*Rainbow Club Shoes

Rainbow Club is a brand that offers occasion shoes & accessories. Each item (including shoes, handbags & a number of other accessories) starts life as a traditional ivory colour which is perfect for any bride-to-be. However what makes Rainbow Club unique is that they offer a dyeing service, which means you can have your chosen item dyed any colour.. Perfect for when your struggling to find shoes or a handbag to match that new outfit.

When I was contacted by a member of Rainbow Club's PR team, I  jumped at the opportunity to review a pair of their occasion shoes. There are so many gorgeous designs available but after a lot of thought I opted for the peep-toe heels "Nigella". As you can see from the photos below, I decided to have the shoes dyed one of my current favourite colours - coral.

swoons at the beauty of these shoes..

Although a little pricier than some high-street brands - this particular style retails at £55.00 - I think that the convenience of finding a shoe that'll match your outfit perfectly, makes the price worth it. Plus these are perfect for so many different occasions.. The coral colour & style can be paired with both summer-style dressed and little black numbers once the winter months come back around. 

Despite loving these shoes, there are a few points I’d recommend for anyone thinking of purchasing them… The first would be to go up half a size as this particular style can come up a little small.. Luckily I was told about this and ordered a size 4.5 which fits perfectly. Secondly as the shoes are made of satin, every care should be taken to ensure they don't get wet (I know, I know - if you're a UK citizen, this is pretty difficult with the amount of rain we have). 

I can't wait for some upcoming events in order to show these off. 

Have you ever ordered anything from Rainbow Club?

What are your opinions?
xxx

Empties - Foundation

This is a post that I've been meaning to put together for a few weeks now, but for some reason it was something that I just kept forgetting to write. I've collected these few foundations over the past five or six months & realised that I finally had a little collection that's big enough to write a post about.

This is my first "empties" post but after watching numerous videos/reading many blogs I think I've managed to get a general idea of the things that are typically talked/written about.. However at the same time ensure my own twist is included. 

To start - as you'll be able to tell from the photo below - Rimmel is definitely the prominent brand here.. But what can I say? When it comes to everyday foundation there's just something I love about Rimmel products. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation - 

Pros: During the duller months of the year this is a great foundation for adding a little extra glow to the skin and adding the "wake me up" look that this product is so well known for. It's also pretty light on the skin so doesn't feel cakey or clogging.

Cons: I know I know, I've just sung the praises of the glow this foundation provides. However I feel it's important to note that the added "shimmer" is not something can be used once the sun does finally make an appearance.. You'll more than likely end up with that glittery effect that only Edward Cullen can pull off so well.

Would I buy this again?  I think I'll definitely re-purchase this foundation but not until the autumn/winter months roll back around & I need a little something extra to help hide how sleepy/sun deprived I look.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation -

Pros: I think the coverage from this foundation is perfect for day-day wear. It is full coverage - so covers blemishes/uneven skin tone well - yet doesn't leave my skin feeling caked in product *a feeling I personally hate*.

Cons: In my opinion, I don't think this needs to be advertised as "25 hour". Admittedly the product is long lasting but I probably wouldn't go from a day in the office to a night out without at least a few touch-ups.. so unfortunately this isn't a miracle foundation that will cover blemished for ever.

Would I buy this again? Simply put.. Yes. The fact that this foundation doesn't last 25 hours isn't going to put me off re-purchasing. How often do you really need something to last that long? For me, this is a perfect every-day foundation that I can see myself repurchasing time and time again.

Max Factor Whipped Creme  Foundation - 

Pros: The main pro this product has to offer is the medium, yet easily buildable, coverage. The "whipped" element of the foundation means it didn't leave my skin feeling clogged or weighed down with product - yay!

Cons: Unfortunately the main con is also one of the main things that makes this product stick out from the rest.. The packaging. The little glass pot that this product comes in - although handy for storing a make-up bag - is in my opinion the one thing that let it down.  I found that no matter how hard I tried, there would always be some product left in the grooves of the glass.. & it was something that I just couldn't oversee.

