Every day makeup!

My every day makeup featuring Sloane's Plum (330) lipstick by Rimmel.

So I've spent a good portion of the afternoon filming an every day makeup routine with my new camera to test it out and I come to upload it onto my computer and it's not there. I cannot work out where on earth the file is because it's definitely on my camera as I can watch it on playback.

Oh well! The pictures worked anyway, so here's a few snaps.

Strike a pose!

Face:

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation in shade 52.

Bourjois Healthy Mix concealer in shade 52.

MAC Blusher in Harmony used as contour.

MAC Bronzing Powder in Matte Bronze.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle as highlight.

Nars Blusher in Orgasm.

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Medium Plus as a setting powder.

Eyes:

Sin, Naked, Smog and Darkhorse eyeshadows from the Urban Decay Naked Palette.

Clinique Brush On Cream Liner in the shade True Black.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place pencil liner in the shade Onyx 01.

Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof, Benefit Bad Gal Lash and Benefit They're Real mascaras, layered.

MAC Fix + used with MAC eyeshadows in Charcoal Brown and Brun for filling in my eyebrows.

And on my lips as mentioned previously is Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick in the shade Sloane's Plum which I recently picked up in a little Boots haul.

On my nails I have Shellac Black Pool with a coat of Model's Own Ibiza Mix underneath the setting top coat. I'm testing if I can use Shellac topcoat with my regular nail polish, if so I have so many options to choose from now without spending hella loads on the proper Shellac colours, YAY!

I also pointed my nails slightly a la Danielle in her latest nail art. It feels so weird to me but I wanted to try it out. I think it looks okay?! I don't know?!

Hope you're all well.

Sorry I've not posted much good content recently. I have a few days off work in the next couple of weeks so hopefully I will get some outfit posts up etc.

Lots of love,

What's in my bathroom?

Hi guys, 

I need some product suggestions from you all! I was taking a big bubble bath the other day and wanted to show you what I currently keep in my bathroom. I came to realise that only half of the products I actually like...I thought I'd show you what I have and then I'm hoping you lovely people can suggest some bathroom goodies that you use, which I can try out for myself.

Here goes...

Tangle Teaser - Boots

This is my most recent addition to my bathroom. I've seen Tangle Teaser hair brushes all over the place but never picked one up until I had some vouchers to use in Boots - they're pretty expensive. (You can get them loads of places.) I have to say I'm very impressed and to be honest, I didn't think I would be. The brush is small and suitable for keeping in your handbag. It even has a bristle protector for travel purposes. The brush detangles your hair perfectly with very little tugging or pulling. The main reason I've included it in here is because I use it to brush through my hair when it's wet. So much better than a regular hair brush, no lie. And it's pink.

Rating: 4/5

Snow Fairy Shower Gel - Lush

I purchased the iconic Snow Fairy from Lush at Christmas time because I'd been wanting to try it since last year. To be honest, I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about because this product is raved about so much. I absolutely love it. I didn't love the smell at first when I poofed it in the shop, but when you use it in the shower....oh my god. It smells like pear drops and fruity yum and sweets and candy floss and ugh, it's just lovely. The smell lasts for a long time on your skin, it lathers lovely and it's pink! The only poo-poo about it is that it's a limited edition product that only comes out at Christmas. Thank god I got the biggest bottle. I will definitely be stocking up next year.

Rating: 4/5

Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser - John Lewis

If you read my blog, you'll already know my feelings on Liz Earle's Hot Cloth Cleanser. Just to recap for those that are new here....YOU NEED IT! This product is absolutely amazing. I use this pretty  much daily to cleanse my skin from makeup (if I'm not using this one, I use my Superdrug's own version which is just as good and a quarter of the price - see my review HERE) There's not much more I can say about this product except that it does exactly what it's supposed to and it's amazing. I got mine from John Lewis but if you google shop, you can get it from loads of different retailers. I'd buy it again if it were a special occasion such as birthday or Christmas, but at the moment I'm quite happy re purchasing my Superdrug version.

Rating: 4/5

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Oil Free Facial Wash - Boots

I got this product to use with my Clarisonic initially, and to use as a facial wash after using my Liz Earle C&P. I don't like it. For one, I don't like the colour orange, but I suppose that has nothing to do with it really. The product is oil free but feels oily on the skin. It leaves a residue after rinsing with water and I find myself rinsing again and again and even using soap and water to cleanse my face AFTER using this product. It doesn't really smell of anything/doesn't particularly smell nice, hasn't improved my skin and overall it's just a bit poo. I'm sure you can get this other places than Boots if you really wanted to, but to be honest I wouldn't even bother.

