Uni Project

Hey guys

So I've been seriously busy since my last post way back in January; gone back to uni, been house hunting and found a yummy house and I've FINALLY done all my exams and thought it's about bloody time I attempt another post on my blog. So here's a sneak peak what I've been up to ...

So you're probably thinking 'Why on earth has Helen covered a random girl in way too much blue pigment, made he look like some kind of spacewoman and taken a random photo?!?'. Well it was part of my course to take a photo portraying an emotion and we were told to stray away from using people but if we were going to then the had to be really different and bizarre. So I chose to portray cold-heartedness along with a frosty personality and came up with this bad boy. It was really good fun making-up my very willing and lovely flat mate Laura as I got to use so many lost and forgotten shadow palettes I wouldn't ordinarily use, I honestly didn't realise I had so many shades of blue! In the process I've dug out some old treasures which I'll look forward to using in the future, there's a certain 'Chili Pepper' palette I completely forgot I had and it's so rich and pigmented. Word of warning though, if anyone is thinking of sticking rhinestones to their eyebrows with Duo adhesive I'd change my mind quick. The gems looked brilliant but poor Laura's eyebrows were very sore afterwards, perhaps a bit of vaseline beforehand would've done the trick. All I've got to do now is wait for the class verdict on Friday morning and see what they make of it . . . fingers crossed!!!


I've also purchased a new set of make-up brushes which I'm absolutely IN LOVE WITH! And there's been a couple of other make-up and beauty buys along the way. Also I've begun to follow a few more blogs and here's some I think are a worthwhile read ... 


http://ashley-ringmybell.blogspot.com/  
Ashley Madekwe played Bambi on Secret Diary of a Call Girl and she's now starring in a new tv series on Sky called Bedlam. All of the clothes she wears on her blog are to die for and she photographs so well so it's definitely worth taking a peak!


http://fleurdeforce.blogspot.com/
ABSOLUTELY LOVE HER TO BITS! Her Youtube channel is brilliant and she has a Vlog as well which is hilarious, and she's ALWAYS up-to-date and posts all the time. Fully recommending Fleurdeforce (and woof - you'll have to watch some of her videos to meet her pooch)!


http://pixiwoo.blogspot.com/
So I finally found them! The ethereal Pixiwoo! I always hear people talking about them in their blogs and youtube videos but never got round to looking the twosome up and I've been hooked on their tutorials and blog posts ever since. Their tutorials are BY FAR some of the best out there, so-much-so that channel 4 (UK) enlisted them to produced a collection of videos for the channel 4 beauty section of their website (advertised on TV with Gok Wan frolicking around with lots of moany naked women ... hmph not impressed). But yes, I completely understand why they're so popular and they're just two absolutely gorgeous women who love are brilliant at making so many different looks.


Anyway guys, I'll put up some posts about my new purchases with some mini reviews, show you what I'm lusting  after in the shops and let you know how I get on on Friday. Much love!

Helen Xx

makeupandbeauty.ie AKA amy

One of favourite bloggers to follow is the lovely Amy from Dublin (see link below). She always posting something useful and talks about low-end cosmetics as well as high-end giving a real mix of opinions which is always helpful as we can't all afford high-end make-up which half the time can have the same properties as a simple thing from barry m or elf cosmetics.
http://www.makeupandbeauty.ie/about/


At the moment she's running a give-away on her website of two Murad giftsets. I suggest you go have a look to get your hands on one of these gems! (link below)

http://www.makeupandbeauty.ie/giveawaymurad-giftsets/

Helen Xx

Into the new year ...

Hiya guys

Well I haven't exactly been the most active blogger around but with Christmas and a skiing holiday I've been just a tad too busy to make it to the computer. Having said that I did manage to make it to the shops this morning to pick up a bargain or two; one of which I HAVE to share with you because a) It was such a find (last one in the shop and ta-da ... MY SIZE) and b) They are simply GORGEOUS!

Found in River Island in the january sale these sparkly wonders had been reduced from £69.99 to £40.00 then even further to £20!!! I'd spotted them a few months back on RI's subscription email or in their shop window and thought they were amazing but I wasn't willing to pay the hefty price as I know River Island clothes can sometimes be quite poorly made and didn't want to risk these badboys falling apart. However, having survived the sale rail I'm thinking they'll last! I love the peacock palette used in the embellishment, it's one of my favourite combinations of colours - not too feminine and an alternative to naturals or black. Can't wait to team them with some killer heels and a floaty shirt for a night out with the girls!

