Wednesday 26 February 2014

The BEST lip stain and liquid eyeliner...in my opinion



My new Limecrime Pink Velvet Velvetine is here! I love this stuff so much, the colour, pigment and ease of application are beyond perfect and it stays on throughout the day. They are bringing out the Clueless Witch collection in March and I literally can't wait! More Velvetines to add to my stash! Blackmilk Clothing are also bringing out a new collection in March...Game of Thrones!!!! It's gonna be an expensive month for me for sure...

This eyeliner can't be matched for staying power... Gosh used to do pretty much the exact same product and when they suddenly discontinued it I was mortified! This liner doesn't budge, even after I've washed my face, the black line on my eyelids often has to be separately removed with cleanser. When I test an eyeliner in a shop I put a line on my hand, let it dry and then lick my finger and try to remove the line... Seventeen Tattoo Me Liquid Eyeliner doesn't budge! I was so upset when Gosh discontinued their version that I sent them a few emails asking what I was meant to do now at all of my rainy British festivals! They didn't reply...and I now buy one of these every time I go into Boots! (Lesson learned...)



You can buy Limecrime here.

Have you tried Limecrime yet? Do you have a favourite liquid eyeliner?

Katy xx

Saturday 22 February 2014

Limp Bizkit, Models Own Banana Split and Smelly Boys...



So this douchebag took me to see Limp Bizkit and Crossfaith last night, probably should be a guilty pleasure but I'm not ashamed, they're always rad! I've seen both bands a few times now and Limp Bizkit didn't disappoint, with Guns 'n' Roses and Nirvana covers, a ukulele and Wes Borland wearing Hawaiian flowers and a posing pouch...yup. Fred Durst also threw a shoe... Crossfaith were as awesome as usual, if you haven't listened to them, you're missing out! Check out Monolith here and their cover of Prodigys Omen here, and then get ready to throw yourself into a mosh pit... The annoying lady behind me kept shouting about how smelly all the boys were, and telling everyone that passed to wear deodorant... It might be that being 5ft2 has made me immune to man stench, or at least tolerable, as at all gigs/festivals I seem to be at perfect armpit level, but seriously? You're at a nu metal gig! Did you think everyone would be clean, fresh and shaven? Why are you here?


Tried this t'other day. Loving the scratch 'n' sniff, totally smells like banana! Awesome colour (yellow can sometimes just look like you smoke 60/day...) but alas again, it lasted a day, I think I just suck at nails.

Have u tried Models Own? Do you have a guilty pleasure band? (I have another serious guilty pleasure band that I'm sure I'll share at some point!)

Katy xx

London Fashion Weekend tomorrow!! Wooooooo! :0)

Friday 21 February 2014

Facial spritz, Eye Cream, Night Cream and more cream




These are the products I've been using this week...

Anatomicals Spray Misty For Me facial spritz

Balance Me extra care Wonder Eye Cream

Docteur Renaud Raspberry Soft Cream

Monu Extra Rich Night Cream 

Click on the product name to take you to the website.

Anatomical facial spritz
100ml RRP £6

I didn't really get the point of this product until I thought about a festival situation, then I got it. This will be coming to every festival this year! I always take off my make-up at festivals but with a wipe so my skin never feels properly clean. After a spritz of this my skin genuinely feels refreshed! Also great for festival mornings.

Balance Me extra care Wonder Eye Cream
15ml RRP £20

I like this. It makes my eye area smooth and hydrated, and I love that it is 99% from natural origins. I've only been using it for a week so I'm not sure I can comment on how well it gets rid of fine lines and dark circles but I have noticed my eyes are generally brighter. I usually use the No7 eye cream.

Docteur Renaud Raspberry Soft Cream
50ml RRP £25

This cream is awesome. The smell is a little sweet for me but I can overlook that. It hydrates well, it doesn't cause any irritation and it absorbs easily. After applying, my skin is matt not shiney (rare) and the texture is magical. I would definitely buy this.

