My Favourite Thing: Stationery

Hey Beauties,

So slightly a different post from me today...Today I will be talking about my favourite thing in life, the small pleasures and things that make me really happy.

A perfect day for me is to blog, a time to go through everything I loved that week and share it with you beauties.

Recently in particular I have loved getting new stationery. When it comes to stationery I am a sucker for it so much so that my colleagues in work give me their hand me down files for which I customise with some stickers or bring it back to life in one way or another.

So I thought I would share with you my new loves of my life in form of stationery;

My Diary, Note Book and favourite Gloss

 

 

Inspiration Book I have had since I was 19

Inspiration Book

My 2010 Elle Beauty Notes I have saved

2012 Benefit Event

 

xoxo

Un-Spoken Beauty Products: Hair Removal

Hey Beauties,

You know the drill we get up every morning shower, apply our makeup spritz our self's with perfume and shave our legs...wait what? I hear you say?

Yep that's right beauties why is it when it comes to the real essentials in life we tend to not speak about it or sometimes not blog about it?

Sure when it comes to feminism we have a choice whether we want to shave or not its completely up to you but today I want to talk to you about shaving...

I personally like to shave and when it does come to shaving I can be really sensitive to certain shaving products that's why I am always on the quest to find products that are perfect for my sensitive skin and really does work.

Luckily I have found two products that really do work for me and they are;

Nair Brazilian Spa Clay 200ml £6.69

This is a formula that I have never seem before when it comes to shaving, which is perfect for when your on the go and  have sensitive skin. In total this should only take you 5 minutes to complete and comes with everything you need including a spatula!

Instructions for use;

1. Ensure skin is clean and dry, then using the spatula provided apply a thick even layer of the cream. Wait 1-2 minutes before entering the shower.

2. Once in the shower leave the cream on the skin for at least 3 minutes with little exposure on water going on the cream.

3. After 3 minutes taking the spatula test a small area, if the hair doesn't come off allow a little more time (2-3 minutes) then take the spatula and remove the hair.

4. Once completed rinse the product off with water - do not rub or use soap. And volar! No hair!

Nair Ultra Precision Upper Lip Kit 20ml (each) £5.50

Now I am really funny when it comes to getting rid of upper lip hair, I do not shave (never ever shave your upper lip!!) and I don't like to wax it so this particular Nair product was a blessing in disguise for me;

Nair Upper Lip Kit gently removes un-wanted facial hair, the precision tip allows precise and easy application when removing the hair and is fragrance free!

Directions for use (part 1 Hair Removal);

1. Ensure skin is clean and dry, gently squeeze tube to dispense the cream with the applicator and spread a thick even layer to cover the hair. (Do not rub in) Leave for 5-6 minutes.

2. After 5-6 minutes test a small area if the hair doesn't come away, leave for a few more minutes (do not exceed 10 minutes)

3. Gently wipe off cream along with the hair with a damp wash cloth and rinse thoroughly, do not rub or use soap to clean off and pat area gently with luke warm water.

Step 2 (Moisture After Care);

1. Apply moisturiser and gently massage into skin.

2. Close tap tight after use.

Overall I am amazed at the results that both these products have given me and I think my skin is too...

To purchase both these products please visit any local Boots, Superdrug and ASDA for stock lists.

http://www.boots.com/en/Nair-Brazilian-Spa-Clay-Shower-Power-Cream-200ml_1249917/

http://www.boots.com/en/Nair-Upper-lip-kit-20ml_865526/

xoxo

Celebrity Makeup Launches - How Do You Feel About Them?

Hey Beauties,

Is it me or does the cliché of 'celebrities' supporting a Makeup brand out-dated or does it compel you to buy the product?

I must admit when I see celebrities advertising makeup products it does lead me to think are they in it for the money? Or do they genuinely love the product? This however may not always be the case that I may think this. When it comes to certain celebrities I really like or a particular brand I am adore I am somewhat more inclined to buy it...

Never alas there is three amazing celebrities teaming up with some fantastic brands this year to create some stunning products...let's take a look shall we?

Rihanna MAC

This beauty is teaming up with MAC to promote the cult lipstick Rooby Woo which is universally known, along with a number of other MAC products.

Cara Delevingne YSL

YSL Baby Doll Mascara

The latest edition to the mascara collection at YSL promises to magnifie your eyes through the innovative structure of dual-length bristles. The multifaceted brush alternates thick, widely spaced bristles to coat and magnify your lashes, while finer, more closely spaced bristles define even the shortest lashes, one by one, from the root to the tip.

The result? Volume that can be customized to suit any women’s desire for a false lash effect without touch-ups for 24 hours and judging by the video its all Cara's own lashes!

