Saturday 23 February 2013

MUA Cosmetics Haul- Long Overdue.


So you know when you finally get some time out from whatever it is you were doing and decide to delete the 100’s of random files on your laptop that you’ve stored over the many months and then thank your lucky stars you didn’t completely send everything to the trash bin? Well that is exactly what happened to me when I came across this post just sitting in my ‘Draft Blogs’ folder and I realised then just how long overdue it is but thought Id publish it anyway.
Now a while back, I cannot exactly remember when it was, think it was beginning of December (I know, bad blogger!)  MUA cosmetics were having a 40% off sale off their online shop, as their brushes were just launched then too, I didn’t need to think twice before putting through my order worth approximately thirty pounds. It was simply too good of an offer to refuse and after already owning a few selection of products from their range, I wanted to add to my collection and build up my kit from a professional perspective.

For those of you who have never heard of MUA cosmetics, here is a brief description:
Makeup Academy Cosmetics (MUA) are an on-trend, affordable, without compromising on quality make up line available exclusively at Superdrug stores as well as online through their own website as well as on http://www.muastore.co.uk/store. Their prices range from £1 to about £7 they do everything for eyes, lips, face, nails, nail effects, primers, brushes and tools and lashes all suitable for both professional make up artists as well as those simply wanting to perfect their make up techniques.

More than the makeup itself, it was in fact the brushes that made me place an order, as we all know, good, quality brushes are the fundamentals to applying makeup and I am not one for sticking to one brand only. Sadly, it was only after my payment was processed that I realised the 40% off promo code didn’t include the brushes but with free delivery (free delivery on all order over £25), I couldn’t really complain I guess and actually, I wasn’t really losing out much, although I couldn’t help thinking that they should have been a little more clearer about this.

So, onto the products and here is what I ordered:

 

 
Brow Kit: £3.50

Now, although, the colours are a tad light for my brows, I still decided to purchase this anyway, here’s why: I thought I could play around with the colours, and mix and match to create, fuller, thicker and more defined brows. The product comes with three shades as well as a fixing gel, a mirror that comes in handy for applying other make up on the go as well as a precision brush and mini tweezers, and at £3.50 you really cant complain can you.

False Eyelashes- Vixen. £2.00

I do not religiously apply false eyelashes simply because I have been blessed with naturally long eyelashes anyway and prefer to get semi permanent ones done that can last 3-4 weeks. I quite liked the wide eye, spiked look of these and for two pounds including lash glue is an absolute bargain don’t you agree? These may be a bit full on for day wear, unless you wear no other make up at all, but I am currently saving mine for a night out.

Primer- £4

Having only ever owned one primer previously which was the Gosh Velvet Touch Primer, I decided to add this to my basket after reading several reviews on it. I have only used it once before applying my foundation and setting powder so don’t believe I have given it a fair trial, although not the most amazing, it does do a good job based on its price. It smoothened out my complexion and my foundation did appear to last longer, although I may need to get more uses out of it to give it a fair review.

 

Pressed powder- £1

My current blot powder from MAC is nearing the end, so I thought for one pound I couldn’t really go wrong with this. I purchased this in shade 3 as I thought it was the closest to my skin tone, (very difficult online though as some colours vary), luckily it appeared to be just the right shade. I use this mainly as a blot powder to remove shine from my nose, upper lip and forehead and it seems to work brilliantly, again an absolute bargain! It looks natural on my face, blends well and can have buildable coverage. To blot, I simply use my large powder brush, but for a more pigmented coverage for the full face over foundation, I suggest using a slightly damped sponge.

 

Brushes- I went a bit mad and purchased seven! Here they are:

·         Foundation Brush- F1

·         Blusher and Contouring Brush. F6

·         Blending and Eyeshadow Brush- E3

·         Eyeshadow Contour brush- E2

·         Concealer Brush- F3

·         Stippling Brush- F2

·         Lip Brush- L1







 

 

 

 

X3 Glitter eyeliners- £1

I am not much of a fan of glitter or bright, sparkly colours, (I sound so boring don’t I!) but I purchased these in Iced, (Silver) City of God(Off Gold) and Shade 4 (more intense gold) simply to apply to the bottom of my eyes or inner corners if I feel brave enough, but mainly because I have recently started to like the concept of brushing it over coloured eyeshadow. For example, recently, at a wedding, I wore purple eyeshadow from my Sleek palette to match my outfit and brushed the Iced Glitter liner over it lightly to match the silver embroidery I had.