Monu Extra Rich Night Cream
50ml RRP £36.95

The only thing I don't like about this cream is the smell, I'm not sure what it is, maybe the sandalwood? I would still spend out for this cream though, even from the first use my skin was 100% improved. It says it's for very dry, dehydrated skin, mine is that, but only on the cheeks from windy dog walks and the odd run! It doesn't make the rest of my skin greasy and it hydrates my dry bits like a dream!

All these products combined must be a good combo for me because my skin looks fab at the minute!

Have you tried any of these? Do you have a favourite festival product?

Katy xx


  • Also just found out I'm off to London Fashion Week and have front row seats! Super excited! Have you been? Xx



Wednesday 19 February 2014

Oberon Jewellery


If you're looking for incredible, bespoke, handmade with love jewellery, then you've found it here! Top picture is me with some of my collection from Oberon Jewellery . What I LOVE is that I can text/instagram/Facebook/email Sarah with a completely random idea, and she gets excited about it. With every piece you can tell how much thought has gone into what will work best for you,  and no two items are the same.



My all time favourite is the narwhal bracelet, I can't express how happy it makes me every time I see it! This was an idea I had whilst daydreaming about narwhals and Sarah made it come to life for me. I also have a thing for bears, unicorns and Alice in Wonderland. 


There are also many one off pieces already made, if you are looking for inspiration or just fancy buying something unique. Like the fox ring below, I spotted this and had to have it! There is also a matching necklace I have my eye on...


Check out Oberon Jewellery on:
Etsy
Twitter  
Facebook
Instagram

Seriously, there's literally no end to her talent. What's your favourite piece of jewellery?

Katy xx

Tuesday 18 February 2014

Knitting, Valentino, Mac, Rimmel and Nail Disappointments...


So I finished my bow scarf today, yay! I loooovvveee it! Wanted to knit it in baby pink but couldn't find the perfect shade, pink will be next! If you knit and would like the pattern, you can buy it here. Everything this lady designs is absolutely beautiful and a little bit quirky! Check out Stephanies blog Tiny Owl Knits


So this was my valentines present (yaaaaay) :0) . Valentino Valentina Acqua Floreale is one of my fave perfumes, I was gutted when they discontinued Valentino V. It has 'notes of bergamot and orange blossom that mingle with the heart of neroli, mimosa, tubers and jasmine. The oriental base is made of amber and patchouli.' I don't know what any of that means but it smells awesome...


Always pleased with the Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate lipsticks, the Rosetto 101 doesn't disappoint. Easy to apply, lasts, easy to reapply, great pigment, fab price. What more can I say, buy it, you need it... I paired it with my MAC lip pencil in Hip 'N' Happy. I used to use this with 'snob', before I lost it...I don't wanna talk about it...I'm still sad. 


This was in the glossybox haul my friend gave me, I can see why she didn't keep it. This is Ciate nail polish in pocket money, £9 to buy and apparently a best seller. The website describes it as a 'fudge nude', which I guess is pretty accurate, I just don't like it. It's not a colour on me, just doesn't suit my skin tone I guess. The actual polish is real great, even finish and amazing pigment. I would definitely buy, in another colour. Plus I'm a little bit in love with the cute bow on the bottle!


What's your fave perfume/knitting pattern? Have you tried Ciate?

Katy xx

Monday 17 February 2014

Red Lipstick Red Lipstick Red Lipstick




It's no secret that I love red lipstick, I do have some purples and pinks but I always revert back to red. After a little clear out I've realised how many I own, most are super similar in colour to! My fave in the group is the limecrime and my least fave is the apocalips. I thought I'd do a mini review on each. Here goes!

Left to right...

Brand-Topshop Lips
Colour-Hazard


One of my favourites!  Generally my go to lippy, always in my handbag, easy to go on, easy to re-apply and stays on well.

