I Want An Invisibility Cloak!

I'm going through a phase whereby I don't particularly want to be so 'accessible' on the internet and fade into anonymity a little bit. Not so much with this blog because I don't really give that much away about myself on here so it's not a big deal.

But other areas of the net I'm pulling away from. I've wiped my youtube and the profile I used to get work on Model Mayhem. I'm not sure if it's me wanting to do so for personal reasons or the fact I'm pulling back from doing the whole makeup thing for shoots.

Another reason for it is that I don't want my actions to be common knowledge when I know there are people who try to find me online for negative reasons. They can't get to me or do anything to me. But I'd still rather they couldn't find out what I'm doing with a few clicks.

Has anyone else had this?

XxX

Glamour, I Heart You!

So, for Christmas just gone, my sister got me a one year subscription to Glamour Magazine. Love her for that, it's easily the best women's mag in the country.

This month, they've done it again! Here I was, sat on my laptop and browsing the net when the mail came and my new issue arrived. This is quite bulky this month, I thought. Upon opening it I found out why. A free Benefit Bad Gal eye pencil. I love Benefit, I think the Bad Gal Mascara is superb.



So get to the newsagents and buy a copy my lovelies, I assure you this issue will sell fast!

xXx

Free Jemma Kidd Lipgloss - Review

So I came across something interesting today. I'm sure some of you have already seen this. With this month's issue of Red magazine you get a free Jemma Kidd lipgloss with a choice of three shades.

The only one I could see was the nude one, Shell. I really wanted to get the red one but I'll just have to hunt about in other shops for it.



So, onto the review.

First of all, I am impressed just by the fact you get a free gloss worth £14 in the first place. It's one of the better freebies I've seen of late. On par with Marie Claire giving away those cute tubs of Body Shop lotion.

I have to say I was really impressed with this product.

After getting over my initial sadness I didn't get the red gloss I tried on the one I did get. Well...

This shade is very sheer and gives just a hint of colour. It's more accurate to say it infuses your lips with a sexy shine and some sparkle. As glosses go, this one isn't part of the sticky gang. You know, the ones that make it hard to even open your mouth because your lips have been glued together!

You don't need an awful lot of this stuff as a little goes a long way and it lasts for an impressive amount of time. All in all, I'd definitely buy two more mags to get the other two shades.

Get to the newsagent and get yours today!

xXx

Just Be Designs @ Etsy

Greetings all, time for another little entry.

I recently bought a necklace from a seller on Etsy. For those of you who have not heard of it, Etsy is a site similar to Ebay where the sellers make their own items and sell them on. I can't even remember how I stumbled across this seller, I think I was browsing the jewellery section randomly and spotted an item I loved. Clicked on it, perused the sellers page and just thought how amazing everything was.

The seller is Just Be Designs and you can view the shop at the below location:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/justbedesigns

I bought myself the Frankly French charm necklace and I was awed by it when it showed up. First of all, check out the adorable packaging it arrived in:



Inside, the necklace was nestled snuggly in a little box and cotton wool. The necklace features several charms centered around a large circular locket. The other charms are of the Eiffel Tower, a medallion that reads Oui, a beautiful pink teardrop shaped stone, a fleur d'lis, red crystals, pearlys, clear crystals, a golden angel wing, a key, a crown and a bottle of Parfum charm.



I would definitely recommend this seller. Pleasant and professional, I am thrilled to own something from this very talented lady. Considering the item came from America, it got here very quickly. I waiting about a week and a half I think.

So, you should definitely go check that out and I guarantee you will not be disappointed if you decide to purchase something.

Love to all

XxX

Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends

I just want to rave about the newest collection from Herbal Essences. Beautiful Ends. I love this stuff. It leaves your hair feeling so soft and healthy and it smells divine. I also love the cute shape of the bottles. It's like they're hugging one another! :)

On The Move

Hello everybody!

So so sorry for the lack of activity on here.
I have been up the wall the past few weeks packing up my flat and preparing to move. It's taken a lot of time and stress but I'm now settled into my new place and ready to get back to blogging.

So, my new place is further away from the city centre but, oddly enough, thanks to those things called trains it's going to be quicker and easier for me to get to work from here!

