bloomzy /

Nail Polish Haul: Essie & Models Own

Models Own and Essie Nail Polishes

Ok, I may have gone a little overboard. I can’t help it, I’m addicted to nail polishes!
It’s true, nail polishes are the one thing I will always want, and pretty much always buy.
Luckily I’m not restricted in what I can wear on my nails (by a job etc) so I tend to change them often.
That also means that I like to have a large selection of colours, and trust me, I do – one day I’ll show you them all.
Essie and Models Own are two nail polish brands well known for their selection of colours and quality.
I’ve actually only tried out a couple of Essie polishes, but now I’m happy to own quite a few.
The shades are quite simple, and grown up, wouldn’t you agree? That’s where the Models Own polishes come in. The Models Own ones are just to hold me over until I can get my hands on the Beetlejuice & Mirrorball collections, but I thought they were also a bit of fun. The photo doesn’t do them justice but they have a great glittery sheen to them.
Guys…I think I’m a Nail Polish-holic!
When I got them home I decided that actually I wasn’t too keen on two of the Essie colours,
so I’m selling them on eBay here.

bloomzy /

Style: 1 Skirt 4 Ways

Click image to enlarge
As soon as I pick up a potential clothing purchase I automatically start contemplating outfits.
A few days ago I bought a new waterfall skirt (it sounds dreamier than dip-hem), and that’s what I did.
It’s no wonder I’m such a fan of things like Polyvore and putting together coordinates in photoshop.
Therefore today’s post is a little bit of fun for me and hopefully helpful to a few people also.
I put together 4 separate outfits, all using the same skirt as the central piece.
My style varies a lot between trends and fashion ‘labels’ and I think that’s reflected here.
I managed to add a few Baroque pieces, and the outfits range from casual to slightly more formal.
I also wanted to think a little bit about accessories, make-up and nails – as I know I dress those to match.
I think the outfits themselves though are pretty self-explanatory so I won’t ramble on too much.
The skirt featured is from Topshop, and the items included are from various other High Street stores.
Please comment if you’d like to know where any of the items are from.
‘1 ___ 4 Ways’ is something I’d like to continue with.
Would you guys like to see more of this kind of post?

bloomzy /

Dupe: MUA Undressed vs. UD Naked Palette

MUA Undressed Palette & Urban Decay Naked Palette
I love seeing dupe posts on beauty blogs, and I recently acquired MUA’s Undressed palette, 
which is supposedly a dupe of Urban Decay’s Naked palette, so I thought I would do my own. 
From the start it’s easy to see where MUA got their inspiration from.
With Urban Decay’s palette at almost 10x the price (£36) of MUA’s (£4), I was certainly curious. 
After putting the two palettes side-by-side I was shocked and also a little amused at how similar the shades are.
True, MUA’s palette does not look as ‘high end’ as Urban Decay’s but it’s simple and clean – it also comes with a double ended applicator, but no primer unlike UD – although MUA’s primer is only £1.50.
Also, the UD palette is heavier, and not as easy to transport as MUA’s.
Anyway, onto the reason why you’re all here…
The following swatches come courtesy of my fiancé who allowed me to use his forearm as a model.
MUA’s £1.50 eyeshadow primer was used as a base before applying these.
Top row: MUA Undressed Palette
Bottom row: Urban Decay Naked Palette
The proof is in the picture.
Honestly, apart from a couple of the matte browns, the MUA shadows are pretty much identical.
A primer is needed with the MUA shades, but I don’t think anyone would expect anything else from a £4 palette.
I am incredibly impressed with how similar these are, and with previous experience with MUA palettes they are definitely worth the money. When used with a primer, they are long lasting and the colour stays as clear and fresh as when you first applied it. Both palettes have some amazing colours, perfect for this seasons nude make-up trends.

Final decision: This is an amazing dupe, and I would definitely use the MUA palette as a replacement for my UD one.
MUA Undressed Palette is available in Superdrug stores, and online here (worldwide shipping available).
Urban Decay’s Naked Palette is available in Debenhams & House of Fraser (UK) stores, and online here.
bloomzy /

Review: Mudd Face Masks

Mudd Face Masks: Sea Clay, Peel-off and Original*

Recently I was sent a lovely pink package, and what did it contain? It contained a set of the new Mudd face masks – sea clay, peel-off and original. I love putting on a face mask once or twice a week. It helps me relax and is great for my skin. So of course I was very happy to see that I had been given a selection of the masks to try out.

Mudd are quite smart in the way they’ve decided to package these. They come in single packs (1 application) and packs of 5 or 10 applications. The 5/10 application packs have a handy flip lid so you can squeeze out the perfect amount and then replace it. No need to worry about the mask getting everywhere or drying out!

