Thursday, August 30

When Megs is Away | Hair Care Guest Post | Made Up of Little Things

Rachael is literally one of the kindest ladies I've had the pleasure to 'meet' over the internet. So I was super happy when she offered to post for me whilst I was away....

MAJOR hair envy going on here.

Hi! I’m Rachael and I blog over at www.madeupoflittlethings.com. Megs has kindly allowed me to take over her blog for today whilst she is away sunning herself in Italy (jealous much??) I thought I’d take the opportunity to share my haircare routine as I thought it might appeal to Meg’s blog friends – I for one LOVE reading about other people’s haircare! My hair is fairly long and has dry ends as I'm in the process of lightening it, so I like to try to give it as much TLC as I can. Here's how I look after it;


Wash
I shampoo twice as I have oily roots and I always use the same shampoo as I have a sensitive scalp.  I have found the perfect shampoo to combat this – L’Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Pure Resource
I give my scalp a good massage whilst washing, this cleans it and encourages growth (who doesn’t want that??) There’s no need to rub shampoo into the lengths of your hair, they get cleaned as you rinse away the shampoo. They are fragile when wet, let’s not upset them J
After washing I wrap my hair in a towel – again, I don’t rub it, just let the towel blot away the water, squeezing the ends in the towel. This ensures your conditioner doesn’t get diluted with excess water
Condition
I apply conditioner from the bottoms of my ears down – never close to my roots – there’s simply no need, it only makes them look greasy. I comb the conditioner through with a wide tooth comb and wrap in a towel again.
I leave conditioner on for at least ten minutes, usually closer to 30 mins. Allowing your hair to wallow in conditioner for this long maximises it's effects and leaves hair feeling softer and smoother than if you were to rinse it straight out. Plus it gives you time to catch up with your favourite blogs!
I have three favourite conditioners, I swing between Joico Intense HydratorMoroccan Oil Moisture Repair and Kerastase Lait Cristal. I guess I’m a bit of a conditioner junkie! Believe me I’ve tried a lot of conditioners and these three are the best I’ve found. I’d recommend any of them, you definitely don’t need them all! You can read full reviews over on my blog, should you wish to. If you are on a budget, consider splurging on either conditioner or oil. Alternatively, L’Oreal Elvive shampoo and conditioner for coloured hair are fantastic as a lower cost option.

Dry
If I'm going somewhere special I will curl my hair or do a ‘proper’ blow dry with a round brush. But this isn't often! So mostly I just dry it straight and smooth.
I spray Paul Mitchell Daily Boost over my roots and run a pump of Shu Uemura Essence Absolue through the lengths, from the bottom of my ears down. This miracle oil detangles and leaves my hair so soft and smooth, it’s not cheap but MAN it’s worth it! It smooths hair like nothing on earth. A less pricey alternative is Orofluido – this is fabulous too and was my staple before I discovered Shu Uemura.
I use my Tangle Teezer to comb through my wet hair before drying my fringe first with my Denman Head Hugger brush, to stop it from going curly! Then I dry the rest of my hair with a Shu Uemura paddle brush,  pointing the dryer nozzle downwards to smooth the hair cuticles. This brush has a mixture of synthetic and natural bristles, it really leaves hair smooth and shiny.
I finish by running another pump of oil through the lengths et voila !   
Having committed this routine to print, I can see that I spend an awful lot of time and money on my hair! BUT my philosophy is this – your hair is your best and most worn accessory. If you could only wear one suit every day of your life, wouldn’t you make sure it was beautifully cut, made of the best materials, and of the very best quality? Wouldn't you care for it like it was gold? Treat your hair the same way and you won’t go far wrong :)

Monday, August 27

While Megs is away | The Perfect Base Guest Post | Lil Miss Chickas

Next up on the 'Guest Blogging' list is the scrummy Charlotte of Lil Miss Chickas. I'm in love with her blog, and if you're one that's obsessed with beauty, then this is the blog for you! Plus, she's such a lovely lady too. Her post is all about finding the perfect foundation, definitely something I'm interested in.....

