bloomzy /

Review: MUA Velvet Lip Laquer in Reckless

MUA’s Velveteen Dupe – Velvet Lip Laquer in Reckless
I’ve been after this ever since I saw the teaser photo MUA posted months ago.
These are part of MUA’s new Luxe range, and dupes of Lime Crime’s Velveteens.
I’ve heard a lot of bad things about Lime Crime and their products so have stayed away.
Still, the velvet lip is something I wanted for a long time so I grabbed this when I saw it in store.
Pros:
+ Good range of colours
+ Highly pigmented
+ Didn’t dry out my lips
+ Great price
+ Long wearing
Cons:
– Application needs time to get used to
– Stains skin slightly
Once again MUA has duped a popular product and done it properly.
Lime Crime’s Velveteens are £12 whilst these are only £3 – enough said.
Not only is the price very very good, but the quality of the product exceeds expectation.
I was expecting a gloopy mess that would bleed everywhere when I put this on for the first time. I was happily surprised though when neither of those happened. True this was slightly difficult to apply on the first go, but once I was used to the consistency I didn’t have any trouble at all. It does stain a little, so you need to make sure you stay within the lines of your lips – or you’ll be cursing and scrubbing at the marks left behind on your skin. I’ve only had that problem once whilst using it for the last 10 days straight. It’s amazingly pigmented and dries to a wonderfully matte finish – so no bleeding or lip gloss on your teeth. Somehow it also makes my lips look a lot bigger than they actually are, which is always a plus. I’m also in love with the colour – it’s the perfect dark red for A/W. It lasts throughout eating and drinking, although it does need re-applying throughout the day. Basically I love this and would definitely recommend it. I may have to include it in a few stockings this year too.
You can buy MUA’s Luxe Velvet Lip Laquers online, or in Superdrug stores.
bloomzy /

Giveaway: Maxfactor Make-up Set

This weekend I picked up a couple of these amazing Maxfactor sets for presents.
Ok ok, I may have also got one for myself, you got me! The thought was there though.
This is my perfect ‘everyday look’ make-up set. The products are also great quality items.
So I picked up an extra set for you guys, because you know I love to spoil you with giveaways.
I also want to give a little shoutout to the lovely Jane who works for Maxfactor in the Chapelfield Boots.
She always has amazing make-up (& hair!), and is brilliant at her job – plus she’s super chatty & friendly.
What can you win?
 
A Maxfactor make-up set, which includes:
1. Mini Masterpiece Max Mascara
2. Limited Edition Colour Elixir Giant Pen Stick (in Foxy Amber)
3. Max Colour Effect Mono Eyeshadow (in Crème Champagne)
4. Max Effect Mini Nail Polish (in Deep Coral)
 
How to enter:
+ Be a follower of ‘Bloomzy’ via Bloglovin
+ Earn extra entries on Twitter, Facebook etc.
– This giveaway is open to UK participants only!
– Entrants who do not follow the rules will be disqualified.
– Twitter accounts created purely for giveaways will be disqualified.
The giveaway is open for 1 week (ending 25th Nov at 12am).
Good luck!
bloomzy /

Beauty Wishlist: Holiday Glam

Beauty Wishlist

One brilliant thing about Christmas coming to the shops are the ‘holiday specials’.
Beauty products aren’t left out either, with gift sets and new products galore.
I know some people dislike the hundreds of travel size make-up and skincare sets.
I love them though as it means I can try out new items at a usually bargain price.
Of course I also love being able to indulge in full size products too, especially palettes.
I made a very glamorous wish list of some of the items I hope to pick up this Christmas.
I suppose if I’m lucky enough I may even get some in my stocking – if I’m a good girl that is.
What do I really really want?
The other products in my list are just bonuses compared to the two above.
I need a new pair of GHDs and the jewel collection is gorgeous (and useful)!
Earl Grey & Cucumber are two amazing scents and these are lovely together.
I also love Jo Malone fragrances and I actually wear them most days.
Any of the products in my list would be lovely to add to my ever growing beauty collection.
I longingly browsed the Selfridges beauty department to find these for myself.

Source: 1
bloomzy /

Review: Elle Macpherson The Body Nail Wraps

Elle Macpherson The Body Nail Wraps by Homedics*

Nail wraps are nothing new but recently I’ve seen a sudden resurgence.
I’m not surprised as they’re an ‘easy’ and simple way to get a great nail look.
I decided to test out a new range of wraps by Elle Macpherson for Homedics.
Poorly Applied wraps

Pros:
+ Great effect
+ Easy to remove
+ Lasts longer than polish
+ Love the gold & silver options
+ Wraps come with a variety of sizes

