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 /

[Nail Week] My Favourite Nail Polish Brands

Nail Week is coming to a close, and I decided to end it with a post on my favourite Nail Polish Brands.
Over the years I have tried various brands of polish. Some I’ve not been too keen on, others I’ve become a long-term fan of, and still continue to use today. So I decided to include some of my old favourites and some of the up-and-comers in my personal collection.Why have I chosen the brands that I did?

Maxfactor
A mid-range priced polish that offers great coverage and good colour.
Great application – opaque in 1 coat!
Buy here.

OPI
Such an amazing range of colours, shades and glitter polishes.
If you want a particular colour, OPI will have it.
Buy here.

MUA
Cheap and cheerful.
Polishes start at £1 and come in a variety of shades, including glitters.
Buy here.

Chanel
A high-end polish that doesn’t disappoint.
Application and removal is super easy, whilst the shades are always on-trend.
Buy here.

Barry M
Affordable, vibrant colours that are long-lasting.
They often have discounts and special offers for their large variety of polishes.
Buy here.

Dear Lee
Wonderful colours and cheap too!
I love their selection and the application of the polish.
Buy here.

Miss Sporty
Another cheap, but effective polish.
Buy here.

So there you have it, my favourite go-to nail polish brands.
Of course that doesn’t mean I won’t be experimenting with any new brands.
What’s your favourite nail polish brand?

bloomzy /

[Nail Week] 5 Tips for Strong & Healthy Nails

I often get people online and in my daily life asking me how I keep my nails so nice.
I never even thought my nails were that nice, and I don’t do much. However, friends and family ask me for my tips as they find it difficult to get long, strong nails, and keep them that way! Honestly, I think some of it is genes but I do have a few tips and some product recommendations to help those out who want healthy, strong nails.
File/Trim your nails regularly
I’ve found that trimming my nails (with manicure scissors) and filing them often, helps keep them strong.
They’re also less likely to break if you trim/file them often. Remember not to trim/file your nails when they’re wet, such as after a shower or bath, as they’re a lot more delicate in this state. I also use a hand and nail moisturiser after I have filed, which I rub into my nails. Models Own have some stylish scissors here, and check out the latest StyleFile here.
Avoid Acrylic & Gel nail extensions
I think this is the hardest one to do of all these tips.
I used to love getting my nails done and would rush back to the salon after having the last set removed.
Sadly acrylic and gel extensions can do quite a bit of damage to your nails, especially when they’re being removed.
After I stopped getting extensions I noticed how sad my nails looked, but they soon perked up!
Of course the occasional set won’t do any harm though.
Use a Cuticle Oil or Vaseline/Olive Oil on your cuticles and skin
Rubbing a cuticle oil, vaseline or olive oil into your cuticles and the skin surrounding will help keep your nails hydrated and your cuticles soft. Not everyone can afford a cuticle oil, so these at home remedies can be just as useful. You also don’t really need to trim/push back your cuticles, that can actually cause more harm then good.
If you are interested though you can find cheap cuticle oils here and a more expensive version here.
Try adding more milk to your diet, or maybe some nail supplements?
Adding more calcium and zinc to your diet can help improve the strength of your nails.
If you can’t do that then nail supplements can be a great alternative as they often include plenty of other vitamins and minerals. Not only that but they’re also great for your skin and hair too – I take a few a day.
You can find nail supplements at most health food stores, like here.
Use a Nail Strengthener
This is the only tip that I’ve not actually tried myself, but it is something I’ve heard a lot of good things about.
Nail strengtheners can be really helpful for those whose nails break easily, or just to help bulk them up.
From what I’ve heard, OPI’s nail strengthener is one of the best out there, you can buy it here. 
If you don’t fancy shelling out that much money, 17 do a much cheaper version here.
Good luck! And feel free to comment with your own tips!
bloomzy /

Guest Post: Top 5 Summer Hairstyles

Today’s final, and wonderful guest post comes from freelance blogger Brooke Samsonite (she blogs here, and tweets here). She will be sharing her take on the top 5 latest fashionable Summer hairstyles for you to re-create – enjoy!

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Top 5 Summer Hairstyles
At the peak of the summer season, we’re seeing several hair styles that are making waves—literally.
In most cases, it’s not surprising to see where some of these trends got their starts, but like them or love them they’re the hot hairstyles of summer 2012.
If you’re looking for a new style or just wondering where your current style fits in with today’s fashion, we’ve got you covered. Without further ado, here are this year’s top five summer hairstyles:
1. Side braid

A lot of celebrities are opting for various renditions of the side braid, from fishtail braids to loose, flowy wraps. Loose side braids are easy to accomplish and look better with a lot of body. Volumizers, mousse and setting your hair with rollers first can help achieve this. Fishtail braids are a little difficult to achieve (tutorial here), so they may take practice to get the right look, but their summertime appeal is off the charts.
2. Side chignon