If there is one beauty related wish that every blogger would wish for it would be to find that foundation that would give you the perfect base.  Foundation is like the white undercoat you put on when painting your wall.  Once you have the pefect base coat you can then go on and do all the pretty detailing.  Of course that is where the comparison between paint and make up should stop and those that apply foundation like it were paint should really consider why they do that.  Of course in a perfect world we would all have flawless skin; no spots or dry patches and we wouldn't need foundation.  Sadly for many of us this isn't the case and we rely on our foundation to mask our imperfection and highlight our best feautures.
 
My quest for the perfect base started when I was 16, I made the step from drug store to make up counter and started to take more of an interest in what I was putting on my face.  Below charts the story of my 'Quest for the Perfect Foundation' and the three foundations that I now reach towards.
 


Mac Studio Fix Fluid
 
Funnily enough Mac Studio Fix starts and ends this story.  This was the first foundation that I ever bought at a make up counter and I have unintentionally come back to it every time.  I've tried to sway from it, I really have, but I just keep finding myself restocking when I pass a Mac counter.  This gives medium to full coverage but never leaves you with that caked-on look.  I use this as my winter foundation when I need a touch more coverage.  I do however find this foundation a little drying so I always make sure my skin is full of moisture.  If it feels too dry I will shy away from my trusted Mac favourite.
  
Laura Mercier Tinited Moisturiser 
 
It took me a while to buy into the whole tinited moisturier game.  My mother has sworn by it for years and refuses to use anything else.  I was a little skeptical at first but since discovering the Laura Merier one am a total convert!  There are so many benefits in using a tinted moistuser.  Number One, it moisturises the skin whilst providing coverage.  Number two; Its much lighter than foundation for when you only want minimal coverage (like in the summer months) and Number three, if you can't access your moisturiser for an reason, don't sweat it, you can just use this.  The Laura Mercier Tinited Moisturiser is a dream to use for all the above and I have just found it lasts better that oother TM's

 
YSL Touche Eclat 
 
This is a new find of mine and I am in love!!  This is quite possibley my favourite foundation of all time.  I glides on to the skin with ease, buffs in quickly and iluminates my whole face.  I go from having tired looking to radient skin in a matter of minutes.  It lasts for ages and doesn't turn orange as the day goes on.  I really could gush about this all day.  HOWEVER it does have one negitive factor.  No SPF! Not good if you want to wear in the day (even on cloudy days whe should be using SPF).  I don't understand why YSL failed to put this in!  I do have to slip on a primer if I wear this in the day to counter the lack of SPF but to spin this into a postive there is ZERO flashback when being photographed at night with it on.
 
 
So there you have it.  My quest for the perfect foundation has momentarily ceased thanks to these three little beauties.  Of course as my skin evolves I will have to pick the search back up but for now I am satisfied.  For full reviews of the three products just click on their names.  I'd love to know what others reach for for the perfect base.  Please tell!!

Thursday, August 23

When Megs is Away | FOTD Guest Post | Starry Eyed Blogs | FOTD

Carrying on the theme of some lovely ladies guest posting for me whilst I'm away, it's my pleasure to introduce to you the gorgeous Kirsty Louise, of Starry Eyed Blogs. She's kindly written up a scrumptious 'face of the day' that she wore to a recent wedding (when we had some summer going on). It's something I'm yet to feature on my blog, so it was the perfect choice :) 
Take it away lady...!






Products:
Garnier BB Cream - Medium
Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer – Light
bareMinerals Touch Up Veil Powder – Translucent
Benefit Hoola Bronzer
MAC MSF – By Candlelight
MAC Powder Blush – Pink Swoon
MAC Eyebrows Pencil - Spiked
MAC Paint Pot – Bare Study
Sleek Storm Palette
AVON Glimmerstick Diamond – Black Ice
AVON Super Shock Mascara – Black
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain - Cherish

