Monthly Archives

November 2013

Fragrance

The Magazine Fragrance, have they finally got it?

November 18, 2013

I’ts not all doom and gloom in the Magazine department, (despite my epic ramblings at Marie Claire) since Gem and I rely heavily on these for new releases of cosmetics and shiny samples for bargainous prices, I find myself getting through an awful lot of them.

perfume

Remember the old days of Mags, when there was a “scratch and sniff” page, or you lifted the flap and were encouraged to smell? Only to find that by the time you had got round to reading the last magazine in your mammoth pile, all you did smell was glossy paper covered in ink?

samples perfume

Well time’s have changed when it comes to advertising fragrances in Mags and I have to say … I like it. I’f I’m honest, I never used to bother that much with taking note of fragrances, but since their redesign I’m hooked! Since the key to both Gem and my hearts are through packaging, my previously disinterested self (and bank balance) has reared it’s head at this and is finally taking note. Fragrances I want you all!

daisy

It’s not just the perfumes, it’s the advertising that goes with it. Marc Jacobs (who I admit I absolutely adore and my lovely Daddy buys me each year) have a full page advert, covered by a beautiful piece of “daisy” plastic over the top. I’ve already ripped this out and fully intend on using it for all of the crafts.

 

sample close up kp

sample close up

This new world order of tiny samples, or stuck on envelopes takes me to a new level of fragrance experience. The better the packaging, the more I want to pull the page out and keep it on my “may buy later pile” … and pull out the pages I have! Hold onto your hats ladies, this could be a start of something expensive … not only will I have to save an infinite amount of pennies for cosmetics, but I’m now going to be lusting after perfume!!!

So stay tunes my fellow beauty and fragrance lovers, I fear that 2014 is going to be very smelly indeed.

Totally hellbent for packaging and marketing … always

-Pants

 

Skincare

Free Rituals body scrub with Marie Claire

November 18, 2013

Rituals Fortune Scrub Marie Claire

 

Despite our recent falling out with some of Marie Claires ideals (which you can read about in Amie’s amazing post here) I couldn’t resist picking up this month’s offerings as you get a full sized Rituals body scrub worth £10!

The Rituals Fortune Scrub freebie only comes in one scent – sweet orange and cedar – and it is delicious! A perfect early morning scrub that left my skin feeling amazingly smooth, well worth giving a try!

Marie Claire is £3.90 and available at most newsagents.

Totally hellbent for an amazing freebie!

– Gem

Nails

NOTD: Barry M Sequin Effects – 01 White

November 17, 2013

Barry M Sequin Effects 1 White

You know when you see something so utterly vile you just have to have it?

I think that must be the reason I picked up this Barry M polish, yet somehow I’m strangely compelled by how garish it is.

Barry M Sequin Effects 01 White

It literally looks like a clown threw up on my nails and it’s hard to decide if I think it’s the best, or most disgusting thing I’ve seen!

I didn’t use a base colour, and it took three coats to get this coverage, giving the first layer a jelly look. Perhaps this would pull off better with a single coat over a white base, because as it is, it just looks a sticky colourful mess!

 

Totally hellbent for something unique, even if it is pretty gross!

-Gem

 

Make-up

MUA Pro-Brow Ultimate Eyebrow Kit

November 17, 2013

MUA Pro-Brow

 

I picked this up in a haul a few weeks ago, but only just got round to trying it out! It’s silly when I spend ages hunting around for something, and once I have it, it lies untouched…alas.

I always struggle to find the right colour for my eyebrows, I’m a natural blonde but with my blue hair I find I need to darken them a little to not look washed out.

The MUA Pro-Brow Ultimate Eyebrow Kit contains three powders; a dark brown, a light brown and a pinky-nude, along with a gel. It comes with a small pair of tweezers and a short double ended brush.

 

MUA Pro Brow eyebrow kit

 

The tweezers are absolute rubbish. Couldn’t even grab a thicker hair with them, let alone stray wispy hair. The brush is far from ideal, but passable enough to use on the go or in a hurry.

