Monday 11 June 2012

mani mondays: glitter fade nails

Essie Vanity Fairest and Models Own Juicy Jules
Added a bit of sparkle to my nails following the WAH glitter fade tutorial.  I think it looks really pretty, definately one for the girlie girls that love a bit of sparkle like me. It'll take a bit of practice for me to nail the technique down though - it's pretttty messy when dragging the glitter polish down the nail, but still fairly pleased with the result!

Friday 8 June 2012

essie vanity fairest

Essie Diffusion Vanity Fairest: £7.99

I popped my Essie cherry by picking up Vanity Fairest from the popular diffusion line at Boots after spotting it on Gia May's lovely blog. It's so pretty - a sheer milky pink with a shimmer, it looks natural and glossy on the nails, plus the wider brush made application a lot easier. Only complaint is a few bubbles have appeared now my nails have dried, but that's not too much of an issue for me to be honest!




Saturday 2 June 2012

candy stripe nails

Models Own Bloo Bloo and white WAH nail pen

Tried out these candy striped nails after reading the WAH Nails book, which is full of awesome tutorials. I'm loving fondant shades at the moment and thought they looked pretty cute and girlie. I want to try them in lots of different colours now! Apologies for the messy little finger nail - I smudged it..





my name is kirstyxo on facebook


MY NAME IS KIRSTYXO is now on facebook! You can go directly to http://www.facebook.com/MyNameIsKirstyXo to view the page or click on the Facebook icon in the sidebar. You can leave me comments or feedback there if you so wish :)

Sunday 27 May 2012

mani monday #1 summer leopard print


Models Own x Hedkandi Beach Party and Models Own Sophies' Pink

The weathers been amazing in the UK this weekend, so hot and sunny! So, I thought I'd try out my first leopard print nails in the two bright summery colours I picked up. I'm quite pleased with the result for a first attempt - I really want to get the white nail art pen to try some pastel nail art too.


I'm taking part in Mani Monday this week over at Glitter and Gloss



Friday 25 May 2012

# 10 little secrets

1. What is one beauty product that makes you feel a million dollars?


Perfume - wearing your favourite fragrance can just give you a bit of a boost on an off day I think.


2. What is your skincare secret? A passed down skincare tip?


I love using face masks, my skin feels so nice after using them. I've been using the Lush Cosmetic Catastrophe at the moment - smells of blueberries, so good! I want to try some of the other ones now!


3. Share your haircare secret.


Dry shampoo - for days when I just can't be bothered.. ha.


4. What is your biggest diet rule?


To not follow diets... I just try and eat healthily and allow myself treats occasionally.


5. Any workout tips?


Haha.. working out isn't my strong point! I do enjoy swimming though which is a good form of exersise.

6. What perfume is your secret weapon?


I really like summery scents at the moment like Daisy Eau So Fresh and Rihanna's Reb'l Fleur smells amazing -really coconut-ty. A sexy fragrance has to be Fergie's Outspoken, it smells like iced berries and black leather ;)


7. A piece of clothing that turns heads.


Just something I feel confident in I think, maybe shorts or a pretty little dress.


8. What is your most treasured piece of jewellery? 


The necklace my boyfriend got me while he was on holiday in America. <3


9. Who is your style crush?


Oh gosh, I have lots! I love Rihanna's style when it's more laid-back and off-duty and Zooey Deschanel always looks amazing in what ever she wears. But yeah, I really love quite pared back style, like boots and a slouchy sweater nothing that looks too "done".


And Carrie Bradshaw obvs as a SATC addict... that girl can wear anything and look amazing IMO.


10. Tell us something we don't know about you.


I used to play the clarinet and the saxaphone at school... I wasn't very good though!


I took part in Mind Block Monday this week over at After 9 to 5!



Thursday 24 May 2012

lush happy blooming

Happy Blooming Luxury Bath Melt: £3.85 from Lush

Now, I must admit that bath melts aren't my favourite Lush products - I much prefer the bubble bars or bath bombs that produce bubbles or fizz around the bath, but I just had to pick up this one. It smells delicious! Like marzipan and cherry bakewells. Yummeh!

