Tuesday, 31 May 2016

Summer Nail Edit

Summer is a great season for nail polish if I can say that without sounding too weird. I love wearing both bright and soft colours on my nails for the season so today I thought I would share a few favourites with you in this sort of edit. Really just trying to sound fancy. First up we have to have a good turquoise blue and Essie Blossom Dandy is perfect, Mint Candy Apple really had a moment a few years ago and Blossom Dandy is very similar but a little more refined in my opinion. I love a good peach or orange and I have two that covers both bases, Peaches and Cream by Deborah Lippmann is a stunning peach that looks particularly amazing on tanned hands, and then if you want something more Orange OPI Where Did Suzi's Man-Go is really pretty. I wear nude nail polish a lot and the slight shimmer of Smith & Cult's Feathers and Flesh is so darn beautiful. The nude is nice and neutral and suits my skin tone perfectly. Lastly I have this beautiful purple again from Deborah Lippmann in The Pleasure Principle, I don't usually wear a lot of purple but I really like this shade. It looks summery and bright without being too out there. Whats nail shades do you love wearing for summer? Love...

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Monday, 30 May 2016

Farmacy Skincare




Farmacy is a all natural skincare line made in America with the ethos of everything natural and simple. All of their products are packed full of antioxidant rich ingredients to make sure they treat your skin in the best possible way. I have tried a few items from the line in the past but nothing for a long time so I was excited to try a few of their new releases. First up is a product I have already spoken about a few times, and that is the Skin Dew Hydrating Essence Mist & Setting Spray. The light spritz is packed full of great ingredients that include Horsetail Juice, Kiwi Fruit Extract, and a Natural Polymer. I love having it on my desk to refresh and rehydrate my skin throughout the day and to set my makeup after application. I also received the Sleep Tight Firming Night Balm which is so hydrating my skin just drinks it up. By morning the gel turn oil makes my skin feel tighter in a good way, more hydrated and a damn lot firmer. I think this would be a great one for more mature complexions. Lastly the Brightening Sheet Masks have become a favourite of mine, the hydrating coconut gel formula formula helps the mask to stick like no other which I love, it means I can put one on, get in the batch and not worry about it slipping and sliding everywhere. In terms of results I don't think it brightens instantly but I do love how Hydrating it is. I am so impressed with the line considering it is so natural and can't wait to try more so do let me know if you have any recommendations. Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.
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Thursday, 26 May 2016

Autumn/Winter Trends with House of Fraser

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Earlier this week I was invited along to the House of Fraser A/W press day showcasing Men and Women's fashion along with home wear for the season. We wandered into the lovely One Marylebone that is absolutely beautiful and had a good snoop round. Of course I wanted pretty much everything I saw and the home section had me dreaming of my own place some day, although more on that another day. We then went and got our hair done by a lovely girl from Show Hair and I had some serious Volume going on, no photo's though I'm afraid. Anyway I thought today I would share with you some of the emerging trends for the season, it feels a little odd talking about this coming into Summer but hey that's how the fashion world works.










The first big trend I noticed when it came to women's fashion was the array of jewel tones, and specifically reds and burgundies. Oxblood is on of my favourite colours and I love whipping it out every autumn so I am very glad it is in again this year. It is a great way to add some colour to your winter wardrobe without having anything to bright or bold, and the beauty gal in me also really wants to say it looks amazing on the lips.













The other overwhelming theme was a mix of soft neutrals in the form of greys, beige's, and subtle blacks. The was a lot of knitwear which I love, and some beautiful layering pieces. There were also some lovely grey toned wool coats that I have my eye on. I also noticed a few pops of colour in there, a little like that lovely lime green and navy on the tote bags. Another big thing I spotted was the use of pints, but animal prints specifically. I just love those gorgeous tan flap bags with the faux snakeskin detailing, and I believe there was a rather fancy leopard print coat in the mix too. I apologise for my lack of description but  hope the photo's help. I am hoping to branch into the fashion world a little more, but what can I say I am a beauty girl at heart. Love...


*A huge thanks to House of Fraser for the invite!