Rating: 1/5

Dove Daily Care Shampoo - Boots

Now, shampoos are the thing that irritate me the most. Every company claim to be the best and offer the shiniest results and care for your hair but I've never EVER found  a shampoo that does anything special or different from any other bottle on the shelf. I've tried countless brands and just find myself buying the ones on offer more than anything else. If you have any suggestions on amazing shampoos/conditioners, please let me know. I really want to be wowed by one but I really just think that all the claims are false on these products! What I really want is a shampoo that allows me to go two days without washing my hair. At the moment I was it once a day if I want to wear it down, otherwise I just go a couple of days but have to wear my hair up in between. I don't really have an opinion on this product. It washes my hair, it's okay! I wouldn't buy it again.

Rating: 2.5/5

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Jewel Edition - Debenhams

Here's another product I love. I'd been wanting to try Eight Hour Cream for ages and ages because I'd heard such good reviews on it, so when I saw it in TKMAXX for a bargain, I picked it up. The one I got is in the Jewel Edition packaging, which is lovely. You can still get it in Debenhams and I really think you should because it's on sale! I use this product as a lip balm at night. I normally keep it on my bedside table but wanted to include it in this post because its absolutely amazing. I apply it at night and can still feel the effects of it in the morning. I'm a lip balm fiend and couldn't live without this by my bed at night. It smells a bit odd, I have to say, so it's not one for using before you smooch, but I don't mind the smell too much. I would buy this product over and over again if I needed to, but to be honest I think this pot will last me a life time.

Rating: 4/5

Aveeno Positively Radiant Triple Boost Serum - Boots

I'm so-so on this product. I wanted to get into skincare, especially for my face and decided to try this product as it was on offer. It smells lovely and applies nicely but I'm not really seeing any major difference in my skin. I know its all probably false claims and these products are just for us to waste our money on, but I'd really like any suggestions on a good serum/moisturiser/eye cream which has really made a difference in your skin care. I wouldn't buy again.

Rating: 2.5/5

Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream - Boots

I got this product because the Pixiwoo sisters raved about it. It moisturises nicely, sinks into the skin okay, but again it hasn't been a wow product for me. It's expensive for the amount of product you get and I don't really think it's suited to my skin type. I think I'm after a light moisturiser for my face as I'm not too dry. My skin is combination, I have a few tiny dryer patches around my nose and between my eyebrows, but not too much. I wouldn't use this product under makeup as it makes my skin appear oily throughout the duration of the day. Any suggestions on a good moisturiser, too, will be appreciated. I wouldn't buy this product again.

Rating: 3/5

A studded shoe for every occasion!

Be forewarned, if you don't like studs or shoes...or studs on shoes, this blog post may not be for you! ;)

Clous Sandal by Sonia Rykiel

Hawk Spike by Jeffrey Campbell

Spike Boot by Dr Martens

Spiked Lita by Jeffrey Campbell

Hellraiser by UNIF

The Sonia Rykiel Clous studded leather sandals are my newest spiked babies. They run true to size and the leather is super duper soft and kind to feet. Absolutely no grip on the soles though, may need scuffing up a bit for less slippage. Great for summer days or dinner out.

Comfort: 4/5 on first impressions.

Sizing: True to size.

Stud type: Small conical.

Durability: Not yet tested, however they seem like a 4/5 on first impressions.

The Jeffrey Campbell Hawk Spike slip ons are lethal weapons. I used to think my UNIF Hellraisers were sharp but, my God, these spikes can do some serious damage. They run a little large but I wouldn't recommend downsizing because they are wide more than anything. I just use a Scholl heel grip and an insole to keep them snug. They're a bit sore for the first few wears but comfortable when they're broken in. Great for casual, grungy looks - just try not to gouge your ankles when you walk.

Comfort: 3/5

Sizing: True to size but quite wide.

Stud type: Razor sharp tall conical and small conical mix.

Durability: 3/5 - taller studs could be susceptible to damage.

The Spike Boot by Dr Martens were a Christmas gift this year. SO tight when you first put them on but persist - mine have loosened up wonderfully after a few wears. Goes without saying that they're very uncomfortable until broken in, but gradually becoming more and more comfortable with each time I wear them. Absolutely fantastic for winter days and could be good for gigs so you can boot people in the shins if they push you too hard. ;)

Comfort: 1/5 on first try. 4/5 when worn in.

Sizing: True to size, tight across the bridge of the foot until leather loosens.

Stud type: Small conical.

Durability: 5/5 - Studs seem extremely durable and secure.

The Jeffrey Campbell Spiked Litas are a classic. Super comfortable and give you height. True to size, but could be slightly too narrow at the toe for the wider footed ladies. Another lethal weapon along with the Hawk Spikes, but not AS sharp. Good for self defence on the dance floor from drunken men. Again, an ankle gouger if you're not careful.

