Guest Post: Duty Free Lust List

Hey girls!

It's Rachel here from Twenty Something Beauty. Today I want to talk to you guys about a condition of mine that I'm pretty sure some of you share: Duty Free Shopping Madness. You know the feeling, you're walking through the airport casually minding your own business when suddenly the bright lights of duty free catch your attention, before you know you're in there with a basket full of pretty shiny things you had no intention of buying. There is something about the whole excitement of going on holiday that makes me think 'Yes, I deserve a treat, I will buy this thing that was far too expensive before! Because I AM ON HOLIDAY!'

Cue all my friends and family groaning in pain as they see me galloping off towards the MAC counter as fast as my little legs can carry me. I have one friend who has threatened to leave me in the airport this year if I disappear again...

So this year I have decided to write a Duty Free Lust List. A specific set of products that I know I want in advance and will hopefully stop me gallivanting round like a crazy woman swatching everything and its baby on my hands.

Here is my very pared down list: believe me it was the hardest thing to cut out the other 10 things I had on it!

1.YSL Rouge Volupte

I already have one on these in shade 1 (Nude Beige) from a previous Duty Free haul and I absolutely love it! Silky, soft and simply gorgeous looking on the lips, it is a sure contender for my favourite lipstick ever. I definitely want to pick up another shade in the airport this time, preferably a peach/coral like Tender Peach (13) or Fauborg Peach (30), and am open to suggestions of good colours! 

2. Guerlain Parure Extreme Foundation in 02

I had a makeover at Guerlain using this foundation and I absolutely loved it. Full coverage without looking cakey and the most beautiful matte finish make this foundation second top of my wish list. I did originally want the Lingerie de Peau but the SA recommend this one as it is slightly fuller coverage and I have to agree. Considering the state of my skin at the moment full coverage is most definitely needed! 

3. Armani Code Summer

I guess you could say the original Armani Code is my signature scent. Dark and sensual its the perfect night time and winter perfume/ Usually I dislike 'summer' versions of my favourite perfumes but I really enjoy this one. It still has the uniqueness I associate with the original but is slightly lighter and more floral. A lovely summer scent.

4. MAC Lipsticks

I say this in plural because there are a few shades I want to pick up: Shy Girl, Creme d'Nude, Impassioned and Russian Red being the main ones. I've made a little list over the year from seeing swatches on some of my favourite blogs and these ones came up trumps. Will probably get an equal number of nudes and brights because although I am trying to get into wearing brighter lips I still have my 'nude days' where I just want a pale lip.

5. YSL Poudre Sur Mesure Semi Loose Powder

This has been on my lust list for an age! Ever since I read a glowing review of it I've wanted to get my hands on it. I find it really hard to find a powder I like, partly because my skin changes so much and partly because I'm so fussy. This one seems to meet all my requirements for creating a nice veil of radiance over the skin. Plus how can you not love the sheer luxurious packaging with its solidity and gold sheen?

So that's my Duty Free wish list girls! Please tell me I'm not the only beauty addict who plans in advance what they are going to haul. Anybody going on holiday who has much the same idea? And what have been your favourite Duty Free purchase?

Rachel

xxxx

Guest Post: Summer Shopping

Today Nicola from www.thetinyatelier.blogspot.com shares her top picks for your holiday wardrobe.

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So, if you've chosen to escape from the decidedly hit and miss summer weather in Blighty this month and head for warmer climes you may be on the hunt for a few extra pieces for your holiday wardrobe. But who wants to spend as much as a week in the sun on sarongs and sandals? It may be a few key pieces you're after or it could be a full suitcase of fashions and this is where high street sales are your shopping saviour. Even better are your favourite brand's websites as they offer up a wide range of stock that might not even be available in your local store - plus nothing's easier than shopping from your desk, especially you can often return items in-store if they're unsuitable. So arm yourself with a glass of wine (to get you in the holiday spirit) and a note of your measurements and get shopping - here's our top picks for casual nautical chic, summer evening boho and beachside cool that could save you £179!

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Guest Post: 9 Beauty Essentials I'll Repurchase

Hey girls! My name is Sofia and I write the blog Sofia’s Journal. Amy was kind enough to let me post over here whilst she suns herself in Mauritius – thanks Amy!

As an avid reader of beauty blogs (and someone who features beauty a fair bit on my own blog) I’ve always wondered just how much my favourite beauty bloggers really love the items they give rave reviews to. It’s easy enough to say you love a product but it’s really saying something when you put your money where your mouth is and repurchase. 

So, today I want to share you with you the 9 beauty essentials I’d repurchase in a heartbeat. Some of these I’ve already bought many times over. I’d love to get a little tag going to – so if you have your own blog, how about sharing yours? Or leave your list in the comments section of this post!

