Exciting News: Taylor Swift Makeover with Tanya Burr

I have a confession to make, the last couple of weeks I have been keeping a secret from you guys. A secret that has been bursting to come out. The secret is...I had a Taylor Swift makeover by the talented Make up Artist and YouTuber Tanya Burr! Trust me, it has been difficult not to spill the beans, I wanted tell you all about it straight away, but I thought it was best to wait until the video was up and running so that I could include it here.

I have been watching Tanya's videos and reading her blog for a long time now, so when the opportunity arose to have a makeover by her for the DailyMixTV channel she recently became a host on, I jumped at the chance. It was wonderful to meet her, she was just as lovely in person as she is on screen and most importantly, very chatty, which kept my nerves at ease while having cameras pointed at me. Although this was my first time on screen, I'm not sure I'm a natural on camera! In addition to meeting Tanya, it was also incredibly interesting listening to her tips and watching her choose the products to achieve the look. I especially loved the winged eyeliner, something I have been using most days since. She did a truly amazing job, and I plan to track down some of the products used so that I can recreate the look myself!

Here is the video for my Celebrity Makeover:

The makeover was also a great excuse to have a day out in London! My Boyfriend and I don't usually have much time off work together so it was an incredible luxury having a weekday off to spend as we pleased.  I flaunted the look all around London, feeling like a Celebrity with my immaculate make up! We had a gorgeous Lunch of Bruschetta (my favourite), then took our time walking around shops and taking in the sights. I also made sure we went to Selfridges to check out all of their fantastic counters.

I had a really great time being made over in the style of the gorgeous Taylor Swift, and hugely enjoyed meeting and shooting with the lovely Tanya Burr and the DailyMixTV team!

What does everyone think of the look?

Catriona

x x x

New Hair: Blonde Locks!

Straight after having my hair coloured.

After a couple of washes.

Ok, admittedly not very Blonde, but the Blondest I have been in years. I go through stages with my hair, I'll love it one second, and the next I'm thoroughly bored of it, and that is exactly what happened this time. When I had my fringe cut in, I was in love! I didn't feel the need to use any heat, so would merely wake up, curl my fringe with a big round Brush and I'd be ready to go. However, the fact that it needed to be trimmed non stop did not help its case. I gave up going to the Hairdressers every few weeks and took the trimming into my own hands (scary!). This was fine for a while but in the end I gave up, terrified of making a wrong cut every time it needed trimming. 

Needing a new look, I weighed up my options. Adamant that I'm growing my hair I couldn't drastically cut it, so I decided that the next best thing would be to have it dyed, and what better colour when you're jetting off into the sun soon than Blonde! True, I was scared of frying the ends of my ever growing mane, and I won't lie my hair isn't in the best condition its ever been in, but deep conditioning has become my best friend which is helping to nurse it back to health! I went for highlights, which included some honey and very light blonde colours, as well as my original colour. I am so happy that I took the plunge and plan to add more highlights the next time it needs colouring - a while away yet, I'll let it regain its strength first!

Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend!

Catriona

x x x

Top 5 Red Lipsticks: The Search for the Perfect Red

As the Snow continues to rain down, and the UK turns into a Winter Wonderland, I have been wearing a Red lip an ever increasing amount. I find Red a perfect shade for this time of year as it adds a pop of colour to an otherwise dreary day. 

A strong Red lip is one of my favourites as it makes a look instantly elegant. It radiates confidence, even having the power to become a person's signature look, as evident by the gorgeous Marilyn Monroe. However, finding the perfect shade of Red is a whole other story. Some may like bright, vibrant Reds, while others prefer a dark Vampy Red. Individual preference plays an important factor in the hunt for your own Perfect Red. As a person who loves Lipsticks, I thought that it was about time to introduce you to my own Top 5 Reds!

Maybelline Super Stay 14HR Lipstick in Non-Stop Red

-Maybelline Super Stay 14HR Lipstick £6.99-

A recent favourite, this shade provides a vibrant red with Orange undertones. The texture is very matte, without being drying, and lasts for hours. 

Rimmel: Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in 01

-Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick £5.49-

Kate Moss' Lipstick in 01 is a dark, chic lip with a creamy texture. While I must admit that the Lipstick does not succeed in maintaining its vibrancy, for this amazing colour I certainly do not mind reapplying.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Candy Apple

-Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter £5.00-

This Lipstick is great as an everyday Red. It is a gorgeous subtle colour which moisturises like no other lipstick I have tried, meaning it has a lovely gloss! I recently wore this in my Rapid Whites review.

Barry M Lip Paint in 121 Pillar Box Red

-Barry M Lip Paint £4.49-

I have fallen head over heels for this one. Being a bright Tomato Red, it is almost close to being Orange. Not only is it comfortable on the lips, but it has amazing longevity. I wore this in my last review for the NARS Laguna Bronzer.

MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red

-MAC Russian Red £14.00-

One of MAC's most well known, Russian Red is a matte dark Red shade with quite Blue undertones, which allows your teeth to look at their most pearly White. Perfect for a sophisticated look.

From Left to Right: Maybelline Super Stay, Rimmel: Kate Moss Lipstick, Revlon Colourburst, Barry M Lip Paint, MAC Russian Red.

