BB CREAMS: WHAT'S WITH ALL THE HYPE?

A little bit of a cheat here since I actually wrote this as a guest blog over at the Homespa Beauty site, but if you want to hear me ramble wax lyrical about all things BB then you can read it HERE.

Random photo of the Clinique BB Cream (which is good by the way) just cos, you know, it makes sense I guess...

Did you click it? You really should. Don't you love how I'm described as a FASHION EXPERT? My 14-year-old self begs to differ...

LOLCANO, right? Nice hat...

The Blurb on Homespa:

Homespa is the freelance make-up artistry, training and beauty therapy company that travels to you.  Our BABTAC approved training courses, professional make-up artistry and beauty therapy treatments are bespoke to each client's unique requirements.


With over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, Hollywood film, television, magazine shoots and fashion shows, Homespa is the ideal company to provide the high quality results you want.  We believe that everyone can benefit from our knowledge and expertise; you can also visit our Youtube channel for easy to follow pro demonstrations.

...So there you go.

In other news, I'm back from Portugal and have loads of photatoes to share with y'all, along with a few exciting collection and product reviews anaw. SWEET!

RECENT PURCHASES: MAY

Not too much to report, Recent Purchases-wise yet again! Last month I spent a BOMB on partying, food, mooching about and generally having a gay old time, so I've been trying to be frugal since I got paid but it's SO difficult!

Anyhoo, let's crack on.

Skeleton crop top with cut out shoulders - Topshop

This wee tee was only £14! Bargain! I'm loving this shoulderless trend and I actually got another gorge floral shoulderless dress from Toppers a while ago but forgot to include it and now it's gone from the website. BUMS. Anyway, this wee number was a steal and is super-cute on. It actually wasn't that cropped so I cut off the hem (!) to make sure it sits right on the waistband of my faux-leather H&M skater which is how I plan to style it up this weekend. It's pretty high-necked so perhaps not one for you lovely CHESTY WUMMIN, but with my hair up and a bold lip I think I can just about pull it off. Love.

Something Wicked cropped tee - Tee and Cake at Topshop

I am a sucker for a Shakespeare quote and Macbeth is my favourite so when I saw this I grabbed it to trying on, not really sure how I was going to make it work. Turns out it's a TRUE CROP which means midriff, something which really isn't cool for me (or anyone else rapidly encroaching their mid-twenties) but again, it'll work with very high-waisted shorts or that faux-leather skater I mentioned. If all else fails it'll be a super cosy jammy top - the cotton is really thick and soft...

Oatmeal open-shoulder top - Topshop

Can you spot a theme here? Yeah, I pretty much raided Topshop last night. Another shoulderless wonder, this uber-light knit is cut to fall really flatteringly and is an awesome basic to throw on with loads of other stuff in my wardrobe, plus the no-shoulder detail adds a bit of edge. Beware, it's pretty sheer though...

Crochet and chiffon cardigan - TRF at Zara

I'm going on holiday next week - WOOP! - and I was in desperate need of a wee cardi like this to chuck on over strapless beachy dresses or for if it turns chilly in the evening. This  off-white crochet number is perfect and it's stunning on - looks like it's worth at least double it's crazy £25.99 price tag!

Dr Weil for Origins Mega-Bright serum

I recently attended a beauty lock-in event at House of Frasers in Glasgow (more on that to come soon) and after a glass of cava (or three), I found myself stumbling over to the Origins counter lustfully eyeing up this baby. It's been on my periphery for a while - y'all know how much of a freak I am for skin brightening goodies - but I could never really justify the £46. The shrewd but lovely sales girl noticed my hesitation and went on to tell me loads about it, most of which I've now forgotten to be honest. But her schpiel worked and I've been using it semi-religiously every morning for around two weeks. I can't say I've noticed a huge change overall, but certainly after you put it on you can see a difference. I think it's mostly to do with the slight iridescence to the serum itself than anything else, but I have my fingers crossed for more long term visible results in skintone. One thing to note, it's quite silliconey which means it can feel weird putting any kind of emollient moisturiser over the top. I've also noticed if you use too much and vigorously rub it in it can ball up and flake off, which is NOT COOL so less is more peeps.

