A Day With A Makeup Artist

I’m lucky to have a best friend who is also a makeup artist. She is so good at what she does and the advice that she gives out. So what I thought would be great, would be to bring the advice to my followers, in the form of Questions and Answers and products that she recommended and used on me. We planned a weekend together, to catch up and talk makeup, and this is what happened…

day-at-aber-megan-and-sabrina

The image below is of me once I had had my makeup done by Megan. I wanted a subtle look, not much contouring and a smokey eye. The products that she used to create this look were;
Skin – Garnier BB Cream, Rimmel Stay Pressed Powder, Makeup Revolution Highlighter and Rimmel London Blusher
Eyes – Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 and Soap and Glory Kohl Pencil in Brown
Eyebrows – Soap and Glory Brow Archery
Lips – Rimmel London Lipstick – Kate shade

sabrina-october-2016My Questions

While Megan was applying my makeup I asked her a couple of questions. I have been neglecting my eyebrows (for makeup) for years and Megan has made me realise that it isn’t as scary as I thought to shape and apply makeup to them.
When choosing an eyebrow makeup what do you recommend for your clients to look for?
Megan says; Always look for a brand who do a pencil with waxy consistency which clings to your eyebrow lashes better than a powder, for a more even look and longer lasting.

I struggle to choose lipstick for myself and I wanted Megan’s honest opinion on what product to choose for my skin tone.
What lipstick to go for to achieve a natural look?
When choosing a lipstick that you want to be natural looking (Megan says #MLBB #MyLipsButBetter) choose a colour no more than one shade darker than your natural lip colour. And to ensure staying power, apply a layer and then blot thoroughly, before applying another layer.

Something I have had for a while (from a goody bag I reviewed months ago) is a highlighter that I have never used. I wanted to know how I would go about experimenting with this product.
Where would I begin to apply my highlighter?
When applying a highlighter always place it on the tops of your cheekbones, and the top of your Cupid’s bow. Some of these products can be applied dry or wet (with fixing spray) but you’re aiming for a look that enhances your natural features.

Superdrug Mini Haul

Once Megan had done my makeup we headed out to get me some items that I was missing for my makeup bag. And I also picked up a new varnish to strengthen my nails, I have quite brittle ones during the cooler months.
The main items I bought were, a Superdrug Flutter cosmetics sponge, a new lipstick (I chose a ‘Kate’ shade from Rimmel London), my first ever eyebrow pencil and brush combo from MUA, and also the Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Eyeliner (so I can be brave and try new things).

superdrug-haulI was most impressed with the MUA eyebrow pencil and brush, easy to apply and soft. I can imagine me using it again, especially when applying a full face of makeup.
I also appreciated Megan’s help with choosing the lip colour, it is currently my staple favourite.

***

FAQ’s – A Day with a Makeup Artist

Hello Megan, and thank you for joining in with my blog post today.

Thank you for having me.

What is your most asked makeup question from your clients?

The most common question I get asked is, “Am I doing it right?” or “What is the right way to do it?” Makeup is an art rather than a science and to me there is no “right way” to do things. If you look in the mirror (after application) and feel fabulous then it’s right for you!

Is there a particular brand that you use yourself that you could recommend people to try?

It’s important to remember that no one brand will do everything perfectly, so using a variety of different brands is best. Experimentation is key to a great makeup wardrobe.
Personally though my favourite brands are Urban Decay – their eyeshadows are some of the best, No7 – have fantastic lipsticks, and Estee LauderDouble Wear Foundation is my holy grail makeup item.

Which part of your own makeup routine do you spend the longest amount of time on?

My Eyebrows. So often forgotten but the difference between a good look and a great look is your eyebrows. They frame and shape the face and can bring the whole look together in an instant. So don’t forget your eyebrows people!

Which skincare brand do you use?

By far my favourite skin care brand is La Roche Posay. It has a massive range of products designed for any skin type or complaint, they are all designed to work with even the most sensitive skin as well.

And finally, a question that I personally have always wanted to know the answer to (because I struggle to apply my own makeup well).