I quite liked that it is divided into 3 sections - so you can just snap off however many sections you want to use and pop them in the bath. As you can see, I used one, but I didn't find the scent strong enough for my liking, but I do like really strong scents in the bath, so that might just be me! I think I'll use two next time though.

If you're a big fan of bath melts and like sweet, marzipan smells, then I would recommend this. At £3.85 though it works out a bit pricey if you use more than one section per bath.

Have you tried this? What is your favourite Lush bath product?


Saturday 19 May 2012

current trend crush: mermaid

1 2 3 4 5 6

Currently I'm really liking the Mermaid trend; the combination of metallics and aqua colours are just so pretty and great for both the spring and summer.

Topshop have some great picks; this metallic top and shorts combination remind me so much of the Louis Vuitton show, really girlie and fresh and I'm going to have to pick up that nail polish in Cosmic Karma, a perfect metallic ocean blue.

I'm also loving this Lipsy necklace for just a nod to the trend, it looks really luxe and I think it's a steal at £14... so tempted!

Are you crushing on the aquatic look too?



Thursday 17 May 2012

may wish list #1


It's been a while since I've done a wish list, money is a bit tight at the moment! That hasn't stopped me lusting after certain items though...

1. I've spotted a fair few bloggers wearing this Zara Leopard shirt and I think it looks lovely to pop on with jeans or leggings for a bit of a smart/ casual outfit.

2. Swatches of these new Nails Inc Sprinkles polishes look so cool. I want them all! They look pretty unique to other polishes on the market I think. Can't wait to try them.

3. Total lust item. I love boots and studs, so these Topshop ones look a dream.

4. After lusting after a UD Naked Palette for a fair while I've seen a few good reviews of Stila's In The Light palette, which looks pretty similar for a little bit less. So, I'm pretty tempted to get this instead when I can afford it.

What do you think of my little wish list? Do you have the same items on your lust list currently?

I was inspired to write this post by Mind Block Monday on After Nine To Five. This weeks topic is Picture Posts, check it out there is some great ideas on there!


Wednesday 16 May 2012

utopia mix


Just wanted to show how lovely Ibiza Mix looks layered over Models Own Utopia! I think it looks just perfect for spring, so cute. Kind of reminds me of the new Nails Inc Sprinkles polishes.. what do you think?

 xx

Tuesday 15 May 2012

graduate fashion: toni stott


 Reading the new issue of Company, Toni Stott's amazing collection just jumped right out of the page at me and struck me instantly as something that was just my style and I would most definitely wear. Her work was featured as part of an article showcasing recent fashion graduates and their search for 8 graduates to guest-edit their October issue, which I think is a great way to support fresh talent and I'm looking forward to reading.

 The collection is described as an "off-duty modern-day ballerina" look and that's why I love it; all the pieces are very feminine, yet at the same time look so wearable and effortlessly chic. I'm really digging the floaty fabrics, soft colour palette and sportswear influences.

What do you think of the latest issue of Company and Toni's collection?

xx

Friday 11 May 2012

models own x hedkandi disco heaven





Disco Heaven; a pretty gold glitter with little flecks of blue. I just had to get both of the glitters from the Hedkandi collection!

Thought that all gold nails would be a bit much for me though, so I painted my ring fingers with Disco Heaven and the rest with Models Own Utopia. I really like these two polishes together. Think it would look lovely over bright polishes for the summer too.

xx

Saturday 5 May 2012

models own x hed kandi ibiza mix

Models Own x Hedkandi Ibiza Mix: £5 from Boots

So, I got my mitts on Ibiza Mix - possibly the most-blogged about nail polish of the moment, with good reason in my opinion! #mustbelove

This is the one that struck me as a must-have from the Models Own x Hedkandi collection. It has larger hexagon shaped glitter and smaller glitter in an array of colours including; blue, pink, gold, sea-foam and lilac, suspended in clear polish. Looks amazing in the bottle, but even better on the nails. It took about two generous coats to achieve this effect, but I did find it applied better if you dab it on, rather than brush strokes and was a little runny. Apart from that application was fine.