I tried out the Hydrating sea clay face mask, as you can see. This really was hydrating and left my skin feeling super soft and light (does that make sense?). After application the mask dries and tightens…oh does it tighten. It felt a bit odd to start with but I got used to it. After 15mins 99% of the mask had dried and it felt like I’d had botox – I removed it with warm water and a cloth. This was a lovely mask and I can’t wait to try out the others, especially the peeling mask!

You can buy Mudd Face Masks in Boots and online here.
Prices are £1 for a single, £3.05 for a 5 pack and £4.99 for a 10 pack.

bloomzy /

Shoetastic – ECCO

 

ECCO is already a well-established shoe brand in the UK and across the world.
Combining style and comfort, they follow the motto “the shoe must follow the foot.”
That’s easy with ECCO, because they own and manage every step of the shoemaking process.
With their shoes on sale in over 90 countries, fashion can easily meet function.
The latest edition to ECCO is the Sculptured 65 Collection.
The shoe itself blends sexy with the everyday, boasting a comfortable 6.5cm high heel.
Coming in: shoes, booties and boots in a range of colours, as well as both leather and patent leather.
Available in sizes EU 35-42, it’s as if there’s almost too much choice.
I personally styled my pair with some bright florals and my favourite pleated leather skirt.
I also decided to have a little bit of fun and pick out some key A/W pieces, which I’d love to pair with the boots.
I think this particular pair of boots would work great with both a feminine or rock style, but I love combining both.
A mixture of textures, colours and accessories compliments the boots perfectly.
How would you style a pair of shoes from the Sculptured 65 Collection?
The collection is in stores from August 2012 – so hurry out and pick up yours now!
You can also shop online, via the ECCO site.
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This post is in collaboration with ECCO but all views, photos and words are my own.
bloomzy /

Trend: Rock the ‘Baroque’ for A/W 2012

Rock the Baroque

Rock the Baroque by bloomzy

Wow, now that’s an intimidating image, isn’t it?
Don’t worry, I’m not here to tell you that the latest trend is to wear everything in one print and clash as much as possible.
I am going to write about one of A/W 2012’s latest trends though, and it’s one of my favourites.

 Baroque certainly isn’t anything new, in fact that’s the point; inspired by the Rococo movement, the Baroque trend is all about decadence and opulence. Designers such as Dolce & Gabanna, Versace, Givenchy and Balmain have inspired the high street to join in on the fun – in fact, everyone wants in on the Baroque trend.

When done right, Baroque can make a high street outfit look like it’s just come off the catwalk.
When it’s done wrong, well…let’s not try to think about that.

Key points to remember?
– Embellishments
– Black & Gold
– ‘Scarf print’
– Brocades, texture & embroidery
– Lace, ruffles, velvet & metallics

This is a trend that is going to be super easy to find on the high street.
River Island are paying homage to the trend amazingly, whilst stores such as ASOS, H&M,
M&S and Topshop are also doing pretty good jobs.

Good luck and have fun!

 Would you like to see more UK trend posts in the future? 
Leave a comment, and let me know.

bloomzy /

Review: Tanda Zap – Acne spot treatment device

HoMedics Tanda Zap – acne spot treatment device*
HoMedics Tanda Zap is a new handheld blue light device to help fade or clear acne.
The great thing about Tanda Zap is that it is an on-the-spot treatment, which means you can do it at home, in work etc.
It easily fits into your bag, or on your dresser so you can grab it for a treatment whenever you fancy.
What does it do?
It uses blue light technology, along with sonic vibration and a gentle warming to open the pores, help destroy bacteria and reduce swelling/inflammation. It even claims to help clear or fade blemishes within 24 hours.
It can also help to prevent future breakouts.
For use on all skin types and tones.
How do you use it?
By pressing the big orange switch on the front, the blue light is activated.
Hold the Tanda Zap gently against the affected area and let it run its course – 2mins.
You can end the treatment before the time is up, or it will turn off after the 2mins has passed.
You can use it up to 3x a day on the one blemish, and on other blemishes.
It is battery powered and lasts for 1000 treatments.

 

My Personal Experience
I usually suffer from one or two breakouts during my period, but am generally spot free the rest of the time.
Luckily I had a nasty spot for this same reason, when the Tanda Zap arrived at my front door. These tend to last around a week and fade with my usual skin care routine but I decided to try out Tanda Zap instead. I used it as part of my normal skin care routine day & night, as well as once in the afternoon. After 24hrs I definitely noticed a difference – actually the spot was more inflammed, but I think this was due the treatment bringing out all the bacteria etc. After 48hrs I was really happy as the spot was noticeably smaller and less inflammed.
I’m impressed and will definitely continue to use it when a spot pops up!
Before use I would suggest you read the instructions as some medication such as antihistamines apparently don’t work well with it (can cause skin irritation and redness), however I take them occasionally and haven’t had a problem.
You can buy Tanda Zap in Boots stores, and online here.
For those who suffer with long-term acne problems, Tanda Clear+ is also available, here.