My Daily Make Up

I haven't done a daily make up post since August 2012! So, I thought I would update you on my every-day, go-to products!

Base:

Foundation: No7 Beautifully Matte Foundation in Warm Ivory

Concealer: Rimmel Wake Me Up in Ivory

Pressed Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte in Translucent

Cheeks and Contour:

Bronzer: Collection Sun kissed Bronze Glow

& Collection Mosaic Shimmering Glow Powder

Blush: Sleek Blush in Pomegranate

Eyebrows:

Natural Collection Solo Eyeshadow in Crushed Walnut

Eyes:

Eyeliner: Collection Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner

Mascara: Benefit They're Real

Dirty Looks HK Full Head Hair Extensions

Dirty Looks HK Full Head Hair Extensions c/o - Expresso Dark Brown 16-18 Inches 160g

I am a self confessed hair extension obsessive, and so I like to consider myself a bit of an expert when it comes to all things clip in! I've been wearing hair extensions since I was 17 years old, after cutting my hair to a regrettably short length! So as a result, hair extensions have become the backbone of my hair styling routine for any night out! Over the years my extension application technique has improved as well as my choice in product. After trying brand after brand, I know what works for me and what you should always look for in a pair of extensions - that is if you want them to look heathy, look realistic and last a good length of time!

To me, the Dirty Looks hair extensions (formally know as 'Head Kandy') posses all the features that make a damn good set of hair extension! At the shortest length (12-14"), the hair extensions weigh 150g - which is a generous helping of hair! I chose the 16-18" set, which is a glorious 160g of hair. When it comes to hair extension, the thicker the better. You usually find brands offer around 90g of hair for 18" sets, which if you want a luxurious realistic look, just isn't enough at all. Lengths available range all the way up to 24-26", and you can be assured that grams are not compromised the longer the extensions get.

First time extension users are often stumped as to how to position their hair extensions, but HK take the hard work out of it as they number each weft (an impressive 8 wefts in total) and correspond this with a step by step guide to show you exactly where to clip them in. I adore their recommended method, as it means my head is covered generously from all angles. 

Overall, these extensions are a girls dream! Impossibly soft, with amazing lasting power (I still use a set purchased 2 years a go, and they are in great condition)! I recommend these for any first time extension users, as well as to experienced users who are looking to try something new! I guarantee you won't be disappointed - definitely an investment you won't regret!

My Perfume Collection Favourites

The 'Evening Out' perfume - Vera Wang Lovestruck

Lovestruck is my all time favourite perfume, I ask for a new bottle every year! It's a beautifully floral scent, made up of a delicious combination of pink guava, mandarin, tuberose, lotus blossom, sheek musk and precious wood. The smell is truly romantic, and literally mouth watering! I get comments from everyone when I'm wearing this perfume because the scent is so indulgent and attractive without being at all heavy or musty. I would usually wear this on an evening out, maybe for a dinner date or drinks with my friends! 

Recommended for: girly girls, who enjoy lighter fragrances with staying power!

The 'Hot Date' perfume - Vera Wang Princess Night

Princess Night smells so, so good that you could drink it! Hence why it is the perfect hot date scent! This decadent perfume is infused with a fruity blend of wild berries, watermelon and raspberry. Accompanying this comes jasmine petals, spicy orange blossom, and a touch of passion rose! Undeniably, this perfume is nothing but tantalizing to the senses, leaving you wanting to soak yourself in it! Also, the bottle is beautiful - a welcome ornament to the bedside table.

Recommended for: for the glamorous ones among us, who enjoy the finer things in life!

The 'Day to Day' perfume - Marc Jacobs Dot

Dot is the perfect day time scent. It is exceptionally fresh and fruity, made up from red berries, dragonfruit, and honeysuckle, mingled with jasmine, coconut water, orange blossom and vanilla. Applying this perfume gives you an exemplary refreshing boost, with a sweet yet sharp edge that is perfect for the day light hours! 

Recommended for: fun and flirty girls, who like to dress to impress on a daily basis! 

