around the blogosphere!

Hair 

Vo5 Nourish me truly Shampoo

This is a shampoo which I always end up going back to 

usually because it always ends up on promotion in my work for £1 and I always pick a few bottles up for when I run out of Aussie which is my favourite shampoo/conditioner brand.

This particular one is for damaged hair which my hair most definitely is right now!

I don't know if it's due to stress or not but I have really bad breakage at the front of my hair at the moment so I'm using anything I can to help it.

Vo5 Give me moisture Conditioner 

Again this product from the same range is always on promotion in my work so I usually pick up a bottle if I see it. I NEVER skip conditioner. It is sooo important my hair can get greasy quickly so I tend to use it mostly at the ends and try and leave it in for a couple of minutes depending on how late I have woke up!!

Lee Stafford Treatment for Hair that never grows past a certain length

Now I am sure you guys are sick of seeing this on beauty blogs but it really is a great product and my hair has definitely grown since I started using it 

I'm not sure whether or not that it is completely down to this product but it certainly helps!

I use this a few times a week as you are supposed to keep it in for at least 5 mins and I don't always have time for that in the morning (I'd rather have the extra 5 mins in bed!)

I'm nearly finished this tub, but I stocked up in the 3 for 2 offer so I have a spare to start using straight away 

when this tub is done :)

Face

Neutrogena Visibly Clear pink grapefruit daily scrub 

I have used Neutrogena scrubs for years but this is the first time I have bought this particular one and I really like it. I find it really refreshing.

 It lathers really well so you don't need much product and it goes a long way. 

I really like the smell and it wakes me up in the morning. 

I don't use this every day as I don't think it's really that great for your skin to use a scrub every day

so I only use this on the days I wash my hair and use a different cleanser at other times. 

I love the smell as well! 

Body

Superdrug Strawberry and Raspberry Shower gel 

So my MASSIVE bottle of Soap and Glory, Clean On Me ran out the other week  

which I absolutely loved! and I have already bought another bottle but I bought this in between times because I really like fruity smelling shower gels.

The smell is a little bit overpowering/sickly when you first apply it 

but the scent does calm down and it's fine 

 I don't love it though so I probably won't repurchase when this bottle runs out.

Just to add to the pinkness in my shower I've also got a bright pink sponge and loofah in there!

I'm not going to TAG individual bloggers to do this post 

as I'm a nosy bugger and would like to see inside everyone's 

so I TAG you all to do it! :) 

*Oh look some more pink accessories*

Jen <3 

Review: Collection - Big Fake Ultimate Mascara

Collection (Formerly Collection 200) has been one of my go to high street makeup brands recently 

Their Lasting Perfection Concealer has become a staple in my makeup bag 

So I popped into Boots at the weekend to repurchase it and noticed that the 3 for 2 offer was on 

Mascara has never been something I've been a snob about

I really don't think there is a massive difference between high end and high street mascaras

So when I seen Collection's newest mascara 'Big Fake Ultimate false lash effect mascara'

for £5.99 I decided to grab it 

The first thing I noticed  was the size of the wand

IT IS HUGE!!!!

Here is a comparison 

On the left is the wand from Max Factor's Masterpiece Mascara and on the right is the Collection wand 

Personally I find it difficult to use such a big wand and I've got pretty big eyes so I can only imagine how hard it would be for someone with little peepers! 

I just found it quite clumsy to work with. 

Especially on my bottom lashes 

I was however impressed with the effect it had on my lashes 

It  made them nice and long and gave them plenty of volume

The first day I wore it was on Sunday

I teamed it with a fairly new black liquid liner 

So by the end of the day when I looked in the mirror and noticed that I resembled a Panda with massive dark smudges under my eyes, I wasn't sure if it was the mascara or the eyeliner.

I didn't want to review the mascara until I'd given it a fair shot

so I have worn it every day this week. 

(without eye liner)

I haven't done anything to strenuous. I've been off work this week so some days I haven't even went out

Yet every single day I have ended up with dark circles under my eyes!

I really wanted to love this product

but unfortunately I'm really not impressed so far!

Has anyone else tried this mascara?

Have you had the same problem?

Jen <3 

P.s I'm off to Spain for a week tomorrow :) woohoo! 

I will try and write a few posts to schedule between packing tonight

Don't miss me too much :) x

My Blog Crushes #1

How are we all today?

Hope everyone is having a great weekend :) 

Today I decided to spread the love 

and share with you guys some of my all time favourite blogs and bloggers :)

I love reading posts like this and I always find some great new blogs to follow from them 

So I hope you guys will all check these gorgeous ladies blogs out! 