♥ Pearl drops whitening toothpaste, £2.09 

♥ St Ives Apricot Facial Scrub, £3.99

♥ Max Factor Lash Effect Mascara, £10.99

♥ St Tropez Everyday Gradual Tan Body, £11.90

♥ Morocconoil Hair Treatment Oil (trial/travel size), £12.85

♥ Tweezerman Mini Tweezer, £14

♥ Philosophy Purity Cleanser, £17.50

♥ Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer, £18.50

♥ LipFusion Colour Shine, $38 (so hard to find in the UK now!)

Thanks for reading girls! Tell me, what are your all time favourite products and the ones you’ll buy again? If you have any questions about the products I’ve included here leave a comment and I’ll check back to answer your queries! 

Sofia x

Guest Post: Be Beach Beautiful

Today's guest post is brought to you by Lucy from http://www.lucyjoslittlegems.blogspot.com/
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Ah, so finally the summer is here! And I’m guessing that you’ll all be jetting off pretty soon, to somewhere fabulous and not to mention…exotic? Somewhere perfect, that allows you to catch up on that much needed sleep, to get away from the places we all know too well, and to soak up a bit of that always enjoyed sunshine. I know I definitely am! Well maybe not somewhere exotic – in fact Cornwall is my destination of choice, it may not be everyone’s dream but it’ll provide the girls and I with somewhere to relax, and do all the things that we don’t get the chance to do at home. We’ve got waterskiing lined up coupled with a surf day and festival to enjoy. I just hope it doesn’t rain! Haha - either way we’ll be rocking the waves with these 5 tips to be beach beautiful this summer…

1. The Tan!

Yes, I know it’s the all dreaded task – coating yourself in some lotion/potion/foam/spray, lounging in your baggy clothes, and then hoping and praying that in the morning – even though you may smell like a biscuit – that you’ll be a streak-free, bronzed goddess. Fake tanning is something I’ve been trying out for the past year or so, and I would always say that without a doubt the St.Tropez Bronzing Mousse does the job beautifully. However at £20 mark my wallet said otherwise. Then came the day that I was browsing the Superdrug shelves and I discovered Solait. 

Now after hearing good things about other foams and mousses by various other brands I decided to take the plunge with their Self Tan Foam in Medium/Dark and no regrets, it was the best risk I’ve ever taken - fake tan wise of course. It coats evenly (I apply with a mitt), gives a rich but not too dark colour, has a weak but still apparent coconut scent - which is actually rather nice, and looks genuinely natural. I’ve had so many questions from people asking where I’ve been, or how my holiday was, but honestly the furthest I travelled was to the local Superdrug store in town. 

2. Fashion

So we’ve got the tan sorted, and I’m presuming we’re going to need something to enhance it, give it a new lease of life? (ok not that far, but we still want it to look fab – yes?) Right, well now we’re going to have to spruce it up and find something amazing that will enhance your tan to the max. The answer? Brights. Yes I know, odd - but true. The brighter you go the more intense your tan will look. And just a warning, this doesn’t work with all bright colours, for example red. No no no, put this on a super tanned body, and you’ll clash. Badly. But there is one bright that nearly everyone is loving this summer – Coral. In my opinion it looks amazing on any skin tone, and is really fashionable. So with that, really easy to get hold of, whether it’s printed on your bikini or painted on your nails, it will look super chic! 

3. Sun Protection

Sunscreen! The one thing that we’ve all been told about again and again, so let me tell you once more – there are a ways to get a tan without harming your skin but there are no ways of getting rid of the damage once your skin has been burnt. So apply it morning, noon and night; everywhere and anywhere – so that your natural flawless skin stays that way. 

4. Makeup

Natural, fun, and most importantly waterproof. For me the one product that acts as a holiday must-have is a waterproof Mascara. I love curling my lashes and then coating them with the waterproof formula of Maybelline’s Falsies mascara. It dries well, and doesn’t move unless it has to. Obviously I’m not recommending going scuba-diving in it, but for on the beach, lounging around, with the occasional dip in the sea/pool. This is perfect. The waterproof formula also holds the curl much better than regular mascaras, so even if your not on the beach – I would still give it a go! 

As for face makeup, I would recommend Rimmel London’s 25 Hour Foundation. This really stays put and even though is not advertised as waterproof, it does a good job of it! Benefit’s She Laq is also a good thing to go for, if your looking to water-proof any other areas of your makeup. For lips, stick with tints and stains, as these are designed to remain on your lips all day! Here are some other products I love for summer…

5. Hair

Also invest in some fashionable headwear for the occasion, as it’s not just your skin that can become damaged by the sun. Your hair can dry out quickly in the heat, so the best way to prevent this is shielding it from the sun, and then washing it with a sun protecting shampoo. These are specially designed for holidays, and also help to wash out salt and other damaging chemicals.

Hope this helps!

Speak Soon,

Lucy Jo x

On Our Wedding Day...

Today... 

I look into the eyes of my best friend 

The one with whom I can share anything with

My deepest hopes and heart-filled dreams

Inner fears and sheltered insecurities

My most warming joys and overwhelming triumphs

All future journeys that I have left to encounter

This and more I know I can share with you 

Today... 