I've been job hunting like mad for the past few months and I'm really starting to feel down about the lack of development in that area. Seems like right now is the worst time to find a new job and I really kind of need it. Grrrr!

In other news, I may soon be a proud mummy to an adorable little kitten. Been speaking to a lady who's cat is expecting so fingers crossed on that :)

Other than that my life has been incredibly boring of late.

I did manage to get my hands on one of the extremely slippery Alice In Wonderland palettes from Urban Decay! It's soooo pretty :)

Not had much time or funding to spare on my makeup habit lately. Hence a new job would be incredibly helpful and I wouldn't feel like I was scraping by each month!

Hmmm, what else?

Oh yes, I am in the middle of setting up an online business of sorts. I aim to have a vintage clothing website up and running in the next few months. Already put some work in on the design of the banner and layout and I'm going to be sorting out business cards soon ahead of launching the site. I also need to get a bit of software to help me out as I only know some basic HTML.

But that will be super fun once I sort all the details out!

xXx

L'Oréal Paris Hydra Energetic Face Wash

Hello lovelies!

Right, I want to take some time to rave about the Hydra Energetic face wash from L'Oréal. I know it's from the mens range but I honestly don't care. It is easily one of the best face care products I have ever used. I first used it a couple of months ago when I couldn't find my own face wash in the bathroom and borrowed by boyfriend's, he doesn't really use it that often himself. Well, I was blown away by it.

It claims to 'wake up skin' and 'cleanse without drying'. Well I have to agree it does just that. Massaging it into my skin I began to feel an extremely pleasant tingling sensation, the kind you get when you know you're getting a deep clean.

Washing it off, I surveyed the outcome. My skin looked fresh and glowing and it felt so smooth to the touch. I was a convert...
I thoroughly recommend you try it out too. I've found I prefer it to the usual products I would buy.



xXx

NOTD

This is just a little post with a Nail Of The Day.

I did this using GOSH Nail Lacquer in Powder & Barry M Nail Paint in Black.

The black was applied with a thin makeup brush instead of the applicator in the lid.

Brush Care

Hello again everybody.

So, this post is going to be about how to care for and clean your makeup brushes. You should aim to give them a thorough wash at least once a week to avoid bacteria building up in the bristles. Between washes, you should ensure that you use wet wipes to clear off any excess makeup. The reason for doing these things is to prolong the life of your brushes and to keep them hygienic. Bacteria builds up on dirty brushes and, as you're using them on your skin, can cause problems and outbreaks.

So, here's a quick guide to washing!

You need:

* Two bowls/dishes
*Warm water
*Brush Cleaner or pH balanced shampoo (baby shampoo is good)
*A clean, dry towel
*Clean hands!

Step One

Lay the towel down flat, fold it if necessary to absorb the water and protect whatever surface you are working on. Partly boil half a kettle of water and pour it into the two bowls/dishes. You need two as one is for washing the brushes in and the other is for rinsing the excess brush cleaner and shampoo out. I tend to use baby shampoo as it is more affordable and works just as well. You want something with very little additives as your skin is delicate and it's not hard to upset the balance of it.



Step Two

Squeeze a small amount of the shampoo onto your fingertips and run the brush through it. Massage the shampoo into the brush and squeeze along to force the makeup out. Rinse your hands in the first dish as you go to keep your hands as clean as possible.
When you think you've removed all the makeup dip the brush into the first dish and massage the excess shampoo out. Run the brush over the back of your hand to check if it needs another wash. When it leaves no trace of makeup, dip it into the other bowl and give the bristles a gentle squeeze.







Step Three

Pat the brush dry on the towel, do this gently as you don't want to disturb the natural shape of the bristles. Lay the brush down flat on the towel and leave to dry naturally.

Repeat this process for all your brushes, replacing the water as necessary.



The image below shows just how vital it is to clean your brushes. You may think they look clean but you wouldn't believe the amount of product that builds up. This picture was taken after cleaning my foundation and powder brushes!



xXx

YouTube Channel

So, I have a YouTube channel.
I have but one lonely video right now but I intend to start updating this as regularly as possible.