Now I have a LONG reading list of blogs 

but these blogs are the ones that I will always go and have a look to see what they have posted recently 

even if they haven't popped up on my reading list

First up is the beautiful Beth over at Bird's Words

Beth is my fellow bird :)

and is one of the first blogs I really started reading regularly

She posts about such a wide range of beauty products and has really similar taste to me 

which isn't great for my bank balance as I have ended up purchasing more than a few products because of her reviews! 

I always look forward to reading her posts as she puts so much personality into them.

She is also such a lovely girl and always takes time to reply to comments/questions.

<3

Next up is my blogging bestie, Izzie from Hola-Bambi

Izzie's blog has the most amazing nail designs

and her Models Own collection is something else.

She has also just got the coolest job at Mizz Magazine so you get to hear all about her exciting work adventures!

but most importantly Izzie is just the nicest person ever.

We talk all the time (not so much this week as I have been working soooo much :( Booo)

we are always tweeting/texting each other and we are deff going to try and meet up at some point 

not that easy considering she lives in London and I'm in Glasgow!

<3

The next blogger is the gorgeous Allie from Big Hair Bigger Heels

I haven't been following Allie for that long 

but her blog has fast became a firm favourite! I pretty much check on a daily basis to see if she has posted 

as she is most definitely my style crush!

She just has such an amazing way of putting outfits together and I literally have loved everything I have seen her in.

She is more quirky than me but I definitely get inspiration from her blog!

She also has some amazing DIY posts for all the crafty bloggers out there.

<3

Last but certainly not least

The wonderful Louise from Makeup etc

Louise is an animal lover and cruelty free beauty blogger 

which is something I really admire her for

I think the effort she puts in to use only cruelty free products is amazing

and her blog even includes a really well researched list of companies that aren't cruelty free!

Louise is doing a makeup course at college just now and I love seeing posts about what she has learnt 

I have actually had the pleasure of meeting Louise at the last scottish bloggers meetup and she is so lovely, we talk quite a lot on twitter as well and I can't wait to see her again at the next meetup :)

<3

Well I hope you have all found some lovely new blogs to follow!

and hopefully the more my reading list grows the more I'll be able to share with you guys.

Does anyone have any reading recommendations for me?

Jen <3 

DIY: Red Ombre Hair

My hair has now been the same colour for about 4 years 

Due to the fact that I dyed it from blonde to really dark brown and instantly regretted it

and it took me about 2 years and a LOT of time and money to get it back to being the way it is now!

As much as I love being a blondey

(we totally do have more fun)

I do sometimes get bored of just having the same hair all the time!

Especially because it's so short and there isn't much I can do with it!

So I decided I would try something a little different 

and go for Ombre hair

Now I didn't actually have the balls to dye my hair 

and although I have lusted after some red streaks since Christina Aguilera's Come On Over video 

about 15 years go!

It's not very practical for day to day life

and I'm pretty sure my boss wouldn't appreciate me turning up to work looking like Ronald McDonald 

So I used the less permanent option of hair mascara 

I actually really liked the way this turned out! 

It was nice to have a wee change 

and it washed out really easily the next day

What do you guys think?

Does anyone have any tips for changing up my hair without doing anything too drastic/permanent?

Jen <3

Book Review: Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual

After lusting after a makeup book for a while 

I ordered this whilst slightly tipsy one night *woops*

and had actually completely forgotten I'd done it so it was a really nice surprise when it arrived!

Like it says on the cover this book is for everyone from Beginner to Pro

now I can't speak for the Pro's but as a relative beginner I thought this book was brilliant

The photos in it are gorgeous 

It takes you through each step of makeup application from skincare right through to what tools you should be using and what you should have in your makeup kit.

It gives you step by step guides to create a variety of different looks

and what I really love about it is that it doesn't discriminate 

it caters to everyone from different skin tones to different eye shapes

Now with the obviously wonderful invention of the internet

and the fact that most of you girls will already have a keen interest in makeup 

this book isn't really going to tell you much that you don't already know 

or couldn't access at the click of a mouse 

but for me nothing beats the luxuriousness of a real book 

and flicking through the beautiful glossy pages 

The book is broken down into two sections
The first is full of hints and tips about basic makeup application
and the second is aimed towards people looking to break into the makeup industry
It really does cover all bases!

Overall I was really pleased with this book and I think it would make the perfect addition to any makeup lovers collection.
I paid £14.99 on Amazon with free shipping :)

Has anyone else read this book?
Do you have any other related book recommendations for me?

Jen <3 x

September Empties

This is my first ever empties post!

I always mean to keep my empties to one side to do an empties post

but I always forget!
This month I made sure I kept them aside so I have a few to show you

although I didn't use up as much as I would have liked!
 

I've got quite a good combination of different products to show you

I'll just talk briefly about each thing but if anything crops up in an empties post that you want to see a full review of just let me know in the comments and I'll be happy to do one!