Everyone has been talking about the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balms and I am no different. I have been on a bit of lip product splurge over the past few weeks and I just had to add some Revlon goodies to my basket.  I am a self-confessed pink lipstick junkie and my collection is ever growing, I think I must own every shade of pink possible by now! I love creating looks with a pink flush to the cheek and a bold pink lip to match, especially when I have a tan. I am not much of an eye shadow girl, don’t get me wrong I love donning a neutral smokey eye for a night out but during the day I tend to keep it simple. A sweep of a bronze colour accompanied by a black eye liner and flick of mascara, my current favourite being AVON’s Super Shock, and I’m done. I’m not one for fussy, overly dramatic make-up, I would prefer either a bold lip or a statement eye, but not both together, as I feel it clutters up my face. I’d much rather a more natural, subtle look which highlights my best features and shows my skin at its best. I wore this look to a friends wedding, and I wanted something non-fussy and neutral but still girly and summery, that would wear and photograph well. I think I achieved this and was very happy with my choice!
I would like to thank Meg for giving the opportunity to be a guest blogger here on Wonderful You :) It has been a brilliant experience working with and getting to know Meg as I feel our blogs both offer similar beauty content and its lovely to talk to people who have similar interests. You can check out my beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog ‘Starry Eyed Blogs’ here.
Kirsty Louise xxx

Monday, August 20

When Megs is Away | Samantha Avena | Shop Dixi

So if you didn't know already, I'm currently sunning myself silly in beautiful Italy. In my absence I have planned a fair few guest posts for your perusal whilst I'm away, so fingers crossed these scheduled posts work! 
The first lovely guest is the gorgeous Sammi, from Samantha Avena. She is such a talented, kind young lady and provides a huge variety of posts over on her blog; including photography, beauty, health and happy lifestyles! If you haven't checked her out, you simply must. Enough of my ramble...you came on over because you wanted to read Sammi's words, not my waffle :)


As a bit of a jewellery hoarder, I'm constantly on the lookout for shiny, pretty, things!



Fourth in my 'Jewellery I Heart' series is my lovely Baby Mila Ocean Green Stone Bracelet (£7). I came across ShopDixi via Twitter and it was pretty much love at first sight. If you've ever noticed in some of posts you will have seen I am forever wearing my amber & silver ring - I am a huge fan of precious stones & crystals, especially in jewellery form and as soon as I clocked eyes on the Baby Mila Bracelet, it was in my basket within seconds. 

The bracelet arrived quickly & I was so happy with it as soon as I removed it from the box! It fits perfectly - loosely, but the stone always sits at the top - and its also made of alpaca silver; which does not rust or tarnish. For just £7 I couldn't really believe how wonderful it was! I've already got my eyes set on some more of their pieces, they're all so pretty!
I can't sing enough praises about ShopDixi (as you're probably realising) so I'll just pipe down & let the pictures do the talking!
Have you ever shopped with ShopDixi before? Whats your favourite piece of jewellery?
xo

Thursday, August 16

Mean Girls | Guest Post | Corin Leigh Jackson

Today is a slightly different post from the norm. Firstly it will not be myself writing to you lovely lot, no no, it will be the absolutely gorgeous Corin, from OH! is for openminded. Secondly, it's not going to be a ramble about her favourite lippy or new handbag. Oh no! Prepare yourself for some girl on girl 'politics' ladies (& gents if you're reading)....