After lusting after this polish for so long, I'm so glad I got it! Might try layering a white or nude like Models Own Utopia underneath next time.

Have you tried this polish? Did you love it too?

xx

Thursday 3 May 2012

cosmo blog awards 2012

If any of you lovelies enjoy reading my posts and would like to nominate my blog for Best New Beauty Blogger in this years Cosmopolitan Blog Awards that would be amazing!! I think awards from established magazines like this are great for bloggers.

Head to http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/blogs/cosmo-blog-awards-2012/cosmo-blog-awards-2012_nominate if you fancy nominating your favourite blogs in the various categories.

xx

Wednesday 2 May 2012

lush twilight bath bomb


Twilight bath bomb: £3.15 each


So... I treated myself to a couple of bath things from my local Lush store the other day, including the Twilight bath bomb, and I have to say I am really really impressed, I am so glad that I picked it up.
According to the Lush website: "If you are struggling to sleep, then this is perfect for using in the evenings. With lavender oil for when you need a bit of extra help to wind down.
We’ve added visuals to this bath to help your mind let go and embrace the night time. Twilight dissolves to create a growing sunset that gradually gets darker until you are finally left with the glimmer of stars.
 To round off the night-embracing effects of this experience, the fragrance is based around the comforting smell of a malty night-time drink
With lavender and tonka oils at the heart, there are also notes of caramel and malt to enhance a sense of comfort and reassurance."
Now I was pretty stressed out when I got into my bath and I do actually feel a lot more relaxed and chilled out after using this, it hasn't made me sleepy as such but I think it probably would if I were to use it just before bedtime. It is a pretty one too, starting off with a white and pink foam and then turns the water an indigo blue, like the dusk sky with lots of little pieces of iridescent glitter. I loved swilling the water round and watching the glitter catch the light; like twinkling stars. Very cool!


This has to be my favourite Lush product that I have tried so far (just beating Mr Butterball). As well as being visually impressive, it smells amazing too. It wasn't too strong, which is good and I could definitely smell a malty drink and gingerbread-type scent which was lovely. And afterwards my skin smelt like vanilla and caramel... delicious!
xx

Tuesday 1 May 2012

fragrance favourites: harajuku lovers baby


So, I thought I'd do a little series of posts on my favourite scents...

 This fragrance has to be my favourite at the moment; it's from Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers collection of scents and it's called Baby. Firstly, how freakin' cute is the bottle?!? The little doll has pastel pink pigtails!! I'm such a sucker for anything pink and girlie, but that aside it's a really lovely scent.

Baby is described as a vanilla floral, although I can't personally smell floral, but the vanilla smell is definitely there along with a light baby powder smell. I love anything that smells of vanilla, so if you love vanilla too, I would definitely recommend this.

xx

Tuesday 24 April 2012

maybelline forever strong pro

Maybelline Forever Strong Pro Porcelain Pink
Without flash

With Flash

Bought this on a bit of a whim to be honest, as I needed another item for the 3 for 2 in Boots a few weeks back. I actually really love the colour, it's like a strawberry milkshake-type baby pink which is so easy to wear. If you are remotely girlie girl you'll probably like it. Despite loving the colour, I did find it a little tricky to apply because the formula was a bit too runny for me and took a little while to dry. I can overlook that for the colour though I think!

It dries really glossy, which personally I really like and has lasted a good 3 days so far without any major chipping and that's without a top-coat. On the bottle it claims to last for up to 7 days but I don't usually keep one colour on that long, so I can't really vouch for that!

Anyone have any recommendations for polishes similar to this one, preferably OPI or Models Own? I'd love to hear them!


xx

Monday 23 April 2012

ootd boux avenue event

Bag, Sweater and Dress: All New Look. Shoes: Dorothy Perkins

Excuse the jacket slung over my arm haha - it was boiling indoors but tipping it down outside!

