Style Post: I Think I May Be Green With Envy!

Hello Lovely Readers,

Happy Monday! The sun is shining and the weather is sweet (well I'm writing this on Sunday and right now the sun has graced us with it's presence...let's hope Monday is just as nice!). Today's post is all about one of my favourite colours to wear in summer; green! I absolutely love green as it really compliments my skintone. There are so many beautiful shades around that we are completely spoilt for choice. I was on a recent shopping trip and couldn't help but be in awe at the beautiful pieces waving back at me telling me to come and spend some money.. (did someone say psycho?). I also recently stepped out of my nail polish comfort zone (yes I did..but I'm still a sucker for red polishes!) and bought a gorgeous green nail polish which you'll see below. It's striking and different. You either love it or hate it. Right now, I'm loving it.

Let's get down to business! I put together a list of items I'm loving right now. Can we take a moment to appreciate these beauties below please?

1. Green Cowal Neck Dress ~ Topshop

2. Ankle Strap Sandal ~ Zara

3. Robinson Chain Minibag ~ Tory Burch

4. Ellie ~ Rebecca Minkoff

5. Green Skater Dress ~ Closet (Available at BeSaz)

6. Green Pocket Vest ~ Oasis

7. Ridley Supersoft High Waisted Skinny Jeans ~ ASOS

8. Pop Chain Sandals ~ Sergio Rossi

9. Tourquoise Asymmetrical Necklace ~ Gemma Redux

10. Green Skater Skirt ~ River Island

11.  Willow Tote ~ Mulberry

I love all the picks above. How hot are those Sergio Rossi shoes? LOVE!!

The Nails
As mentioned above, I've stepped out of my nail polish comfort zone. My sister saw my nails and instantly said, "Why would you do that?". That wasn't really the response I was after. I mean it's different, but nice. I wouldn't rock this nail polish in the corporate world, but it's great for weekend nails and holidays. Don't you agree?

The nail polish is called Spring Green and is from the Barry M Nail Paint collection.

Are you also lusting after green? Which are your favourite pieces?

Thanks for reading!

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Make-Up Atelier Paris | Smokey Eyes & Pink Lips

Ladies,

Today's post is a simple smokey eye makeup look using some gorgeous bits from Make-Up Atelier Paris. For those who may not know, Make-Up Atelier Paris is a professional makeup brand. I was introduced to the brand at a recent event and I have been so impressed with their eyeshadow palette that I've been using it ever since I got it. I created the smokey eye look using all 5 shades from the eyeshadow palette, the eyeliner and mascara.

Create The Look
I used the colours in the order that they appear in the palette. It wasn't intentional, I've only just realised it. So you start off using the lightest shade in the inner corner of your eyes and work your way through to the outer corner of your eyes using the darkest shade. I then blended it to give it the smokey effect. I used the lightest shade again on my lower waterline. This eyeshaodow looks white in the palette, but once applied, it is a gold shade. I then used the eyeliner and followed the shape of my eyes. As you can see from the pictures, I have extremely curly lashes and they aren't the longest. However this mascara really lengthens them. 

The Products

Eyes
Eyeshadow Palette: Bruin Dore T15 (£25)*
The pigment of these eyeshadows are great. The colours are extremely rich and you don't need to use that much at all. As you can see from the pictures below, the eyshadows are a mixture of 3 textures: matte, sparkle and pearl.

Eyeliner Gel: Noir (£13)*
This is a waterproof gel eyeliner with a matte finish. 

 Mascara: Lengthening Super Black Warterproof Mascara (£12)*

Lips 
Lipstick: Gardenia B016 (£14.50)*

This lipstick feels gorgeous. It contains 2% jojoba oil which explains why it is so moisturising. As you can see from the swatch below, it is rich and smooth. The lipstick is waterproof so you need to wipe your lips a number of times to get it off.

You can pick up all these gorgeous products online. So what do you think of the look?

Thanks for reading!!

****Don't forget, you can follow me on twitter, instagram, facebook & bloglovin!

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KIKO Make Up Milano | Fierce Spirit Limited Edition Summer Collection

Ladies,

Looking at this collection makes me happy. If you're a regular reader of my blog, you will know that I have reviewed a number of products from KIKO. I think they are an affordable brand with quality products and the majority of their products are paraben free. KIKO Make Up Milano have recently released the limited edition "Fierce Spirit" collection. You really need to check the collection out. The packaging, the colours and the pigments are really impressive. The collection was inspired by "the colours and passion of Mexico". Below are a few bits from the collection (definitely have a look at the others) that I will be sharing with you. 