Lisa Eldridge Chanel

Lisa has been an ambassador of Chanel for two years now and you know when Lisa loves something we will all love it. As well as Chanel products being luxuries you know they really work, here is a selection of some new Chanel products;

Le Volume De Chanel Mascara

 

Chanel Les Beiges & Kabuki Brush

This Chanel Les Beiges is a powder foundation that adapts to your skin tone and goes onto the skin smoothly especially with this Kabuki brush (which is literally the softest brush in the world).

Beauties tell me if you are more inclined to try a product if a celebrity supports it or do you buy products because of the brand? Let me know beauties...

XOXO

Exclusive Interview: Zoe Griffin

Hey Beauties,

As much as we love blogging sometimes we need a helping hand...and that for me comes in the form of Zoe Griffin author of 'Get Rich Blogging' and owner of 'Live Like A VIP'. I caught up with Zoe to discuss all things Blogging, Beauty and Fashion...

Blog/Website

A: You have your book 'Get Rich Blogging' which goes in depth on ways to make money and have fun with blogging. So when did you create your first blog?

ZOE: I created a blog called zoegriffin.co.uk in 2009. It wasn’t great. www.livelikeavip.com started in August 2011.

A: What skills have you taken from being a columnist and adapting this to blogging and running your website 'Live Like A VIP'?

ZOE: Contacts. Blogging is all about who you know. The more people you know, the more links you can exchange online which helps with SEO. Also, to be invited to parties or to get sent products to review you need to know PRs. Being a columnist helped as they approached me all the time.

A: What do you like to write about on your 'Live Like A VIP' and who is it aimed at?

ZOE: Celebrity gossip and fashion advice so we can all be like stars. Aimed at anyone who wants a better life without spending a fortune.

A: What do you like and dislike about running 'Live Like A VIP' ?

ZOE: I thought I’d work less hard than I did at the Sunday Mirror, but in fact I work more. As its my own business I cant switch off. I am addicted to blogging! However, the upside of this is that I don’t get shouted at (I don’t shout at myself). Also, its so satisfying when something good happens as you know it’s a direct result of your own hard work.

A: How has Blogging affected your life? You have your book Get Rich Blogging and your own website Live Like A VIP as well as meeting top celebrities.

ZOE: It’s improved it by miles. The first thing I do when I wake up is go online, read blogs and Twitter and look at newspapers online and it’s the last thing I do before I go to bed. To be able to make a living doing what you love is a fantastic feeling. Sometimes I get invited to fabulous parties like the BAFTA awards. It felt good when I attended them for the Sunday Mirror but it feels better when I get invited because of my blog as it makes me feel ‘official.’ I would be bored doing anything else.

A: What has been the biggest achievement with 'Live Like A VIP' and 'Get Rich Blogging'?

ZOE: With Live Like a VIP the biggest achievement was getting accreditation to the Cannes Film Festival, meeting Robert Pattinson and then getting that story covered on Perez Hilton (who linked back to www.livelikeavip.com). With Get Rich Blogging, I’ve loved doing all the TV interviews. I recently did an interview with Channel Nine – Australia’s biggest TV channel – which was pretty awesome.

A: Can you give us any advice for future bloggers and columnists?

ZOE: Set yourself a target because it’s easy to give up if you don’t have a destination in mind. The goal might be a certain amount of traffic or a challenge to sell a certain number of ads or both but have a figure in mind. Then NEVER give up. You will reach your goal if you stay working towards. Even if you think you’ve failed, you haven’t – you just need to take a different route. You only fail when you give up so do not give up!

Ask the Beauty
 

A: What are your favourite Skin Care products that you use?

ZOE: Face B4 wash – I love the foaming action. Then I use Face B4 serum and finish with NUDE moisturiser. At night I use Face B4 and some NUDE pro genius oil.

A: How did you become an ambassador for Face B4?

ZOE: A company called Medichem International read my blog and asked me to try it. When I revealed I liked it, they asked me if I wanted to get involved spreading the word and earn commission. As the title of my book is called Get Rich Blogging, I knew I needed to do what I say and earn the commission.

A: What are your favourite Makeup products that you use?

ZOE: I either use Mac or I use Bobbi Brown. Seriously, my friends think I am boring. Bobbi Brown for day, especially the gel pot eyeliner and their brown eye shadow. Then Mac foundation and concealer and blusher. I love the blusher. Normally a nude mac lip-gloss. The only thing I have that’s not Mac / Bobbi Brown is Benefit Bad Gal mascara.

At night, I vamp it up a bit with grey mac eyeliner to go with the Bobbi Brown mascara. Or I keep the day eyes and add bright pink Mac lipstick. I need to stand out.

What's your motto in life?

ZOE: NEVER GIVE UP! YOU CAN DO IT!

