A Mac Purchase....

                                                             Happy New Year!!!!!

A new year can only mean one thing, a new brand to try! Well for me Mac is a new brand, as I have always steered clear of their counters due to their ever growing queues at till points! But on a rather early thursday morning there was no one shopping on the department so I headed over to see what the fuss was all about! Many of my friends use Mac makeup and I have read reviews after reviews of the brand with bloggers expressing their love for it, so it was time I got a piece of the action as they say! I decided to opt for a new lipstick and lip liner. Having used the same Maxfactor "Angel Pink" for what feels like years I wanted a new bold lip, something completely different and completely not me. After browsing the rows after rows of lipsticks I was approached by a very helpful Mac artist who picked out several different colours to try on!

Heres what I chose......

The lipstick is Dark Side Amplified, and the liner is called Nightmoth, and I absolutely love the look they create when wearing them!

Its true what they say, a bold lip is a game changer!

Whats your favourite Mac lipstick and liner?

Follow my Instagram for more pictures on my latest looks!!!


Vicki xoxo

Winter Hair With Vivid!

I have been rather m.i.a recently, due to a crazy year of getting married, moving home and my four year old starting school, so the blog has taken a little back seat with every day life being rather busy. To get back into the swing of things, I thought I would share with you my recent visit to the hair extensions specialists Vivid, which are based in Northampton. If you are a follower of my blog then you will know I have used Vivid before and absolutely loved my results every time.
     With the weather not being very kind to my fine locks I felt it was time to add some volume and get rid of the static that the winter wind seems to create. And who doesn't love to have "big" hair for the party season!

To see how much of a difference extensions can make, Vivid took a before and after picture of my hair!

As you can see I have gone from very fine, limp hair, to big bouncy curls, all down to the fabulous Jason at Vivid! The lighter blonde was growing out of my hair, so Hannah coloured matched the extensions to my natural colour of dark blonde with some lighter blonde going through to match the ends! I really couldn't be happier with my new hair!!!

For more info about Vivid and the different treatments they offer, visit their webiste at
www.vividhairandbeauty.com

Check out their Instagram at www.instagram.com/vividhairextensions/ .

And keep up to date via twitter at twitter.com/vividxhair

As well as their Facebook page Facebook.com/Vividhair1

Hope you enjoyed this mini post!

Vicki xoxo

A Vivid Update

If you are familiar with my blog, then you will know about twelve weeks ago now, ( yeah really that long ago), I had hair extensions put in by the lovely Hannah at Vivid Hair in Northampton. So I thought it was about time I gave you a bit of an update to let you guys know how I'm getting on with the hair and how I'm maintaining it!

 (This was taken when i first had my hair extensions put in)

    First things first! I absolutely love my hair! Its the best decision I have ever made with regards to my hair, and I will continue to use Vivid and have new extensions put back in when the time comes! What is it I love about my hair I hear you cry! Well, I have naturally very fine hair, that gets very static in winter, and with extensions I no longer have this problem! My hair is full and feels great. Hair styles actually stay in place so much better. For example, I love creating a big bouncy hair style, and with my natural hair,once one side is curled by the time I get around to curling the other side it has all dropped down! So this no longer happens, instead, I have to brush the curls out so they aren't so big at times!

 (Big Hair Don't Care)

   Another big reason I love my hair extensions is due to the fact I no longer have to constantly wash my hair. I have gone from needing to wash my hair everyday to now I can leave it for up to five days. If I feel my hair does need a wash then I separate the top part of my hair and pull the rest into a low pony tail and will dangle over the bath to wash just that top section.  I do also use dry shampoo and in particular Batiste Dry Shampoo in Light Blonde. I use this at nightime before I go bed and spray in sections, including the extensions, and when I wake I have full hair thats not greasy! Bonus!
  To keep my hair from knotting I use an actual hair extension brush, this way the extensions don't get pulled at and my own hair doesn't break either!