 And lastly, I received these 5 gorgeous complimentary nail effects polishes too with my order as bonus items!

·         Nail Quake in Jailbreak

·         Nail Quake Shimmer

·         Nail Qauke Broken arrow

·         Nail Quake Shattered Ice

·         Nail Quake Quiver.

 
Visit their website here:

Follow them on Twitter @muacosmetics.
 
Did you make use of their special offer? What did you buy?

 

Love, Hinnah xxx
 
**All images, with the exception of the first taken from MUA official website.

 

Monday 18 February 2013

ABOUT ME- 30 random facts.


I am going to be blogging about something different today and for once, something non beauty related. I have recently been interacting with other beauty bloggers on Twitter in a bid to network, read other beauty blogs as well as raise awareness of my own, and came across one post from the lovely Fran at the "Been there, Done That, Got The Lipstick",  (check her out here) of her "50 Random Facts" and I thought it would be very interesting to do one of my own for all you lovely readers as you might like to get to know me a bit better. I decided to stick to 30 only as I didnt want this post to be long winded (nor spend hours deciding what to write for each one!) so here goes, enjoy!
 
1) Cheese and onion is my favourite crisp flavour, I am not too fussy about the brand.
2) I am afraid of the dark.
3) I NEVER watch horror films at night.
4) The only ice-cream I eat is Ben and Jerry's Cookie Dough.
5) I am a slave to public perception.
6) I iron my underwear.
7) I always wished I was taller.
8) Disneyland Florida was my first ever holiday.
9) I am a bit of a perfectionist.
10) My husband thinks I have OCD.
11) I am a little impatient, ok make that VERY impatient.
12) I clean obsessively.
13) I have had a lazy eye since childhood.
14) I have a very good memory.
15) I LOVE coffee, not to keen on tea. I drink three cups of coffee a day.
16) I just cannot sleep with socks on, no matter how cold it is.
17) I am addicted to my phone.
18) As youve probably guessed, I love MAKEUP <3 font="">
19) I always OVERTHINK things.
20) My husband is my best friend.
21) I am the most sensitive person in the world.
22) I hate cooking. Full stop!
23) My dream is to go to New York in the middle of Winter and SHOP till I drop.
24) I have long eyelashes.
25) My birthday is the 27th of September. I was born five weeks premature.
26) I really hate when people rite lyk dis. Grrrr
27) One of the things that bug me is when people talk with food in their mouth or chew loudly! :/
28) I can speak five different languages. One of them is Modern Standard Arabic.
29) I never post pictures of my two children on facebook, I.am.just too.damn.overprotective.
30) Every Saturday, the hubby and I cuddle up on the sofa with a takeaway meal and watch 'Take Me Out'. Its our DATE night!



Have you done this post? Be sure to paste your link in the comment box below so that I can have a nosey old read! :-)


Kisses,

Hinnah xxx 

 

Friday 15 February 2013

Bye Bye Glossybox.


Lately, I have been anxiously waiting for mid February, simply for two reasons,  Glossybox delivery and Valentines Day, the latter being more significant obviously. Now, I signed up to Glossybox's monthly beauty box subscription after alot of thought and debates, the idea of receiving a beautifully wrapped beauty box each month filled with goodies and at least one full sized product appealed to me alot being the beauty addict that I am, yet, it was only after seeing reviews and blogs on it from several beauty bloggers that made me make up my mind and sign up for a three month subscription.

On receiving my first ever box, see it here, I was very happy and felt I was getting my moneys worth. Delivery was on time and I was excited resembling that of a little girl and I couldnt open the box up any quicker.

Come second Glossybox and I have to admit, I was a tad bit disappointed. Truth be told, the only product I was entirely satisfied with was the sample of the Elemis facial wash. It seemed to work wonders on my skin and best of all, it was free of any nasties and chemicals. Although, not satisfied this time round, I decided to give it one more chance before completely unsubscribing especially since I paid for the subscription in advance.

