Found for sale in the UK: [more] Sally Hansen Canada-only Halloween nail polishes…

I guess that, like last time, the post title says everything you really need to know here. 

I love Halloween and nail polish, so when I chanced upon some hard-to-find nail polishes which combine my loves whilst browsing Amazon UK last week I couldn't believe my luck. After placing my first order and being impressed by the delivery and items, I had another look online and on Amazon, and found a further three Halloween shades which this cool blog tells me are also from Canada-only collections (though I've been unable to find the year/s of the collection/s). 

Unlike before I think that this mini-haul of polishes are shades that can easily be worn most of the year round.

Anyway I'm again doing my public duty and passing on the info to other Halloween/Sally Hansen/rare nailpolish fans...

Found for sale in the UK: Sally Hansen Canada-only Halloween 2007 nail polishes...

I guess that the post title says everything you really need to know; I love Halloween and dark nail polishes, so when I chanced upon these rarities which combine my loves whilst browsing Amazon UK I couldn't believe my luck.

Anyway I'm doing my public duty and passing on the info to other fans of Halloween/Sally Hansen/vampie/rare nailpolish fans...

New fragrance: No Rules EDT by Nicole Richie...

“I try not to go by any rules, especially when I’m talking about mixing prints, because I’m so inspired by the ’60s and ’70s—and their rule was that there were no rules” - Nicole Richie

Beyonce gets naughty: Beyonce by Beyonce [music album]...

"I took all the things I wanted to change about myself and all the things I wanted to share and I put it into this record. I'm very proud of it but more than the music, I'm proud of myself as a woman for taking the risks" - Beyonce 

✮✮✮✮✮/✮✮✮✮✮

BEYONCE is the fifth studio album by Beyonce. She is also the album's executive producer, co-writer of every track, and was the co-director of the album's music videos. Significant contributions in song writing and production include the likes of Boots, Sia, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Tedder, Jay Z, The-Dream, Timbaland, Frank Ocean, and Pharrell Williams. Music video directors include Hype Williams and Terry Richardson. 

In December 2013 the album was unexpectedly released to the iTunes Store with no promotion having taken place beforehand, with a CD/DVD set being released to selected stockists a week later. Despite the lack of promotion, and late release date, the album has been named as one of 2013's biggest selling albums, and it hit the #1 spot in 90 countries upon it's release. 

BEYONCE is officially described as being an electronic R&B album, combining minimalist production, loose song structure and emotive vocals. Beyonce revisits her common theme of self-empowerment, although the album is distinguished from previous releases for its frank discourse on female sexuality. 


I honesty like every single track on BEYONCE. There are a few familiar styles to different eras on Beyonce's past albums and Destiny's Child days [such as Pretty Hurts, XO, Superpower and Heaven], however the vast majority of the album's tracks are a new style for Beyonce. It's both old school electronic R&B, and a modern energy. I'm not the best at describing different musical styles, but this a welcome change for Beyonce and is a real bar-raiser of an album. 

Results of the Trial for February 2014: Part II - Age Perfect Extraordinary Facial Serum by L'Oreal...

As I previously stated, I've spent the past month testing the new Age Perfect Facial Serum by L'Oreal for the Boots review panel. I've been impressed by the moisturizing abilities of this product, so  I thought that I'd also put my thoughts and before/after pictures up here so that people who are curious about the products can read my opinions on the results for themselves.

Read my verdict on the Age Perfect Extraordinary Moisturizer here.

Before I started using Age Perfect Extraordinary Oil-Cream and serum

What L'oreal say about Age Perfect Extraordinary Facial Oil:

With age, skin can become thinner, dehydrated and lose its natural radiance. It can feel dry and look dull, lacklustre.

A new lease of life for your skin.

L'Oréal Paris Laboratories have specially formulated a refined blend of 8 Essential Oils. Age Perfect Extraordinary Facial Oil is a replenishing treatment in a luxurious oil to indulge your skin and transform its touch. Skin looks smoother and more radiant, as if renewed.

Thanks to its delicate aromatic scent, a feeling of calm and comfort envelops your senses for a moment of true pleasure.

Impressive results

Replenishes, smoothes, brightens

Instantly gives your skin a renewed look of radiance and striking smoothness.

Drop after drop, the skin looks more toned and a healthy look is restored.

Experience an extraordinary sensation

Age Perfect Extraordinary Facial Oil is weightless and non-greasy, suitable for all skin types. The dry oil luxuriously bathes skin in complete comfort and care.

A precious secret for smoother, radiant skin, that looks as if renewed

8 Refined essential oils

Lavander, marjoram, romarin, geranium, rose, chamomile, orange, lavandin

A new ritual

Age Perfect Extraordinary Facial Oil is ideal for everyday use, alone or to complement your day and night regime, on a cleansed face and neck.

Apply 2-3 precious drops of the Facial Oil on your cheeks, forehead, neck and decolletage. Massage onto the skin with your fingertips in circular motions.

Allow the oil to absorb thoroughly before applying your day or night cream if needed.