A popular hairstyle for brides, the side chignon has a relaxed, yet elegant, appearance. But this isn’t a wedding-specific hairstyle. There are plenty of settings where the side chignon can come off beautifully. It works for holiday parties, nights out and can even be a quick-fix when you’re in a hurry. And getting the look is simple enough that virtually anyone can put it up and pull it off.
3. Ballerina bun

Dream of being a Bunhead? You’re not alone. Part of ABC Family’s summer lineup is “Bunheads,” a popular television show about the ballerina life. Whether duplicating the show’s hairstyle is intentional, girls are donning the ballerina bun. To get the look, many girls use a hair donut accessory (buy one here) to get a tight, even wrap on their bun, which can be secured into place with bobby pins.
4. Beachy waves

Does long, wavy hair ever go out of style? Not on the beach, and certainly not in the summer. Blonde highlights are a staple color pop for beachy waves, but this hairstyle looks great with any hair color.
5. Shades of red

If you’re up for trying a bold hair makeover, try going with red. But before taking the plunge, make sure you get the right color for your skin tone and are diligent about maintaining red hair. You can’t lose, because if you don’t like your color choice, you can always dye it again.
This list doesn’t imply that creativity has no place when it comes to your personal style. But if you’ve been searching for some direction to bring your hair up to speed with the season and the trends, you should be set for a little experimentation and a lot of summer fun.

Sources; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 
bloomzy /

Sugarpill Cosmetics

A selection of Sugarpill eyeshadows and false eyelashes
Today I want to introduce my new affiliate, the American brand Sugarpill Cosmetics.
I’ve been a fan of the brand since their small beginnings, which have now lead to a very big hype.
I remember following the founder Amy (Shrinkle) on her blog and eBay, where she first started selling her creations. The brand itself was only born though in 2010 when Amy decided to take more control, and things expanded from there. 
If you’ve followed IMATS in the last couple of years and managed to miss Sugarpill…shame on you!
Sugarpill sell amazingly pigmented pressed and loose shadows (in matte & glitter) along with crazy dramatic false lashes.
I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to bright shadows, but I am absolutely in love with their loose shadows!
So even if you’re not a fan of bright, dramatic eye make-up there is a colour and shadow for everyone.
As a long time fan, I’m very happy to be a part of the Sugarpill affiliate team.
You can find their banner (featuring the gorgeous Amelia Arsenic) on the sidebar.
You can browse the website here.
Sugarpill ship worldwide!
bloomzy /

Where to Eat in London 2

The Icecreamists | Ice Cream Parlour | Covent Garden | Website
– reservations not available –
Dream Bags & Jaguar Shoes | Dinner/Bar | Shoreditch | Website
– reservations not available –

Aubin Cinema | Cinema with Bar/Snacks | Shoreditch | Website
–  ticket bookings available  –

The Diner | All-day Menu | Shoreditch | Website
– reservations may be available –

Lola’s Cupcakes & Pinkberry Frozen Yoghurt |  Selfridges Food Court | Website 1 & 2
– reservations not available –

I’m a pretty big foodie, if you hadn’t already guessed, so I wanted to post a bit about food in London.
There are some amazing places to eat and pick up food, and these are just a few of the places I visited on my last trip.
Kind of like a Where to Eat in London – I have included the name, type of restaurant/cafe/store, the location of the place I visited, and a link to their website, as the bigger places have more than one location.

I had to split this series into two posts (you can find the first one here) as I just had too many places and photos I wanted to feature – even then I didn’t get to include them all. If you’re curious about what I ate feel free to ask but I didn’t write it as I think it’s self explanatory from most of the photos.

I wouldn’t have included these places if I didn’t love and recommend them.
So if you have the chance you should definitely check them out!

bloomzy /

Where to Eat in London 1

Koya | Japanese Udon | Lunch/Dinner | Soho | Website
– reservations not available – 
Tina, We Salute You | Cafe | Dalston | Website
– reservations not available – 
Frae Frozen Yoghurt | Shop | Shoreditch | Website
– reservations not available – 
Laduree | Shop/Cafe | Burlington Arcade | Website
– reservations not available – 
All Stars | Diner & Bowling Alley | Lunch/Dinner | Brick Lane | Website
– reservations available – 
The Breakfast Club | Cafe | Hoxton | Website
– reservations not available – 

I’m a pretty big foodie, if you hadn’t already guessed, so I wanted to post a bit about food in London.
There are some amazing places to eat and pick up food, and these are just a few of the places I visited on my last trip.
Kind of like a Where to Eat in London – I have included the name, type of restaurant/cafe/store, the location of the place I visited, and a link to their website, as the bigger places have more than one location.
I had to split this series into two (maybe three) posts as I just had too many places and photos I wanted to feature.
If you’re curious about what I ate feel free to ask but I didn’t write it as I think it’s self explanatory from the photos.
I wouldn’t have included these places if I didn’t love and recommend them.
So if you have the chance you should definitely check them out!