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Review: Collection Extra Volume Waterproof Mascara

Collection Volumising Mascara – Extra Volume Waterproof*
I’ve never been a mascara addict, unlike a lot of my friends. I have such tiny lashes that I know nothing is going to work a miracle. It seems like everyone has more luscious lashes than me, even my dad. Still, it’s fun to try different mascaras, and hope that one may come close. My recent mascara trial was with the Collection Volumising Waterproof Mascara. This mascara claims to add up to 10x more volume with an extra thick easy-to-use wand.
Left eye: no mascara, Right eye: Collection volumising mascara

Pros:
+ Waterproof
+ Doesn’t clump
+ Cute packaging
+ Love the thick brush
+ Wand doesn’t use too much product
+ Doesn’t smudge or come off during the day

Cons:
– Didn’t give my lashes the volume I’d hoped for

Notes:
I didn’t have any massive expectations for this mascara, I just hoped that it would add a bit of volume to my meager lashes. First off, I have to say that I really love the packaging. It’s fun, cute and has a good shape to it; which also makes it easier to hold when applying. The application is easy thanks to the thick brush. This is the thickest wand/brush I’ve seen on any mascara I’ve used and I really quite like it. It meant that enough product came out on the wand, and you weren’t left having to wipe away any excess. This also means that the mascara doesn’t clump, which is great as I hate battling with a cotton bud and my eyelashes to remove any hazardous dots of mascara. Unfortunately it didn’t leave me with Betty Boop-like enviable lashes, however it did make them seem a bit longer and more prominent. It also didn’t smudge at all, and stayed on all day. For £3.99 I think this is a good everyday mascara, that someone who is slightly more endowed than myself might have more luck with.
You can purchase Collection Extra Volume Waterproof Mascara at Superdrug.
bloomzy /

OOTD: Eye See You

Top* – Oasap | Skirt – Zara | Shoes – Primark | Watch – Marc by Marc Jacobs


Yesterday saw some amazing weather finally come our way. I was thinking of heading out in nude tights even – the thought of it! Anyway, it was so lovely that I ended up walking around in just this all day.
My new eye top from Oasap got plenty a compliment. I know it’s a cheeky Kenzo ‘dupe’ but I kinda love it, and it’s so fun. It’s colourful and quirky, and the little collar and sleeve detail are super cute. I’m also very much in love with my wrap new skirt from Zara – isn’t it amazing? Zara are bringing out some amazing styles and cuts this season, and at great prices. I’ve been pairing this skirt with odd jumpers so it was nice to finally get my arms out. Showing a little skin aside, I paired the outfit with my new shoes from Primark. These are really simple but I love the style and the royal blue they used. These will look so much better once I finally get my legs out again.
Don’t forget you can get 20% off with code ‘bloomzy’ when you visit Oasap!
bloomzy /

Review: Lulu Guinness March ’14 Birchbox

March 2014 Birchbox in collaboration with Lulu Guinness

It’s safe to say that I was very excited for this month’s Birchbox. I’m a fan of Lulu Guinness and couldn’t wait to see what the collab would bring. This box was based around LG’s cheeky and fun outlook, with 2 products picked by Lulu herself. Her choices? Her favourite Benefit eye primer, and the monochrome candy that inspired her Spring collection.
So what else was inside the March box?
Benefit – Stay Don’t Stray Eye Primer
Dr Brandt – Pores No More Pore Refiner
Aroma Works – Serenity Body Oil
English Laundry No.7 For Her
Stick o’ Rock (Candy Rock)
Molton Brown – Rhubarb & Rose Replenshing Hand Cream
Thoughts?
It’s certainly a cute box this month, and I’m pretty happy with all of the contents – minus the candy rock, which I don’t eat. However the fiancé gladly nabbed it off me, so no tears there. At first look it did seem slightly underwhelming though as I was hoping for something that cried out “Lulu Guinness” slightly more than this did. I think I would have liked to see maybe a LG colour coordinated box, or some fun items that linked to her designs? Still, the packaging of the box was adorable and very fitting. I’m more than happy with the Molton Brown addition as I’ve been meaning to find a handbag-sized hand cream, and I love Molton Brown products. The two primers seemed like a bit of overkill, although I know one is for your eyes and the other face. I’m still looking forward to trying them both though. I adore the scent of the perfume, and as for the body oil, I could take it or leave it. All in all, I’ve discovered some new brands and products that I’m looking forward to trying, which is why I subscribed to Birchbox in the first place, so I’m happy.
ETA: This month’s box also included a discount code to use at Lulu Guinness, and a coupon for a complimentary makeover featuring the new Benefit Gimme Brow!
You can subscribe to Birchbox here – using my link will give you (and me) £5 worth of points to spend.
bloomzy /

Inspiration: Japanese Beauty Trends

After my Japanese fashion trend post, it only made sense to compliment it with a beauty post too. Most Japanese fashion magazines have a feature on complimentary beauty looks and tutorials. I’ve always loved the in-depth tutorials and product recommendations Japanese magazines offer. So I flicked through some of the latest issues of Vivi, Jelly and CUTiE looking for inspiration.
It didn’t take long before I found some gorgeous looks that I’d love to imitate. There’s a lot of emphasis on ‘natural’ make-up lately and that suits me just fine. As of late, I’ve come to love a natural look with nude shades and a prominent lip. I also liked the variety of hair styles, from straight, to wavy, to bouffant, it’s all there. I’ll certainly be trying out some of the shorter wavy hairstyles, and the up-dos. Throw in a cheeky nail art tutorial and I’m sold; no need to to show me twice!
You can buy Japanese fashion magazines on eBay or from the Japan Centre.
Unfortunately they’re usually overpriced online, but there are resources to view them online.
bloomzy /

Where to Eat in London: Bone Daddies

Bone Daddies | Japanese Ramen | Lunch/Dinner | Soho | Website
– reservations not available –

Bone Daddies is a ramen bar based in Soho. This is a rather spacious take on the Japanese ramen bar, with a simple interior.