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Wednesday, 25 May 2016

Current Skincare Favorites

I have been having a real moment with skincare lately and I have stumbled across some new and some rediscovered products that I thought I would share with you today. As we come into Spring Summer time my skin becomes less dry but with changing weather it can still get flakey and rather dull in appearance. My current routine is all about exfoliation and hydration and with the helping hand of these new products my skin is looking better than ever.

Pixi Glow Tonic- I have had this cult favourite in my routine for a couple of months now and I love how glowy it makes my skin. I use it about twice a week, maybe less if I am also incorporating other exfoliants but it just feels so refining on the skin. I am certainly a more chemical exfoliant girl as any particles irritate my skin so this is perfect for me.

Biorderma Sensibio H20- The iconic micellar water that started it all is back in my life and I am so happy about it. It is the grandfather of all cleansing waters and boy is it the best. It takes eye makeup off in a flash (which is great for me as my eyes hate anything too oily), removes makeup prior cleanse, and is just an all round wonderful product. I am so elated it is now on the shelves of Boots, although I will be picking a few bottles up when I am over in Paris next month just for the price difference.

Tata Harper Purifying Mask- I am going to keep the babble on this one short as I have a whole post on it you can read HERE. But basically it clears the skin of all environmental stress, rehydrates, de-clogs, and soothes the complexion. If you live in a polluted city then you need this mask in your life!

Farmacy Sleep Tight Firming Night Balm- I have a whole Farmacy post coming up this week so I won't blab on about this too much but basically it's hydrating, firming and the coolest texture. The gel melts into a slightly weird green oil that feel oh so luxurious on the skin of a night.

Clinique Moisture Surge- I went to a Debenhams beauty event recently and spoke to a member of the lovely Clinique team all about their Moisture Surge moisturiser. I was so impressed by the facts and figures and was so excited to try it for myself. Day or night I find it gives my skin the perfect amount of hydration and I love that it can be used in a plethora of ways, but more on that soon as I may do a dedicated post to this gem.

Sarah Chapman Overnight Exfoliating Booster- Again I have a whole post on this favourite HERE if you want an in depth read. In short this overnight chemical exfoliant sloughs away dead skin cells to reveal bright glowing skin by morning.

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence- You guys know my love for the Murad Hydro-Dynamic range and this Essence is no different. I have had this sitting in my skincare drawers for a while but hadn't really gotten round to giving it a proper go. Last month my skin was feeling a little parched so I though I would give this a whirl and I am so glad I did. For dry skin it just adds that extra hit of hydration that can be very much needed.

Love...

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Tuesday, 24 May 2016

The Zoeva Complete Set


I have been a fan of Zoeva for as long as I can remember so when their delightful Complete Brush Set landed on my door step I was very excited indeed. The set is £95 and contains 15 of their best selling brushes. I personally think that is an amazing price for such value and it roughly works out at about £6.34 a brush! You wouldn't even get a decent brush for that in boots so to get such high quality brushes for such a steal is a real treat. I have been giving the whole set a road test for the past few weeks now and I thought I would share my thoughts with you. By my initial thoughts you can clearly see I love the set as whole but I am going to take you into detail on a few individual brushes a bit more. My favourite brush has to be the 102 Silk Finish which is perfect for blending out foundation and concealer. The synthetic fibres apply cream and liquid products beautiful with a perfect smooth finish. Another favourite has to be the 228 Luxe Crease, I believe this is either a mixture of natural and synthetic hairs or completely natural but it just gives he most precise yet diffused colour in the crease. Its tapered shape makes it pip squeak to blend eyeshadow and even the most novice of people in makeup need this brush! The last brush I am going to mention is the 128 Cream Cheek this brush is so versatile I have found myself using it for everything. Of course as stated it is perfect for applying cream blush, highlight, bronzer and contour but I have also found it is great for powder products as well as applying liquid foundations. Overall I am so impressed by the set, I had tried various Zoeva brushes before but I can now say if your going to take the plunge in the Zoeva pool then make sure you pick up one of their amazing sets. Wonderful value and amazing products, could you ask for more? Love... 
*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.
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Monday, 23 May 2016