 

IMG_6641

The dark brown was WAY too dark for me, and the lighter shade has too much of an orange understone. In honesty I think the colours are way off in the transition from pan to skin and the texture just feels too creamy, completely wrong for eyebrow powder in my opinion.

The highlight was…alright I suppose, really I feel largely indifferent about it. The only thing I will be likely to use is the gel which is pretty much standard across all eyebrow kits really. The only other real positives were in the packaging, it feels very sleek and heavy duty for MUA and the large mirror in the lid would be very handy for on the go.

Perhaps a lot of my disappointment is based on the fact that neither of the brow shades are really usable for day to day wear with my colouring, but I really wasn’t impressed with this as a whole.

If you have dark brunette brows, you may very well find this a great piece of kit for the ludicrously low price, but for me it’s a dud.

Available for £3.50 from Superdrug.com.

Totally hellbent for getting the HD brows palette that’s winging it’s way through the postal system right now.

– Gem

Clothing and Fashion, Hair, Make-up, Metal

You don’t have to conform to be successful

November 15, 2013

PNB

 

(Brains and I looking successful above. Note how we still look like a bunch of greebo’s, even though we are dressed up!)

I now find myself reading a lot of Magazines. Most of the content I find is mindless dribble and I have to be honest and say that I’m only interested in either the products they come with, or the hope of finding miracle cosmetics that I don’t already own. Despite this, I still read them from cover to cover and occasionally I am irked by the odd article.

My favourite this month was from Marie Claire’s “Nov 13” edition. “Why your fake lashes might just cost you that dream job.”It’s basically an article written by six “top” HR managers on things that didn’t quite land others a job.

My first gripe of this being … who the hell decided that they were “top” HR managers? I certainly wasn’t asked to fill out a survey on how brilliant they are. Then as I read on through the article, I felt more and more compelled to shout at these idiots for being so judgmental. So I’ll just share a few highlights with you all:

Block Brows – “Only last week I had a girl come in with jet-black eyebrows that were entirely pencilled in. She looked bizarre. Given the “scouse brow” is so widely mocked, it make me wonder if she had any social awareness.”

Colorama – “The recent trend for pastel and dip-dyed hair does not belong in an office. We actively encourage individuality in our teams, but we must also be confident that clients will take our employees seriously.” (My favourite here was the advice on how to get hired by telling readers “if you’re still determined to have a punky edge, keep it low key.”)

Talon Show – “Our written code of Presentation even states that employees cannot have overly long nails.” (Scoff – “written code of presentation? Hilarious!)

There were some other top choice comments referring to people wearing fake tan to interviews and having “greasy locks” with some hilarious advice on “if you don’t have time for a blow dry, use a good quality shampoo” – first off, who the hell has time for a “blow dry” at 6am in the morning when they are running late for work? (An apt moment for me to point out that my hair is so long and thick, it takes me at least 3 hours to dry and style it!)

Without going on too much of a tangent here, although I had to agree that some of the looks wouldn’t be something that I would favour … i.e. the false eyelashes, fake tan, perhaps an unfortunate attribute such as having greasy hair – none of these should stop people getting a job. The problem these days, is that people in positions of “power” think they are superior to everyone else, and they often forget that sometimes people just need to be given a break.

The media are very quick to judge those that fall outside of the norm, and pretend that they are offering you advise if you want to “hold on to that crazy punk trend”, when actually, we should all be allowed to individualise ourselves how we like!

wacken

(I’m holding onto that “crazy punk trend” and I bet my makeup has run down my face … how non conforming of me!)

I know lots of people who favour the “block brow” trend, because it’s actually quite “in” amongst those from a similar cultural background as Gem and I. And the comment about the recent trend for pastel dip dyed hair not belonging in an office … say’s who? If this doesn’t affect performance, then why should it matter?

newyear

(Does this count as pastel dip dying? Because I always sat in the office with hair like this!)