The 'Handy Handbag' perfume - River Island Paris

Everyone needs their handy handbag perfume, to keep to hand for those regular top ups! River Island's Paris is my go to every day perfume, and I am regularly found spritzing myself with this in the office! It's a radiant mix of floral and vanilla, so feminine and juicy. For only £12, this perfume doesn't have much staying power. However, for what it lacks in longevity, it makes up for smell! I often get comments when reapplying this perfume on how beautiful it smells, and with such a low price tag, you can afford to reapply a few times a day!

Recommended for: bold and eccentric girls, who enjoy a quick fix!

Lee Stafford Nourishing Argan Oil Big Fat Hair Tong GIVEAWAY!

The  amazing Lee Stafford Nourishing Argan Oil Big Fat Hair Tong is infused with Moroccan Argan Oil, with a huge barrel - PERFECT for those soft, glossy loose curls. I am obsessed with it, in fact so obsessed, I'm giving one away to one of my lucky followers! I can't stress what an amazing invention this is and how easy it makes curling your hair!

I love hosting giveaways on my blog, and the response is always amazing, so I'm so excited to be doing another! To enter, all you need to do is complete the rafflecopter form below! There are four chances for you to enter, so plenty of chances to win! Plus, you can tweet about the giveaway daily for extra entries! Unfortunately, this giveaway is only open to those living in the UK for delivery reasons. The giveaway will close on Friday 22nd November, and I will conact the winner that weekend!

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Avon SuperExtend Extreme Mascara

Mascara: Avon SuperExtend Extreme

When I find a mascara I love, its usually a big deal...well to me anyway! A good mascara is hard to come by in my opinion - one that doesn't clog, one that's not too thick, or too wet and so on. Avon's SuperExtend Extreme mascara is my favourite mascara at the moment, and I also dare to say that I prefer it to the mascara queen that is Benefit's They're Real. Well, I would at least say it rivals it!

My favourite feature of this mascara is it's wand - it is made up of lots of little bristles great for getting in between each of your lashes and avoiding clumping. This also means you can apply to your bottom lashes a lot more easily without getting mascara all over the skin beneath your eyes. The consistency is thick enough without drying out very quickly, meaning this mascara will have a long shelf life. 

In the photo above I've only applied a one coat and for me this is enough for a day to day look. I'm really pleased with the length it produces and it cuts down on my mascara application time in the morning!

Overall, I'll definitely be buying this mascara again and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a cheaper alternative to Benefit's 'They're Real'!

Happy Sunday!

Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick

 

 

Lipstick: Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick in 'Sexy Game'

Recently, I visited the sunny lands of Barcelona, and while I was there I was pleasantly greeted by Sephora! This was my first Sephora experience, and it was safe to say it's definitely a beautiful place to be! Going into winter, I thought it would be a good idea to sample the lipsticks they had to offer and pick my go-to shade this winter! Having said that, I'm very pleased with my choice! When I picked 'Sexy Game', I very much had in mind L'Oreal Color Riche in 'Plum Passion' (reviewed here) and Mac's 'Rebel' - my two favourite lipsticks last winter. Deep rouges are definitely my favourite lip colours in general. i adore the boldness and the way these shades can instantly revamp a simple make up look. 

'Sexy Game' is a deep, rosey red shade, full with colour and impact. The colour pay off is outstanding, so application is quick when achieving a bold colour. The lipstick itself is soft and hydrating - exactly what i look for in a lipstick, so I would definitely recommend to those with dryer lips. 

Overall, I'm really impressed by Sephora's lipstick and i honestly can't wait for my next trip to stock up on more! What are your go to winter lipstick shades? I'd love to get some more inspiration! Also, have you been to Sephora? Are there any other products you'd recommend? 

My Birthday Wishlist: Michael Kors Watch

 

Sources: One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Seeing as my birthday is approaching (10th September), I have started to put some thought into what will be on my wish list this year. I also thought a good way to document this as I'm hit with inspiration is to post it on my blog too, and see what everyone else thinks. So, currently my biggest want would be a new watch. But not any old watch, a Michael Kors watch. 