If I were to choose one shade which I class to be my perfect Red it would  be MAC's Russian Red. This shade oozes class, while being versatile enough to be worn both day and evening. It also provides a gorgeous true red which can be difficult to find. With one swipe of this bold colour, I feel confident and ready for the day!

Which is your favourite?
 I would absolutely love to hear any other recommendations!

Catriona

x x x

NARS Laguna Bronzer

I am very happy to announce to you all that I have purchased the NARS Laguna Bronzer. I know...about time! I have always heard amazing things about this Bronzer, but not having a NARS nearby has made it difficult to put it to the test. However, on visiting London recently, I specifically went to the NARS counter in Selfridges so that I could try out this Bronzer for myself. I am no Bronzer fanatic, I think I've owned two my whole life, but thinking about the fact that I am going to be in Australia, (fingers crossed) catching the sun soon, I felt that I couldn't leave my face pale!

Laguna is a gorgeous Bronze colour with a hint of golden shimmer which provides a natural looking healthy glow, keeping you well away from the muddy look. While it can be used all over the face, in the picture above I just used it to contour my cheekbones, jawline and temple. I noticed that it stayed all day without budging, and gave a lovely warmth which I think would suit any skin tone. While it is a little expensive, in my opinion it is worth the money not only because of the amazing quality of the Bronzer, but also the fair amount of product you receive for your money.

I did not use Bronzer everyday before, but after using NARS Laguna, it is now a firm staple of my everyday routine. I really cannot say enough good things about this Bronzer. Now to try out more NARS products! I have my sights set on their Blush in Orgasm next.

Catriona

x x x

Rapid White 5 Minute Tooth Whitening Strips Review

Hi there!

As some of you may have seen from my Christmas Haul 2012, I received the Rapid White Tooth Whitening strips this Christmas which claim to be the UK's first non-peroxide dissolving strips. Within the pack, you receive 14 pouches, each pouch containing a upper and lower tooth whitening strip and an accelerator. To apply, you simply dab the accelerator onto the teeth you would like to whiten, and then press on the strips. I noticed that I had an overhang of strip at this point which I tucked under my teeth. After this, they start dissolving in your mouth and the majority of the strip will be gone within around 5 - 10 minutes. Then it is up to you whether you rinse or don't rinse. It tells you to do this for 7 days twice a day. .

On application, I didn't find them difficult to press onto my teeth. They didn't slide around at all or fall off the tooth, and there was no mess as no gel was involved. The taste was not bad either, it merely tasted like mint which was quite nice! However, I found that the strips hurt the inside of my lips a bit, and made my gums a little sensitive when later brushing, even though it claims to be a mild treatment. I also ended up having small bits of strip that had not dissolved in my mouth for a long time, until I eventually rinsed them away.

After the first application I definitely noticed that my teeth were a shade whiter, however as I continued to use them throughout the week I can't say I noticed a huge change. I used them exactly as instructed, including following the instructions for best results, i.e. not eating/drinking for 15 minutes afterwards and not running your tongue along the front of your teeth, but I'm not sure it helped. Overall, I found these whitening strips to be fairly average. While I do think that my teeth are slightly whiter, they unfortunately did not give me the gloriously white teeth I was after. 

Has anyone else got any tooth whitening recommendations?

Hope you're all well!

Catriona

x x x

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub in My Boy Lollipop

With flash, it makes it look even more neon!

I have been eyeing up this Lip Scrub for a while now, debating the necessity of it. I do get dry skin on my lips and tend to exfoliate them everyday, so I reasoned that it could be a good investment. Thankfully, I was right, and I love it! The scrub is made from Castor Sugar and Organic Jojoba Oil, so you simply buff it onto your lips, then lick off any excess and apply lip balm! A huge pro is also that it both tastes and smells just like bubblegum! After use my lips stay soft and smooth all day. It also creates a great base for my lipstick, which sometimes I can find quite difficult to achieve. Dare I say it? I think I've found another staple in my daily routine! There is also a delicious sounding Popcorn flavour which I am yet to try.

Catriona

x x x

Topshop Haul

 I had an exciting delivery in the post today, my Topshop order! 

Topshop - Studded Biker Jacket £50

On a recent night out with some friends my favourite leather jacket was stolen from my seat! As you can imagine, I was not best pleased. Its loss was mourned of course, but I cannot be without a leather jacket for long. They go with everything and instantly make an outfit look stylish. So I was very happy when I found this gem (I'm very particular about my leather jackets), even more so as it was in the sale. I think that the stud detailing gives the jacket a unique quality and the fit is gorgeous, although I did buy a size up from my regular size on reading reviews that it fits small.

Topshop - Grey Marl Hooded Top £15

This was a pretty spontaneous buy when I was online purchasing my jacket. I was in dire need of a new Hoodie as, yes I admit it, my old one is full of holes. It has been loved thoroughly all the same! I got this in my regular size and it fits really nicely, neither too small nor too big. It is also incredibly soft. I can tell this is going to be a non-stop wear.

Topshop - Washed Multi Zip Backpack in Black £35

I've been looking for a Rucksack which I can take on the plane with me to Australia, and that I can fit all my various possessions in when I'm there, as I'm not too keen on the idea of leaving my valuables in a Hostel. I think I can safely say that this is perfect for both those needs, and is another one which goes with everything. I'm sure it's becoming more and more obvious that I love the leather look!

Catriona

x x x