Origins Brighter by Nature high potency brightening peel

Yup, I was suckered into this too. I explained my night-time skincare routine to the sales assistant and she told me I was lacking a glycolic treatment and a mask, both to use a few times a week. I couldn't really argue to be honest, I mean I HAD tried the Alpha H Liquid Gold (which I still have by the way, should really throw it out...) but unfortunately every time I used it I woke up with horrible little spots that took ages to go away. I think it's just too harsh for my skin, and I've never noticed the miraculous effects others seem to rave about... Anyways, I decided on this even though I suspected it might be a similar type of product (akin to a 30% glycolic peel apparently!) and I was right :( I've used it twice and both times it stung and left me with those painful wee red spots. BUT, after a day or so once my skin has calmed down, it has been feeling a bit smoother. Not brighter as such, just less red and clearer overall, but it's hard to know whether that's solely down to this or my new moisturiser (coming up). I THINK it's working but I'm still undecided whether it's worth the unsightly side-effects...

Origins Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask

Although my skin seems to be changing to more normal/combo instead of combo/oily, I do still get the odd breakout now and then. Thanks to some crazy partying recently (Kirsten's 25 going-away parties amongst other things) I've accidentally fallen asleep with my makeup on a few times with some NASTY results. I opted for this as my final Origins splurge to hopefully sort things out once and for all and I'm pleased to say it definitely worked. It does exactly what it says on the tin - soaks up any excess oil, deep cleans and dries out potential spots before they come to the surface. Putting it on is like smearing toothpaste all over your face though, which is well weird! The consistency is super-thick and it smells strongly of camphor which I don't love. But I do like the effects - definitely a winner.

Lancome Hydra Zen neurocalm soothing moisturising cream

This is a bit of a cheat cos I didn't ACTUALLY buy this, it was in my goodybag from the Frasers event a few weeks ago. But I'm including it cos I think it's worth mentioning since I've been using it pretty much non-stop ever since. So after I'd used those brightening peel pads my skin was really tight and red - not something I'm used to since using the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish virtually every night for 4 months. I noticed I'd been given a sample pot of this from the new Lancome Hydra Zen range designed for sensitive skin and tried it out after my Advanced Night Repair as usual. HOLY COW. I've never woken up to such soft skin before! Seriously, when I wake up all I want to do is stroke my face for ages... The heavy glass pot feels luxurious, it smells delicious and is absorbed quickly. This white pot is an oil-in-water version and they do an oil-free one, but I don't think it has SPF which is disappointing otherwise I'd be snapping it up to use in the daytime too. If you have sensitive skin I'd highly recommend this,

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara

I first tried this in November last year and I LOVED it but stupidly decided that at £22 it was too expensive to repurchase. I got myself another Maybelline One-by-One mascara to take its place but I've had to admit that it just PALES IN COMPARRISON. Whereas the Maybelline one dries out in a matter of weeks, has a stabby, synthetic brush and goes clumpy and flaky after 2 coats, this does none of these things. The tapered wand makes it perfect for getting every single tiny lash, top and bottom, and the formula stays 'wet' for ages, both in the tube and on your eyes which reduces any dry flakyness. It's not the most smude-proof mascara out there but then it isn't waterproof so I guess I can't judge it too harshly for that. Simply put, I love it. Plus, weirdly, it smells really nice too, though beware when trying to sniff it. Black smudges all over your nose isn't a hot look, TRUST ME!

Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips (bought from eBay)

So I've never had a huge problem with the colour of my teeth before, they've never been YELLOW or particularly stained (unless you count a night on the red wine...) but who WOULDN'T want their teeth that little bit whiter eh? My mum recently got her teeth whitened at the Girl's Day Out Show in Glasgow a while back, and the results were not bad. You could see a slight difference but nothing spectacular, and she paid £60 for the priviledge. I'd been thinking about doing the same, but I remembered seeing reviews of these on

YouTube and they were all overwhelmingly positive so I decided to go for it. I'm glad I did! A pack of 20 upper and lower strips cost me just over £20 and I've only been using them for a week and I can definitely see a difference. They're pretty fiddly, take half an hour to develop and can sting/make your teeth slightly sensitive afterwards, but in terms of results, they speak for themselves...

OK, so I AM wearing a blue-red lippy and I took this on Instagram with a filter, but seriously, they are definitely, DEFINITELY whiter. They're not quite Ross from Friends yet, and I'll stop using them if they start to go that way, but for the moment I'm very happy with the results. Be careful using them cos they're not approved for sale here and if you're worried about sensitivity or whatever, maybe steer clear. But the bottom line is they work.