More than often I find myself browsing the web, cooing over these gorgeous, chunky, statement timepieces! But it usually doesn't take too long for me to come flying back down to earth when I realise my bank account just doesn't feel the same way. So I figured, why not just bite the bullet and put it on my birthday list? I think these watches are ideal for occasion gifts and would make any style conscious lady's dreams come true!

As for me,  I just can't make my mind up which style I prefer! I love the rose gold and the large numbers on the Chronograph watch, but then the chunky weight of the Oversized Gold Chronograph absolutely takes my breath anyway! Anything that shiny and bold cannot be missed!! The great thing about the Michael Kors watches is how even though every other blogger has one, they have become absolutely timeless and still is a real statement piece - I don't see them going out of trend any time soon.

So, mum - can I have a Michael Kors' for my birthday? ;)

Monochrome Crush

Oasis Shift Dress, H&M Blazer, River Island Printed Trousers, Topshop Polka Dot Blouse, Dorothy Perkins Damask Dress, River Island Floral Skirt

With my recent obsession with all things reality tv, I have been so, so inspired by so many television stars working the biggest trend for this Spring; Monochrome. Probably my favourite combination of all time, wearing black and white is such a chic and stylish trend that will always be my go to look. Although many look to spring as an opportunity to inject some colour back into their wardrobe after a dreary winter, I for one am eager to start working monochrome to its full advantage!

Damask, aztec, floral, polka pots and stripes are just some of the ways you can work this trend, and so I've picked out some of my favourite high street finds for this spring (I think I'm going to have to buy them all). My favourite of the bunch is definitely the River Island printed trousers! Paired with some Chelsea ankle boots and a peplum top, this would be my ideal office outfit!

What do you think of the monochrome trend? Will you be embracing it this spring?

Real Techniques GIVEAWAY

So I fancied a little giveaway, seeing as I've just treated myself to some new Real Techniques brushes, I thought I'd treat one of my followers too! You could win your choice of the Core Collection, Your Eyes/Enhanced Starter Set or the On Location, Travel Essentials set. 

They're all beautiful sets, and as you probably know from the hype, the brushes are outstanding quality. I have the Core Collection myself (see review here from April last year), as well as recently purchasing the Expert Face brush & Powder brush.

So if you'd like a chance at winning your own, just complete the rafflecopter form below. This giveaway closes on Sunday 17th March 2013. Unfortunately, this giveaway is only open to my UK followers, sorry rest of the world! :( a Rafflecopter giveaway

Headkandy 20-22" Clip In Hair Extensions

Headkandy 20-22" Deluxe Full Head Clip In Hair Extensions in Espresso (Darkest Brown)

You've probably heard me mention Headkany a few times by now. They are by far my favourite hair extension brand I've ever tried, and if anyone asks me which extensions I'd recommend, it would be Headkandy every time.

I got myself a second set of these extensions back in September for my birthday. I didn't get them because my current set were worn out, if anything quite the opposite, but just because I wanted to be able to vary my hair styling with longer extensions. These extensions sit at waist length, so guaranteed to make you feel like a mermaid! Plus points of Headkandy hair extensions (not that I can think of any negative points) include the impressively generous weight of the hair (180g in the 20-22in set - wow). Also, a feature uncommon in most other brands is the thickness from root to tip. Because of this the hair looks outstandingly healthy and is much less likely to be spotted out as hair extensions - even to the keenest of eyes! The quad weft is another feature that knocks these extensions out the park. All Headkany sets include 10 pieces of hair, including their infamous quad weft, formed of 4 pieces all sewn together. The piece isn't any more bulky than any of the others, so still blends very well and sits neatly around the widest part of your head. 

I rarely wash these extensions (regular washing will cause your extensions to dry out and turn brittle), however, they maintain their shine none the less. The texture and quality is beyond impressive and gives me the long, beautiful locks I've always wanted. Thoroughly worth the money and an investment you won't regret. 