Essential Bronzer (*)
How beautiful is the packaging? This bronzer is gorgeous. It has a subtle hint of gold shimmer which I love. The powder is fine and silky to touch. It glides on really smoothly. I will definitely be using it on my cheeks and collarbone. This bronzer retails at £15.90 for 20g.

Colour Shock Long Lasting Eyeshadow (*)
This product was definitely love at first sight. These long lasting eyeshadows are extremely light and creamy with an intense colour. They are waterproof. The eyeshadows dry with a matte finish so there's no concern about it smudging. You also only need to use the smallest amount to achieve a rich colour. It would definitely work well as an eyeliner or eyeshadow. Each pot retails at £6.90 for 5ml. There are 8 shades in total. So I'm sure there's something for everyone.

Fierce Violet
How hot it is? Wow. Fierce definitely sums it up perfectly.

Sunset Coral
This is also another gorgeous colour. A lovely warm pearly pink with a gold shimmer. It looks great especially when it hits the light.

Sun Pearl Nail Lacquer in 430 Chilli Pepper Red (*)
I will always love a red nail polish so this is definitely a winner. It is an extremely rich red with a gold pearl pigment. It looks fabulous when it catches the light because of the gold. I used two coats in the picture below, but you could get away with one coat. There are 4 polishes in the collection. This retails at £4.90 for 11ml which won't break the bank at all. KIKO polishes normally last more that 3 days without chipping.

Fierce Spirit Eye Brush (*)
This is my first brush from KIKO. It is a duo eye brush. The elongated tip can be used for your eyeliner and the flat brush can be used to apply your eyeshadow. It looks great and applies the products well. It retails at £11.90.

Make Up Blender / Foundation Sponge (*)
I never really use foundation sponges but wanted to show it to you. I love the fact that the shape adapts to the contours of the face, making it easy to apply your foundation. The sponge retails at £5.90.

As I'm sure you can tell, I'm a fan. I will be picking up a few other bits from the collection. You can pick up these goodies online (click here) or if you're in London, at Westfields.

What do you think about the collection? Which goodies will you be trying out?

Thanks for reading!

**Don't forget you can follow me on twitter, instagram, facebook & bloglovin.

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Review: Pür Minerals CC Cream | Dark

Hi Ladies (and Gents!),

Today I'm reviewing the Pür Minerals CC Cream (*). When I mentioned to some friends that I would be reviewing it, the first thing they asked was "What happened to the BB creams? Have they been phased out?", bless them. CC creams otherwise known as "colour or complexion correcting" creams are intended for a different purpose to BB (Blemish Balm) creams. CC creams are intended to provide more coverage and blending for uneven skintone. They are also intended to provide sun protection.

I was excited to try this out because I'm yet to find a BB or CC cream that really suits my skintone. Pür Minerals describe this CC cream as a "matte, lightweight formula that protects, perfects and colour-corrects with a revollutionary brightening moisturizer". Wow that's a lot to live up to right? This CC cream can be used as a foundation and primer. The texture of this CC cream is gorgeous. It feels similar to a rich creamy foundation. It provides great coverage, so if you need to cover up and dark circles or blemishes, this does the job. The coverage it provides is buildable. It also contains SPF 40 which is great especially if you love being out in the sun. This CC cream is also silicon-free.

The packaging is simple and clean. You've got the pump which means that there will be less mess as you only pump the amount of product you need. The CC cream was extremely moisturising with a nice matte finish which was good as I have oily skin. I also didn't find it too heavy for my oily skin.

Now as much as I loved the coverage this CC cream provided, as you can see from the pictures above, it is just too dark for my skintone. However, for the purpose of the review, I still used it. Like I mentioned above, I am yet to find a perfect match for my skintone so the search continues. The Pür Minerals CC Cream is available in 4 shades: Light, Medium, Tan and Dark. Which is a shame really. I think it would be great if they extended their range of shades as I do think it's a good product. I will have to try out Tan and see if that is a closer match although it looks quite light.

This product retails at £25 for 44g which is quite pricey but in saying that, if it was a good match, I would definitely consider getting it again. It will be available at M&S beauty at the end of the month.

Have you tried this CC cream? 

Thanks for reading!