Brand-Limecrime
Colour-Red Velvet


All time favourite!  Goes on impeccably,  doesn't transfer to teeth, is a stain so it lasts and lasts. Goes from liquid to Matt. Even though it's a stain you don't need to use a lip gloss/moisturiser afterwards as it doesn't dry out your lips. You also don't need to use a lip liner as the brush is so defining.  It is ALSO completely animal friendly and vegan! What more could you ask for?! If you haven't tried the limecrime range, get thee to www.limecrime.com immediately!

Brand-Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate
Colour-Rossetto 107

Another go to lipstick. Only realised i had two when i started this post! Thought i was really clever always taking it from the car and having it in my pocket, when in actual fact i just had one in each...duh. Colour stays well, re-applies well and doesn't dry out your lips. Like the pigment in this one particularly. 

Brand-Christian Dior Diorific
Colour- Rose Abracadabra 003

It's a goodun, i've had better and worse, i think for the amount it costs you can probably get a better pigment and coverage. It could be more appropriately priced, and then i would be more inclined to buy it again. As it is, this is my spare spare...disappointing. 

Brand-Seventeen Stay Pout
Colour-Infared

Love this one. Much the same as the Rimmel lasting finish. Good coverage, pigment and lasting power. I have this in a few colours and none of them disappoint! Unlike mini kinder eggs...there's no tiny toy inside...

Brand-Royal Effem
Colour-Rosso Labbra 021

I think a friend gave this to me, probably because its sticky and generally goes all over your teeth.Cheers 'friend'.

Brand-Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hr Cololr
Colour-Cherry Pie 542

Haven't used this for ages. Good points are the pigment and durability. I'm not a fan of faffing about and i find when applied, i then have to wait for ages with a silly face whilst it dries. Then after that you have to apply the moisturising end (which i always run out of first!) and once you eat or drink it tends to flake. The limecrime is a better version of the same type of thing. Did i mention i love limecrime...
Limecrime...

Brand-Seventeen Lasting Finish
Colour-Showbiz

I forgot i own this but another one that at some point must have been a handbag favourite! Now i prefer the Seventeen Stay Pout or Topshop.

Brand-L'Oreal Color Riche
Colour-Cassis Passion 376

I'm not keen on this shade but the lipstick itself is ok. It doesn't have great lasting power and is a little slimy? (can't think of a better word!) 

Brand-Barry M
Colour-156

Not true to pigment, doesn't stay well and i generally don't like it, i don't know why i still have it!

Brand-Rimmel Apocalips
Colour-Big Bang

The name of the colour is the only thing i like about this lipstick. I find it heavy and sticky, it comes off on my teeth and it smells funny. 

I would like to try the Lush lipsticks, has anyone tried them? They are more expensive, for good reason in my opinion, but are they worth it?

Katy xx


As you can see my top 5 are all pretty similar! Top left is the Limecrime you can definitely see the difference!

Have you tried it?



Friday 14 February 2014

Glossybox backlog!


One of my fab friends already receives her glossybox once a month but doesn't use everything she gets. Lucky me because she gave me this haul! I will try to write about bits and bob's when I use them but as a lot are creams, I will need to use them for at least a week to gauge how much I like/dislike them.

This week I've been using;

Yves Rocher Cocoa & Orange Hand Cream
Rituals Magic Touch Cherry Blossom & Rice Milk Body Cream
Dermalogica Clear Start Foaming Wash
Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream
Figs & Rouge Coco-Rose Lip Balm
Balance Me Super Toning Body Wash
MeMeMe Cherub's Blush Cheek and Lip Tint

Click on the brand to go straight to their website...


Dermalogica Clear Start Foaming Wash

First of all, I love how the lid opens on this, it literally makes me smile every time I use it (simple things...) I'm not even gonna tell you what it does, just get it. Unlike other 'foaming' washes it doesn't actually produce a 'foam', which is just an observation, I'm not too bothered! Other skin clearing products tend to dry the skin but at no point has my skin felt tight or sore. Smells pretty darn good too, kinda like ginger ale, and it's definitely cleared my skin. I would totally buy this.