Another recent purchase has been the Yves Saint Laurent "All For Eyes" kit from their travel selection containing the Touch Eclat highlighter and dark circle corrector in shade No 1 (slightly pink tone), the Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils for false eyelash effect in shade No 1 (Black) and finally the Haute Performance eye make-up remover. So yes, I've jumped on the Touch Eclat band wagon and have high hopes for this baby! Picked up at the duty-free in Lyon Airport, France, I couldn't wait to try it all out, so-much-so that I was dabbing and testing whilst flying above the clouds - I wouldn't recommend it, air stewards don't seem to be a fan of people applying mascara mid-flight. I only got back on Saturday night so I haven't really used it enough to make a fair judgement of the products but I can say straight away that there's been a vast improvement to my normal tired-eyes look!

This was a gift from my boyfriend's Mum and I have to admit - she has great taste! Naughty Alice is Vivienne Westwood's latest fragrance and it's pure luxury in a bottle. The main notes are violet, rose and musk; it's a very floral and powdery scent. It sounds a lot like what scents people often associate with their grandma's fragrance but believe me when I say it's very youthful and sexy, think of it as a rejuvenated and playful Chanel No 5. The ester content must be very high as with good quality fragrances the scent lasts for hours, I can still faintly smell it in the evening after being up all day. It also comes with a bracelet in the same gold and light turquoise colours of the packaging with the iconic orb on the pendant, top marks Viv!

In case you were wondering my Mum loved her goodie box, I never got round to taking a photo in the end sadly, I think I was just a bit caught up in the excitement of Christmas!

Skiing was great and it was lovely to spend time with the family and our friends but I'm hit a bit of a problem. I've been using my trusty piz buin mountain sun cream and lip salve all week and it's made me break out and the cold air has made my skin all dry. I've tried exfoliating more than often to get rid of the excess skin cells (gross) and then using my trusty aloe moisturising gel and Estee Lauder refinisher to moisturise my skin but nothing seems to be changing ... HELP! Can someone recommend any products that will clear me up quickly and keep my skin nice and soft???

Anyway, lets not end on a low note ... hoping everyone had a lovely time celebrating the new year and getting dressed up, I thought I'd share a photo of how I spent New Years Day on the slopes ... 

Helen Xx

David Beckham's Curtains

In a brave move David Beckham decided to bring back the curtains at none other than 'Sports Personality of the Year' whilst receiving his 'lifetime achievement award'. Hmmm risky route to go down.

What do we think guys? I mean he's made a fair few hair mistakes in the past (cough BRAIDS cough) but can he pull off the modern curtain?

In other news I'm hoping to post an update on my goodie box for my mum's christmas present as I've been buying lots more and then stumbled over a rather annoying problem of which I'll have to embarrassingly explain, I'm sure.

Also I'm thinking of branching out into videoblogging on youtube as I really want to do a review of a nail polish haul and some new cosmetics I've been stocking up on to share the good, the bad and the ugly with the world. 

Helen Xx

The first of many ... I hope

Hey everyone!

So this is my first ever blog post, apart from the odd nitter-natter on tumblr with my arty friends, but yeh, please be patient as in all honesty I have no idea what the frig I'm doing guys.

Well, first day back from uni for the Christmas break I begin my annual holiday-pressie-internet-lurk looking for gifts for friends, family and maybe take a nose into stuff that takes my fancy for my list to Father Christmas. My mum has never really been a shopping-type person so it's easier to give her some SERIOUS hints aka a list or email with links to what I like. I've tried in the past saving the GHD website as a favourite no less than 16 times on the family PC and leaving magazines open round the house with the double-spread advert on display for all eyes to see; even gabbling on about how amazing the annual seasonal ads are and what a "brilliant Christmas present they'd make" to no success. Having said that she has got me some absolutely lovely presents in the past completely out of the blue, and yes, if you're wondering, 

I did finally get some GHDs as a birthday present. 

The "Precious Edition" nonetheless!

Back to my Christmas gift lurk!

So far I've spotted some yummy treats and some small gifts for friends and family ... 

Firstly the Navy A Line Shift Dress from River Island at £45.

Absolutely stunning! It's so simple and such a flattering fit; I can't wait to try it on just to see what it looks like. I know River Island clothes aren't always the best quality but every now and then they make an absolute gem that you just have to get your hands on! 

http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/dresses/day-dresses/navy-bell-sleeve-a-line-shift-dress-597322

My next is the EOS lip balm; perfect for a friend as part of a secret santa or just as a mini stocking filler!