So come February's box, I believe a Valentines special, (images below, apologies for the poor quality) and sadly, after much anticipation, it was enough to make me want cancel future boxes. Now, I have to admit, the packaging was beautiful, as always immaculately wrapped in a gorgeous shade of pink. But, again, the products were a disappointment and I didn't feel were enough to the value of almost thirteen pounds.


A look at whats inside of this months Glossybox.

 
On closer inspection, here is whats included. (Yes the lollipop was a bonus product!)
 
  • Docteur Renaud Raspberry soft cream (Available at Marks and Spencer)
  • Narciso  Rodriguez For Her sample
  • MeMeMe Beat The Blues highlighter in Oyster Gold.
  • Coral lipstick by Helene Cosmetics
  • MICA Bella Cosmetics- Mineral blush in Terra Cotta.
  • A heart shaped strawberry lollipop.  




The front of the box





 
The flower design continuing around the back of the box.
 
Now, it makes me wonder whether Glossybox should spend more effort and time on the contents of the box, rather than focus on the packaging? Surely, it must cost them a lot to wrap etc, hence the postage and packaging they charge us. Is it worth it if it is only going to go in the bin after? Also, they should really consider letting us purchase one off boxes if we like the look of them beforehand. What do you think?
 
The worst thing was after tweeting Glossybox about being unhappy and wanting to unsubscribe, nobody had bothered to reply in a bid to get me to change my mind etc, so I simply logged in to my account and cancelled my subscription right there.  
 
Who knows I may reactive my subscription in future as I do feel I will be missing out on the beauty goodies but for now, I am happy to have an extra thirteen pounds in my account every month!
 
Are you a Glossybox subscriber? What are your current thoughts?
 
xxx 
 

Thursday 14 February 2013

TAG- Why do I wear makeup?