This is what I wore to the press preview at Boux Avenue last week; I don't normally post outfit photos but I really liked this outfit, so I thought I'd go ahead and post it anyway.

Wanted to wear something pretty and lacy, hence the dress but to also keep it casual, as it was daytime and I was spending time in the city afterwards, so I popped on the grey slouchy sweater over the top and pumps. My bucket bag is from New Look, I love it! I can fit so much into it and it goes with everything!

xx

Thursday 19 April 2012

lush dorothy bubble bar

Lush Dorothy Bubble bar: £2.99

I brought this in my local Lush, along with the amazing Butterball bath bomb last week, after being obviously drawn to the cute little rainbow and the lovely marzipan-y smell. I wasn't blown away by this bubble bar but it did smell nice and does what it says on the tin eg. produce lots of lovely bubbles when you crumble it into the water. None of the other bubble bars really took my fancy so I think I would buy this again when I fancy a nice bubble bath.

 Apparently, this has the same scent as the Figs and Leaves soap, so I'd quite like to try that and use them together. I used the whole bar, but next time I would probably break chunks off so I could get more than one bath out of it, so I do think it is worth the £2.99 price tag.

Have you tried the any of the Lush bubble bars? What are your favourites?

xx

Tuesday 17 April 2012

boux avenue 10th store event!







I was kindly invited along to the press preview at the new Boux Avenue store opening in my home town Norwich this morning. I'm really quite pleased to have a new lingerie store in the city, think we needed something fresh and exciting and I had a lovely time checking out the latest store to land here.

The store itself has quite an upmarket feel to it; very neat and well-presented, everything has it's own place and room to breathe, so that it doesn't look cluttered at all and is really easy to browse. Additional sizes are kept in little pull-out drawers, which I think is a great idea; makes it so much easier to find the size you are looking for and keeps everything looking lovely and organised. I had a little look round the fitting rooms too and thought they felt luxurious; you can check what your undies look like in day and night lighting, which is a nice touch. And there are boyfriend chairs! Score!

Yummy pastels
Lovely lace
Ballerina chic


Hello Sailor!

Onto the items themselves; there is a good mixture of classic basics and cute, fun pieces. I think this brand really seems to cater for everyone's tastes and there are lots of different styles that look on-trend and supportive. I loved all the candy shades, broderie anglaise and lace plus the ballerina slippers and little key rings! They also stock nightwear and swimwear; I particularly liked the fun slogan pyjamas above.

The new store can be found in Merchants Hall of Chapelfield Norwich!

 xx

Thursday 12 April 2012

soap & glory lip moisture balm

Soap & Glory Lip Moisture Balm in Chocolate Cherry: £5 from Boots
This is my new favourite thing; I've been using it almost everyday this week after I bought it after work on Monday, I love it! It really does taste amazing, just like chocolate and cherries and does a good job of moisturising the lips. It is slightly tinted, but it's a very natural looking pink colour on the lips, nothing too offencive! You can also get it in Peach and Coconut if Chocolate and Cherry isn't your thing.

 The price-tag of £5 does make it a bit of a splurge item, but I would definitely say it is worth the money if you fancy treating yourself and it should last for quite a while as you get quite a bit of product in the tin.

Is there any other Soap & Glory products you'd recommend? I'm pretty new to this brand, but after trying and being very impressed by their felt-tip liner and lip balm I want to try more! xx

Wednesday 11 April 2012

models own indian ocean

Models Own Indian Ocean: £5 from Boots

Indian Ocean is part of the Models Own Beetlejuice collection of duo-chrome polishes; they describe it as "A calming iridescent blue with soft pink undertones" which I would say is right on the money personally! They do have other shades in the collection (there is 5 in total) but Indian Ocean was the only one that really jumped out to me as a must-have to be honest, as I'm not usually a fan of duo-chrome polishes and I found the other shades a little bit meh.