Would I buy this again? Unfortunately, probably not. As much as I liked the overall effect the foundation had.. there was something that just frustrated me about not being able to get the last amount out of the pot. I know that there will always been some product left in any foundation (as you can see from the photo above) but in my opinion it was too much to overlook here.

Rimmel Match Perfection - 

Pros: In my opinion this works as a great summer foundation It offers a lightweight coverage that is ideal for warm days when you just want a little something to even-out skin tone/hide the fact that you stayed at the pub far too late the night before. I also think this is perfect for those that are new to foundation or simply prefer a lighter coverage.

Cons: The downside to being such a lightweight product, in my opinion, is that this probably isn't the best "go too" foundation for covering blemishes etc. However it has to be said that this is nothing a little concealer would't fix. 

Would I buy this again? Probably yes. Although not for day-to-day wear, I'd purchase this ready for the few weeks when England actually has a summer or for if I was jetting off somewhere sunny & wanted to pack a lightweight foundation with me. 

What foundation are you currently loving?

Do you have any tips for future "empties" posts?

xxx

Birmingham Pride 2015

For anyone who doesn't know, Birmingham Pride is the UK's biggest LGBT festival which takes place annually over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. It's a great way to meet like-minded people and/or to show your support and love for the LGBT community whilst enjoying a huge selection of food, drink & entertainment. I've never had the opportunity to attend the event previously, so I was very excited to have the chance this year.    

I really didn't have a clue what to expect but as soon as I walked through the barriers I was greeted by the smell of delicious foods & loud music off in the distance so I instantly knew it was going to be a great event.

On the left you can see the badge I purchased which shows the "Ally" flag. This symbolises support for the LGBT community
from a straight/heterosexual person.

We arrived pretty early so decided to take advantage of the quieter streets & explore. After a few wanders around each store & chatting away to the different people working (everyone was so friendly) it was time to watch the hugely popular Pride Parade. I was so excited for this & am happy to say that I was in no way disappointed. It was lovely to see all the local businesses/charities that had turned up to show their support - plus it's always great to see everyone having a dance & enjoying themselves!

Unfortunately I had to leave late afternoon so didn't get the chance to see the celebrations carry on into the night.. However I'm determined to stay later next year to enjoy the many bars and dance areas on site.. I can't think of any other time that I'd get to party with a such fun & amazing community!

Never one to turn down an opportunity to get involved..
Especially if it involves cute face-paint! 

Have you ever been to any of the "Pride" Events?

What are your best memories?

xxx

(Disclaimer: All photos were either taken by myself or are from the Birmingham Pride Facebook page)

Accidental Beauty Haul

Over the last week or so I seem to have accidentally treated myself to a few new beauty items..  I've been trying to justify this to myself and say that I really needed to purchase these for blog content (does anyone else do this?).. but in reality I simply gave in to that little voice in brain that was repeatedly telling me how much I needed each of these products..

I wouldn't in anyway say I've gone crazy as everything I purchased came from affordable high-street brands - Rimmel, Make-up Revolution & MUA - plus I've had my eye on a few of these products for a while now... so really, I like to think of this as more of an investment.

Products:

1) Make-up Revolution "Unicorn's Unite" Palette - £6.00 [x]

2) Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Nude Foundation - £7.99 [x]

3) Make-up Revolution Mini Brush Set - £4.95 [x]

4) MUA Pro-brow Eyebrow Kit - £3.50 [x]

5) Make-up Revolution "Blush Stick" - £5.00 [x]

If you read my recent wishlist post, you'd have seen that I've had my eye on a few items from Make-up revolution for a while now.. & although only one of these items was actually featured on the list (the mini-brush set) there were other items that had been sat in my online basket for sometime. I've also had my eye on some very similar high-end versions of the above items (such as "The Multiple" Stick from NARS) & just could resist giving these cheaper versions a try.. What beauty lover doesn't live in the hope of finding a great dupe?!

I'm so excited to try each of these products & put together some more blog posts with my thoughts. 