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream

I can't pretend I don't enjoy the name, and I definitely don't include the -... childish it may be, but again, it's the simple things! (Well done if you don't understand what im talking about, you are officially a better person than me) This smells kinda like vapour rub, which is a plus for me as it's my nostrils that get particularly dry (is that a weird thing?) and because of the vapour rub smell it's oddly comforting! That said, it's a great moisturizer, perfect for my handbag when I'm caught short because of my weird nostrils...

Rituals Magic Touch Cherry Blossom & Rice Milk Body Cream

This...Smells...Heavenly... it moisturizes amazingly, it absorbs into the skin almost instantly  so when putting on skinny jeans straight afterwards you aren't hopping around like a lunatic and did I mention the awesome smell? Only (mini) downside is that a little doesn't go a long way. I am an e everyday moisturizer and would get through this super quick. That said, I would definitely buy this again, my skin is so soft!

Figs & Rouge Coco-Rose Lip Balm

 I don't dislike this product but I doubt I will buy it one it has run out. It's quite heavy, almost like a body moisturizer. The colour tint is subtle to a point where it's barely visible, and it smells slightly odd, well it's not unpleasant, just...odd.

Balance Me Super Toning Body Wash

I'm not sure how much this tones, but it has made my skin feel softer after a shower. The consistency is quite gloopy, so I think I use more than is necessary. It smells awesome, with a mixture of juniper, bergamot, geranium and lavender. Also all ingredients are 99% natural origin, which is good in my book.

Yves Richer Cocoa & Orange Hand Cream

Another product that smells delicious, I want to lick my hands when I'm wearing this... or just sniff them, either way makes you look unhinged. I do pole fitness and get calluses on my hands (gross) but this has definitely helped. I usually keep a hand cream in my bag and use it whenever I remember, being a hairdresser means my hands get abused by water and chemicals, so I try and moisturize as much as possible to avoid ninety year old hands at age thirty! I would buy this, it smells ridiculously good.

Mememe Cherub's Blush Cheek and Lip Tint

This is Benetint by Benefit. I can't find any discernible difference. Like it on my lips under a clear gloss, have a habit of making myself look like a doll when it's on my cheeks as it dries before I've sorted my life out.Yesterday I had pink lines on my cheeks all day, I'm a rubbish girl...

Have you tried any of these? Do you get a glossybox? What's your favourite product so far?

Katy xx

Wednesday 12 February 2014

Blackmilk clothing and Zebras?



I bought this today :0) this has made me super happy! I have been lusting after it for what seems like ages and at Christmas a certain someone gave me a Blackmilk voucher, so the time was now!



I already have quite a stash of  Blackmilk Clothing, these are a few items I have in my ever expanding collection.

The Lord of the Rings leggings get a HUGE amount of attention, they're pretty geeky, and they make your butt look great... I love that I can wear any of the leggings in the day or night, just stick on some chunky heels and a leather jacket/blazer then you're good to go! This will be my first skater skirt from Blackmilk so I hope it doesn't take too long to arrive, I might burst! It is an Australian company and the skirt I've gone for is made to order. (Only an extra seven days) 
The clothing always fits amazingly, I love that you don't see a whole heap of other people wearing it to. It's like a secret club, you know it when you see it and you have to sidestep up to the other blackmilk groupie to show your appreciation! 
You know those girls who wear leggings and a short top, but don't realise that you can see what brand their undies are because of the fabric stretch? Yeah, Blackmilk leggings don't do that...bonus.


If all goes well, this will be my next purchase me thinks, loving velvet right now!

Lastly, whilst pootling around today, me and my bff found a top with Zebras on,  to which she said 'look, that tops got Zeebras on...' no...it's a Zebra...

Do you own any Blackmilk Clothing? Do you say Zebra or Zeebra?!