Close-up of product in the bottle

 I applied one coat and it applied so easily! Although it is quite sheer it is quite enough for a subtle look. Surprisingly the pink undertones take centre stage once applied which I was disappointed about at first, but it's actually grown on me really quickly as it makes it a lot more wearable for everyday. Just don't expect it to look exactly as it does in the bottle!

 I know this probably reads as a little bit negative ,but I'm actually really pleased with this polish and I would definitely recommend it for the summer. :)

xx

Sunday 8 April 2012

lush fluffy egg


Now, I'll confess I haven't really tried a lot of Lush products, but I love the concept behind their brand and tend to go in the store and look round a lot and end up not buying anything. But last week I picked up this cute little egg-shaped bath bomb Fluffy Egg from the Easter range as a little treat. It smells really sweet when you buy it, kind of like a dolly mixtures or candy floss type scent which is almost overpowering, but once it's dissolved in the water it's a lot more subtle and really quite relaxing. Turns the water bright pink too!



Kind of missed the bubbles, so might try one of the bubble bars next, although Butterball and the luxury bath melts sound quite tempting too... but I'll definately be going back to Lush soon! 

xx

Friday 16 March 2012

my (fantasy) spring topshop wishlist

I think Topshop has some gorgeous pieces in at the moment; this is my fantasy wishlist for Spring; I say fantasy as I don't think I can even afford the pair of (very pretty lacy)socks until at least payday! Oh dear...

1. Laser-cut collar - I'm lusting after this so bad.. I love tops with little peter-pan collars and this little collar is so cute. The fact that its laser-cut makes it totally stand out to me from other collars on the high-street. And the nude colour makes it perfect for spring.

2. Pink and cream ombre sweater - Spotted this on the We Love page. I love the light colours and the ombre effect and the little studs on the shoulders. Might be love!

3. Cream tunic - Fell in love with this tunic after spotting it on Milkteef's post a while ago. Looks so pretty and girlie without being too over-the-top. Not sure what it would look like on me though - I think the shape could look a bit odd..

4. Blue lace socks - Loving pastels and lace right now. Very summery and girlie. These would look so cute with flats. May actually be able to afford them come payday!

xx

Sunday 11 March 2012

Loving: Candy-dyed Denim and Studs


After spotting this post on the Topshop blog about The Ragged Priest has totally made me want to get my bleach and fabric dye on. I want studded vintage shorts in every colour please?!? Think I will customise some old denim pieces I have and keep my eye out at vintage fairs for denim cut-offs - and of course I need some candy colour dye. Quite like the pastel colour blocking look going on in the image above from their lookbook. Lovely. 

My picks from The Ragged Priest

xx

Wednesday 7 March 2012

Lovely Jewellery: Disney Couture


I just discovered the Disney Couture range of jewellery on Truffle Shuffle. It's a really awesome collection of jewellery that pays homage to Disney's most popular characters and stories in a cute and kitsch but still grown-up and very pretty way.

My favourite piece on my Disney Couture wish list are the baby pink Cinderella bangle which declares Have faith in your dreams, which I think is a lovely mantra and one that I will always try and follow. I also lovely the delicate Believe ring - I think these style rings always look so nice and subtle on; especially on my little girly fingers!

So, if you love Disney or even just anything fun and kitsch then Disney Couture is definitely worth a look. xx

Monday 27 February 2012

Top 5 On My To-Read List


 2.

3.


As you can probably tell from my choices; I'm a huge sucker for romance novels...rom-coms, chick-flicks, SATC. 

Haha I'm such a girl. 

I liked that these all seem to have a bit of a twist on traditional romance novels from the blurb and seem pretty popular, so I'm looking forward to reading them!

4.

I'm really enjoying coming up with ideas for jewellery and creating pieces at my silver-smithing class. I also have an interest in both fashion and design; so I'm really keen to read this book to get a peek at the creative processes behind the pieces created by jewellery designers.

5.

I've seen and enjoyed the movie based on this book - so I'm pretty intrigued to read the original story to see how they compare. 

I'm currently reading Never Let Me Go and it is SO SO good, I can't recommend it enough. Really makes you think.

xx