[Avoid contact with the eye area]

My experience and opinion:

L'Oreal's Age Perfect Extraordinary Oil Serum is a simple, but effective moisturizing treatment. It's not a serum that will help with lines and wrinkles and it didn't seem to have any skin firming effects, but if you are looking for skincare that improves the look and feel of dry and dull skin then this will help. 


This serum isn't heavy on my skin and adsorbs quickly, so my skin doesn't have that greasy feel after application. As it is a fantastic hydrater and quick to absorb, it is great for wearing under makeup. 

I've been using this twice daily both under moisturizer and alone for over a month now and not only does my naked skin look noticeably more radiant, it hasn't flaked at all. As my skin is so dry that it often flakes I'm delighted with the results. My fine laugh lines also seem a bit fainter, though I haven't noticed any definite change in the appearance of my forehead lines - sometimes I do think that they've grown fainter, but I can't say for definite. Using the serum and matching moisturizer together smoothed away the vast majority of my patches of dry skin and left a slight dewy sheen to my skin within the first week - as I do have severely dry skin I prefer to use the serum under moisturizer. 

Based on my results after using the serum alone for periods of time; I would say that if you have oilier skin, then you could probably skip moisturizer. Since using this I haven't suffered from additional breakouts, or had any itches or rashes on my dry and sensitive skin. 



Whilst the moisturizer isn't on my must-own list I'll buy and use the Age Perfect Extraordinary oil again, as I think it actually moisturized my skin more then the moisturizer did. This also offers the best value for money - after a month's worth of twice daily usage the serum bottle is still almost two thirds full, whist the moisturizer is over half empty and I've begun to be able to see the bottom of the jar.

After I started using Age Perfect Extraordinary Oil-Cream and serum

Okey Cokey; Can Can Burlesque EDP by Paris Hilton...

Can Can Burlesque is a flanker of the original fragrance Can Can from 2007, and has just been launched overseas. 

The scent, like the original one, is inspired by Moulin Rouge and the song Lady Marmalade.

Top notes: clementine, nectarine, cassis and raspberries. 

Heart noes: Wild orchid and orange blossom.

Base notes: wild musk and blonde woods.

[Via Fragrantica]

Results of theTrial for February 2014: Age Perfect Extraordinary Facial moisturizer by L'Oreal...

As I previously stated, I've spent the past month testing the new Age Perfect moiturizer by L'Oreal for the Boots reiew panel. I've been impressed by the moisturing abilities of this product, so  I thought that I'd also put my houghts and before/after pictures up here so that people who are curious about the products can read my opinions on the results for themselves.

Before I started using Age Perfect Extraordinary Oil-Cream and serum

What L'Oreal claim Age Perfect Extraordinary Oil-Cream will do; Over time your skin progressively loses nutrients that are essential to its vitality. Your skin becomes drier, thinner and can lose its natural radiance.
How to Use

The Power of Extraordinary Essential Oils

L'Oréal Paris has selected the essential oils of Lavender and Thyme, renowned for their anti-ageing and anti-oxidant properties. These have been combined with the precious extract of White Jasmine, known for its soothing properties.

An Extraordinary oil-Cream the Texture

A silky-soft cream, enriched with oil micro-pearls, that delicately melts into the skin. Non-greasy and non-sticky, it fuses the comfort of a cream with the pleasure of an oil.

Thanks to its delicate aromatic scent, a feeling of calm and comfort envelops your senses for a moment of true pleasure.

Visible results

Nourishes, Brightens, Anti-Fatigue

Instantly, skin is nourished with a renewed look of radiance. Day after day, skin is replenished with moisture. The signs of fatigue are reduced making your features look and feel relaxed. Skin looks more toned and a healthy-looking glow is restored.

Apply daily on a thoroughly cleansed face and neck.

In the morning, place a small amount of cream on the tip of your fingers and apply in small a movements to re-awaken a more luminous complexion.

In the evening, apply more generously by delicately massaging into the skin.

My experience and thoughts

L'Oreal's Age Perfect Extraordinary oil-cream has proven to be a simple, but effective moisturizer. It doesn't battle against wrinkles or give you a facelift, but if you are looking for a moisturizer that delivers effective moisturizing results and brightens up your skin somewhat, this cream is affordable and isn't greasy or heavy on your skin.

I've been using this twice daily for over a month now and not only does my naked skin look noticeably more radiant, it hasn't flaked at all. As my skin is so dry that it often flakes I'm delighted with the results. My fine laugh lines also seem a bit fainter, though I haven't noticed any change in my forehead lines.

As I mentioned above this isn't heavy and adsorbs quickly, so my skin doesn't have that greasy feel after application. As it is a fantastic hydrater and quick to absorb, it is great for wearing under makeup. Plus this moisturizer is suitable for both daytime and evening, so you don't need to buy two separate tubs. 

Since using this I haven't suffered from additional breakouts, or had any itches or rashes on my dry and sensitive skin. 