Hopefully I can get a decent camera for making live videos at some point too so I don't have to carry on making slideshow videos.

http://www.youtube.com/user/SherbertKissesMakeup



xXx

Boycott St. Valentines Day

For all those that think the only people who dislike Valentines Day are 'bitter singles', think again. I am an avid hater of the holiday regardless of whether I am in a relationship or not. Which is good for my boyfriend because he doesn't have to worry about getting dinner reservations on the most notoriously difficult night of the year. So, I have reasons why I am not a fan of the holiday of love and here they are.

-It is my belief that you should not need prompting to be romantic. To have such a day set aside in the calendar like this when you are expected to show your affection to your OH, and vice versa, actually makes it LESS romantic. Romance should be surprising and spur-of-the-moment. This holiday just makes everyone a sheep!

-It is yet another case of the consumer industry mish-mashing a bunch of myths and stories together to create a holiday to sell. Others include Easter & Halloween (except they have some basis in religious beliefs)

-THERE WAS NO SAINT VALENTINE! At least not in the sense that this holiday portrays. There was in fact several of them in Roman & Christian histories and all of them were religious martyrs. But not one of them was associated with love, until one Geoffery Chaucer came along. Some people claim there are earlier associations (but none as far back as when the Saints were alive), Chaucer is generally acknowledged as the beginning of the holiday.

-Apart from weddings, I believe love should be as private a thing as possible. After all, it's between two people so why should the rest of the world bear witness to it. Valentine's Day makes it seem like you have to prove something to the world about your relationship when the only opinion that matters is that of the people involved in said relationship.

So, there you have it. My reasons for being a Valentines Day Scrooge!

xXx

FOTD - Very Wearable Purple Look

Greetings fellow beauty fans!
Today I did a cute purple look that I wanted to share with you.
If anyone would like to see a tutorial on this, give me a shout and I'll try and get one made.

So, product list and pictures?

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
No7 Stay Perfect Foundation in Ivory
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC20
MAC Sheer/Loose Powder in NC15
MAC Sheertone Blush in Pink Swoon (I'm loving this blush)
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Smashbox Muse Palette (purples and taupe)
GOSH Velvet Touch Eyeliner Pencil in Silver & Purple Rain
Maybelline Volum' Express Mascara in Black Noir
Too Faced Brow Envy Palette
Mac Lipstick in Blankety





Hope you like it

=]

xXx

Long Time, No Blog

I've just been looking over my page and realised that I haven't posted a thing since November! How sloppy of me!

What with the run up to Christmas and all that dashing about to get ready in time, I haven't had a chance to update my little blog here.

I had another shoot at the beginning of December in Liverpool City Centre. Another collaboration with Miss Jane Waring. The model was Blue Butterfly from Mode lMayhem. Here's one of the photographs from the shoot.



Photographer : Jane Waring
http://www.modelmayhem.com/733470

Model : Blue Butterfly
http://www.modelmayhem.com/1467001

I had so much fun doing this shoot, I loved the gritty background in contrast with the model's soft look. My only complaint was the cold! Liverpool at the beginning of December was absolutely bitter!

Christmas was fun! My wonderful boyfriend spoiled me with makeup goodies :)
I was surprised (kind of because I did ask for the stuff) with:
* Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II
* Urban Decay Hall of Fame
* Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
* M.A.C Giftcard

I was a very happy girlie on Christmas morning!
Although I think he was too considering one of his presents was two tickets to see KISS!
They were a bloody chore to get let me tell you!
Don't ever pay for the Special Delivery charge on tickets. They still get sent out about two weeks prior to the performance. I only got mine because I argued with the customer service people about how misleading it was!

Anyway, here's a little pic of my goodies!




I haven't spent all of my M.A.C Giftcard yet but I did treat myself to a few bits:
Sheertone Blush in Pink Swoon
Amplified Creme Lipstick in Girl About Town
Viva Glam Lipstick in Viva Glam I



How was everyone else's festive season?

xXx

A Woman's Obsession

Today, I experienced something known to all women. It's a universal love and, essentially, the weakness of the female species. I am, of course, talking about a woman's infatuation with shoes. They are the most coveted part of our wardrobe, our treasured hoard.
Nobody can explain this obsession, it is simply part of being born W.O.M.A.N (at least that's the excuse we give to those gullible but adorable males).
What is it that makes us stop in our tracks and 'oooh' at so humble an object? Why do we lust after names like Jimmy Choo and Loboutin?