What is the secret to great looking makeup?

Skin care, skin care, skin care. Drink lots of water, cleanse, tone and moisturise your skin. Because if your skin looks great then you’re already half way there! Then any makeup that you choose to do, from winged eyeliners to smokey eye looks, will always look amazing.

Thank you very much for answering my questions today Megan, and for doing my makeup of course!

You’re very welcome.

***

Here is another image of my makeup look from today, perfected by Megan herself. If you like the look please feel free to leave a comment.

day-at-aber-one-proc-swIf you want to follow Megan on social media for great makeup tips and photographic posts then please click on the links below to see her various pages.

Thank you for reading this blog post today and I hope, like me, you’ve learnt something new and useful for your own makeup routine.

Sabrina

Makeup by Megan on Twitter https://twitter.com/MakeupByMegan2
Makeup by Megan on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/makeupbymegan121/
Makeup by Megan on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missmegan_121/

 

BooHoo Cat Face Bodycon Dress

Today’s blog post is a short review of a dress that I purchased for Halloween this year. A fabulous bodycon dress at a great price from BooHoo.

This black bodycon dress has a printed white cat face on the front. It is made out of 95% cotton and 5% elastane. The item is very soft and comfortable to wear, I would even consider wearing this regularly, I don’t feel that it’s just for Halloween because it isn’t scary and doesn’t depict anything specific enough for Halloween.

Anyone who follows me on social media know that I am a cat mummy and a huge fan of all cats in general, so this is an ideal choice for me to add to my wardrobe. I think I would be brave enough to wear it without a specific reason to do so.

boohoo-cat-full-res-sw The dress is flattering because of the bodycon style, and I have always liked to wear this sort of dress. I stand at just over the top end of petite, and this trend looks great on someone of my height when paired with some heels, I always feel taller in slimmer fitting dresses.

boohoo-cat-res-swThe cat face is very cool, the unusual shapes that make it up seem three dimensional as you wear the outfit.

Here is another photograph of me wearing the dress, it ends half way down my thighs. The sleeve length was also perfect for me, I like sleeves to end at the edge of my wrist. The neckline is flattering due to the shape and I appreciated that the dress wasn’t too low cut either.

boohoo-cat-dress-res-swMy final review of this dress is as follows;
Quality 5/5
Value for Money 5/5
Appearance 5/5
Comfort 5/5

Here is the link to the dress on the BooHoo website http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/dresses/ana-halloween-cat-face-bodycon-dress/invt/azz38582

Thank you very much for reading this short review, until next time, please feel free to check out any of my categories if you have enjoyed this post.

Sabrina

Gift Company Cherry Blossom Candle Jar Review

candleI am lucky enough to bring you a selection of items from Gift Company throughout October and November. This UK based family run company prides itself on providing unique and quality giftware, homeware and furniture.

After being contacted by Gift Company we arranged for several items for me to review, these are just some of a range of products available online at their website.

Each week I will be bringing you an item, photographed in detail, and then I will give you a variety of information about that product before giving my final review. This is the ideal time of year to start thinking of Christmas presents, so it’s a good idea to look for gifts you may not have seen before. And by purchasing from Gift Company you are also supporting a UK business.

Today I will be reviewing this beautifully smelling Cherry Blossom Candle.

cb4-res-swcb1-res-swWhat Makes This A Great Gift

This Candle has a total of 100-105 hours burning time.
An excellent addition to make any home smell nice.
✩ Easy to use product and easy to care for.
Secure fit glass sealing lid makes sure that the flame is fully extinguished and no oxygen can get inside the candle once the lid is pushed in.
This candle does come in a range of scents for those not keen on cherry blossom.