My Beauty Inspiration: The Kardashians

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Some of you may have picked up if you've been following my blog for a while, or are one of my twitter buddies, that I'm an avid Kardashian fan. That being said, I thought it would be fun to do a post on what I've learnt from Armenian beauties! Being from Middle East descent myself, I feel I can relate to their look so often take inspiration from their beauty hints and tips. Having said that, here's what I've learnt from obsessing over the Kardashains...

Firstly, strong brows! Kim K has the most beautifully bold brows. Getting treatments such as HD Brows takes the hassle out of growing and grooming your brows yourself; tinting, threading and waxing your brows to perfection! A great way  to instantly thicken the look of your natural brow, as I do, is to pencil them in. I use 17's Brow Sculpting pencil lightly then brush them through with a brow comb. When maintaining my brows I often concentrate my plucking around the arch (without making them too thin) whilst leaving the inner brow, keeping this point the thickest part. The Kardashian sisters are known to get their's professionally waxed and tweezed on a regular basis.

The girls flawless make up looks have lead on a never ending search for 'mattifying this' and 'anti-oil that' in the constant battle to achieve a shine free, immaculate look! For starters, primers are key. Brands such as MAC and Revlon sell color correcting foundation primers in a variety of shades including purple, yellow and green to be used according to your complexion. Kim was famously pictured applying a bright yellow colour correcting primer to balance out her skin tone before applying foundation. I more so use primers to keep my foundation in place and in an attempt to keep my oily skin at bay. I was recently recommend Witch's Anti-Blemish Skin Clearing Primer, which has helped a lot in keeping my make up in place during the 9 to 5 work day!

Long, luscious locks! Well known for constantly sporting a head full of hair extensions, the Kardashian's are definitely my hair icons! I often wear Head Kandy's 16-18" or 20-22" to achieved a thick head of glossy hair. Kourtney has shared on her blog of how she gets her extensions sewn in, often known as a weave. But for ease and every day use, clip in extension are a quick alternative with minimal damage. To achieve their high shine style, I use a generous combination of Moroccan Oil and Macadamia Oil, a great combination to heal split ends quick and give hair an instant boost. I've noticed a huge difference to my hair's health ever since using these two products when washing my hair, and its grown a significant amount too! 

Lastly, the Kardashians have taught me to always be beautifully bronzed and smooth as can be! To exfoliate and remove fake tan, Kim Kardashian visits a Korean spa in downtown Los Angeles for a body scrub. However, we can't all afford such luxury! Lush's Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub helps me keep oh so smooth, buffing away all the bad toxins. And when I fancy topping up the tan at home, I use Garnier's Summerbody in Deep, building a natural warm glow. As well as this, the girls are famously known for their extensive laser hair removal. Go to a clinic such as Sk:n Clinic for a run of treatment sessions, or even invest in a hair free future and get your own home laser removal system like the no!no! (which I'm considering getting myself)!

So who are your beauty icons? Where do you draw your inspiration from? I want to hear all your beauty hints, tips and tricks too!

My New Glasses

Prescription Glasses: iSpex

So I was in desperate need for a new pair of specs as my current pair were a little dated, and luckily enough an iSpex stall visited my work late last year offering great deals on prescription glasses. I'd never heard of iSpex before, thinking that if I wanted new glasses I'd have to go to the standard Optical Express/Specsavers opticians and fork out £150+ for a decent pair of glasses!

The guy at the stall was really useful and picked me out lots of different pairs to try on based on the style I had explained I was looking for. When I picked my pair (above) I was flabbagasted by the price - £49 (£59 online)! I didn't care that I hadn't heard of the brand, because I loved the style and for the cost I got frames and lenses - which I think is amazing value for money! And we all know I love a bargain! 

I love these glasses so much, its so great to have a new pair that I don't feel ashamed to wear in public! I've even been stopped in the shops and asked where I got them from! I love the big frame, because it means I can wear them when I'm tired/got little make up on and it covers a multitude of sins whilst keeping me stylish (haha)!

What do you think of my new specs? Have you invested in a new pair lately?