I headed there on a Saturday afternoon, with 3 friends. I was a little worried we would be queuing for a while as we headed there about an hour after they had opened for lunch. Luckily there was no queue and we were seated as soon as we arrived. I’d heard a lot about Bone Daddies, and being a big fan of ramen (and deeply missing sitting at a noodle bar with strangers in Tokyo) I was really hoping the hype was justified. The food menu is simple yet plentiful, and the drinks menu were aptly themed, however I personally would have loved to see some umeshu on the menu. I choose the ramen salad as I fancied the asparagus and corn. My friends chose the Tantanmen (spicy!) and T22, with a side of fried chicken. My ramen was delicious but I don’t think it was clear enough as to what I would be getting, yet I didn’t mind…because it was so damn delicious. Everyone else enjoyed their food too, making me wish I’d had one of everything. The service at Bone Daddies was friendly, and everything was dealt with promptly. Yet I was still left feeling like I’d missed something. The atmosphere just wasn’t there, and people were left queuing along by where our bags were hooked making it a bit cramped. My bowl was chipped, which isn’t a big deal to me but actually bothers quite a few people I know. The prices are close to extortionate, compared to the ramen bars in Japan (where the quality is just as good). I know this isn’t Japan, but I feel that if you’re going to run something so niche you need to do it justice. As much as I enjoyed the food I don’t think I’ll be going back, purely based on the price and atmosphere.

bloomzy /

Inspiration: Japanese Fashion Trends

I think a lot of people see Japanese fashion as being ‘wacky’ or ‘weird’. Well sure, sometimes it might seem that way, but I’m here to debunk that myth. Some of my favourite Japanese magazines are showing similarities with British trends. That means it’s even more accessible (and imitable) for those who enjoy Japanese fashion.
Recently I started reading Japanese fashion magazines CUTiE and Jelly again. I was surprised to see a lot of items that could easily be found on the UK high street. Sure, you’ll never find everything, but that’s part of the fun of styling a look to suit you. I love the way these looks have been styled and how each one has it’s own unique point. In Japanese magazine lingo ‘point’ means a specific part of the look that perfects the outfit. It’s usually an item that is on-trend, for example: a pastel pink coat that frames your look. I like this idea and usually centre an outfit around a specific item of clothing or accessory.
Of course at the end of the day I just love getting inspiration from these magazines. It’s a nice change from British magazines that just don’t seem to be as fun, or as inspiring. There is also a great variety of Japanese fashion magazines for different looks and styles. Right now I really love the looks and styling I’m seeing in ViVi, SCawaii, Jelly and CUTiE.
You can buy Japanese fashion magazines on eBay or from the Japan Centre.
Unfortunately they’re usually overpriced online, but there are resources to view them online.
bloomzy /

Tutorial & Review: Collection Eyebrow Kit

Collection Work The Colour Eyebrow Kit*

My eyebrows haven’t seen the light of day since I was about 10 years old. Due to having a full fringe (and loving it) I’ve never bothered with primping them either. For me, there just doesn’t seem much point. Did I just revoke my beauty blogger membership? Well Collection, and a wonderful MUA by the name of Francesca Neill, were about to change all that. Phew! Now you can stop screaming at your computer screen and wondering what’s wrong with me. Seriously though, if you’re like me and don’t want to touch your naturally gorgeous brows, don’t worry about it!

Collection will be releasing their new Eyebrow Kit in April, and I thought I’d show you how it works. I took inspiration from Francesca, who showed us how to use the kit at the Collection S/S 14 press day. It’s pretty simple and everything is laid out for you, making it super easy for a beginner like me to use it. I found that the shadow stayed on my brows all day and kept the shape and style after using this little kit. The shadows have are highly pigmented but blend well. Francesca even recommended paler ladies use the lightest shade for contouring – and she used it on me to show me how it would work. So if you want perfect brows in just a few easy steps, take a peek below and you’ll find out why this is for you! Please note I am a complete beginner so this is a very simple tutorial to show how the kit works, and to help anyone else out there who may want to have a go.


1. Use the angled end of the brush to apply the darker shadow to the middle/outer part of your brow.

2. Whilst still using the angled end of the brush, apply a lighter shade to the inner part of the eyebrow.

3. Use the other end of the brush to blend the shadow together and, if needed, to help shape the brow.

4. Finally use the clear brow mascara to define the brow and lock the look in place.

This can be done to match the natural shape of your brow, or to create a more angled & defined look. You can also use the clear brow mascara separately on your untouched brows, to define and shape them. It’s also important to remember that you should use the shadow/s best suited to your natural brow colour.

Collection’s Eyebrow Kit will be available from 9th April in Boots and the 16th April in Superdrug for £3.99.