To Be Aware Of 

✩ The candle needs a flat surface on which to be lit and burned safely, and either a candle holder or a tray is ideal too. You should consider this when purchasing this item to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy it safely at its best.
✩ The jar is glass and of course is rather heavy, this is not a toy and must be treated with care. It is not to used around small children and/or pets, and must never be burned unattended.

cb3-res-swDimensions and Product Information

Item Description: Glass Candle Jar in the scent of Cherry Blossom. This candle has a lead free wick and boasts the sweet smell of Spring.
Colour: Clear Glass Jar with Bright Pink Candle Wax.
Dimensions: Height 16cm – Width 10cm – Circumference 31cm.
Requirements: Flat Surface, Something To Light It Safely With.
Burning Time: 100 – 105 hours.
Made by: Flame Homeware.
Delivery: The candle was delivered wrapped in bubble wrap and some protective Gift Company paper to ensure it was safely transported.
Candles: Other candles scents are available on the website.

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Final Review

I am going to give this candle in a jar a final review of 5/5. My reason is simply because it’s an effective item that does exactly what it’s supposed to do. The smell is wonderful and the burning time is excellent for a price so small.
Anyone who likes the high street branded candles should be able to burn this piece and enjoy it. It just goes to show that price isn’t everything, sometimes it just takes a well made product to change peoples perceptions, and I feel that this is one such item.
The product retails for around £15.00 but Gift Company sell this candle at a bargain of just £6.99, a gift worth getting if you know someone who loves the smell of spring blossom.

Thank you for reading this review today, I hope that you have been inspired by this gift, and if you want to visit the Gift Company website to see this item or any others you will find the links below. I have written several reviews from this company, you can read my other posts by clicking here http://severnwishes.co.uk/category/gift-company/

✩ Sabrina ✩

Find Gift Company on a variety of Social Media by searching for ‘Gift Company’.
Here is the link to the website and the candle http://www.giftcompany.com/p/16852/Cherry-Blossom-Big-Jar-98*17cm-0-4-R15

Dorothy Perkins Brown Aria Fur Lined Boots Review

When you find a pair of shoes or boots that fit you perfectly, it’s definitely something to shout about I think. So when I purchased these lovely looking brown boots from Dorothy Perkins in my most recent order, I just had to review them.

aria-boots-2-swThe reason I liked the look of these so much is all to do with the soles, which seemed as though they had grips ideal for Winter. The problem that you often find with shoes online is that you never get to see what they look like underneath, only from the side view. Although with this particular pair of boots you can see from the angle available that the sole has extensive channels for gripping and a one inch heel as well. They were sturdily made and strong to touch, combining two detailed buckles for a stylish design, and the inside is fur lined for comfort and warmth.

Styling these Boots

Personally I live in skinny jeans, jeggings and leggings, all of which work well with boots that are ankle height. This particular style allow for a little gap for you to tuck in jeans or trousers, and the fur lining makes them grip the fabric attached to your legs for extra comfort when moving around.

aria-bootsHere are a few photographs that I have taken to show you the boots in detail.

aria-boots-3-swaria-boots-5-swAria Boot Details
Heel and Soles are Gripped
Brown / Tan in Colour
Shelved with 1 inch Heel
Ankle High Boots
Soft Fur Lined Insides
Available in Sizes 3 – 8

aria-boots-4-sw

My final Review of this pair of boots is;
Quality 5/5
Value for Money 4/5
Appearance 5/5
Comfort 5/5
Delivery 5/5

Quality; I found the quality of these boots excellent. The stitching, the grips on the base of the shoe, the colour and the style. They are leather look but feel very durable all the same.
Money; I was lucky enough to get the boots on a weekend where 20% off was included, very happy with the amount that I paid. Great quality for the price either way, they are usually £39.00 but are currently on sale.
Appearance; Both stylish and on trend, I think these boots will be a staple in my wardrobe until I wear them out. Which I hope by the strong design and gripped bases will be quite some time. They look great with skinny jeans or leggings and are available in this brown/tan colour and now Dorothy Perkins do a black pair! I would love those as well!
Comfort; They are rather comfortable, a nice shape and wide enough to accommodate toes, but also with the fur lining making it soft and warm.
Delivery; The boots were delivered in a box to keep them dust free when not in use, and I love that they also came with tissue paper stuffed inside to maintain their shape while in transit.