Mean Girls: Why do women dislike each other?
‘Jealousy, like the flawed love that bears it, has no respect for time or space or wisely reasoned argument. Jealousy can raise the dead with a single spiteful taint, or hate a perfect stranger for nothing more than the sound of his name.’
Whilst this quote from David Gregory’s Shantaram might seem a little overpowering, I can’t get away from the truth it inspires. The last words in particular ring with an inescapable sense of familiarity: jealousy provokes the hatred of ‘a perfect stranger’ for no real reason at all.
Image Source
I’ve often asked myself whether most of the tension that seems to crop up amongst the female sex is simply due to jealousy. I’m beginning to think that it might be true. Well, not jealousy as such, more as a result of the hidden insecurities which lurk, miserably, in the depths of us all. These insecurities manifest themselves in numerous ways, one being the manner in which we relate to others, particularly those we’re in direct competition with. 
Imagine yourself walking down the street. An attractive girl about your age walks past you, it’s suddenly awkward and you have to make the sub conscious decision whether to look straightforward with a concentrated frown, look down, or smile. If you don’t smile you find yourself wondering why, if you do, and they don’t smile back, you instantly dislike her. Naturally. All the while, she was probably trying to make the same split-second decision, wondering why she made the one she did. It’s no different to when you walk past a good-looking guy. If you don’t smile, it’s because you don’t want him KNOWING that you think he’s hot, combined with the fear that he fails to smile back. I’d quite like to focus on this idea of knowledge and the problem we seem to have with people knowing how attractive, or confident, or better off they seem in comparison to ourselves.
Unsurprisingly, I’m going to bring Facebook into the mix. It dramatises the concept brilliantly. For example, a fairly average looking girl (I’m not being mean here, just honest), with an overly photo shopped profile picture will, nine times out of ten, receive more positive attention for it than a naturally pretty or ‘fit’ girl with an eye-catching profile picture. The reason? If she’s decidedly average, she deserves a confidence boost, and gains support simply for being non-threatening to another girl’s self-esteem. People don’t think the pretty girl needs a reminder of how good she looks, when in reality of course, she does. We all do. I’d love to give some photo examples here but that really would be mean.
For some unknown reason, and we all do it, we struggle to compliment those who look or come across better than we do. It’s a persistent flaw that resides in a large proportion of us. What I’d like to know is why the hell we are all so insecure? Surely by now we’ve grasped the concept that just because someone is more conventionally attractive, doesn’t mean they have a life to be envious of, and it certainly doesn’t mean that they are any less insecure. After all, insecurity if often masked with a veil of confidence.
Image Source
It has dawned on me that we’re so harsh on ourselves that we’re becoming even harsher on others to compensate for it. Either we take a disliking to someone because they don’t live up to our standards, or because (more likely) they exceed our own capabilities and we feel threatened, beaten even, by them. Don’t get me wrong, competition is natural and healthy –we’re designed to compete for a partner in life, we’re genetically programmed to compete for survival. I get it. However, we also use to think that women were designed to have children and not a lot else, and we soon did something about that. Isn’t our generation of women designed to take expectation and tell it to piss off? I thought so.
As much as it’s hard to come to terms with the notion of disliking strangers, what I find even more difficult to grasp is the extent to which friends, good solid friends, seem to dislike each other too. I think, in many ways, friends are in even more direct competition with each other. The dynamics are emphasised further still where a friendship group is concerned. Not only within that friendship group, but in a form of rivalry from one friendship group to another. It’s madness when you think about it. We’re all the same really. Then again, that alone is a problematic thought for a lot of us.

I think what we all have to bare in mind is that just because somebody seems happy as Larry bouncing around Facebook in their size 6 leopard print bikini, it doesn’t mean that their any less insecure than you or I. Remember when you were at Primary school and one of the golden rules was to treat people how you’d like to be treated? Well, it’s still true. There is nothing worse than when a girl says ‘I hate her, I don’t know why, I just do.’ We all do it. It baffles me. Let’s not. 

I'm so blown away by Corin's incredible writing style, and this post feels perfect for my blog. We should all be sharing a little bit more love in this blogging (and real life) world, don't you think?! If you want to read some more wonderful pieces by Corin, then hop on over to her blog. Literally, I get lost in it for hours. Plus, she's actually gorgeous..Lauren Conrad the II anyone?

And a lovely little note from the lady herself: I'd just like to say that it was actually Megan herself who inspired the thoughts behind what I've written - she's just so damn nice! And an absolute pleasure to work with. Blogging is the perfect way to build relationships - the security of being able to be who you wish will triumph over any lurking insecurities...
Corin x

Tuesday, August 14

Topshop Lipstick | Fire Cracker

The Topshop make up range is not one I’ve explored in any great detail. Why? I don’t know, because I ruddy love their lipsticks. I don’t know what it is with lipsticks and my lips, but they just won’t stay put. All my MAC ones slide off within a matter of minutes (okay that’s a slight exaggeration, maybe a bit longer), but I only have a select few lippies that I always turn to for their longevity on the lips and Topshop is one of them.
Infrared is one of my ultimate faves so when I spotted ‘Fire Cracker’ it was an immediate must have. I love the brightness and the velvet finish it leaves. I only needed to apply one sweep of this for full coverage and a super bright pigmentation.


One of the many things I love about the Topshop make up range is the packaging. Yes it's plain and simple, but that's me all over and I think it is so cute!! I haven't got much to go on, only owning one other lippy by them but you'd assume being a cream packaging it would get really grubby, I haven't found that at all (and it's not sitting pristine on a shelf, it's shoved in with all my makeup in a big box). These retail for £8 each, which is probably just above average for a high street makeup brand, but c'mon it's Topshop, what do we expect ;). And honestly, I don't mind paying this price tag, nope not one bit. The quality is definitely up there with the higher end brands such as NARS; which I think is saying something.
Being a matte velvet finish I was concerned that it would be drying on my lips, but it's surprisingly moisturising. Obviously, everyone is different so there's the possibility that the formulation may not work for you, but I am in love!



