Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil

Shu Uemara isn't a brand I'm that familiar with but a friend introduced me to it last year when I was looking for some falsies (they do the best false lashes I'm told). Anyway, I brought a bunch of stuff and the guy gave me some samples of their cleansing oil. I started using it to take off my makeup when I ran out of wipes (yes - I'm that lazy I use wipes most nights!) So you put a few drops of the oil on wet hands and the formula  transforms into a milky consistency.  You massage it onto your face and rinse off.

Does it work? Yes. After using the oil my face felt clean and soft, rather than tight and itchy. It also took off most of my makeup, although it was tricky getting my eyeliner and mascara off (it doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes either, which is a bonus). 

Would I repurchase? Probably, but I've heard so many wonderful things about the MAC cleansing oil and the Clinique cleansing balm that I'm wondering if I should shop around before finding one to stick to you.... lets see...

As you can see the samples are tiny!!

The Shu Uemura cleansing oils cost around £25 and are available in most department stores

Rouge Volupte Lipstick: My New Love

When it comes to lippes I tend to just stick to MAC's collection, but after hearing so many great things about the YSL Rouge Volupte Lipsticks I decided to see what all the fuss was about... and OMG.... I've really been missing out!! Not only is the packaging to die for, they're richly pigmented, soft, creamy and really moisturising - it actually felt like I was wearing a lip balm. After much deliberation I brought the aptly named Pink Fetish lipstick (No 8 i think... ) which looks like a rosy pink but actually comes out quite pale... I'd probably wear it lightly so it doesn't look too porn star (my sister says it makes me look like a bimbo... LOL). The colour is also quite similar to MAC's Pink Nouveau (left swatch) but the Rouge Volupte has a smoother, creamier consistency. 

Apologies for the shite picture quality... my digital camera battery needs charging so this was taken with my phone :-S

So, all in all a good lippie... I'd highly recommend you to invest in one of these if you suffer from dry lips (as I do!) My only bugbear is that it's so damn expensive (£21 for a lipstick? Really??!) This is bad news for me because I'm now contemplating getting a few more :- S 

Anyone got any colour recommendations for me? Sami xx

Product Rave: Crown Brushes... and a little something....

During my trip to The Vitality Show I came across a stall selling Crown Brushes. Now, I don't know if anyone's heard of them before but they are a small family owned company that sell makeup brushes and eyeshadow/blusher palettes. What caught my eye is that they had LOADS of brushes in different stages, so there was the Badger range (the high-end range) and then lower down there were the Basic range. What also caught my eye was the amazing prices! Compared to MAC or Ruby and Millie these brushes were good quality AND affordable.

Here are the two I got:

The Mini Oval Smudger

This brush is really great for creating a highlight on the tearduct and lower waterline

Not sure what this one is called but it's basically a larger version of the previous brush and I use it to contour the crease on my eyelid and create a smoky effect 

Really sorry for the poor description and lack of info but the website is not very helpful. You can't zoom in much so I couldn't really tell which ones I got :- S

Mine were from the Luna range and cost about £2 - 3. I really regret getting only two because they were such a bargain and if you order online they charge you £5.49 :- (

If anyone has ordered from them online please let me know about your experience as I'm thinking of getting a few more things from them.... Sami xx

P.S. Makeup addicts HAVE to check this out:

Professional 88 Palette 01, £27.49

Can you believe that this little beauty only costs £27.49?!! I don't know how well pigmented the shadows are but if you're looking to learn about makeup and techniques I think this is a really good investment as a starter kit. I'm still pondering over whether I should get one... Sami xx

*Crown brushes and makeup palettes can be purchased online at www.crownbrush.co.uk

Gucci: An introduction

I realise that this post has nothing to do with beauty/health but I couldn't resist posting some pics of the latest edition in my family!

Sorry to disappoint the fashionistas out there but I'm taking about this little kitten my sis bought home a few weeks ago...!!! Isn't he gorg?!

Me unsuccessfully trying to give him a kiss and making some weird shape with my mouth instead :- S

Enjoy!

Sami xx

Mint Julips Lip Scrub by Lush

I suffer from dry, flaky lips so when I was presented with this little lip scrub by Lush I was immediately intrigued - would it actually keep my lips soft and flake-free all day??!

In a word: yes. After brushing my teeth I rubbed a tiny bit on and it instantly buffed away any dead skin... and it tasted like After Eights (YUM!!) The only issue I have with this baby is that  for £4.50, it's a bit overpriced for something so small with so little inside it... and to be honest I could just mix some honey and sugar DIY style and make it myself for a fraction on the cost. 

That being said it did taste/smell absolutely divine and now I've got my sweet tooth set on the bubblegum and vanilla ones.... :- )

As you can see there's not much in there

Plaits, plaits, plaits!

Gone are the days where we associate plaits with 5yr old girls or Heidi. Now, thanks to the fashion world plaits are COOL! The plait trend I've been channelling lately is the Side Plait, which has also been given an honourable mention in Belle du Jour's blog. It's a lot messier and edgier than the traditional plait.

To achieve this simple hairdo lightly backcomb hair, create a side parting and pull into a messy plait. A a light spritz of hairspray to set the look. A quiff (like Rachel McAdams) is great for a punky, evening look, or if you're after something a little more casual, create a deep side parting and add a cute hairband like Vanessa Hudgens. I did mine with hair extensions so the plait came out longer and fatter.

Enjoy,

Sami xx

A Spring Clean!

As you may or may not have noticed I've pimped my blog! I always wondered how so many blogs had these lovely layouts while mine was boring, plain ol' white. Then I discovered ShabbyBlogs.com - a site with loads of cool backgrounds and buttons to add some bling to your blog!

I'm still playing around with it but I'd love to hear what you guys think of my new, revamped blog so far!

Sami xx