Overview
Thank you very much for reading this review, I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing my thoughts about these new boots with you all. When you find a company or a brand whose footwear fits true to size, you can usually order with confidence in the products, and this is what I have received every time I have bought Boots from Dorothy Perkins.

I hope you have enjoyed this post. If you have any questions about the item then please feel free to leave me a comment. I shall leave you the link to it at the bottom of this page as well.

Sabrina

Brown Aria Fur Lined Boots
http://www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/shoes-boots-4849364/brown-aria-fur-lined-boots-5961177?bi=100&ps=20

Sabrina’s Christmas Wishlist

Sabrina’s Christmas Wishlist

I’m sure many of you have wishlists, and with Christmas coming up I thought that I could indulge in the products that I would love to get this year. These links and images form the accumulation of items that I would like to be reviewing at Christmas and in the new year.

My first items on my wishlist are to have some more of these incredible makeup brushes from Spectrum Collections! I have the pink and would love some of the others, they are fabulous for me to add to reviewing photographs too, so so photograph-able! And they also put my makeup on so well too and are extremely soft! In fact I could do with a brush cleaner and I hear the Spectrum one is also excellent!

clamspectrum-cleaner spectrum-pouch

The Glam Clam

white Marbleous 12 Piece Set

spectrumblack spectrumwhiteI love these brushes, and I love to photograph them as well. You can see my previous review on Spectrum by searching in my categories for Spectrum Collections.

The second items on my list are from Dorothy Perkins. There are these boots and this dress gorgeous that I absolutely adore! There are so many nice items, and on trend looks available on the DP website at the moment, definitely worth a look in my opinion.

dp-blue-dress dp-red-boots

http://www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/shoes-boots-4849364/boots-203591/wide-fit-burgundy-web-boots-5956478?bi=140&ps=20

http://www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/dresses-5699972/going-out-party-dresses-5965766/navy-sequin-lace-dress-6000972?bi=20&ps=20

I really like these boots as well over at BooHoo! How nice is the detail! (Yes I have more Boots than shoes and love them all year around!)

boohoo-black

http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/new-in-shoes/nichole-lace-side-over-the-knee-boot/invt/dzz64071

Another item I really like the look of right now is the Makeup Revolution Advent Calendar, how great does this look? I still hope to get some chocolate, but I like these products, and would like to own more, perhaps I will be lucky enough to open this sort of calendar this year… (Purchased By Me – Review Coming Soon)
makeup-rev-adventhttps://www.tambeauty.com/en/Makeup-Revolution-Advent-Calendar-2016/m-2043.aspx

Something else I discovered after someone shared it on Twitter was this amazing lamp from Very.

I would love this in my home http://www.very.co.uk/eiffel-tower-table-lamp/1600079375.prd

(I purchased this lamp at the end of November, and I love it! Full review coming soon…)

New Look also have some great looking Boots out this season, here are two of the ones that I have got my eye on… both ankle boots…

grey-suedettehttp://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/view-all-boots/grey-suedette-cylindrical-heel-ankle-boots-_382019504

ruched-ankle-boots-nlhttp://www.newlook.com/shop/shoe-gallery/wide-fit-shoes-and-boots/wide-fit-brown-suedette-ruched-ankle-boots_390237621?productFind=search

On my wishlist for reviewing is also this fabulous shelf from over on the Treatbox UK website in the ‘shop’ section, it is so unique looking I just love it! I had to dream what I might place upon it, a pot filled with Spectrum Brushes, a frame and so much more! Do you like it? I love it!

hexagon-shelfhttps://treatboxuk.com/collections/shop/products/stunning-hexagon-shelf-with-mirror

The final items I would love to own and review this Christmas are these pieces from Cherry Diva! I adore anything turquoise or anything with feathers or arrows, that sort of thing…
sterling_silver_turquoise_feather_necklace_1024x1024https://www.cherrydiva.co.uk/products/sterling-silver-turquoise-feather-necklace?variant=17345622149
feather_wrap_silver_ring_1024x1024https://www.cherrydiva.co.uk/products/eva-feather-silver-ring?variant=16859874181

Another fab idea for people for gifts this Christmas would be anything with a subscription box, I have already reviewed Secret Scent Box, and I currently review Treatbox UK on a monthly basis. I would love to try other boxes in the future, such as Birchbox or Glossybox or perhaps anything else relating to beauty/fashion/perfume/food, some of my favourite things!