So, aye. That's what I've been buying/using recently. As I mentioned I'm going on holiday next week and still have a few beachy, summery things to get before I go so if I have enough time I'll show you guys what I get. If not look out for holiday pics in a couple of weeks! I'll also be posting the link to a guest blog I've written all about BB creams (once I actually write it!), so look out for that too. Along with some more info on the Frasers beauty event... Jings,  my to do list is out of control at the mo!

ALSO, incase anyone is wondering what I actually DO to fund all these purchases, a colleague of mine wrote about A Day in the Life of a Subtitler for my company's blog. Check it oot if you're nosy curious.

JEFFREY CAMPBELL SUMMER LOOKBOOK 2012

I have to be honest, I expected more from the Jeffrey Campbell summer 2012 look book "Hot Child in the City." The name conjures up a kind of 70s, glamorous New York vibe, a little bit Studio 54, a little bit sweaty grunge and definitely very sexy... Instead these shots are lacklustre at best, and although the shoes in the collection look fabulous (we knew they would) I don't think they're being shown to the best of their potential by half-assed styling and lack of coherent inspiration...

See what I mean? There's too many random things going on - snakeskin, neon, tie dye - combined with downright BAD (and cheap?) styling and no actual vibe or theme to speak of. In some of the shots you can't even see the shoes when, OBVIOUSLY, they should be the main feature?!

Perhaps it's unfair to judge this lookbook too harshly since Jeffrey Campbell are, after all, a shoe brand, but in that case why waste time and effort on something so mediocre when they could have let the shoes speak for themselves as they often do. They're established enough to know better. It's a shame.

What do you think, do you guys agree or disagree?

MET BALL 2012 BEST AND WORST

After last year's outstanding efforts from the fashion elite to celebrate the epic Alexander McQueen retrospective at the New York Met, this year's Met Ball had a lot to live up to. The theme this time, Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, brought out lots of Prada, lots of couture and of course lots of humdingers!

I'm normally pretty on the ball with putting posts like this up at the appropriate time, but JEEZE-OH I've been busy! So much so that I've not had a spare moment to filter these pics into my usual FASHION WINS and FASHION FAILS respective piles. Until now!

So, yeah, I've found myself a spare 5 mins so let's DO THIS THING and you can all just ignore the fact that by now it's pretty much old news. Deal.

WINS

Carey Mulligan

I think what's making her face look all weird is actually the reflection from those massive shiny scales. Not ideal for a red carpet event with paps galore, but anyhoo Carey pulls this so-wrong-it's-right UBER-SEQUINED Prada number off immaculately. I love that someone quite demure in personality often  goes for such dazzling, daring sartorial choices. Joyful juxtaposition.

Florence Welch

Here's Flo in a McQueen creation which ticks all her red carpet gown requirements: ethereal, quirky, off-white, witchy, chiffony, goth bride, whimsical and show-stopping. Her formula ain't broke so I'm super glad to see she ain't fixing it. Stick to what you do best love.

Lana Del Rey

Loads of folk picked this as a worst dressed but I totally love it. The silvery sequined number would be stunning on its own but the addition of the cape pushes this into just the right side of the dark and macabre - think sexy, glamorous Count Dracula. Plus, I'm REALLY hoping this will spark a cape trend for winter party dresses cos that's one bandwagon I'm more than happy to jump on cos of my bingo wings.

Ginnifer Goodwin

Orange is such a contentious colour, but when you get it right MAN can it look amazing and Ginnifer's fitted number with high-necked detailing is a case in point. Ginnifer almost always smashes it and rarely gets the recognition, which is kinda pants...

Mia Wasikowska

Another Prada effort, another total win (except it could have been doing with a few inches off the length, no?). The tomboy in me is loving this more under-stated style of gown, while the girly girl is excited to see that pretty embellished collars are apparently going nowhere fast.

MIA

Again, another fashion fail for most, but I think MIA looks SO COOL here! Although her impressive barnet gives me major hair envy, I think something like a slicked-back Croydon face lift might have been more appropriate so we could see the gorgeous print on that fab skirt-suit, but whatevs, she's just rocked up not giving an EFF and I love that.

Emma Stone

There's something totes 90s about this tomato-red Lanvin dress which majorly appeals. I love Emma looking so young and fresh and clearly having fun. Cute as a button. Plus, lol at her date, Alber Elbaz who's come as an unnerving Elvis/Austin Powers hybrid.