Kardashian Kolors by OPI

Kardashian Kolors OPI: Kendall On The Katwalk & Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam

My boyfriend clearly knows me so well! Amongst all the gorgeous gifts he got me this christmas, he surprised me with an array of the OPI Kardashian Kolors! I've wanted 'Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam' since they released the range, but always avoided it due to expensive shipping rates from the US, but clearly Jack had a little plan up his sleeve and managed to pick me some gorgeous shades!

I can't describe how in love I am with 'Kendall On The Katwalk'! This has probably got to be the most gorgeous glitter nail varnish I have ever owned. The glitter is so full on, consisting of a beautiful combination of purples and blues. I literally stare at my nails all the time now!

'Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam' is a gorgeous, ultra shiney deep evergreen/teal shade which I think complements the tones in the glitter varnish nicely. I love how easy it went on and only took a couple of coats to achieve such a bold colour. I've never used OPI before, but am seriously impressed with the quality and staying power of these varnishes! 

Has anyone else tried any of the Kardashian Kolors range? Or is there an OPI shade you recommend? Hope you all had a lovey Christmas! :)

How I Fill In My Eyebrows

17 Brow Sculpting Pencil: Boots

I put this video together earlier in the week on how I fill in my brows. Its literally the simplest thing so I thought I'd give you guys a little step by step. I absolutely love filling in my brows, I love the look it creates - I suppose it just gives my make up look more of a finished feel.

Anyway, hope the video is easy to follow and it helps those of you out that have been umming and erring over your brows!

Clinique Superpowder Double Face Powder

Clinique Superpowder Double Face Powder in Matte Ivory

I don't buy high end make up usually, but when I do I make sure it's something I'm going to get a lot of use out of. As most girls can probably relate to, I love my skin to look mattified and flawless for as long as it possibly can, so when I discovered Clinique's Superpowder I had to invest.

It's a full coverage powder, that works well over foundation and stays in place for a considerable amount of time. I use it primarily for nights out when I know there's going to be lots of photos and want my make up to last without constant reapplication - and this is exactly what it does. The colour blends beautifully with my foundation and doesn't take a lot to work into your skin. The mattified finish is exactly the look that I long for, leaving me believing that sometimes it's worth paying more for a quality product that is going to do exactly what you ask of it.

It holds my make up in place beautifully, leaving me still looking completely intact even by the end of the night! Would 100% recommend for girls who have ongoing problems with an oily completion. Has anyone else tried Clinique's Superpowder Double Face? Or do you recommend any other brands for a decent mattifying effect?

Garnier Pure Anti-Blackhead Deep Pore Wash

Garnier Pure Anti-Blackhead Deep Pour Wash - Superdrug

I would never describe myself as having 'problem' skin so have never really had to go to a lot of effort to maintain my skin. I suppose I'm lucky in that respect, nevertheless I do have oily skin which needs to be tamed to avoid shiny situations! 

I get the odd spot and used to notice that my pores were quite clogged on my nose, but never came across a product that tackled either issue to a notable standard. I picked Garnier Pure Anti-Blackhead Deep Pour Wash pretty much on the off chance, seeing as it was on offer in Morrison's, but I haven't looked back since!

Roughly two months into using the face wash (either in the mornings or when showering) my nose is now completely clear and unclogged! And I can confidently say I haven't had a single outbreak (touch wood!). I would usually be guaranteed a spot around my time of the month (apologises to any possible male readers), which I thought was an inevitable fate. However, this hasn't been the case since using Garnier's face wash.

The product itself is a light exfoliator, gently scented with cucumber, giving you a fresh and zingy feel. I love how clean and bright it makes my skin feel and look, and generally I feel more confident about my bare skin since noticing the effects. I definitely recommend for anyone with a similar skin type to myself.

Has anyone else used Garnier Pure Anti-Blackhead Deep Pour Wash? I've stocked up on a few more bottles as they're reduced down to £1.15 in Superdrug!! What's your go-to skin care product?