I do think that I would like to shop around for something that both hydrates my skin AND smooth all of my fine lines, so whilst this moisturizer isn't on my must-own list I'd sill consider buying Age Perfect Extraordinary oil-cream again when/if my skin goes through another excessively dry patch for pairing with the matching serum [review on it's way] - as when I used the moisturizer alone I felt that the moisture boost was lessened a bit.

After I started using Age Perfect Extraordinary Oil-Cream and serum

FOTD: Pink Lady

I'm not usually one for doing FOTDs because I...
A) Am not a expert, so don't feel confident telling others what to do
B) Tend to go for simple, uncomplicated looks
B) Like to give my looks an unpolished/incomplete, grungy edge, so it tends to look messy and severe to most people.

However I recently tried a pink/purple semi-permanent hair dye [review coming soon], and when I first did it I felt inspired to put in more then my usual effort with my makeup. Since I'd gone full-on with my hair I did full-on makeup to go with it, with shades of pink on my eyes AND lips.

Then - since I'd already gone OTT - I also added a bold bit of contouring and highlighting, which is not something that I usually do as my skin is so fair that the contouring never looks natural.

Candy Crush: Sugarbomb blush by Benefit...

[via Benefit]

Having very fair skin and a heavy hand I find blush a challenge to get right, but SUGARBOMB can save me from myself and always give me a natural looking pinky peach shade, that looks natural all year round...

It's 2014s most wanted - The Muppets: Most Wanted Collection nail polishes by OPI...

Show-Stopping Shades!

~

OPI Celebrates the Muppets with Limited Edition Nail Lacquers

Inspired by Disney’s New Film Muppets Most Wanted

OPI announces the launch of eight new limited edition nail lacquers inspired by Disney’sMuppets Most Wanted. With an all-star cast including Kermit the Frog, Constantine, Ricky Gervais, Miss Piggy, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey and the whole Muppet gang, this family comedy is directed by James Bobin and written by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller. Muppets Most Wanted opens in theaters on March 21, 2014.

“The Muppets are a fun-loving, colorful cast of characters. These eight new nail lacquers were inspired by their latest adventures in Disney’s Muppets Most Wanted, which include a glamorous international stage tour – and lots of surprises,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Executive VP. “Fashionable Miss Piggy is represented through soft pink, peach and pearlescent hues, as well as a frosty sapphire blue – Miss Piggy’s Big Number – to match her fabulous tour gown. The remaining four shades highlight the film’s unexpected elements and include a color-shifting mauve and three sparkle-packed lacquers – including my personal favoriteGaining Mole-mentum, a gold and rose chunky shredded glitter.”

Muppets Most Wanted by OPI includes the following shades:

Muppets World Tour

This white quartz with colorful sparkle is a global sensation.

Miss Piggy’s Big Number

Stand back… Miss Piggy’s on sapphire!

I Love Applause

This sheer, sweet pink deserves a standing ovation.

Let’s Do Anything We Want!

There’s no holding back this rose gold glitter with white confetti.

Kermit Me to Speak

Listen up… I’ve got lots to say about this rosy mauve.

Gaining Mole-mentum

Make your beauty mark with this shredded gold and chunky pink glitter.

Int’l Crime Caper

To miss this opalescent pearl would be the crime of the century.

Chillin’ Like a Villain

My evil plan… to get away with this precious, sheer nude.

[OPI via Chit Chat nails]

Going two-tone: Intense Ombres by L'Oreal...

This is more of a friendly warning, than a review: be careful of which L'Oreal Ombre kit you choose...

I went to my local Boots to buy a Wild Ombre hair dye, but when I got there all I could see on the shelves were the Colored Ombres, Feria's Extreme Ombres, and boxes of something that L'Oreal called Intense Ombres. Since L'oreal have repeatedly changed the packaging on their various hair colouring kits over the years, I assumed that's what had happened here and that the Intense Ombres is the same product as the Wild Ombres, so I bought the light brown to dark brown shade and went home to use it...

... Of course I now know that the Intense Ombres is the stronger version of the Wild Ombres kit, which IS still in production [my local Boots must have been out of stock]. If I'd known then that I'd picked up a stronger concentration of formula I'd have picked the kit for dark blonde to medium brown hair, rather then the one for medium brown to dark brown hair that I did get.

I read the instruction sheet that came with the kit several times and I also watched a good half-dozen videos of girls using the kit over on YouTube, so I'm confident that I applied the bleach in the correct manner... But nevertheless I ended up with one shade of blonde on my hair, rather then the gentle gradient from dark to light blonde the box promises [and the girls on YouTube achieved]

Did I pick a faulty kit, or was the concentration of bleach simply too strong?

Either way the finished look has grown on me a lot as the light and shadows soften the bleached tone a bit, and the look goes with my preference for undone, slightly messy makeup very nicely, but I bought the kit as it was advertised as ombre, not the dip-dye effect which I ended up with.


I'll simply say that the kit is a very reasonable price and it was very easy to use alone, so if you're feeling adventurous go for it. Just be careful which kit you select.

***
£6.99