Have you tried any of these products?

If so, what are your thoughts?

xxx

My Current Gym Routine

You may have read my recent blog post about how I set myself the challenge of getting myself back into shape.. *looks over at the Dominos menu pinned to the fridge longingly*.

I'll be honest & say that I haven't suddenly turned into some fitness fanatic who's ready to run the London Marathon.. but there's something about dragging myself to the gym that ultimately leaves feeling pretty good about myself.. Endorphins maybe? Who knows. 

However I recently realised that I didn't really have much of a routine & I just floated from machine to machine hoping I'd wake up one day weighing less & resembling a toned goddess. Due to this I decided to do a little research & have put together workout routine that I personally feel works well for me.

I thought this would be perfect to share with anyone who may - like me - be a bit of a loss with what to actually do once you've actually managed to get build the motivation to get to the gym (which in itself is a huge achievement in my opinion).  

Admittedly I don't stick to this routine religiously.. for example if my back is feeling a little sore from my previous work out I may skip the rowing machine and spend a little longer on the stepper... Or other days I may decided to attend a class instead..  I know, I know.. I'm wild!

What are your favourite exercises/routines?
I'd love to hear any tips anyone has!

xxx

Face Of The Evening - Weekend Drinks

As a belated birthday celebration for Ollie, we decided to head out to a local bar for "just a few" drinks... So I thought I'd put together a little "face of the evening" post..

Products: 

Base: Olay's Essentials Complete Care Sensitive "Day Fluid" moisturiser [x]

Foundation: MAC's Studio Sculpt (shade NW15) [x]

Concealer: To cover under eye darkness - Rimmel's Wake Me Up concealer [x] & on any blemishes/redness - Collections Lasting Perfection Concealer [x]

Powder: Rimmel's Stay Matte pressed powder (shade 001 - Transparent) [x]

Blusher/Highlighter/Bronzer: Sleek's Face Form contouring & blush palette [x]

Mascara: Rimmel's Lash Accelerator - extreme black [x]

Eye-Brows: Barry M's Natural Glow Palette (Unfortunately there are no names or number for the shadows, but I used a combination of the darkest brown for the inner corners of my eyebrows & then the second darkest shade to fill in the rest) [x] 

Eye-Shadow: Barry M's Natural Glow Palette again using a mixture of all the brown shades in the palette - using the darker shades on the outer parts of my eyes

Lipstick: Shade 084 - "Amethyst Shimmer" from Rimmel [x]

As I was wearing a black dress & I'd kept my eye make-up relatively natural/subtle I decided to add both a pop of colour & a slight statement with my lip colour. I personally think the purple shade dresses up the look & takes what could be a daytime look to more of an evening look. 

What are your favourite products to use for an evening look?

xxx

Makeup Revolution Wishlist

Make-up Revolution is a brand that's received a lot of hype recently & it's easy to see why with so many gorgeous products on offer at such affordable prices.

I have a few lipsticks from the range and seem to have *accidentally* placed a fair few products in my basket on the make-up revolution website.

1. Mini Brush Set - £4.95 [x]

2. Blushing Hearts Blush - £4.99 [x]

3. Lipstick shade"Amazing Bliss" - £1.00 [x]

4. Lipstick shade "Atomic" - £1.00 [x]

5. Ultra Eye shadow Palette - £8.00 [x]

6.  "Focus & Fit" Eye brow kit - £2.50 [x]

These are just a few of the products that have caught my eye recently. My favourites include; the Mini Brush Set - perfect for keeping in your handbag for touch-ups or for travelling, the Blushing Hearts Blusher - the packaging and colours are so pretty - & the "Amazing Bliss" lipstick - a perfect shade for the spring/summer months. 

Have you tried any products from the Makeup Revolution range?

Which products are your favourite?

xxx

Topshop lipstick - Review

Topshop's beauty range is something I've been wanting to try for a long time now, however each time I wander into my local branch I seem to completely forget about the range & instead head straight for the shoes/clothes/accessories.