Comfort: 4/5

Sizing: True to size but relatively narrow at the toe.

Stud type: Small conical and tall conical mix.

Durability: 3/5 similar to the Hawk Spike - taller studs may be susceptible to damage.

The UNIF Hellraiser flats are the more delicate (?!really?!) version of the Hawk Spikes. I'm tempted to describe them as more 'girly' than the others, but I still think that would be an oxymoron. Girly Hellraisers. Anyway, they're true to size. Super comfortable, I suffered just minimal rubbing on the top of my foot for the first few wears but they quickly became one of the most comfortable pair of shoes I own. Be careful - I managed to dislodge my first spike by catching my toe on a shopping trolley so they definitely are more delicate than the other spiked shoes I own. Great for wearing with dresses as they're more flattering on the foot than the Hawks.

Comfort: 5/5

Sizing: True to size.

Stud type: Meduim conical.

Durability: 2/5 - Least secure of all the shoes. They've done well but due care is needed when wearing as I managed to dislodge a spike more easily than I thought.

I hope you liked this post.

I effing love studs! Can you tell!

:)

Lots of love,

Neeny 

x

Desiderata by Max Erhmann

I re read this prose/poem this morning and wanted to share it here. I hope you take two minutes to read through it as it is a lovely, enlightening piece. I wish you all a happy and peaceful day. Lots of love x

Desiderata

Desired Things.

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

Hello...

Hi guys, just letting you know I'm still alive. I've been busy with work lately and have been wanting to blog but a combination of rubbish lighting, crappy weather and not being able to work my new camera yet has meant that I've lacked on my posting! Normal service will resume shortly (hopefully!)

Lots of love

x

Shop My Closet!

I've put a few items for sale on the Shop My Closet tab above. 

If you're interested in purchasing anything, instructions are all on THIS page :)

Here's a sneaky peek at what I'm selling at the moment. More will be added when I have time to photograph the items!

Happy shopping!

Testing, testing!

So I got myself a new baby. 

You might've seen on instagram (neenyh) that I recently sold my ipad and used the money to purchase a new camera, yay!

I haven't really had time to play around with it yet but thought I'd have a poke around before I head out for dinner. I actually have NO clue how to use it.

I did, however, find the High Contrast B&W setting...Nice one! No editing needed, that will save a bit of time!

Face spam in 3, 2, 1...

I will hopefully figure out how to use the basic functions soon as I couldn't for the life of me work out how to do self timer to take an outfit shot for tonight...grumble grumble!

Anyway, hurray for good quality photos (maybe)!

xxx

How fast does hair grow? Pictures two years on!

Hi guys! I wanted to do a quick post on my hair today. I don't know about you but I know a lot of people (including myself) at one time or another has googled something like "How fast does hair grow?" or "How long will it take for my hair to grow long?" and I thought that I'd show you my experience.

It has been two years to the day since I took the plunge and chopped all my hair off into a really short style. Not quite pixie cut, but the shortest part of my hair wasn't even a centimetre in length. I thought it's as good a time as any that I showed you how fast my hair has grown - and how fast yours could grow, too.

So here I am before my hair appointment. I went to Toni and Guy for the restyle from this...

To this...!

And two years later...with three haircuts in between (all taking about one inch off) I've finally reached a point where I can say I have long hair again. This picture was taken today.

I can safely say that I'm never going to cut my hair off again. I really needed to do it and really wanted to at the time because I was getting sick of the same old straight style. However I like to wear my hair up a lot and the inconvenience of having to wash my hair daily to get it to look good in the short style was just too much for me to enjoy.

So as you can see from the picture of the haircut, my shortest lengths were at the sides, just above my ear. 

As I mentioned, the shortest length of my hair was not even a centimetre, and now it measures just over 30 centimetres. If we take into account the three hair cuts I got in the last two years, taking a couple of centimetres off per cut, the average length of hair growth per year is around 16 to18cm! Making it nearly 1.5cms of growth per month. How good is that?!

Here are some more pictures of my hair today, two years on.

Here you can see how long the sides of my hair have managed to grow in this amount of time.

I hope this was helpful to you if you're wondering how long it will take to grow out your short hairstyle. I'm really quite amazed at how little time it actually took to get from a short style to over shoulder length. I wish you all good luck if you're trying to grow your hair out, like me! I know how tedious it can be, especially at the beginning where you have to go through that awkward stage of nothing looking nice. Keep at it, you can get through it! Haha!

I'm wondering if this is the average speed of hair growth for everyone. Have you ever grown your hair out from short? Leave a comment down below telling me how long it took for yours to grow out!

Lots of love, 

Neeny

x