Favourite Products of 2011

So, as another year comes to an end, I thought what better way to sum it up than my favourite products of 2011. These are the products that I have been reaching for endlessly for the best part of the year and have never let me down. You may have read me mention some of these before, but it's just because they are products I know and trust and 100% recommend. Excuse some of the photos, these products are worked to the bone so some of them are not in the finest of condition. Hope you enjoy, and happy new year everyone.

I'm a picky one when it comes to what products I put on my skin. I have the strangest skin type, which can never really make its mind up, and through the winter it is simply a pain in the ass! But there are some tried and tested products that have made a regular appearance in my make up routine this year. My two favourite pressed powders are Collection 2000's Pressed Powder in Candlelight and MUA's Pressed Powder in Shade 1. I like to use two powders to set my foundation and build up the coverage, and I have discovered this combination works fantastically for me. However, I could rave about MUA's powder all day; it's the best value powder I have ever brought. So thick, with so much colour in it and it lasts all day, and all for £1. Definitely my find of the year.

Collection 2000's Perfect Finish Foundation in Ivory has been my favourite foundation of '11. I'm a creature of habit, and when I change foundation (and I like it) I tend to stick to it for quite a while. This has been my go to all year. It has a good medium coverage, which can be built up easily and a pleasing price tag. Its constancy is creamy and thick-ish, but not heavy in any such way, so very easy to apply to your skin and not drying at all.

When doing my cheeks, I like to build up the look, normally starting with a bronzer and then applying a blush over the top on the apples of my cheeks. MUA's Blush is Shade 4 is a fantastic deep pinky red. It is very pigmented so you only need a little colour on your brush. I love this colour for both day and evening as I feel it suits my skin tone well, but MUA offer a lovely range of shades all for £1 each so it's easy to test out and discover which shade suits you best. 

I've recently got into filling my eye brows in. It was never something I'd do before as I have quite dark brows, but I like the defined look as I think it really finishes your make up off. I simply colour in the inner corners of my brows with 17's Eyebrow Shaper until they look fuller and more shapely, then use the brush to soften and spread into the middle of my brow.

My favourite concealer of the year is 17's Hide and Chic in the shade light beige. It has a creamy consistency and it feels like you get a lot of product in the tube. Its brush tip is useful for application, although I like to blend it in with my finger afterwards. It has reasonable coverage, but I especially like it for evening out my skin tone underneath my eyes after apply my foundation.

My lips are a tough mistress to please, they don't get a long with many products in all honesty. I'm getting there though, it just takes patience to find what works. Nivea's Essential Care has been a real life saver for me. For years I have been a salve to good old vaseline, but to be honest, I don't think it actually does anything for my lips. I just kept apply religiously and getting no where. However, Nivea really seems to smooth and soothe my lips, and now I really swear by it. My favourite lipstick of the year is by far Maybelline's Colour Sensational in the shade Wined and Dined. I wrote a full review on it a couple weeks a go. I just love the colour so so much and think it's an amazing product.

 

Eye make up, the best part of doing your make up in my opinion! This year, I discovered the MUA Eye Make Up Palettes, and I think I must of mentioned them a thousand times by now. Read my reviews here and here. They're great value for money palettes and I really enjoy creating looks with them. My favourite mascara continues to be The Body Shop's Big and Curvy, mentioned in my All Time Favourites Post. Love its thin brush, making it so much easier to reach and cover all my lashes as well as its thick, waxy, black constancy. I just can't find anything that beats this mascara, it's the best one I ever discovered.

Collection 2000's Glam Crystals is a lot of fun. I have it in two shades, Funk (gold) and Glitz (silver) and both gel eye liners offer a lot of colour in just one stroke. It looks great when you've built the colour up by allowing it to dry then going back over. It really is so dazzling and eye catching, especially when you line it right the way round your eye. Just be careful not to go too close to your actual eye ball, as my eyes have streamed glittery tears quite a few times, and its painful!