Christini Ricci

Sometimes, even if you're petite, swamping yourself in masses of fabric can actually work, and ESPECIALLY if you're Christina Ricci. Remember her dress last year? I think I actually prefer this custom Thakoon number if that's possible. Totally statement, over the top,and tongue-in-cheek.

FAILS

Chloe Sevigny

Oh Chloe, I hate to see you age :( sadly the combo of your "mom" haircut and orange fake tan have combined here to make you look positively DOWDY and even that daring cut-out dress can stop it. Sob. Can't we just freeze her in 1996 and wheel her out at these things? I'd prefer that.

Alexa Chung

Don't get me wrong, I understand what's SUPPOSED to happen here, but maybe it's a testament to my encroaching middle-age that I can't help inwardly screaming TAKE OFF THE WHITE SHIRT! It's too editorial a look and I just don't think Chungy can pull it off on the red carpet. Just looks wrong.

Marc Jacobs

The clutch, the bockies, the white buttons, the shoes... I guess it's an attempt to get papped and in that case I suppose it's a win of sorts, but let's be honest, it's a FAIL AT LIFE, Marc.

Gwyneth Paltrow

YAWN I was so bored by this until I noticed the sideboob - now I'm majorly disturbed and repulsed. Stop flaunting your rock-hard, sinewey body already, Gwyn, it's CREEPY!

Kristen Stewart

OF COURSE. How could we leave out KStew, once again taking the prize for most awkward red carpet poser in the universe here in this frankly FUGLY dress which does her no favours and actually makes her look a little chunky round the hips. Plus, those shoes... Why? WHY?! I do like her hair though. Still, everything below the eyes is wrong. Is that actually a GRIMACE?

So those were my best and worsts, what do you think, have I been unusually harsh/kind? There were a few I was just a bit MEH about, including (and it hurts me to admit it) my love, January Jones in a bright yellow effort with weird peplum and blah hair. She didn't look bad - duh, not possible - but nor did she WOW me. Excited for her next effort to blow me away. Also, special mention to Kirsten Dunst who wore a crazy Rodarte skirt suit which reminded me of something Tilda Swinton would rock. Still in two minds about that...

Thanks for sticking with me guys, sorry this is really late. I still have an event post and product review to go up at some point soon, plus a guest blog for another website, plus my real actual life to contend with (still waiting to hear back about my BIG NEWS ahh!) and I know I've been slacking a bit so soz. It's been playing on my mind and I promise to get the finger out a bit more over the next wee while.

ALSO, I recently hit 110,000 views which is a BIG DEAL for me so once I've picked something awesome I'm going to do a giveaway too. Keep 'em peeled!

VINTAGE SUMMER LUST

Isn't this the most perfect wee vintage 90s dress ever? Tie-dye and hand-printed gold moons, stars and dolphins galore - LOVE!

I guess this probably isn't everyone's cup of tea but if I was going to any festivals this year (which I'm not, sob!) I'd pair this with jelly shoes (or wellies more likely), a top knot, a backpack and some big round sunnies...

Images from Etsy

GOLDEN BLONDE AMBITION

So for loads of folk it seems  that going blonde in summer is something of an annual rite - one I've never been tempted to get involved with... UNTIL NOW.

Don't freak out, I'm not talking about bleaching my hair into oblivion a la Abbey Lee in my last post! My super-pale, yellowy colouring wouldn't suit something as ashy I don't think, plus I am WAY to chicken to go anywhere near the bleach! I'm talking something golden, sun-kissed. Summer APPROPRIATE. I'm getting really sick of my bottle-ginger that's always a slightly different shade each time I do it, plus it's all one block colour all over, which doesn't help with making it look all artfully-tousled when I can be bothered to curl it.

So for some golden blonde inspiration I've been looking to these beauts:

 For reference, this is what my hair looks like right now:

Not the best photos I'm afraid, but basically it's a sort of mid reddish-brown which shines up quite ginger in the sunlight. I've been dying it this colour or a version of this for years using semi-permanent dyes at home. My natural colour is yer bog-standard MOUSEY BROON.

Can any hair experts out there tell me, will this even be possible or will trying to lighten it just make it go bright orange? Will it ruin my hair? IS THIS A MISTAKE???? 

Do any of you guys go blonde for summer? Let's hear yer tales...