Katy xx


You can find Blackmilk Clothing here

Tuesday 11 February 2014

'Accidental' purchasing...


Oops, I popped into Boots and 'accidentaly' bought a new lipstick and nail varnish. A few posts ago I tried the Seventeen Gel Colour nail polish, which claims to last up to 8 days. This was just after three applications;


It actually lasted one day before chipping :0( I was super disappointed. So today I bought the Rimmel Salon Pro by Kate in 712, Rhythm & Blues. 


I LOVE this colour! Unfortunately I can't get a great pic, but it's almost black with a hint of blue. It goes on easy and only needed two coats, plus it dries crazy quick! Will let you know how long this one stays on for, it claims it can last up to 10 days, we'll see!
The Burts Bees lemon butter cuticle cream is something I use often. I get really dry cuticles that tend to split a little. This is one of my favourite nail products, it makes my cuticles and nails soft without being greasy, it refreshes and smells fantastic. Plus it is all natural and cruelty free!


Think I scared a few mums at school drop off with these lips :0) This is probably the other colour I wear most apart from red. In the picture above I'm wearing MAC Lip Pencil in Nightmoth and Collection Gothic Glam Lipstick in 2, Scorned. I also wear just the MAC liner on its own as it is long wearing and has a Matt finish. The lipstick is ok, it is quite wet when it goes on and if you try to blot,  it tends to wipe away. Needs less moisture and more pigment. 
The lipstick I bought today is the Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 101, Rossetto. I won't try it today as I'm already purple!

What was your last 'accidental' purchase? What are your favourite lipstick colours? 

Katy xx

Monday 10 February 2014

My favourite EVO products


I use Evo on a daily basis, if not at work I use it on my own hair at home.

My all time favourite product of theirs is the Haze. There are many similar products out there, but of all I've tried, this is by far the very very best! It doesn't feel sticky, it gives volume to the roots and texture to the ends. If your hair drops for any reason a quick rub totally re-works the product giving you instant volume and texture in one step. I love that this is the easiest product to use, ever! Literally you just sprinkle it into your hair like a salt shaker and rub in...Done! See...idiotproof hairstyling.


Evo colour intensifying conditioner is your answer to the fade between salon visits! Blonde got a little brassy? Red more pinky/copper right now? This is what needs to be in your bathroom, it is your saviour. Not only does it give you back your colour confidence, it tones, adds heaps of shine, moisturizes and makes the general public jealous... It is available for blondes brunettes reds AND coppers, all you gotta do is wash your hair, towel dry it, spread it, wait three mins then wash off! Easy as pie, but wear gloves, it can make you look like you've been kneading beetroot...

Icon welder, hot tool shaper. In the salon I use this before curling/hot rollers/straightening, actually before any process involving heat...cause that's what it's for! Totally protects your hair from heat and humidity whilst also holding in place. I use this sprayed on each section as I GHD curl (great tutorial here). When the curls are brushed out they retain their shape better and for longer. Used with the Haze in the roots as well you have a solid base for a hair up or plenty of volume and hold for your curls.

If you have curly/wavy/colour treated/bleached hair end doctor will change your life (in so much as you will have more time because less of it will be spent fighting with your mop). Can't express how much of a difference this product makes. It seals your cuticle and makes split ends vanish making your hair more manageable, less frizzy and just awesome. All you have to do is put it in mid lengths to ends and leave it! Easy. I forgot to take a before picture but this lovely ladies hair is coloured, bleached curly and prone to frizz, the picture below is after a quick dry off...not straightened...amazing.