My honest answer?

I really don't care... I'm happy enough to give in to this craving and indulge it as often as I can. The suspects today are an extremely fabulous pair of black round-toed courts by Zigi. They gazed at me from an Urban Outfitter window, begging me to love them! I wanted to, oh how I wanted to! Unfortunately, I could not give in to my desires this day but I thoroughly intend to as soon as possible.

xXx

Daily Makeup Survey

Thought I'd give this a little go for fun =]

1. What time did you do your makeup today? Around 11:30 before I headed off to work.

2. What’s the least expensive beauty item you used? Boots 17 Hide Away concealer

3. What was the biggest problem you needed to correct? A wee breakout around my mouth... that time of the month, don't you love being a girl!

4. Did you apply false eyelashes? No, I rarely bother with falsies.

5. Did you do anything while applying make-up? Just got my bag ready for work.

6. Biggest make-up mishap today? I smudged my mascara when I blinked =[

7. Did you have a makeup inspiration in mind? I was just going for a fairly natural look so I just improvised.

8. What was the most time-consuming part of your makeup routine? Probably the eyeshadow, blending and such.

9. What part of your routine is the most fun? Eyes! Love doing eyes!

10. What part of your make-up makes the biggest difference in the way you look? Mascara

11. Neutral or colorful eyeshdaow? Neutral, I used the beige/brown colours from the Smashbox Muse palette.

12. Liquid or mineral foundation? Liquid ~ GOSH Light Wear in Ivory

13. Do you do your hair or make-up first? Makeup...

14. Did you pack a make-up bag to take with you for the day? Yeah, I was in work and then had to go straight to an interview. I needed supplies for touch ups!

15. When did you finish your make-up? Around 15 minutes after I started.

<3

XxX SK XxX

Haul & General Update

Hey all, it's been ages since I updated this!
I've just been so busy and stressed the past two weeks that I've not had much time for anything other than working, eating and sleeping!

But, I decided to treat myself the other day and bought a few bits & bobs to cheer myself up after an awful weekend!
First of all, I bought a plain mint green polo neck from New Look. I love polo neck jumpers.
I also got a gorgeous underwear set from Knickerbox in Ann Summers, it's the really pretty white set with the silver stars. Super cute! <3

Then I took a little wander over to CULT to see if they still had the shirt dress I'd admired in the window the week before. They didn't sadly but I did find these two fabulous winter dresses! And, even better, they were only £10 each in the vintage sale. Not sure which I prefer yet. I love the cut of the orange one but the greens in the other are beautiful!





So, that satisfied my retail urges for a little while longer!

In other news, I may be in with some luck in the job department. I am attending a recruitment evening for a high end fashion store, I think it's code for 'group interview' if I'm honest, and I am also waiting on a call from another store manager for a phone interview. I hope something comes from one of them! Royally sick of where I am now and having a few problems (sadly I can't really discuss them on my blog)

Hmmm, what else? Me and the boyfriend have started to clear out our flat in preparation for Christmas, and also because we need to clear some space and find new homes for things we no longer want/need. Our goal and reward at the end is to hopefully buy a cosy swivel chair that seats two. Cuddles and late night random chats to be had when we get it I think. =]

My dress for Christmas also arrived. It's a vintage 70s mini dress with a Victorian-like style to it, which I found very unusual for a 70s dress. It's dark brown with 3/4 length sleeves and the neckline and sleeves are trimmed in cream lace! It doesn't look like much on the hanger and I may get it taken in a little because it's a bit loose on me. I'm going to pair it with ribbed cream tights and brown suede court shoes.
What do you think?



I've also been resisting the urge to adopt a gerbil I saw in Pets At Home. They have a little corner tucked away with unwanted animals and the only one there the past few times I've been in the only resident has been one gerbil, name of Alfred. The name sold me if I'm honest. I like to name things with 'old fashioned' names. For example, my laptop is called Blanche after a character in a Tennessee Williams play. But Alfred called out to me and I am so tempted to go in and give him home. Sadly I'm not supposed to have pets in the flat and I don't know whether to risk it...

=[

Much love

XxX SK XxX

Boom & Flash! Fireworks & Review

Remember, Remember The Fifth Of November!
So, tomorrow is Guy Fawke's Night.
The night when we mark the failure of the Gunpowder Plot in which Guy Fawke's and his accomplices tried to blow up Parliament in 1605!