I take pride in my best friend

With admiration I look upon you and smile

For all that you are and all that you do that makes me so proud 

Every part of you that I have come to adore

And for all those parts I have not yet learned

I will live each day from now on cherishing you with honour

Today... 

I share my soul to my best friend

My most prized possession which no other has been given

I give it with great confidence and trust

Because with you I am at peace and I know with you it is safe

You give to me a warmth that I keep with me always

And what else can I give to someone who has given me so much

For you have opened my eyes to see a love, which before you I was blind to 

Today... 

I am marrying my best friend

For I know now God put you here to be my partner

Knowing even before I, 

that you were the one I would live to love guiding me to this aisle, 

He knew your hand would be waiting here for me to hold

Graciously leading me here to you and allowing us to share this moment together

So I could begin the rest of my journeys through life, happily ever after with you.

…...My Best Friend

What's In My Wedding Bag?

With the wedding now so close I'm organising the smaller details and preparing my little bag for the day. I wanted something sparkly so when I spotted this bag in Accessorize it was perfect for the occasion and I thought it was reasonably priced at £30. 

Elnett Hairspray

 My hair drops curls and volume quickly so my back-up plan is to take a can of mini hairspray in case I need it.

LED Compact Mirror

With all the photo's that will be taken, a mirror is a must-have to check makeup and ensure there's no lipstick lurking on the teeth or flaky mascara!

Cath Kidston Tissues

 I thought it wise to come prepared. Whether it be for tears or a runny nose if my hay fever strikes, my pretty tissues will be at the ready.

Hello Kitty Mints

With all the guests I'll be greeting I want to be minty fresh but nobody wants to see a bride chewing gum. This tin contains discreet little mints which dissolve quickly.

Bloom Blotting Tissue

I suffer from an oily nose, so these will be essential to keep it shine free throughout the day. I love the cute little packaging and the pastel pink blotting sheets which are lightly fragranced.

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Other bits and bobs I'll be taking...

Daisy Purse Spray 

For touch ups throughout the day to keep me smelling beautiful.

Backcombing Brush

If my hair needs a little added oomph during the evening I will have my brush at hand for some va va voom hair.

Makeup

Eyeliner, lipstick, lipgloss, powder, blush - all the little essentials for touch ups.

Guest Post: Fab Feet

To kick off the guest blogging today we have a post written by Jenny, my sister-in-law...
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We are now in the height of summer and I don't know about you but my essential footwear is the trusty flip flop. I must have about ten pairs...bright colours, sequins, stripes, neutrals...I have a flip flop for every occasion! The only problem with these fabulous summer essentials is that your feet have to be in tip-top condition. Wearing Uggs all winter does nothing to help prepare your foot for this sort of exposure! That's where the Body Shop Peppermint Pack is a must:


Peppermint Soothing Pumice Foot Scrub - £7

This is the first treatment in the peppermint pack and is to be applied in the shower. The first thing you notice is the gorgeous minty smell. It's not overwhelming but just smells refreshing and uplifting. It instantly cools your feet and the volcanic rock exfoliates leaving you smooth and soothed.


Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue - £9

After using the scrub, this thick moisturiser will just add to the smoothness and that fresh feeling. It compliments the scrub perfectly, but can also be used on a daily basis (before bed in my case) and smoothes away all the dry or cracked skin on your heels. Again, that peppermint is a perfect cooling smell for the summer.


Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray - £3

Perfect to have in your handbag, this spray is refreshing and ideal for hot feet. It is instantly revitalising and after a hard days shopping, it helps to soothe tired, swollen feet.

For more products ideal for summer, visit www.thebodyshop.co.uk

Guest Post: Sleek Pout Paints

Today's post is brought to you by May from May Loves Makeup...

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Hi girls! I'm really excited to be guest posting on Amy's beautiful blog! She kindly sent me some of the new fruity flavoured, Sleek Pout Paints to play with and over the past week I've been enjoying mixing up various shades from these bright little tubes!

I've had Peachy Keen, Pin-Up, Peek-a-Bloo (to warm your lip looks up) and Cloud 9 (to lighten up your shades) to get creative with!

Pout Paints are being hailed as the drugstore alternative to OCC lip tars thanks to their comparable staying power and high pigmentation, because of this they're best applied to your pout with a lip brush!

The best thing about these fun little gems is that you can mix them up to create different shades and dupes, whatever takes your fancy at the time! Here are some recent lip looks I've created with Pout Paints!

I, somewhat predictably, started with a pink lip, with Pin up and Cloud 9 you can create as deep or as pale a shade of pink as your little heart desires!

Next I mixed Peachy Keen and Cloud 9 for a true nude look!

These last two looks are made mixing Pin-Up, Peek-A-Bloo and Cloud 9, more blue creates a sweet lilac shade...

and more red gives you a beautiful, rich, berry pout!

There are 11 shades of Sleek Pout Paint to choose from and you can pick them up for £4.99 each! They're so much fun!

May

xxx