(Long and straight option)

All in all I love my hair and I will continue to use Vivid and only Vivid with my long flowing locks!
Are they hard to maintain? In a simple response, No! I actually find them easier to deal with than my own hair, as I can do so much more with it now and like I previously said, I hardly wash my hair now so time isn't wasted washing and blow drying it, then straightening it every day!
Heres a pic of my hair with it being unwashed for four days and twelve weeks on from when I had them put in!

Hope you have enjoyed my post!

And remember only choose Vivid!!!

Vicki xoxo

Fun And Flirty Hair With Vivid

I finally took the plunge last friday and went and had hair extensions fitted! I had been toying with the idea ever since I came across Vivid Hair Extensions on Facebook about a year ago, and watched the client base grow bigger and bigger to eventually this year Hannah opening up her very own salon! The reason I chose Vivid was more due to the fact that they constantly had repeat business from their customers, so I knew that their reputation spoke volumes, not just their hair!
       My first consultation was at Hannahs house, (as the salon wasn't open at this point), this included her explaining the process of how the hair would be put in and how to take care of it. My hair was colour matched to her numerous hair swatches that she had and I paid a deposit. After bombarding Hannah with a million of questions and requests, like the fact that I didn't want them put in too high as I have very fine hair, and will I be able to wear my hair up, I was finally given a date to come back and have them fitted!

Friday the 31st of October I walked in to the newly opened Vivid hair salon in Northampton! With quirky decor and fabulous staff to match, I was beyond excited to have chosen Vivid to fit my extensions.

I wanted to have hair extensions fitted as this week we are going down to London to the SalonQP event and I wanted fuller hair for the event! So heres a before shot of my hair and an after shot with the extensions fitted and I'm sure you will agree its a massive difference!

I have mid length hair, but the extensions gave length and lots more volume to my thin locks! Im really pleased with the results  as the colour match was perfection! I love now that when I curl my hair the curls actually stay in, rather than drop within the first ten minutes. I also love the fact that having longer and bigger hair, clothes look differently on. Strange, I know, but they definitely do look better!

   I can't recommend Vivid enough, and I think my pictures prove the difference the hair extensions have made. If you are thinking about getting extensions then definitely visit Vivid for a free consultation to see what would work best for you! Heres Vivids links.....

www.facebook.com/vividhair1

www.twitter.com/vividxhair

www.instagram.com/vividhairextensions

www.vividhairextensions.co.uk

Let me know your thoughts!!!

Vicki xoxo

Make Way For La Mav Organic Skin Science

The beauty of makeup is not just how it looks on your face but how you feel when you wear it. To  find a brand that incorporates everything you would want it to in one piece, e.g, organic and actually does what it says it should do, whether it be a foundation, powder or lipgloss is a rare treat.
 I have pale skin with rosy red cheeks and red lips, that in the summer I get an oily t-zone and in the winter I get dry patches. This dilemma means that i'm forever trying different makeup to try and combat these areas at specific times of the year.

I recently got in contact with a company called La Mav Organic Skin Science about their products, as I had come across them on instagram and then had read many reviews on the great things that the products do. I was extremely lucky to be sent three full size products of my choice!

1. La Mav Rumex Advanced Lightening Day Creme

2. La Mav Anti- Ageing Mineral Foundation in Light/Medium

3. La Mav Tinted Lip Treatment in Sheer Pink




La Mav Rumex Advanced Lightening Day Creme

  " This ultra-rich lightening day creme works to reduce the appearance of discolouration and pigmentation. Formulated with Licorice root and Rumex Occidentals to deliver intensive lightening and brightening benefits. Gives skin a smooth and healthy appearance. "

Ideal for
   Skin that is prone to pigmentation, sun-damage and fine lines.