One of the reasons this article sparked so much enthusiasm for me, is that over the years and through a variety of different employments, I’ve always been judged for how I look, (except since the “fashion world” has taken so “kindly” to our love of black, leather, wet look and studs, we are somewhat more accepted as being “normal” at least until this trend dyes out). I have piercings and brightly coloured hair, even when I wear no makeup and dress smartly I always seem to have a quirky alternative edge about me, but because people don’t understand the culture that I come from they judge me harshly and think I’m a bad person.

Having worked in healthcare, one of the important parts of my job roles was acting in an anti-discriminatory manner, and treating people as individuals. Something that is then mocked entirely when you are forced into dressing and acting like clones. To be fair, there have been times early on in my career, where I thought people higher in the career ladder than me looked terrible! Their fashion sense was hilarious, the shoes they wore disgusting and their makeup pre-dating my existence, but my job role was about giving care to patients, not creating my own judging panel for all of my managers!

Despite others opinion of me, I suceeded in my career as a nurse and still managed to keep some individuality. I didn’t change my hair, and did not take my piercings out. (They are -not- an infection control hazard, thankyou very much!) What I didn’t do, is turn up to work with a face full of stage make up and I at least had some self-awareness that meant when I was at work, I did my work.

So I guess my point is, you don’t have to conform to be successful, if you are good at what you do, are enthusiastic, look after yourself and are passionate about work you can get to wherever you want to be. Don’t let people back you into a corner and don’t let people change who you really are, just because you don’t fit in with their “corporal image”. In the words of some of Gem and I’s favourite Northamptonians … “Who’s gonna care in a hundred years?”

Here’s hoping Gem and I will always look like this …

album launch

(Would you have time to blow dry my barnet in 10 minutes?)

On a final note … Keep it true and Metal IS Forever!

Totally hellbent for being me … always … no matter what!

-Pants 

 

 

Beauty Boxes

November 2013 Birchbox

November 15, 2013

Birchbox

Seems like this Birchbox came around really quickly! Not that I’m going to complain – Birchbox have had a winning streak of amazing boxes recently and this one is no different!

November birchbox

 

For the uninitiated, Birchbox is a monthly subscription beauty box that tends to have between 5-6 beauty products and a lifestyle (usually some kind of delicious snack!) extra.

This month is another big one with seven products and an overall worth that’s way above the price point.

 

Welda Replenishing Oat Shampoo

 

Welda Replenishing Oat Shampoo

I’ve been keen to try more from this brand since falling in love with the Welda Skin Food (which I received in a previous Birchbox) so this was a nice treat! It claims to smooth hair, reduce breakage and improve suppleness and is enriched with lots of yummy natural oils!

18ml Sample

Full size £8.95 from Birchbox.com

 

Laura Mercier Long Lash Mascara

Laura Mercier Long Lash Mascara

You can never have too many mascaras right? I tend to be less adventurous with seeking out new mascaras, so it’s always great to get to try out samples in beauty boxes. I fell in love with the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser last month, so fingers crossed the mascara is just as good.

5.6g Sample

Full size £18.50 from John Lewis

 

 

 Matriskin High Performance Cream

Containing 47 different peptides to plump, regenerate and restructure the skin, and I’m guessing it needs every single one to be worth £80.50 a jar! I think I’d like to do a little research into it’s contents before I put it near by face, as a quick google search couldn’t ascertain if this was animal friendly or not. At any rate I doubt it will be a repurchase at that price unless it really does work miracles!

15ml Sample

Full size £80.50 from Birchbox.com

 

Chella Highlighter pencil

Chella Highlighter pencil in Ivory Lace

I’ve never once considered a pencil as a viable medium for highlighter before, but this is gorgeous! A lovely pinky shimmer that will be just at home on the cheekbones as it will for eye make-up. This is one of the reasons I really love beauty boxes, not only a new brand to be discovered but also a whole new world of highlighters in pencil form!