I decided it was good idea to make my nails super colourful and fun in lieu with Bonfire Night. All those colourful fireworks...

Also, it seemed as good a time as any to cram a little review onto here =]

So, here are the colours I used and the finished article:

- Barry M Nail Paint in No 136 Tangerine
- Barry M Nail Paint in 161 Vivid Purple
- GOSH Nail Lacquer in 544 Pink Lady
- Barry M Nail Paint in 295 Turquoise
- GOSH Nail Lacquer in 552 Yellow Bombay

and

- GOSH Nail Lacquer in 01 Base/Top Coat



On a side note, don't you love my bedspread! <3



So, I realise I may be a little old to paint my nails like this now. But it's all in fun and part of me still thinks it's so much fun!
Haha!

Anyway, reviews!

Barry M Nail Paint

As a brand, Barry M is amazing. They make amazing, affordable products that I love. However, as far as the Nail Paints go, the standard isn't the same. I find the Barry M Nail Paints a bit gloopy unless you shake like a tectonic plate! Colour wise, there's a great choice. I do still like the range though... there are worse nail products out there. I'm just a little disappointed in Barry M as the rest of the brand is so good.

GOSH Nail Lacquer

These things are fabulous!! Talk about quality... The colours glide on so easily and the polish doesn't get thick in the bottle like others can do. Colour wise, the GOSH range is a bit more limited than Barry M and a good majority of the colours are pretty safe reds/pinks etc. There are a few shocking shades though and Pink Lady & Bombay Yellow are two of them! The Base/Top Coat is an invaluable little asset and keeps your nails chip free much longer than other top coats I've used in the past.

I think both brands make decent nail colours and are both worth a look at. GOSH is a little more expensive than Barry M but you will see were the extra few quid went!

Have a fun Bonfire Night all!
And be safe!

xXx SK xXx

Cutex ~ Caring For Your Nails

I know a lot of people that are really rough on their nails. Biting them, scrubbing away with cheap polish remover, scratching polish off etc.
It's sinful...
and also, unhealthy nails just look manky!
But fear not, for I have found the perfect cure!

Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover



This stuff is amazing! Seriously...

A small dab of a lightly soaked cotton wool pad and it removes even dark polishes in one stroke. Not only that, but it leaves your nails feeling really smooth and healthy. It contains vitamins and moisturisers, and even makes your nail tips whiter.

The remover also has a faint whiff of something sweet, but I can't put my finger on it because it's still got that sharp tangy smell.

But I would definitely recommend this to anyone!

xXx SK xXx

Dolly Dagger

This has to be one of the best online stores in existence!
I am an addict of vintage, nautical, rockabilly fashion and this website has it all!
Gorgeous items, reasonable prices and tons of cute & kitsch knick knacks!
It's paradise for girls like me!

Here's a quick photo list of my current wants (aka NEEDS):











The skirt and first jumper are my absolute favourites!
Someone just send me lots of money please!!! I would buy the majority of the catalogue if I could!

Check it out at: dollydagger.co.uk

Other than craving new apparel I haven't done very much this week. I have been struck down by the flu and unable to leave the flat at all! Very depressing! Although had my lovely boyfriend to look after me and pamper me =] He bought me lots of soup... Yum!
Feeling a lot better now but my muscles are all achey and it kind of hurts to walk around. Should be fighting fit in a few more days though! I hope so anyway... I like staying off work but it's no fun being ill!

I've also been thinking. It's not long to Christmas at all! Two months.... it might seem like a long time but it always goes quick! Such a stressful time of year! I think I might have to battle through the holiday period in a state of near constant inebriation so I don't lose my sanity!
I will get my present shopping done by November though! I am not traipsing around shops in December, fighting old ladies off to get to the queue!

Love to all!

xXx SK xXx

Become A Fan On Facebook

My makeup page @ Facebook

=]

Become a fan and show your support!

www.facebook.com/pages/Liverpool-United-Kingdom/Hollie-McIntyre-Makeup/134971864327?ref=nf

(just copy and paste into your browser)


Just a little page to show my stuff on Facebook...

<3

xXx SK xXx