Ok ok, so I know Im only 28 and you're probably thinking why do I need a lightening creme already, but I feel it's important to look after my skin as I do have a few fine lines already ( I call them smile/laughter lines), and every summer my face does get a little sun damaged as we go abroad and I definitely don't apply as much sunscreen as I should. (This post took a little longer than usual in uploading as I have taken a couple of weeks testing the products to give an honest opinion!)
     The Advanced Lightening Day Creme gives a great description promising lots of improvements with continuous use so it had a lot to live up to. I found the creme to be very light on my skin, and didn't leave an oily residue which is a big plus especially in this weather! Already after a few weeks I can see and feel a slight change in my face, with it feeling more toned and the appearance of my fine lines less noticeable. Because the creme made my skin feel so good and look good I didn't apply as much foundation as I usually do due to it looking less tired than usual. I will be keeping this creme in my daily skin routine as I couldn't find a fault with it!

RATING 
 5 Stars Out Of 5


La Mav Anti- Ageing Mineral Foundation In Light/Medium

     " La Mav Mineral Foundation is a concealer, foundation and powder in one that provides a flawless finish giving skin a natural and radiant look without clogging pores or irritating skin."

For me a powder is essential, especially in the summer months as I can often get an oily t-zone, so being sent a powder was like music to my ears! The powder is very light on the skin and glides on easily using my Real Techniques brush, and has a slight shimmer effect which I layer up on evenings out for a more glamorous effect.  What I particularly liked about the foundation is that on days that I didn't want to wear a "full face" I could literally wear the product on it's own, and if necessary add more if needed.

RATING
  4.5 Stars Out Of 5
Now, here Im being picky, as the product itself is great, although I personally feel that the product would benefit form having come with its own brush or sponge in the box, hence the 0.5 marking down!



La Mav Tinted Lip Treatment Sheer Pink

   " An intensive hydrating tinted lip treatment that moisturises and conditions lips. Formulated with CoEnzyme Q10,  Argan Oil and Vitamin E that will help to maintain ultra hydration and nourishment."

I love love love this lip treatment!!! Being a fan of barbie pink lipstick anyway, whats not to love about adding a pink gloss on top that actually nourishes the lips! Some people are not a fan of glosses as they can be sticky and wear off easily! What was surprising is how this gloss is definitely not sticky, so my hair isn't constantly being pulled away from my face when wearing it, and it stays on a lot longer, so reapplying all throughout the day isn't essential! The sheer pink was a great choice for me, but you can also order berry for a more daring look or nude for a subtle every day style.

RATING
  5 Stars Out Of 5



Overall I was so pleased with the products I was sent by La Mav, as they matched my skin tone and personality down to a tee! I always find it a little daunting trying new products especially make up as you never know how your skin will react to them and getting the right shade is an essential. I will definitely be ordering some of the other products from their website as I was so pleased with the findings from this review.

Don't just take my word for it, head over to the website www.lamav.com and see what other wonderful products you can get! The shipping is a great price considering its coming all the way from Australia and if you sign up to their newsletter you will be informed of all their great offers and latest discounts!


Let me know if you have purchased any products from La Mav and if you are going to!

Hope you enjoyed this post!


Vicki xoxo

New set of nails!

Today was the first day that I actually went and got my nails done! Yes, I know i'm rather a little old at twenty eight to have never had this done before, but I guess better late than never! I always used to do my own with the stick on ones that you get from Boots. Then once I had my little boy there was no time to do this luxury anymore!
      So off I went to the nail salon in my local town, called Krystle Nails. Quite a few girls from work get their nails done there and always say how lovely the staff are and how good the actual nails are.
As I entered the salon the smell was rather strong of all the different nail products used, it was quite overwhelming! Having taken a seat it wasn't long until I got to sit in the chair and explain what I would like done! As I bite my nails (gross I know, but have done since I was little, think it usually happens when I'm stressed or nervous) I literally have the smallest nails ever! No joke! My two year old has longer nails than me! My nail beds are also rather small so they don't have any length to them!
      Anyway, back to the job in hand, the owners of the salon are a married couple and I got the husband, who was quite surprised at how small my nails were, what he usually uses on peoples little fingers were used on all my fingers! I decided to go for short nails as I wanted to be able to get on well with them, and felt if they were too long I would struggle with day to day tasks!
     After lots of chit chat and deciding I wanted short, rounded barbie pink nails here are the results!