Today’s post is going to be a little different than my usual beauty talk or product reviews. So, one evening, when I finally got an hour to myself from wife and mummy duties, I was just browsing through some beauty blogs just to have a bit of a nosey and I came across a post from Coco, at the Beauty Milk who can be found here. I found the post to be an interesting read and it was a fresh change from the usual product reviews I often came across and so I decided to do the TAG myself.
When did you start wearing makeup?
I began wearing makeup fully at the age of 15 but think I first started to experiment way before that. Like myself, my mother always liked to stay made up and groomed so I often snooped around her dressing table and it wasn’t long till she started to notice things going missing! Luckily, she wasn’t very strict about wearing makeup, yet my Head of Year at secondary school was, I was always getting in trouble for ‘hanging around the toilet mirrors’ and putting my face on. It didn’t stop me wearing it though and I think she eventually gave up!
What was the first makeup that you brought and loved?
Needless to say, all the pocket money I used to get for school lunches was spent on makeup. There were a few days where I often stayed hungry just so that I could buy a lipstick or eyeshadow after school.
But the first ‘proper’ product I treated myself to was Great Lash mascara in Black by Maybelline which is still available today! I’m not entirely sure whether it was the pink packaging that appealed to me or the product itself but I always saw those TV adverts with the beautiful models and their beautiful lashes and I longed for the same thing. I instantly felt grown up and glamorous!
What is your most used eyeshadow?
I am not one for coloured eyeshadow and I think the main factor is because I wear specs and don’t want too much attention drawn to my eyes so for me, it’s any neutral or beige eyeshadow that is nicely pigmented either from MAC, Urban Decay or Sleek. It may seem a little boring and unadventurous, but the plus side is that it goes with every outfit so I don’t need to worry in the mornings!
When did you begin loving makeup?
It would have been at the age of 18. I had just started to work weekends at my local Superdrug and was made in- charge of the makeup aisle. I loved playing with all the different products and testers and advising customers what to buy. I loved it! I soon realised I had a natural flair for makeup and beauty and so little by little, my make up collection grew and my bedroom soon become a makeup junkie’s heaven! One weekend, on a shopping spree to London, I entered Selfridges, and I was just in absolute awe. I was so overwhelmed! I saw that the majority of shoppers were at the MAC counter and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. When one of the MAC artists (a male can I add!) gave me a mini makeover, I was just blown away so I believe it all started from then on.
How do you feel without makeup?
The answer is, not very good. In the past, I refused to answer the front door or leave the house without it on. I often associated it as a mask even though fortunately I do not suffer from bad skin, but with it on, I instantly feel more better and confident about the way I am presenting myself to the world. Whats more, it doesnt really take me particularly long to apply so thats a plus point of it I suppose. I definately consider myself as a slave to public perception and so wouldnt really want anybody asking me if I am ill or something? It certainly wouldnt make me feel any good!
However, today, being a mummy to two beautiful children, my priorities have changed a little. I do still wear make up outdoors, however this consists of just lightly applied foundation, concealer, blusher, mascara and lipgloss. On a really bad day, its probably just concealer around my eyes as I am so consious of my dark circles, but then I make sure my hair looks good and eyebrows are tidy! Ive come far!
Having said that though, it is rather nice to laze about in the house without any make up on, letting my skin breathe and soak in my moisteriser. Taking make up off completely before bed is an absolute must for me. As much as I love makeup, my skin definately without a doubt, comes first before anything else.
What do you like about makeup?
Experimenting with all the different colours and textures! I absolutely love how make up can just instantly transform a person including natural barely there office look, to the smokey, Arabic inspired bold eyes for the evening, by just using minimal products. Nude lips, barely there, smokey eyes, red lips etc, we have it all. I always imagine myself as an artist painting his canvas when using my brushes, it takes time, needs to be perfect and blended well and need to be skillfully applied just like art.
What are the benefits? Well, I find there are several. Make up is fundamentally worn to cover minor skin conditions and blemishes, enhance appearances and facial features such as the plumping of lips or slimming down a nose using contouring techniques (if worn correctly) as well as making the wearer look and feel good and confident with the way they are presenting themselves to the world. And lets face it, when you look good, you feel good.
I do think its important however not to use make up as a mask and dramatically and completely change the way you look, for instance, making yourself three shades lighter, it completely defies the object, its still nice to look like yourself at the end of the day and I have always been a firm believer that less is more.
Three Holy Grail items:
Concealer- I just love how a good concealer conceals blemishes, spots and dark circles around the eye, it instantly makes your eyes look fresh and hide if  you are tired, sleep deprived or feeling under the weather. It just makes you look more awake.
Mascara- For those of you that know me, youll know how much I love a good mascara. Eyes are definately the window to the soul and a good mascara will make your eyes look  groomed and it instantly brightens the eyes. Long lashes are just so glam and alluring and make such a difference.
Blusher- Blushers just instantly transform a face and makes your look awake.  Rosy cheeks just give you that healthy, sunkissed glow depending on how and where you have applied it. Blusher can also be cleverly used to contour cheekbones, nose etc provided you know how to.
Why do you wear makeup?
Simple, because it makes me feel good about myself. I find it thereaputic and love getting creative with all the different textures and colours. I use it to mainly enhance my features, it is something I am very passionate about and I like the way it looks on me.
Any misconceptions about makeup that bother you?
I have several but will only list two.
1)    The misconception that there is only one key look that is acceptable when applying make up. We all come in different shapes and sizes, different hair colours, different complexions so what works for one person may not necesaarilly work for another. To me, it is all about getting in touch with your creative side, there is no right or wrong when applying make up, it is all about experimenting and nothing is permanent, it can all be washed off and applied from scratch again.
2)    The other misconception people often have is those that have a passion for makeup and wear it excessively are superficial and have no interest or clue in matters of importance such as Finance or Politics. I have personally experienced this in the past, it is nothing but stereotype and the saying ‘Do not judge a book by its cover’ definately springs to mind here!There is absolutely nothing wrong with a woman taking pride in her appearance, wearing make up and yet say for example is a lawyer. It is simply a personal choice of how much or how often one wishes to wear makeup.
There you go, thats my tag. Why do YOU wear makeup? If you do decide to do the tag yourself, do post the link below, it’ll certainly be an interesting read for me. J
Kisses, Hinnah xxx

Sunday 3 February 2013

Hello Glow...Yes Please.