Thank you for reading this post today, I wonder if I have inspired any of you for your Christmas lists and gifts for friends or loved ones. Check out the links for the items and brands featured in my post today. I am hoping my wishlist will turn into a reality for some of these items and then I can happily review them for you all to see. Until then keep coming back to the blog for more reveals, reviews and honest opinions on products.

Sabrina

November Treat Box Reveal

tb-nov-01-swHappy November everyone!

It’s time to reveal the contents of the November Treatbox!

Filled with impressive feel good pieces this box holds an array of trinkets and items to adore, all of which have a theme of either stars or sparkle.

tb-nov-02-sw tb-nov-03-sw

With dark navy blue paper and a ‘Shine Bright Like A Diamond’ quote card, the November Treatbox contained promise of sparkles and happiness. There was a sweet smell emanating from inside my box as I peeled away the sticker that read ‘Spread The Sparkle’.

tb-nov-04-res-swI could see the gold sparkling stars and smell the sweet scent of caramel as I opened up the November box. I instantly clock the chocolate delights and know they will be enjoyed very soon. I was intrigued by the other contents and couldn’t wait to open it all up and photograph the items individually.

tb-nov-05-res-sw tb-nov-06-sw tb-nov-07-res tb-nov-08-res-sw tb-nov-12-res-swtb-nov-13-res-swtb-nov-14-res-swtb-nov-16-res-sw

tb-nov-17-resized-sw Here is the full list of items you will find in the November treatbox.
‘Shine Bright Like A Diamond’ Quote Card
Gold Stars Banner
‘Reach For The Stars’ Bag
November Calendar Card
Star Struck Constellation Compact Mirror
Star Straws
White Chocolate Stars
Simple Candle Co. Caramel Star Wax Melts

My favourite items in this months box are the Compact Mirror, the Wax Melts and the ‘Reach for the Stars’ bag. The lovely smelling wax melts seem like they will be a joy to use. The details on the box of the compact mirror are stunning, it’s a beautiful keepsake and a useful item, but more than that it’s so unique looking. And the bag is of course very handy to have and is a happy memento.

tb-nov-15-res-sw tb-nov-11-res-sw tb-nov-18-res-sw

If you would like to order a TreatBox for yourself or for a gift then you can find Treatbox at their website https://treatboxuk.com/

The beauty of subscribing to TreatBox is that there are a range of subs to choose from, then each month your box gets sent to your door. Inside it could be a range of gifts from homeware to accessories, edible items and other useful things, as well as trinkets, jewellery and inspirational quotes too!

If you aren’t sure on whether to try a TreatBox for yourself or not I would say order a one off box, and then if you’re happy with it you can always subscribe afterwards. Check out my previous posts on the Treat Boxes I have received so far, in this unique category of my website called ‘Treatbox’ which is just for these reviews and reveals http://severnwishes.co.uk/category/treatbox/

tb-nov-09-res-swI hope you have enjoyed this November Treatbox reveal, there may well be more of them in the future. If you do decide to subscribe to a Treatbox then please leave me a comment, I would love to know what you think of your own TreatBox when you get it.

You can also find my video reveals on my YouTube channel, you can watch as I open the box for the very first time and discover all of it’s sparkly contents. Click on this link to watch the unboxing https://youtu.be/vyGSn711hAY

Thanks for reading this review and reveal, and I hope that you have a great month this November!

Sabrina

tb-nov-10-res-sw

Gift Company White Clock and Calendar Blocks Review

clock-one-titledI am lucky enough to bring you a selection of items from Gift Company throughout October and November. This UK based family run company prides itself on providing unique and quality giftware, homeware and furniture.

After being contacted by Gift Company we arranged for several items for me to review, these are just some of a range of products available online at their website.