*** Don't forget you can follow me on twitter, instagram. facebook or bloglovin.

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VIKBeauty in L'Occitane Newsletter

Hi Ladies,

Today is a short and sweet post. I wouldn't even call it a post. I like to think of my blog as an online diary/platform where I can share my thoughts about all things beautiful with my readers. However, it is also nice when you get recognised for your work. I think it's great to share a feature you get however small it may be. I also like uploading them onto my blog. That way I have a nice trail. On that note, as some of you may know, I recently reviewed the L'Occitane Collection de Grasse on my blog and was suprised to find (thank you Lola for letting me know!) that L'Occitane had used a quote from my review and referenced my blog in their newsletter. I didn't even know. I also had a few friends message me to ask me if I had seen it. So yes, as small as it may be, it's a lovely feeling to get featured. I really appreciate everyone that reads my blog.

Thanks for reading!!!

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Cosmetics à La Carte | Blush Touch Powder Blush in "Blazon"

Hi Ladies,

I'm excited to share today's post with you all. This is the first product I have tried from the Cosmetics à La Carte range (I'm not sure what took me so long!!). For those of you who may not know, Cosmetics à La Carte is a bespoke makeup brand. You are able to tailor and create products that suit and compliment your skin tone on site. They also offer makeup classes and makeovers. It is definitely worth having a look at their offerings.

Over the next few weeks, I will be reviewing a number of products from the range and creating some makeup looks. However, today it's about this gorgeous blush I was able to pick out. Before I talk about the product, can we just take a minute to appreciate the packaging and elegance of this product? It is a silver compact with a mirror and brush. What I love about it is the plastic flap (see pictures below) which prevents any fallout. Isn't that great? I wish this was a requirement for all powders.

Ok, moving on... Blazon (*) is part of the Blush Touch range and is a bright coral powder blush. It has a very rich colour with a strong pigment. It is smooth to touch and applies on effortlessly. Looking at the swatch below, it does look extremely bright, but you only need to use a little bit and it blends in beautifully. I find that coral shades really compliment my skin tone. They really do give it a nice sunkissed finish.

The blush lasted all day and I didn't have to retouch it at all. I can't get enough of this blush at the moment. I really enjoy using it. Cosmetics à La Carte blushes are preservative and perfume free. The blush retails at £28 for 12g which is on the higher end of the spectrum but it is a bespoke luxury brand. Also, it will last a while as you don't need to use a lot of product because of how pigmented it is. You can pick this up in store at the boutique in Knighstbridge in London or online. Click here.

What do you think of this blush? Have you tried any products from Cosmetics à La Carte?

Thanks for reading!

***You can follow me on twitter, instagram, facebook and bloglovim!

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New: L'Occitane En Provence La Collection De Grasse | Vanille & Narcisse EDT

Ladies,

As the sun is shining and summer is on it's way, it's time to whip out your gorgeous spring/summer scents (if you haven't done so already!). L'Occitane En Provence have recently lauched La Collection de Grasse which consists of four beautiful fragrances; Jasmine & Bergamote, Magnolia & Mure, Vanille & Narcisse and finally Thé Vert & Bigarade. They all great ingredients don't they? The collection was inspired by renowned perfumer Karin Dubreuil and is reminiscent of her childhood in Grasse. It is a small village in the south of France that is known for it's scenery and fragrances.

Today, I will be reviewing the Vanille & Narcisse (*) fragrance. To be honest, I had a hard time deciding which fragrance I liked the most. I was torn between Jasmine & Bergamote and this fragrance as a lot of fragrances I have, contain jasmine. I think it's an elegant and mature scent. However, I chose Vanille & Narcisse as I wanted to try something new.

As the name suggests, Vanille & Narcisse contains vanilla absolutes from Madagascar and narcissus from the south of France. It's a lovely warm fragrance which I like as it isn't overpowering at all. The vanilla is the first scent I picked up and then the warm narcissus comes through later. It also has a hint of spice to it which you can appreciate after the fragrance settles. The fragrance is described as "warm" and "intoxicating". I agree, I feel like daydreaming whenever I have it on. I've been using it for the past few days and a few friends complimented me and asked about it. One has already bought it.

The collection is definitely worth trying out next time you are at the L'Occitane shop. I think there is a fragrance to suit everyone.

The fragrances retails at £49 for 75ml. You can pick it up in store or online. Click here. 

What do you think of this collection?

Thanks for reading!!!