FULL SIZES

Sure Crystal Clear Aqua Anti-perspirant 

Not the most exciting of products but we all need it! This is my favourite anti-perspirant. It doesn't leave me with any white marks. It lasts all day (It claims to last 48 hours but I shower every day so I can't vouch for that) and it has a lovely clean scent, not to overpowering or floral.

Repurchase: Already have 

Batiste Dry Shampoo, big and bouncy XXL volume 

I always have a can of batiste handy as it is without a doubt the best dry shampoo I have tried. I know a lot of my brunette friends have problems with it leaving quite a white residue on their hair but because my hair is so light that doesn't really cause a problem for me. If anything it actually hides my roots which is always a bonus! I have tried almost all the different varieties of Batiste Dry Shampoo but this is the one I like the best as it gives your hair some extra OOMPH!!

Repurchase: Yes but right now I am using the blush version 

TRESemme Heat Defence Spray 

If you don't already use a heat defence spray PLEASE START! I don't let any hot styling tool near my hair without spraying on a good dose of this first. This spray protects your hair from heats up to 230 degrees. Even though I use this every day it has still lasted me ages.

Repurchase: Yes 

ST. MORIZ Self Tanning Mousse DARK

I love this fake tan! I used to be a Fake Bake loyal but then they changed the formula and I absolutely hated it it made me go green. I bought this at the last minute one day about 3 years ago and have never looked back. I use this once a week, usually on a Thursday night if I am going out on a Saturday night and It gives me a really nice colour, Brown not Orange!

It doesn't stink the way some fake tans I have used do and it is incredibly good value for money

usually around £2.99 for 200ml.

Repurchase: Yes 

SAMPLE SIZES

Estee Lauder Idealist, Even Skintone Illuminator Serum

I have been looking for a serum for a while and I picked up this sample when I bought foundation from Estee Lauder a while ago. It is supposed to even out your skintone, which is something I could seriously be doing with. I am prone to redness across my cheeks and have been wanting something that will reduce it for ages.

This feels so luxurious when you put it on and although this is a sample size it genuinely lasted me about a month as you only need a really small amount (and the sample size is really quite generous)

The downside to this amazing serum the price, It comes in at a painful £47 for 30ml but I think it really would be worth the investment as it would last for so long.

Repurchase: Yes. I am lucky enough to have another sample to keep me going until I can afford a full sized bottle though! 

Elizabeth Arden, All Gone Eye and Lip Makeup Remover 

This is a dual phase makeup remover which means you have to shake it up before you use it.

I am really impressed with this it removes my eye makeup quickly and easily and most importantly of all it doesn't sting or irritate my eyes at all!

The only thing that might put some people off this product is that it is really quite oily.

This isn't really a problem for me as I don't suffer from oily skin and the residue can easily be wiped off with a wet cotton ball, but I can see how it might be a bit greasy for some people.

Repurchase: Yes but I have more sample sizes to use up first

Marc Jacobs, Daisy

This is without a doubt my favourite fragrance. I have a few full size bottles, both the original and the Pop Art version (which comes in a red bottle with black daisies) but this little miniature bottle was so handy to have as the full size bottles aren't exactly practical to carry in your handbag considering there is a massive plastic bouquet popping out the top of it! I'm sad that I have finished this! I'll need to figure out how to fill it up if that's even possible!

So there it is my first empties post! 

I'm hoping to continue doing this every month as I know I like to read these posts.

Hope you enjoyed!

Jen <3

H&M Lipstick or My never ending hunt for the perfect nude!!

My friend and I popped into H&M on Saturday

She was looking for a dress

and I was trying not to look at anything as I am trying my very hardest not to spend money!!! 

but as usual it didn't work 

and while she was in the changing room I found myself wandering over to the make up corner

ALWAYS DANGEROUS WHEN ON A SPENDING BAN!

Whilst I was browsing I saw this little Beauty

I've never tried anything from the H&M cosmetics line 

so I thought it would be rude not too! 

(Here I go again trying to justify my obsession)

I went for the shade 

DARE TO KISS 

I've been looking for a nude shade that I like for AGES 

and none of them have been just right

but I actually really like this one on! 

*Check my beautiful Teal work uniform BLEURGH!!!*
*The joys of having to rush home and take blog photos before it gets dark!!*

I really do like this shade 

I feel that a lot of nude lipsticks I have tried look really weird  on me 

and just don't suit my colouring at all! 

I don't think the fact that my hair is so light helps!

but this one so far seems to be just right! 

The staying power isn't great 

and it does need reapplied pretty frequently

but for £2.99 I'm not going to grumble!!

There was a gorgeous dark shade as well which looked a bit scary

but I think after trying this I'll need to go back for it!

Has anyone else tried anything from the H&M make up line?

Or does anyone have any more nude lipstick recommendations? 