The knackered old eye shadow above is Collection 2000's Intense Solo Eye Shadow in the shade Frosting. I go on about this shadow a lot, and believe me I use it every time I create any eye shadow look. Teamed with a bit of eye primer, this colour used around the inner corners of your eyes really sets your make up off and gives your eyes such a wide eyed look. I love the colour and it starts off any smokey eye perfectly. 

I haven't changed my favourite eye liner since I was about 16. It's always been Collection 2000's Kohl Pencil in black. The above is the current one I am using called Intense Colour. Collection 2000's Kohl pencil's are the best, I always get compliments on my eye liner and it's all down to this little baby. I rarely use liquid eye liner, as I find the definition I get from this pencil unbeatable. My secret is to simply keep it nice and sharp when drawing a winged line. 

 

I go through a million different nail varnishes a year, but this year I think its fair to say everyone's been obsessing over glitter varnishes, and I am no exception. Enter Barry M's Limited Edition Nail Paint. You get SO much glitter in this top coat varnish, and its so strong so your nails rarely chip when you have a couple of coats on. I just love it, its the best glitter nail varnish I've had and makes it so easy to make any old varnish glitzy! 

I was so happy when I discovered Sally Hansen's Nail Art Pen. This pen is so much fun and really just a fantastic product. I can't fault it, it does exactly what it says on the tin! I have a full review of the pen here.

2011 has been quite a year for me, full of my usual highs and lows. I'll keep powering through as I always do! I really appreciate the really supportive feedback I've been receiving from my friends and peers as well as my followers. Looking forward to blogging in 2012, I've got lots of ideas planned to share with my readers, so here's to hoping things will only get better!

Happy New Year, wishing you a prosperous 2012.

Garnier Summer Body

So, it's definitely winter isn't it? In a bid to bring a little sunshine to my life, I've pulled out the fake tan! 

Pictured above is the last time I used Garnier Summer Body back in September for my 21st. Now, I'm not an avid user of fake tan, I don't like that organgy look and I suppose most people will tell me I don't even need it, but I do enjoy a touch of the fake stuff every now and again! I think the tanned look is slimming, and seeing as I'm never going to look pale, I might as well embrace my olive complexion! 

Being part Lebanese means, as I mentioned before, I have a little colour to my skin already. Therefore, when I do use fake tan I don't like to go the whole hog and layer on the instant stuff as I find the colour on top of my skin colour far too over bearing. I also don't enjoy the smell of instant tanners, the smell of rich tea biscuits just isn't the one. 

This Garnier gradual tanner is the most perfect tanning product in my eyes. There is nothing gradual about it - say I put it on after I shower before I go to bed, I will wake up in the morning tanned and ready to go! The colour just develops so quickly that there is no need to reapply. One appliance of this moisturising tan will give me an all over brown glow, which is just the amount of tan I like to have (unless its a real tan). You can get this tanner in two types, dark and light. I always go for the darker option because of my olive skin and because I know for sure that the colour always turns out perfectly for me. I would recommend for paler skins that if you want a subtle glow that you should go for the lighter option. 

The product has apricot exact in it, which gives it a gorgeous fruity smell - so much better than old biscuits! The cream is also so easy to rub in, you just need to make sure you wash your palms and in between fingers thoroughly after applying. Also, because it is a moisturiser as well, I always get the silkiest feeling skin after using it! I do suffer with sensitive skin and do come up with eczema every now and again, but this is one of the few scented products that doesn't aggravate my skin, so I really do recommend it for others who suffer with similar issues.

There are a couple down sides to the product, which I think are pretty minor. Obviously because it is a cream, you can't see where it has been applied as the colour doesn't appear straight away like an instant tan. So, it's important that you are thorough when applying the moisturiser, and apply it liberally all over. Another issue would be that the cream can sit in your pores for a good few hours after applying, making you feel clammy. So I'd recommend keeping yourself cool with little clothing on whilst waiting for it to dry!

These are just minor issues, and have not deterred me from buying and using Garnier Summer Body for the last 3-4 years. Yesterday I put some on for my friends Christmas party tonight (which I'm very excited about!), and its looking good this morning!

Fantastic product, and no brown bed sheets in the morning - perfect!