Each week I will be bringing you an item, photographed in detail, and then I will give you a variety of information about that product before giving my final review. This is the ideal time of year to start thinking of Christmas presents, so it’s a good idea to look for gifts you may not have seen before. And by purchasing from Gift Company you are also supporting a UK business.

Today I will be showcasing their White Clock with Calendar Blocks gift. This rustic almost ‘shabby chic’ product is mostly white with black detailing.

clock-ten-swclock-eleven-sw

The first thing you notice about this gift is the striking bold fonts and the various shapes of the product. I like the archway wooden shaped top, it compliments the circular clock face.

clock-eight-swclock-twelve-sw

I have always wanted a product such as this in my home. When growing up my mother had a date box (as I called it) where we could rotate small metal turnstiles in order to move the days and months to the corresponding day. I have always liked wooden items, and this piece goes well with so many other things in my home. White products fit in much easier than coloured ornament pieces too. The size is very good and the numbers and letters are in a clear enough font to be seen from across a room. I like the hands on the Quartz clock as well, delicate and a nice addition to the piece.

clock-five-swclock-nine-sw   clock-two-swclock-six-sw

What Makes This A Great Gift

✩ Strong and durable wood for regular use.
An excellent educational piece in order to teach children about days and months.
✩ Easy to adjust the various calendar elements of the product.
✩ An ideal gift for its usefulness with the clock and calendar, as well as it’s white which is an ideal colour for most homes.
Uses an AA battery which is easily accessible and easy to replace.
Great size so the item that can fit onto a shelf or unit in the home, not too big a piece but with large enough numbers and letters to be seen from across a room.
Blocks can be displayed however you want within the diameter of the framing.

To Be Aware Of 

✩ The white painted surface might get dirty over time. Also by continually moving the blocks they scrape against the painted wooden surface as they slot into place, and as the months go by slight scuff marks will begin to appear on the paintwork. This is unavoidable as you use the product.
✩ The writing on the blocks isn’t perfect, some letters haven’t been stamped with much ink, for example the ‘Y’ on the month of May. I would hope that they will not wear away over time and with use but this is a possibility. I would recommend only ever cleaning it with a duster, so as not to take any of the paint off the items.
✩ The glued area of the plastic battery part of the clock was a little messy in my honest opinion. You wouldn’t see this if the ornament was placed against a wall or on a shelf where the back faced away from any view. The only time you notice it would be when changing the battery.

Dimensions and Product Information

Item Description: One wooden frame which contains two square number blocks and three rectangle month blocks. In the top half is a clock face situated centrally. The item is completed with a wooden arch shape at the top of it and curved sides that complement the contrast of the more square shaped calendar blocks.
Colour: White over all with black writing and the hands of the clock are black and red.
Box Materials: Wooden with a Plastic fronted Clock and back for the battery.
Clock and Calendar Dimensions: Unit Width 14cm Depth 7cm Height (highest point of arch) 23cm. Clock face is 7cm.
Products Clock is made by: Quartz.
Requires 1 x AA battery for the clock.

clock-seven-swclock-three-swFinal Review

I am going to give this clock with calendar blocks a final review of 3/5. My reasons for this is mostly down to the quality of the item. I was a little disappointed with the glue being so messily applied to the battery compartment and the fixing of the clock into place. I also feel with constant use that the white paint will begin to scrape off and mark over time. It gets extra points however for being a well made item that is useful to a home, and can be educational. The clock face is a good size as is the writing on the blocks. Over all it’s a decent piece that I would happily display in my house. The product retails for around £20.00 but Gift Company sell this piece at a bargain of £5.99, a gift worth getting if you know someone who could do with a gentle reminder of what date it is.

Thank you for reading this review today, I hope that you have been inspired, and if you want to visit the Gift Company website to see this item or any others you will find the links below.

✩ Sabrina ✩

Find Gift Company on a variety of Social Media by searching for ‘Gift Company’.
Here is the link to the Clock and Calendar http://www.giftcompany.com/p/15106/X-White-Clock-With-Calendar-Blocks–14*7*23-1-12-R15

clock-four-sw

Review of Elizabeth Arden Products from Dave Lackie

elizabetharden01Recently I was especially lucky to win some Elizabeth Arden products all the way from Dave Lackie in Canada. It’s always exciting to get post but more so when there is an airmail sticker on the front!