You can't see too great in the picture but four of my nails are fuchsia pink and my engagement ring finger is a fuchsia pink but in glitter. I think next time I will get pastel colours and maybe go for a square shape to try something different!

Hope you liked this post!

Vicki xoxo

A very nosey beauty tag!

Another day another set of questions, but this time from the lovely sisters over at howlovely01.blogspot.com , they have tagged me to answer their beauty questions.

So here goes....

Would you rather lose all of your mascaras, eyeliners and lip products or lose all of your palettes and eye shadows?
 This one is easy for me, as I actually don't wear eye shadows so don't actually own any! Crazy I know! It's just I never know which colours suit me and wouldn't no where to start with applying it!


Would you rather chop off all your hair or never be able to cut it again?
 I actually dread having my hair cut even at my age! So for me it would have to be to never have it cut again.


If you had $500, would you spend this on clothes or makeup?
 I'm more of a clothes lover and $500 on clothes would be lovely, over makeup any day!


Would you rather only use one eyeshadow colour or one lip colour for the rest of your life?
 As I have previously said, I don't wear eye shadow, so I would pick just one eye shadow for the rest of my life as I do like wearing different shades of pink lipsticks.


Bright nails or nude nails all year round?
 Bright nails all year round, I love a bright pink, even in winter!


Would you rather never be able to use lipgloss or paint your nails again?
 Lipgloss can be so annoying at times, especially if you get a really sticky one and your hair just sticks to your mouth, this wouldn't bother me if I couldn't use it ever again!


Describe your perfect mascara. Have you found one?
 The mascara I'm currently using at the moment is No7 Lash Impact Intense Volume Control in black. I really like the way it separates my lashes and that I don't have to use layer upon layer of mascara.


Whats you ideal coverage foundation?
 Light to medium coverage, but I usually get to carried away when applying!


Favourite high street/drugstore beauty brand?
 No7 is by far my favourite brand as the products are great and are really affordable.


Favourite high end beauty brand?
 YSL Touche Eclat is an always must for the bags under my eyes!

Is there any makeup you can't leave the house without wearing?
 All of it! I'm constantly in full makeup all the time, in the summer months I do try to tone it down and wear less but who am I trying to kid, I love wearing it all!


What is your most cherished beauty product?
 My most cherished beauty product is Maxfactor's lipstick in Angel Pink! I hate how red my lips are so they are always coated in pink to match my girly look!


What skin type do you have?
 Normal skin.


Do you always use the same skin routine or do you like switching it up?
 I always use my same skin routine as I figure it's not broke so why fix it!


If you could only buy one makeup brand forever which one would you buy?
 I would continue buying No7, as its great value for money and they have a wide range of products that I use in my daily routine and keep in my makeup bag!


Which brand has your favourite packaging?
 I do like the style of Benefit cosmetics as they are so girly and quirky, but I do love the simpleness of No7 in my makeup bag.


Which do you apply first, concealer or foundation?
 I always apply foundation first and then apply concealer where needed!


Name a makeup crime you hate!
 I hate drawn on eyebrows! Some ladies can do it great but loads get it wrong!


QUICK FIRE!!!!

Blush or bronzer?
 Bronzer


Lipgloss or lipstick?
 Lipstick


Foundation or concealer?
 Foundation


Brushes or sponges?
 Sponge

OPI or Essie?
 OPI


Lotion or body butter?
 Body butter


Well thats all the questions completed! Hope you enjoyed reading my answers! Was quite crazy how similar some of my answers are to the ladies over at howlovely01.blogspot.com ! I would like to tag anyone who would like to use this beauty tag on their blog, and let me know if you do, as it's interesting to see what other people use!

Vicki xoxo