***Don't forget you can follow me on twitter, instagram, facebook and bloglovin. 

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Mulberry ~ Handbags

Ladies,

It's a handbags type of day. I recently wrote about my love for Michael Kors handbags (click here) and today I'm talking about another love...Mulberry. Mulberry have some gorgeous timeless pieces that are a great investment (that's my excuse anyway!). When I buy bags, I look at style and practicality. In my opinion, there's no point in owning a bag that doesn't do the job it's designed to do. I thought I would pick out a few bags I'm loving at the moment, almost like a Mulberry wishlist. Let me know in the comments below which is your favourite.

o

1. Willow Tote ~ Pistachio

2. Oversized Cut Out Flower Tote ~ Natural Classic Saddle

3. Oversized Cecily Tote with Flower ~ Light Berry Cream Glossy Tote

4. Alexa with Woven Trim ~ Berry Small Grain Calf Nappa

5. Effie Satchel  ~ Apricot Spongy Pebbled

6. Willow Clutch ~ Navy Classic Calf

7. Cecily with Flower ~ Black Classic Calf

8. Alexa ~ Raspberry Soft Buffalo

9. Willow Tote ~ Nude Classic Calf

Aren't the bags just great? Which is your favourite? Do you own any Mulberry handbags?

Thanks for reading!

** Don't forget, you can follow me on twitter, instagram and facebook!

 

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I COLONIALI | Rich Silky Cream with Shea Butter

Hi Ladies,

Don't you just love trying out new moisturisers and creams? I absolutely love it. I have my staple products I use, but I'm always keen to try out new creams. I was recently sent this cream from I COLONIALI to try out. It is an Italian brand that I have seen around but I have never tried any of their products.

The I COLONIALI Rich Silky Cream is as the name suggests, a rich cream that is easily abosrbed into your skin. It contains shea butter which we all know has great nourishing properties. Although the cream is rich and thick, it doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy or clammy. Once it has been absorbed into your skin, it leaves it feeling silky smooth.

Although I enjoyed using the cream, I had to reapply it during the day as I felt my skin became dry. Now I don't suffer from dry skin, but I'm used to using very rich moisturisers that leave a glossy finish to my skin which this didn't. I do wish it was slighter richer for me. Once I reapplied it, my skin did feel smooth and silky. If you're looking for a cream that is rich but not greasy, then this is a good one to try out. It's perfumed and I would describe the smell similar to eucalyptus; a hint of a herbal and minty scent. 

A point to note is that it does contain parabens if this is something you look out for.

The cream retails at £22.50 for 150ml which is expensive. Although it is a good cream, I do think it is overpriced. You can pick this up at your local M&S beauty counter or at a number of beauty supply stores online.

What do you think of the cream? Have you tried any products from the I COLONIALI range?

Thanks for reading!!

** Don't forget, you can follow me on twitter, instagram and facebook!

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New: Oriflame Giordani Gold Voluptuous Lipsticks

Hi Ladies,

Today I'm reviewing some lovely lipsticks from a Swedish cosmetics brand; Oriflame. Oriflame's products include (but are not limited to) makeup, skin care, hair care, fragrance and accessories. The concept of Oriflame is very similar to that of Avon as it is sold online or through independant sales people. 

The Giordani Gold Voluptuous Lipsticks (*) are formulated with Hydra Full Complex which is said to impart "8h moisturisation for fuller and more sensual lips". When I read this, part of me was excited to test out the 8 hour moisturisation but the other part of me was a little weary about the fuller lips as I have very full lips as it is. As you will see from the pictures below, the lipsticks are quite sheer and extremely glossy so you have to build on it to achieve more colour. I do like the fact that they glide on really easily.

Coral Shell

 Orchid Tafetta

 Nude Silk

  Pink Lace

Chiffon Rose

Did you notice that the lipsticks all have a hint of gold shimmer to them? I think these are lovely colours for spring/summer. I do like the texture of these lipsticks as they did not dry out my lips. However, as some of my readers will know, I'm not the biggest fan of sheer lipsticks. So I do think they are a little too sheer for me to wear on their own. I would prefer to use them on top of another colour because they have a great gloss to them. In terms of making my lips appear fuller, I did not notice a difference but I will say though that my lips felt really soft and hydrated whilst I had it on. I also had to reapply it a couple of times throughout the day. I love the packaging, I think it's extremely chic.

I think these lipsticks are great if you are after a sheer lipstick that isn't too full on in colour and if you would like your lips to feel moisturised.

The lipsticks retail at £13.95 but there is currently an exclusive launch offer and they are now £8.95. This offer will last till May 10th 2013. Click here to see the full range of shades (10 in total) that are on offer.

What do you think of these lipsticks? Have you heard of Oriflame before?

Thanks for reading!

** Don't forget you can follow me on twitter, instagram, and facebook!

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