Orange is definitely proving to be my favourite lipstick colour, and this shade, for me is perfection. It's not as 'in your face' as a red, but it's bold enough to say 'hello, yes, I am wearing a statement lipstick and loving it' kind of thing, y'know? Perfect for summer and it will definitely be travelling along with me to Italy on Saturday! *dances round in a circle whilst chanting HOLIDAY at the top of my lungs* I am ridiculously excited.

I'm completely impressed with this lippy and it's encouraged me to dabble in a bit more of their make-up range. So if you have any products you'd recommend, be sure to let me know!

What do you think? Are you a fan of Orange or Topshop Lipsticks for that matter?

Saturday, August 11

Outfit Post | The Vintage Set


One of the many reasons I love Twitter is for the avenue’s it opens; the possibilities of discovering new people/places are endless. So I was super-duper happy when Charlotte from The Vintage Set sent me a little tweet, telling me to check out her shop. And I am so glad I did, it’s uh-mazin’ (seriously go look, NOW). We got chat-a-lattin and it wasn’t long before I’d made my first purchase…

It arrived in absolutely no time at all, and how utterly beautiful is the packaging? I was so impressed :). As you may have guessed from previous posts, I am a sucker for anything vintage and I literally squealed when I saw this ‘unidays leather satchel bag’….

Hat: Topshop, Top: Vintage, Skirt: Zara, Shoes: F-Troupe, Belt: Primark




Waaa it’s so beautiful it makes me want to cry, haha. It’s the perfect size to fit all my clutter in and I love the suede badge embroidered on to the front, it makes me feel like I’m off to Hogwarts! 

The Vintage Set is a new little company on the big wide web specialising in 1920-1980’s vintage garments. I found it so refreshing looking through their site; instead of being swamped with pages of clothes, there are only a few high quality vintage items to choose from in each section. Quality over quantity is something I really love, especially when the prices are so affordable too. With a little bit of discount thrown my way, I picked my little satchel up for only £17 (inc. p&p). And for a pristine leather bag, I think that’s pretty awesome. All the items on the site are marked up A, B or C, A being mint condition to C where the product has noticeable wear, so you know what you’re purchasing from the offset. Ranging from a Camo army jacket to floral midi-skirts there really is something for everyone. Not only are the pieces fantastic so is the customer service; Charlotte was such a joy to chat to and replied to any queries I had almost immediately.

I think it’s so special when you find a really lovely company, and I just couldn’t wait to shout from the roof tops about it to you wonderful lot.

What do you think of the bag? It’s my new favourite.

Thursday, August 9

Outfit Post | Shopping the Vintage Stash | Issue #1

As you’ll probably already know, there’s posts/vids floating around our blogosphere of ‘shopping the stash’; which involves rooting through your old makeup and beauty collection to find hidden gems you’d forgotten about.
Well, I thought why not be a rebel and mix things up a little? (I’m not really a rebel, I’m just trying to sound cool, and I know I’m not). Without further ado I introduce to you… ‘Shopping the Vintage Stash’.

Being a tad vintage obsessed, well not just vintage, anything second hand really, this sort of thing is right up my street. More often than not, you’ll find me in a charity shop or hurrying around a local car boot sale. I had a little rummage through my wardrobe to put together a purely vintage outfit. This is what I found…


The playsuit is actually my mum’s old undies. HA, that sounds so gross when you write it down, but yes it’s true. Apparently, in the ‘olden days’ (mum, if you’re reading, I’m sorry ;)) the ladies used to wear these under their clothing as opposed to knickers and bras; talk about VPL, jeez. Naturally, I nabbed it as soon as I spotted it and I think it’s rather wonderful really. The soft silky fabric means it’s suitable for summer attire, or can be teamed with a big woolly knit for the colder months. 


These original suede Santa Fe cowboy boots are from the yummy ladies over at Annie and the Mannequins. If you haven’t heard of them before, you should definitely check them out; some really gorgeous vintage finds! I think I paid around £20 for these and I pretty much live in them. The quality is perfect, and they’re so comfy.