Full size

Available for £15.95 from Birchbox.com

 

 

English Laundry Signature For Her Eau De Parfum

English Laundry Signature For Her Eau De Parfum

Oh that old complaint of perfume samples in beauty boxes. I don’t really mind when you get the odd one, though I much prefer the adorable miniature bottles to a standard sample card. I’d put this down as a very feminine floral scent, very summery though not too light. Not sure if I’d go for the full size but it might just grow on me.

2ml Sample

Full size £47  from Birchbox.com

 

 

BirchBox Pencil Sharpener

BirchBox Pencil Sharpener – Bonus Goodie

It’s always handy to have a pencil sharpener to hand, and this is actually much better than the one I’m currently using. Not super-exciting, but definitely useful! It has a clip off top so you could keep it in your make-up bag and not risk bits of pencil going everywhere, and accommodates both thinner and jumbo pencils.

Full size

Available for £3 from Birchbox.com

 

 

Pukka Herbs tea

 

Pukka Herbs Selection of Teas – Lifestyle Extra

Is it okay to get excited about tea? I’m English, of course it’s acceptable to get excited about tea! I smelt the delicious Three Cinnamon the moment I opened the box, then quickly spotted Gorgeous Earl Grey and Elderberry & Echinacea beneath. They are all organic and made from the most delicious (mostly) fair-trade ingredients.

3 x 2g tea bag

£2.39 per multi-pack from BirchBox.com

 

Yet another great box from Birchbox! If you like what you’ve seen, you can get your very own monthy box of treats from www.BirchBox.com for £10 & P&P.

Totally hellbent for tea? OOOOOOH TEA!

– Gem

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Blog Lovin’
Facemask Friday, Skincare

Facemask Friday – Avon Planet Spa Thailand Lotus Flower

November 15, 2013

planet spa lotus mask

Well it’s Friday again, and after a rather rocky few weeks for Gem and I consisting of feeling under the weather and bogged down with reams of work as the festive season approaches it’s a chance to take a step back and relax. (Not for too long mind!)

Today’s facemask is the Avon Planet Spa Thailand Lotus Flower deep pore cleansing facemask. (Bit of a mouthful there!) My favourite thing about this mask, is the way it drys, it turns a beautiful lilac colour and smells beautiful.

planet spa lotus swatch

 

Application is smooth, as it takes such a long time to dry there is time to spread the mask evenly. Although it’s heavily scented, it doesn’t seem to irritate my skin at all which is great.

planet spa lotus dry

The mask dry’s hard, but is easily washed off. I generally wash mine in the shower which probably makes it a bit easier, but I have also rinsed this with a soft flannel.

Once I’ve removed the mask, it does feel a little softer, although perhaps not as great as my Body Shop Warming Mineral Mask, however this is nicer for a more regular treat and brings a touch of luxury to the day!

You can pick up the Planet Spa face mask range online direct from Avon or from your nearest representative between £1.50 and £4.00. Unfortunately the Thailand Lotus Flower face mask is unavailable, but I’m sure they will re release this again soon.

Totally hellbent for perk me up facemasks!

-Pants

 

 

 

Nails

NYC Rock Muse Collection and Swatches

November 13, 2013

One of my favourite nail brands + glitter + rock music influences names = win.

IMG_6577

There are four colours in the NYC Rock Muse collection and I managed to grab them all across two different trips to Superdrug. I’ll admit it was the polish names, subtle (and not so subtle!) nods to some rock greats that made me need these, but I’m actually a big fan of glitter polishes anyway so I’m sure they would have ended up in my possession one way or another!

 

NYC Rock Muse Smoky Top Coat 01

Rock Muse is a smoky black with silver micro and hexagonal glitter. You could likely get away with wearing this alone, but it really comes into it’s own over a black base.

 

NYC Rock Muse Gold Maiden 04

Gold Maiden is a clear polish with gold micro glitter and silver hexagonal glitter. I like the look of this in the bottle, but think the silver clashes a little over a gold base.