Inside my package my prizes consisted of a large pink makeup/toiletries bag and two lipsticks. The lipsticks were from the beautiful colour bold liquid lipstick range from Elizabeth Arden New York. I don’t own anything of this brand so I was excited to see the colours and test the items as well.

The bag was of excellent quality and a great size, it is ideal for weekends away where you need a number of toiletries. I like that it’s branded also, I didn’t own anything with Elizabeth Arden on until I won this competition. The bag is bright and is made to a high standard with an inner seem that runs along the base to ensure long lasting uses.

Both lipsticks I won were of a type I hadn’t tried previously, with a flocked tip applicator, which was soft and allowed for an even coverage when the lipstick was applied. Also the texture of this kind of liquid was soft and its colour was of high intensity (more so in the pink). The final look is more of a gloss than a lipstick, and I found that the staying power was greater than a matte kind. Another good thing about the sponge and the click (in order to apply the product), it gave out the perfect amount of liquid in order to coat the lips. I like how the shape of the applicator felt comfortable to use and the way in which the entire lipstick is shaped was complementary to its unique style. This range of Elizabeth Arden lipsticks also contain glycerin and emollients which moisturise the lips adding softness for a more comfortable wear.

lipstick-arden-sw lipstick-arden-2-swI prefer the more nude and brown shade of lipstick, the pinker shade just doesn’t go with my complexion sadly. However the brown compliments both the colour of my skin and lips, and enhances my natural look. See for yourself in my swatch and application on my lips below.

lipstick-swatch-swlipstick-swHere are the two swatches and lipstick shades next to one another, as you can see a complete contrast, one subtle and the other vibrant. They are soft but have great staying power, a lipstick that looks like a gloss.

arden-lipstick-swatches-swI want to thank Dave Lackie for holding such incredible competitions on both Twitter (where I won) and on his blog. If you wish to check them out for yourself the link is below http://davelackie.com/

Thank you for reading this short review today, thanks again Dave, and I wish all of you luck with any competitions that you enter in the future.

✩ Sabrina ✩

Gift Company ‘Memories’ Keepsake Box Review

keepsake-box-titleI am lucky enough to bring you a selection of items from Gift Company throughout October and November. This UK based family run company prides itself on providing unique and quality giftware, homeware and furniture.

After being contacted by Gift Company we arranged for several items for me to review, these are just some of a range of products available online at their website.

Each week I will be bringing you an item, photographed in detail, and then I will give you a variety of information about that product before giving my final review. This is the ideal time of year to start thinking of Christmas presents, so it’s a good idea to look for gifts you may not have seen before. And by purchasing from Gift Company you are also supporting a UK business.

Today I will be showing you this awesome white wooden ‘Memories’ keepsake box, which has a frame built into the lid, to make the present just as unique as the memories you would put inside it.

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An ideal size to hold a variety of trinkets, this box has two silver hinges and is made from sturdy lightweight wood. Because it’s white it can fit into a variety of different places in the home and won’t look out of place.

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The frame section in the lid is a good size, a heart shape where a 5×5″ photograph can be placed. It’s easily accessible from inside the box where three flat photo hinges support the heart shaped area. You can remove the shape in order to cut around the photo of your choice using it as a template before securing it all back into place.

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Another beautiful feature of this box is the three dimensional word ‘Memories’ on the front, and the writing underneath it which reads ‘the best thing about memories is making them’ in a silver font. There is also a three dimensional heart in silver also, that sits just below the writing.

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I feel that this box is an ideal size for the sorts of memories I would use to fill it. Tickets, Photographs, Memories of Days Out such as Maps and Guides, all fit comfortably within the box. As you can see in my next photograph, the space is more than adequate for 6×4″ photographs as well as a variety of different sized papers.