This leather clutch bag has to be one of my favourite ever vintage finds. Its intricate detailing is breath taking; the Egyptian print is raised and I love the delicate touch of the wicker framing. £2 is all I paid for this, from a local carboot; totally worth it right?

My pearl earrings are pretty much permanently fixed to my ears, and also used to belong to my mum! (there's a trend here..) I think they're so cute.

Lastly, the necklace. It means such a lot to me, it was a gift from my beautiful nan; and the photo inside is of her wonderful self and me when I was just a wee nipper.

All in all, this outfit cost me a grand total of £22! What do you think guys, have I convinced you to shop your vintage stash? You might surprise yourself with what you find :) watch this space for issue #2...

Monday, August 6

Instagram Diaries | Issue #2

I'm off work and currently in bed feeling extremely sorry for myself with a nasty sickness bug, so today's post will be short and sweet. I've failed miserably to keep up with my instagram posts, sorry! I'm thinking instead of doing a weekly one, which has the potential to get a bit monotonous, I'd stick to an 'every now and then' sort of post :) plus, my life really isn't that interesting, haha. Hope you don't mind! 
Follow me on Instagram: wonderfuly0u

Lemon Tart | Fox Ring from my lovely friend | G-Dog! | Steak | On our way to London | Matilda the Musical | My first Starbucks | Birthday Meal | Gorgeous birthday gift from the wonderful Lauren | My aunties wall | Daniel got poorly :( | Get in my belly | I love her | Moomin, love in a mug | playing around with picfx! | Home-made Lemon Cheesecake (I like lemon)|

Sunday, August 5

Monthly Favourite's | July | Video #7

This picture is completely irrelevant to the post, but I’ve been playing around with my new camera lots this weekend; and I loved the little bumble bee hiding…can you spot him?
Anyway, I know as always I am hugely late for monthly favourites but here it is for your perusal, should you so wish :)
My fave products for the month have turned out to be really quite expensive, which wasn’t at all on purpose. Apologies for that!
Have you all had a lovely weekend? Mine consisted of a small gathering of friends last night, and being hugely lazy for the rest of it, perfect in my eyes. I’ll be jetting off on my holidays in 2 weeks’ time; so in all honesty I’m just trying to be super good with my monies. I.e. not spending anything, unless it’s completely necessary *cough* anything in the sale *cough*….Yeah I suck at reigning it in.

Saturday, August 4

Eyebrows | Benefit Brow Zings

Once upon a time, I used absolutely nothing on my eyebrows. I know crazy right? I don't know why, I just never thought anything of it! Until a few years ago when I was cornered by the Benefit lady in Debenhams and she scuttled me over to her little stool and carried out a HUGE makeover. I'm not one for heavy make-up, I just don't like it. I tried a MAC foundation once and literally felt like I had cement on my face. Anyway given that, there was only one product that really stood out to me: Brow Zings. Honestly, I was blown away. I couldn't believe how different it made me look! If you've not heard of brow zings before, it's basically just a brow shaping kit - simples. 
Being a Benefit product, it's not cheap. It comes with a nice heavy price tag of £22.50. However this little compact is such a treat; it comes complete with an inbuilt mirror, two application brushes and a pair of tweezers. Which in my eyes, is great value for money. It works differently to any other brow enhancer I've tried before, inside the little compact you'll find (along with the other goodies) a palette. On one side there is a dark gel, and on the other a powder. The gel is there to help shape and define your brows, and the powder is used to set the brows and fill in any gaps. I believe your meant to use the gel first followed by the powder, however I dab my brush into the gel and then directly into the powder and apply it that way. I feel it gives a more natural look rather than painting your brows with the gel :) It also has fantastic staying power, you won't find it rubbing off halfway through the day, or smudging down your face. Another plus is the products longevity, I've had this for way over 6 months and I've barely touched the surface!


(Excuse the state of my eyebrows, I'm currently in the process of making them a bit thicker, hence the stragglers!)
This kit comes in 3 different shades, so it's suitable for blondie's too! My shade is in Medium, so there's still room to go darker if that's the look you like!

What do you think lovey's? Have you tried this product before? Or do you have a favourite brow-shaper that I should know about? :)