 

NYC Rock Muse Red Hot 05

Red Hot is a clear polish with silver micro glitter and silver hexagonal glitter. This looks gorgeous over a bright red, though at the moment I’m wearing it over a deeper richer red and it looks just as lovely.

 

 

Rock Muse Smoky Top coat Green Day 06

Green Day is a smoky black with silver micro glitter and green hexagonal glitter. I wasn’t impressed with this one on it’s own but I think it’s the most beautiful of the set over a black. The silver glitter seems to have a slight bluey/green hue under lights that looks fantastic!

 

NCY Rock Muse Collection Swatches

All four dried reasonably quickly, and do built up enough to wear alone with enough coats. I like that they don’t feel too rough for glitter polishes (though I’d advise adding a clear topcoat if you really hate the scratchy glitter feeling).  They will definitely be getting some wear over the festive period and beyond!

Rock muse 01 is available for £1.99 from the Superdrug website and the others are available in store.

Totally hellbent for tarting up with topcoats!

– Gem

 

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Blog Lovin’

 

Skincare

CLINIQUE – Youth Surge SPF 15 moisturiser

November 13, 2013

clinique youth surgeI know I recently reviewed Clinique’s dramatically different moisturiser with a less than impressed view, but I figured I owed it to Clinique to offer some brownie points for this product.

This is another moisturiser I have recently finished, and this youth surge SPF 15 is absolutely brilliant. I used it as both a day and night cream and although I wasn’t particularly taken with the smell, after continuous use I really saw the results. Although I didn’t notice myself reverting back to a former seventeen year in terms of my appearance, my face did feel amazingly hydrated all day long. I haven’t found a moisturiser as good as this since Vitamin E and am itching to try a few other products from Clinique to see how they fair. In particular, I have my eye set on the Very dry to dry skin version of this.

I was so impressed with this, that it is on my list of things to purchase and have actually made it onto my Christmas list rather than being struck off!

You can grab Clinique products from Boots online or in store for a slightly steeper price of £42.00.

Totally hellbent for rebuying after trying

-Pants

 

 

Nails

Nail Tutorial – 1950s style roses and polka dots

November 12, 2013

IMG_6416

Gem and I went to our friends wedding (evidence of the hen party we survived found here) the other weekend. Both feeling somewhat under the weather, we scrubbed up relatively well.

Alas, it was a 1950s esque red and black themed wedding, so naturally I went for a red rockabilly style dress to make up for the lack of my usual red hair.

This surely called for some distinct 1950’s nail art to go with it, so I have a play after some internet scouring. It’s also worth noting that I did my nails on the Friday evening, and didn’t remove my intact nail polish until Thursday the following week! The nails inc top coat is just -that- good.

Here’s the goodies I used for this nail:

Varnish

As always I applied a base coat, filed my nails and did my cuticles.

First Coat

I first applied Ciaté’s “Pocket Money” (another beautiful nail of the day from this shade can be found here) You can use any neutral or “toned down” shade for this really.

Black Tips

On all but my feature nail (whichever you choose), I used my trusty Avon Nailwear Pro+ “Licorice” to paint the tips and allowed this to dry.

red line

Once dry, I lined the black with Révérence de Bastion “No 4” and added some Polka Dots with my dotting tool, I have to admit, the dots weren’t as bright as I’d anticipated so next time I may try this with a white underneath.

Now for the roses, I placed a blob of No 7 “Devil’s Delight” and a blob of Avons “licorice” on my nail wheel (or anywhere you don’t mind staining with varnish)

rose

Using my nail brush, I mixed some black and red and made multiple C’s on my nail to get the rose effect. I layered this alternating the colours and once dry I used the black to add some leaves and the Révérence de Bastion “No 4” to highlight. Add a few polka dots and leave to dry. Make sure you pee or do any other hand based tasks before starting this!

Final

Once dry, lather on the top coat and enjoy!

Totally hellbent for 1950’s themed weddings and nails!

-Pants