Available in "Lemon Drop, Honeysuckle Honeydew, Summer Fruit & Sweet Mint" what juicy flavours! They've also recently brought out a newer flavour in Tangerine in lovely bright orange packaging. I think these are so original! Like a mixture between a non-retractable lipstick and an inverted tin of lip balm or Vaseline. Even Ed Westwick is a fan!

At £4.75 on the naturally fabulous website it's a nice little find, however standard delivery is £3.95 which could seem a little steep if you're only ordering one so I recommend a good browse of ebay or google shopping before placing an order.

http://www.naturallyfabulous.co.uk/eos-304-c.asp

 Well, this has Papa Troy all over it! Armani Homme

"Homme is a blend of flowery aromas. Top notes of Tangerine, Lemon and Basil, Middle Notes of Lavender and Clove and Base Notes of Sandalwood and Oakmoss. A lovely masculine fragrance."

 I know he's been moaning about wanting a new aftershave and I sneakily saw his head raise in mild interest at the "Armani Homme" advert whilst watching Saturday night TV so I think a smelly-man splurge may be in order. After all, he has been spoiling me with goodies, amazing home cooking and spending money whenever I come home from uni for a weekend, I think he may be upset that his youngest has finally flown the nest and wants me to stay at home.

http://www.escentual.com/giorgio-armani/10000034/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=shopping

This is for ma mere, The Toy Story 3 DVD!

She loves Shrek and all things child-like, she does have her silly moments I'll give her that! Having seen this twice and bawling twice (yes I cried both times, what a wimp) I felt compelled to share the giggles and amazing CGI with Mum. She was wondering what me and my friends were doing for days when we were just waddling round the house pretending to be Spanish Buzz Lightyear ...  not to mention Mr Tortilla Head! A true laugh-out-loud film!

Oh and I forgot to mention, this is part of a box of goodies I'm putting together for my Mum, instead of having one big gift I'm putting together lots of lovely little presents and pamper products to make a nice night in kit as she can get a little stressed and can do with a nice detox and unwind every once in a while. Big love for the Madre!

£12.99 ... bargain!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Toy-Story-DVD-Tom-Hanks/dp/B002SNBIFS/ref=sr_1_2?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1292292523&sr=1-2

The brother, well he's a tricky little fiend! After discovering Hollister properly this summer in New York's HUGE but very dark and confusing store I think he fell in love as he managed to fill up a case full of their clothes. Since then they've turned over all their stock and as my brother is on his strict student budget I don't think he's in any position for another splurge! I was thinking of getting him some new sweat pants, he lives in his grey pair so I'm thinking of converting him into a preppy student and getting him either a burgundy pair or a dark navy. They're £34 I think. What do you think?? 

I could just go for the fail-safe checkered shirt, this one from Forever 21 really caught my eye and at £22.80 it's a no brainer waheyy! However I'm sure I bought him an uncannily similar one last year for about triple the price. Grumble Grumble. It was from a small independent boutique in Birmingham called "The Candy Store" where they sell loads of quirky and rare clothes from new and slightly covert labels. A right little find there!

http://www.hollisterco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=13007&catalogId=10201&productId=669022&langId=-1&categoryId=39799&parentCategoryId=12551

http://www.forever21.com/UK/Product/Product.aspx?BR=21men&Category=m_shirts&ProductID=2000002920

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Candy-Store/9374762233?v=wall

And lastly, these beauties! The KG By Kurt Geiger Ediva Heel.

If you're a regular customer at ASOS or subscribe to ASOS magazine you would've received your December issue (I think) and glanced over these gorgeous showstoppers! The ones at the top are the ones the magazine features and unsurprisingly they've sold out already. At £150 a pop they're classic Kurt Geiger's and you pay for the name but all I have to say is that they are gorgeous and even the anti-sparkle boyfriend gave them a look of awe at their sheer amazement at the amount of glitter! 

Amy, my friend at uni, recently bought the ones on the left (the nude edition I think) and they're equally gorgeous and ooze classiness. Although the heel looks daunting she can manage a whole night out without a peep of a toe pinch or a sore sole. Form and function, a sign of a top designer! Top marks KG!

http://www.asos.com/Kg-By-Kurt-Geiger/Kg-By-Kurt-Geiger-Ediva-T-Bar-Platform-Court-Shoes/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1473017&utm_source=google_product_search&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=google_product_search

http://www.asos.com/Kg-By-Kurt-Geiger/Kg-By-Kurt-Geiger-Ediva-T-Bar-Platform-Court-Shoes/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1345586

Anyway guys, it's been lovely putting together this blog post and I'm so excited to hear back from people about what they're getting loved ones this Christmas and if anyone's found any brilliant buys out there!

Helen Xx