Gluttony volume shampoo and conditioner. I think this is one of the hardest shampoos to get right, fine hair can be a bummer, but not with gluttony! The shampoo gently cleanses and adds volume whilst the conditioner literally makes your hair feel bigger, but isn't heavy (it's like the book of answers for fine hair havers...) Does give you volume and manageability... Doesn't weigh down your locks. Perfect.
 Weak, bleached, breaking hair? You need mane prescription protein treatment. I do it all the time, one minute I'm blonde, then blue, then red, back to blonde, and every time I change colour I'm totally damaging my hair. This treatment used at least once a week seriously strengthens! The more it goes on, the stronger your hair gets (don't leave it on ALL  the time, that's just silly). Not only does it strengthen, it prevents fading and breakage. Just slap it on wet hair, shave your legs (or just do nothing for 3-5 minutes, but that seems like bad time management?)  Then Rinse Off!

Last of all, Evo products are sulphate, paraben, dea, tea and propylene glycol free. All packaging is fully recyclable, damaged stock is given to charity or homeless shelters and none of the products are tested on animals.

I hope this at least a little helpful? Let me know your thoughts on Evo? If you wanna try any products, we always encourage our guests to test them out at lkhair, and it would be lovely to see you, we also have great coffee :0)

Katy xx

Friday 7 February 2014

Eyelash extensions & Coconut ice





I LOVE eyelash extensions. I'm lucky enough to have reasonably long eyelashes naturally but I would still have lash extensions constantly if I could afford to! 
These are the extensions we offer at lkhair, check out the website for pricing. When I'm feeling particularly poor I only have a quick half an hour application, but this is plenty for me! The above picture is about an hours worth (each one individually applied). Once they are on I hardly even notice them, they are comfortable and reasonably soft, only word of warning would be if you wear glasses it's probably best not to go too long as you won't get them on!
I wear a liquid liner on my top  lid almost everyday and they seem pretty resistant to th No7 cleanser I use, although your technician will advise you on what's best, avoid oils is the main thing.
Paula Elvey is undoubtedly the best eyelash (and HD brow) technician I've used to date and is well worth a visit!


Almost forgot about the coconut ice! Every time I have my lashes or brows done I make Paula her favourite...old school coconut ice ! She says it's totally better than the shops! Not that I'm encouraging everyone to make her sweet treats when you visit, she'd be an elephant...

I also ordered more limecrime makeup from the velvetine range today in Pink velvet...super excited to receive it! 


Have you tried eyelash extensions? What were your experiences? Have you ever made coconut ice?!


Katy xx

Thursday 6 February 2014

Pay day treats!


I shouldn't be allowed to shop alone! I could possibly get away with 'needing' mascara, but definitely not anything else here... I haven't tried the Seventeen Gel Colour yet because I want to do a separate post to see how long it lasts. It claims up to eight days wear, but anything over three would be great for me. My nail polish never seems to last longer than three days tops.


This is the Seventeen Colour Switch in Lilac. I never expect too much from cheaper nail polish, so this was a surprise. It glides on easily and gives even coverage. The picture above is just one coat, It wasn't necessary to do another. This isn't a colour i would usually choose, but change is good! I like the fact that it looks mostly silver with a hint of lilac. Will let you know how long it takes to chip!


I'm not going to lie, I totally bought the (needed...ish) mascara because it's called 'miss manga' and it makes me think of awesome anime eyes! If you also love anime eyes you should definitely check this gorgeous lady's channel out here http://youtu.be/WC6WTQXere4 she also does rad make up tutorials.
This mascara is amazeballs, this is one coat, possibly my best random buy yet. Down points are that it is quite clumpy, I imagine after a few uses it will be difficult to get the same separation seen here.

The sculpting brow mascara is definitely something i need to work with more. This is my first time using any kind of mascara on my brows and i do like that it sets them in a shape, as mine are quite long (and in need of a wax...apologies!) I think maybe it would be better over my usual eyebrow pencil? Any advice on this would be great!

On another note, I'm thinking of getting the 'glossy box' once a month, has anyone tried this? Is it worth it or is there a better option to try?


Katy xx


Products;

Seventeen Gel Colour, Azure Amore
Seventeen Colour Switch, Lilac
L'Oreal Mega Volume Miss Manga, Black 
Maybelline Browdrama, Dark Brown