However on a recent trip to my local shopping centre I decided to finally make a long-over-due beauty purchase. As a newbie to this range I thought I'd play it relatively safe & go for a liptick - plus you can never have too may lipsticks, right? So with summer just around the corner (well hopefully.. you can never be to sure in England) I decided to go for a gorgeous coral shade known as "falling fast".

I've worn this lipstick a few times since purchasing it & so far I haven't been disappointed. 

• Packaging: I love the design of both the box this lipstick originally comes in & lipstick packaging itself. They're both simple however there's something about the chalk effect that makes it stand out from other brands/products. 
• Finish/Colour Pay Off: The Topshop website describes this product as having "fabulous colour" and a "matte finish". There's definitely no shine/glimmer from this product but this look can easily be created with a simple layer of gloss. I also agree with that the colour pay off is great. As you can see from the photos above it leaves a gorgeous coral shade to the lips - without looking to bright or orange toned. 
• Price: At £8.00 this  is a very affordable product & would fit most beauty-lovers budgets.
• Formulation: The lipstick is described as having a "creamy finish" which I'm happy to say I completely agree with. One of my pet peeves is lipsticks that are dry and/or difficult to put on.. but this product feels beautifully moisturising & creamy which makes it easy to apply.
• Fragrance: Although only faint, there's a lovely vanilla scent to this lipstick - always an added bonus!

In my opinion this is the perfect lipstick shade to wear throughout spring/summer if you're looking for a coral that makes a subtle statement without being too out there. 

Usually I'm a complete Rimmel girl when it comes to lipsticks & - although I'll still be purchasing Rimmel lipsticks religiously - I'm so excited to try more lipsticks & other products in the Topshop beauty range. 

Click here to view Topshop's full beauty range. 

Have you tried any Topshop beauty products?

Which is your favourite?

xxx

New Hair - Soft Ombré

I've been dying my hair the same golden blonde colour for almost as long as I can remember.  With the exception of dip dying my hair light pink last year & a brief period of time when I was about 15 & decided to go for a chocolate brown with red streaks (yes really) I've never made any drastic changes to my hair colour. 

So I finally decided to bite the bullet & make an appointment at my hair salon to try something a little different... admittedly nothing overly different or crazy, but just enough to wave goodbye to those pesky brassy tones & say hello to the cool blonde tones I've been craving for so long.

Before & After 

As you can see in the before photo my hair was quite golden in colour and full of brassy tones.. but after a few hours in the salon chair.. the brassy/golden colour has gone and my hair now has a soft ombré effect - fading from dark blonde to light.

This look was created with a mixture of dark blonde hair dye, light blonde hair dye and bleach. The darker tones were added to my roots and top few inches of hair & then alternations of bleach and light blonde dyes were used to the mid sections and ends.

For someone that usually follows a routine of home hair colouring, I'll happily admit that hearing the word "bleach" did fill me with a little feeling of dread. Images of frazzled, dry hair sprung to mind & I started to ask myself if the golden blonde was really all that bad.. But after the usual shampoo/condition routine the hairdresser used a deep conditioning treatment which really helped inject extra moisture & all my worries vanished.

For anyone that is considering going for a similar colour change their are some points to consider:

• Price: This was classed as a full colour change & came in at around the £90 mark. Although a lot pricier than a usual box dye, I personally think paying the extra is worth it for a style change like this as it's something I personally think would be difficult to create from home. 
• Time: Make sure you clear your schedule for at least a few hours. Including dying, washing/condition, toners (to ensure the bleach is a cool blonde) & drying/styling.. I'd say this took around 2 and a half hours start to finish. 
• Up-keep: I've been told that at first the light blonde may fade slightly quicker than usual - however besides that (& depending on how fast hair grows) a trip every six weeks to touch up any showing of root/brighten up any faded blonde. 

Besides these points.. if you're thinking of changing your hair colour, but aren't sure whether to finally bite the bullet..I say go for it. Life's too short to be unhappy with hair!

What are your thoughts?

xxx