Hello Glow Whitening Plus Facial Polish Review. 

Tired, dull and in need of some serious brightening? I am not just talking about the current dreadful weather we have in the UK, chances are your poor skin along with it has probably suffered too in one way or another.
Recently, in my quest to search and use more natural, paraben free skin friendly products, I came across a brand called Rose Link, a UK based company that offers 100% natural and preservative free products, namely the Rice and Milk Facial Cleansing Powder and the Whitening Plus Facial Polish. I was lucky enough to receive a sample sized bottle of the latter product strictly for review purposes and I have been using the product for several weeks now (which I believe is adequate time to write an honest review) and have never looked back since, here's why.

The product promises to brighten and add a glow to dull skin, Does it deliver? Indeed it does. The results are astonishing and noticeable immediately. After a few uses my skin looked brighter and felt a lot smoother. It was almost as though I was having a spa facial polish right in the comfort of my own bathroom, which I should add, took no longer than five minutes. How does it work I hear you ask? Well, you just simply dampen your face a little, pour some powder onto wet hands, (I would say maybe the size of a 20p coin, however, this is entirely up to you), rub together, apply over face and massage in gently for at least thirty seconds to have maximum contact with your skin, wash off, pat dry and voila! Hello Glow!Yes, it is really as simple as that!

For an even amazing result, I suggest using a facial sponge, or an exfoliating one or even better, body exfoliating gloves. (mine work brilliantly!) to really let the product absorb into your skin, wash away any dirt and grime and open up your pores, perfect and gentle enough to use say twice a week, but again, the frequency and quantity used is entirely your choice.

So, how does it actually feel upon contact with your skin? Well, Rose Link describe it as “A luxuriously silky powder that glides over skin to cleanse and polish,” and I couldn’t agree more with their description of it.
I should point out however, the scent of it may be a little off putting for some, (I didn’t seem to have a problem with it) it is rather strong and noticeable when using it, yet, thankfully, it does not seem to linger on your skin. Furthermore, Rose Link recommend that you do not expose the product to air and water for long periods as it may contaminate the product and as a result, decrease its effectiveness, just alittle something to keep in mind if you really want to get the best use out of it.






The product itself comes in a 100ml plastic bottle, not the best of packaging if I am honest, if you were not being careful. you could accidentally mistake it for something to add whilst making your cupcakes, especially as it smells a little like a honey and almond cake mix, although the primary ingredients are Rice powder, Coconut milk powder,Milk powder, Honey powder and Potato starch, being all natural and preservative free, I guess I cannot really complain. Unlike several other brands, you are not paying for the packaging here, just solely the product itself.

Putting aside the fact that this product actually does what it says on the tin, the best thing for me was knowing that my skin was not being harmed in any way. Over the years, I have used countless number of scrubs and face washes, not all natural products unfortunately and yet nothing seemed to work as good as this has. If like me,you desire a glowing and smooth complexion, I strongly urge you to place an order for it.
What it won’t do however, is make you three shades lighter and if this is what you are after, then this product isn’t for you and I can safely say the name of the product is not at all misleading in any way. 




Hello Glow Whitening Plus Facial Polish manufactures in the UK for Rose Link UK and retails at £9.99 and can be purchased here. Admittedly, I did initially cringe at the price, it seemed a lot for a 100ml bottle, yet again, with all natural ingredients,delivering great results instantly plus with free delivery, I guess you can put the pricing aside. What’s more, a little does go a long way. I expect a full 100ml bottle to last for a maximum of three months, if the product is used on a twice weekly basis, however, this is just a wild guess on my part. At times,the courier delivers by hand and I guess you do feel that extra bit special.
I cannot really fault Hello Glow Whitening Plus Facial Polish, even its simple and basic packaging. Overall, It is a 10 out of 10 from me.
Would I buy this product? Definitely without a doubt. Should you purchase this product? Again, definitely without a doubt.  Hello Glow...Yes Please!

Have you tried this product? What are your thoughts on it?

xxx




Disclaimer: Sample for review purposes only. I am not an affiliate neither was I paid for this review. As always, all opinions are honest and my own views.