They would be much appreciated :)

Jen <3 

My FashionistA Custom Palette

I decided to treat myself to a gorgeous FashionistA palette the other day while I was in Superdrug

If you are thinking about getting one now is the time to do it as they are doing a great offer 

You can pick your own style of palette and then fill it with either 4 gorgeous products for £10 or 6 for £15

I went for a four palette and decided to go for blushes and a bronzer 

Here are the colours I went for 

            Dubai                     London                          Amber Glow                  Blushing Coral

All the colours are really pigmented so do be careful or you will end up looking like a clown!

I'm really happy with all the products I chose 

but there were loads of other gorgeous shades to choose from 

and also some lovely eye shadows

The great thing about these palettes is that all the products in the range are designed to fit in all the palettes

so it is easy to mix and match

Great for travelling! 

Have you tried any of the FashionistA products?

What did you think of them?

Jen <3 

Halloween Through the Years!

Halloween is one of my favourite times of year!

I always have big plans for my costumes and then end up leaving it until the very last minute and throwing something together!

I really don't like going out and buying full costumes I much prefer to get creative and come up with my own!

I thought I'd give you a run down of some of the costumes I have worn over the years 

Alice in wonderland

I think I was only 18 when I wore this costume (God I feel old!)

This costume was bought for me by my friend when she was in Florida 

I'm pretty sure it was a Leg Avenue costume which you can get online 

Lady Gaga 

I can't remember what year this was but Lady Gaga had only just really made it big

So I was one of the only Gaga's I seen that night

I just pulled this together with bits I already had 

I did buy the wig though which was an absolute nightmare I was ROASTING all night! 

Leopard

I love leopard print so I decided that I would go as a DIY leopard in 2010

I got the jumpsuit from H&M and the ears from ASOS

I bought a tail and gloves from Claire's but the gloves were just a nuisance so I hardly wore them 

I loved my make up for this look 

I actually done a tutorial on it last week over at Laura's blog

you can see it here

Finally here is last years outfit!

Again the make up was my favourite part of this look

80's Madonna!! 

I wore sum cut off leggings, A black tutu

A black bodysuit (which was actually underwear) A leather jacket with cut off sleeves

and a TONNE of necklaces!!

So for the past few days I have been trying to plan what to wear this year

I have a party to go to on the Friday night and I'm also going out on the Saturday night

On the Friday night me and Craig are planning on going as LMFAO

I think this will be so funny if we can pull it off!

God knows where we are going to find a pair of leopard print leggings that will fit Craig though

On the Saturday night I want to go as Tinkerbell! 

I already have the perfect dress that I just need to attack with the scissors to make it more fairy like :)

Have you all decided what you are dressing up as yet?

What are your Halloween plans?

Jen <3

Beauty and the Beach - Ibiza Fever!!

After seeing it on a few lovely blogs 

I decided to enter Travel Supermarket's Beauty and the Beach Competition 

which you can enter yourself here

http://www.travelsupermarket.com/c/holidays/beauty-and-the-beach/

The competition involves creating a holiday look

which includes hair, make up and nails 

using your own original photography

So I thought what better to use than my actual holiday photos!

So this year I went to the wonderful white isle 

IBIZA!!

Ibiza is an amazing island where literally anything goes! so you can afford to be a bit more out there with your look than you normally would at home!

So here are my holiday looks Ibiza style!

Nails

These are the ultimate clubbing holiday nails 

Sunny and glittery what more could you want! 

Here's what I used 

Two coats of Sally Hansen French White Tip

Two coats of Missguided Splash polish in yellow 

One coat (on half the nail) of Technic in Carnival

HAIR

My hair tends to flick out a lot in the heat 

so I really prefer an up do on holiday!

and I like to do one that is versatile enough to take me from day to night

you can see my up do tutorial here

I like to change it up with different accessories

and when I'm hitting the clubs at night I like to get rid of my side fringe 

as those places can get sweaty! and sweaty separated fringes are NOT a good look 

Pleating the front section is a really good way of getting that hair out of your face 

and you basically don't have to worry about your hair again for the rest of the night!

*proof that this hair do holds up! this is me at the end of the night lol*

MAKE UP 

I don't wear any make up during the day on holiday

there is nothing worse than ending up with a big white face because it has been covered in make up all day! 

but at night time on in Ibiza there is only one thing for it

GO ALL OUT! 

Now this isn't something I would usually rock on a night out in Glasgow

but it was Cream opening night at Amnesia 

and I wanted to do something pretty special!

This look was created using a gold base 

MAC Pro Acrylic Paints  (High Def Cyan and Rich Purple)

 LOTS of glitter!!!

and some BIG fluttering eyelashes!

I loved this look, I felt amazing

I just wish I had taken more photos of it! 

So there it is, my Beauty and the Beach entry! 

I'm just gutted that summer is over :( 

Oh well bring on the wooly jumpers! 

Jen <3