What Makes This A Great Gift

✩ Strong Hinges for durable use.
✩ The base has feet so it won’t slip when placed on flat surfaces.
✩ Easy to Customise with the frame in the lid and you could stick other three dimensional items or stickers to the wooden lid to make it more unique.
✩ An ideal gift for ages of teenagers through to adults, everyone needs something to keep their trinkets and keepsakes inside, this box is an excellent all rounded item.
✩ White colour fits into the majority of home decor without looking out of place.

To Be Aware Of

✩ The white painted surface might get dirty over time, but this can add to the look of the box, well used and filled with happy memories of days gone by.
✩ The writing on the box that I received wasn’t set straight, however this doesn’t matter to me because I’m going to customise the box, but if you’re a perfectionist it’s something to be aware of, all boxes won’t be exactly the same, but that adds to their charm in my opinion.

Dimensions and Product Information

Colour: White and Silver
Box Materials: Wooden with Metal Hinges
Closed Box: Length 24cm Depth 16cm Height 7cm
Inside Box: Length 22.4cm Depth 14.4cm Height (Deep) 4.5cm
Photo Area: 5×5 Photo in a Heart Shape
Product Made By: Flame Homeware

inside-keepsake-box-dimensionsI have already begun to place items into the box, it can be something used to cheer you up on a bad day, to look back at fun things you did and places you visited. And it makes you realise just how lucky you are to be able to put these things safely inside a box such as this…

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Final Review

My final review for this gift company item is 5/5. I have found the product to be made to a high standard, and care has been taken in its design to ensure a well thought out piece. As a gift it can be easily customised to ensure uniqueness and its sizes have been well determined for its uses. A good quality item that I am sure many people would like in their homes, or will know of someone who could benefit from having one to store their memories inside.
The keepsake box is also good value for money with a retail price often around £15-£20 but Gift Company sell their version for just £10, another reason to consider this as a gift this Christmas.

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Thank you for reading this review today, I hope that you have been inspired, and if you want to visit the Gift Company website to see this item or any others you will find the links below.

✩ Sabrina ✩

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Find Gift Company on a variety of Social Media by searching for ‘Gift Company’.
Memories Keepsake Box http://www.giftcompany.com/p/17480/Memories-Keepsake-Box

Chanel Perfume Samples Review

coco-and-tendre-swRecently I was sent some Chanel samples, and I was so impressed with both of these scents that I have decided to review them and explain what goes into making each of the fragrances.

The first sample was Chanel Chance ‘Eau Tendre’ and the second was Chanel ‘Coco Mademoiselle’.

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Chanel Chance ‘Eau Tendre’ is a floral and fruity perfume that features notes of Jasmine, White Musk and Grapefruit. The unique round bottle is what you would normally discover this fragrance in. This particular perfume is designed with happiness in mind and I loved its unusual and unique scent.
chanel-chance-eau-tendre-swChanel ‘Coco Mademoiselle’ is a more bold perfume designed for the confident woman. This scent features notes of Jasmine, Rose and Orange. An oriental and fresh smell that is meant to be worn by those who are strong and independent. The inspirations behind the fragrance stem from the personality of Gabrielle Chanel, and the vibrant and sensual notes of it make this perfume unique. I loved that it smells like nothing that I own already.

coco-1-swchanel-tendre-2-sw Both of these perfumes are rather different in taste but I enjoyed wearing both of them. I feel that the Chance Eau Tendre is more of a scent that I would wear for shopping and time spent with loved ones, where as I am more likely to wear Coco Mademoiselle on a ‘date’ night.

Over all I prefer the Eau Tendre scent on my skin, and I think it’s a wonderful gift for a woman who likes these notes in her perfumes. I hope to one day own a full sized version but until then I shall enjoy the 3ml bottle I was sent. Thank you Chanel!

img_3057Thank you for reading this review today, I hope you have enjoyed my opinion on these two scents. And remember that perfume smells different on everybody’s skin, so make sure you try before you buy by visiting your local perfume shop or cosmetics store. And don’t forget to #TakeYourChance on perfume to find one that suits you 🙂

Sabrina