Cons:
– Difficult to apply perfectly
– Not keen on the pink wraps

Notes:
I knew straightaway that I would have trouble applying these.
I’m not the best with nail wraps and these weren’t any different to others I’d used.
I loved the final look of the wraps and that they came in a variety of sizes (and with a free nail file to help apply them), but I found it difficult to get a perfect crease-free application. I did manage to do it on my first application on my little finger, but didn’t seem to have much luck with the remaining ones. One of the tips given in the instructions is to use a hair dryer to help sort out the creases after you have first applied them. I didn’t have time to try this but I think I will next time, as I imagine it would help. The gold and silver wraps are gorgeous and look amazing on – robot chic, anyone? The glittery pink isn’t for me though. I need more practise with these but overall I was quite happy with them.
You can purchase Elle Macpherson’s nail wraps at Homedics for £9.99 each
bloomzy /

Review: Collection Gothic Glam Lipstick #3 Scorned

Collection Gothic Glam Lipstick in shade: Scorned

Yes, this is the lipstick from the same range as Tuesday’s nail polish review.
I bought this lipstick a few weeks ago after hearing that the range had hit stores.
I love berry colours for Autumn/Winter so I picked up shade #3 Scorned.

Pros:
+ Creamy
+ Good colour last

Cons:
– Too dark
– Sits in creases
– Poor application
– Difficult to get even coverage
– Shade wasn’t the same as the swatch

Notes:
I had such high hopes for this colour but I was quite let down by it.
Whereas it didn’t dry out my lips, and did last after I had a cup of tea, I won’t be using it again.
I swatched the tester in the store on the back of my hand, like most people do, and loved the shade. However when I got home and put it on my lips, the colour was really not the same. It was much darker and not flattering at all for my skin tone. It was also quite difficult to apply, and I couldn’t get even coverage on my lips. I do feel that applying this with a brush would have helped, but not everyone has the time for that, especially if you just want to do a quick top up of your colour after lunch etc. This is a good colour for those with darker skin tones (or with more guts than me), and isn’t expensive at only £2.99. I think the other two shades would suit me better, so I may try those next.
You can purchase the Gothic Glam lipsticks at Collection or in Superdrug stores.
bloomzy /

Review: Collection Gothic Glam Nail Polish

 

Collection Gothic Glam Nail Polish in shades: Dramatic, Phantom, Deadly*
 
If you remember my Pegasus Beauty Showcase post you’ll know of these.
I was so excited for this range to be released so of course I had to review it.
There are 4 nail polish shades available in the range, and I was sent three of them.
These are: #1 Dramatic (deep red), #2 Phantom (vivid purple) and #3 Deadly (gold speckled black).
Swatches & one coat of shade #1 Dramatic on my nails
 
Pros:
+ Wide brush
+ Great colours
+ Easy application
+ High-shine finish
+ Opaque in one coat
 
Cons:
– Takes a while to dry
– Not easy to remove
 
Notes:
Overall I am impressed with this collection – I love the shades, and the quality of the polish.
I noticed straightaway that I only needed one coat to get an opaque, high-shine finish, which is not something that I come across very often with nail polishes. The swatches and what you see in the bottle are very true to the colour you will get on your nails. Again, very good. The application was nice and easy, thanks mainly to the wide brush. As for dry time – that was slightly disappointing, but these don’t claim to dry quickly so I can’t say I’m upset. The only other downside is that these are a little difficult to remove so you’ll need to take your time and make sure there isn’t any left over around the sides of your nails etc. That’s to be expected of any dark, glitter colour though. The polishes retail at £3.19 each, which is a pretty average and fair price for nail polish, in my opinion.
You can purchase the Gothic Glam polishes at Collection or in Superdrug stores.
bloomzy /

Review: The Chelsea Day Spa – Manicure

My trip to The Chelsea Day Spa for a manicure*

Last week I was invited to visit The Chelsea Day Spa for a manicure.
The weather was absolutely horrible and I was pretty windswept when I arrived.
Thankfully I was greeted by a beautiful interior and staff with lovely warm smiles. 
The spa itself doesn’t look very big from the outside but they’ve managed to fit a lot in.
As I waited for my nail technician I browsed the treatments on offer and was pleasantly surprised.
As well as offering manicures & pedicures, you can also indulge in massages, facials, waxing and more.
I went for a New York Manicure – I was offered a pedicure, but you guys know I have a foot phobia.
I also had gel nails on at the time, so I had those soaked off for me, to prep my nails for the manicure.
Rodica was my manicurist, and she was absolutely lovely – I really can’t recommend her enough!
There were no awkward silences because she was so friendly and chatty, making it a great experience.
We chatted for the whole hour about Romania (her home country), the culture and history.
You know I’m a culture-nut so I thoroughly enjoyed this.
My manicure was flawless and looked amazing – almost like gels.
The shade range of polishes (normal & gel) was good, as is the brand they use – Jessica.
The polish lasted for a week before it started to chip, which I think is an achievement.
The service and final product were well worth the visit, and the money – only £17!
For the lovely surroundings, staff and manicure I would certainly visit again.
Visit The Chelsea Day Spa for locations and treatment lists.