Well beauties I think you can agree with me that this was an inspiring interview. A special thank you for Zoe for taking time out of her extremely busy diary to talk to Alifeinbeautyam.

Check out Zoe's website Live Like A VIP on http://livelikeavip.com/ 

xoxo

Welcome To The World Of Eye Shadow

Hey Beauties,

 

Now as you know I am not one to wear eye shadow, in fact it is out of the ordinary for me to even attempt to wear eye shadow (I like to have my basic cat eye liner and doses of mascara) However beauties I can confirm that I have been using eye shadow of late and have fallen in love with it!

 

What (I hear you saying) is the one eye shadow to change that girl? Well beauties that is;

 

Loreal Color Infallible 004 Forever Pink £6.99

 

The formula is a mixture of a shadow, pigment and a high -lighter in one. The shadow is the perfect combination that can either provide a light or more of a buildable coverage.

As this shadow is very pigmented (I use my middle finger as this has the most heat) to blend the shadow in, however you can use a eye shadow brush it just depends on your preference.

The shadow provides excellent coverage without any creasing or drop down which is a huge bonus when using this shadow. The shadow has the basic colour of pink while under-tones of it provide a little shimmer, which can act as a highlighter and in some cases is most defiantly worth using for the inner and lower (under the lashes) of the eyes. 

In terms of packaging I find it adorable and don't be fooled by the size of it! A lot of product fits into this little gem and is after all the perfect fit for the handbag.

 

5/5 Product Rating

 

Beauties have you tried any of the Loreal Eye Shadow Range?

xoxo

The Beauty Edit - End Of April Favourites

Hey Beauties,

April had been a great month for new product launches and that only means one thing at Alifeinbeautyam... Spending time! There is three products in particular that has been a selection of favourites in April;

Chanel Les Beiges Powder

 

Wow what can I say about this product...just look at it! It is a very welcome change packaging wise as it is now pure white with a CC black logo. The formula of the powder is light and is build able. The scent of the powder is that of the Chanel Hyrda Cream, which is a pleasure to apply and the scent is magnificent. The powder amazingly adapts to your skin tone within 3 minutes and depending on the colour it turns out you can add more. It is suitable for all skin types too! One word... AMAZING!!!

Chanel Les Beiges Kauki Brush

 

This brush is the softest brush I have ever used. This brush works perfectly with the Chanel powder foundation. The brush stores well too as this is a retractable brush which means you can keep it germ free while it stands looking pretty!

Collection Cover & Go

 



This foundation is a great alternative to the Illamasqua Natural Balm Foundation range. It also come's with a concealer and a mirror...so handy on the go!!!

What's been your favourite products this month beauties...

XOXO

The Edit: My Top Five Foundations

Hey Beauties, 

 

Foundation has always been a number one must have on my list and let's face it...you can't go wrong with having a little glow on your face right?

 

When it comes to foundation, I like to keep it simple with a true match to my skin tone, therefore I switch between using BB Creams, Powder foundation/gel to HD formulas.

 

I like to regularly switch my routine as my skin tends to 'get' used to a product, so beauties below are my top five products;

 

Left to right; Collection Cover & Go, Illamasqua Skin Base, Dior BB Cream, YSL Touche Eclat, Chanel Les Beige

 

 

Collection Cover & Go

Read the full review here; http://alifeinbeautyam.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/saturday-post-i-want-collection.html

Illamasqua Skin Base

This foundation has a medium coverage formula that smooths, softens and conditions the skin while maintaing a natural buildable coverage. This foundation is perfect for HD recording and pictures and can be used for dramatic/stage Makeup.

Dior BB Cream

This BB cream is pefect if you are after the ulitmate barly there/real skin you can get! It smooths onto the skin like a dream and smells of roses. This BB cream does have a pink undertone to it which can be a slight problem when you have a dark or yellow skin tone but just make sure to blend blend blend! If you have a pink skin tone this is perfect for you!

YSL Touche Eclat
Read the full review here; http://alifeinbeautyam.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/my-holy-grail-foundation-ysl-touche.html

Chanel Les Beige Powder Foundation

This is a latest addition to my collection and I can honestly say after never owning a powder foundation before as my skin tends to be so dry I use this powder foundation everyday. It works like a dream. It is suitable for all skin types and can be builded from light to medium coverage, all you need to do is buff the powder into the skin, await a minute for it to sink into the skin for which the powder naturally 'matches' with you skin tone. Depending on the coverage you want you can always buff more powder into the skin. The formula is fantastic and if you like scents this is the perfect one for you as the formula is the same as the Chanel Hydra Beauty Cream and smells exactly the same! One word...Beautiful.

Let me know your foundation routine and products beauties...

xoxo