Adding The Finishing Touches With Minted

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You guys know that I am obsessed with Minted! Their art work is amazing and I created my office gallery wall with them back in the US which you can see HERE, obviously it has now changed due to my move so I will be sure to share that on social media within the next few days (Instagram is nicola_darita btw). Anyway back to the subject in hand I have teamed up with the wonderful Minted again to show you how I have added the finishing touches to my new bedroom, and specifically my bed with the plethora of throw pillows they offer. So first let me tell you all about my new room, I have to start by mentioning the horrid bright red carpet; I wouldn't choose it but it's a rental so I'm stuck with it at least for now. Luckily though I finally have white walls which I am very happy about indeed. I am also in the loft technically so there are a lot of eaves and sloping walls, because of this I don't really have room to hang pictures so I thought what better way to decorate than to add some comfy, cosy cushions. On the Minted website they offer tons of deigns and patterns all by incredible artists cross the world (in fact if you are artsy then Minted is the perfect place to showcase/sell your wok). They have so many designs I actually found it quite tricky to pick, but I knew I wanted something so match my current grey comforter; I also may have popped this stunning Poppy Cushion for my vanity chair which you may of seen in my makeup collection video HERE. I started with the really simple Deco Square Pillow in the 24x24 size to be the base of my cushions. I took a gamble with the colour on this one and went for Taupe in the hope it would be grey enough. It is a little warmer in tone than I would've liked but I think it works ok. Lastly I wanted another geometric pattern to go in front of those so I picked two of the Iron Gate Square Pillows in Silver. They have a crisp white fabric with a really cool iron gate pattern. I knew that both designs would fit in perfectly with my other throw pillows; (Silver one from Calvin Klein, White Ruffle from DKNY, 'N' cushion from Homebase). I was so impressed by the fabric of the covers and by the density and 'fluffiness' on the internal cushion its self. I am so in love with how it looks and there is no place I would rather spend my Sunday blogging. So now I am obsessed with Minted Home and all these designs and more also come in the form of curtains, lamp shades, table cloths and basically anything you could think of, so I know where I will be going when I get my own home. Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.
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Thursday, 19 May 2016

Lune & Aster Beauty

The wonderful US beauty boutique Bluemercury has it's own makeup line 'Lune & Aster' that I have been dabbling in over the past few months and it is rather good indeed. I have mentioned the line here a few times before but I thought it was about time I shared a little more about the products. The whole range was thought up with speed and ease in mind, making it perfect for the busy woman on the go. From the Prep+Go range I have the Recharge Cream and HydraLift Primer. Both are richly packed with hyaluronic acid for ultimate hydration. The Recharge Cream is the ultimate prep moisturiser if you have dull or dry skin. It feels so rich on the skin but never heavy or greasy and gives you the perfect canvas for applying makeup. I use it most days but especially love it under matte foundations for that extra hit of moisture. The HydraLift Primer does plump and firm the skin really nicely as well as making your base last much longer but I find I have to be careful what foundations I use it under as it can have the tendency to peel off the face a little if that makes sense. Their Protect+Go range is focused on being the perfect multitasking coverage and SPF protection all in one. I have the CC Cream from the line that has Broad Spectrum SPF 50, a medium coverage, and lovely natural to slightly dewy finish. From the Bronze+Glow collection I have the Moonrise Glow and Contour Bronzing Palette that is a dead ringer for that ever so coveted Charlotte Tilbury version. The bronzer is a little lighter which I actually really love and that golden highlight is seriously on 'fleek'. Lastly I have the Vitamin C+E Lipgloss in a few shades and I am absolutely blown away with their formula. They add a wash of sheer colour with a wonderful shine without any sticky-ness. The creamy formula glides on the lips and lasts forever, which is a real bonus! All in all the line is pretty impressive and next time I'm in DC I will be sure to pop into the Georgetown store to try more. Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.
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Wednesday, 18 May 2016

My Makeup Collection & Storage

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I have been wanting to do this video forever and here it finally is. If you want to see my makeup collection and the way I store it then do watch below. I will tell you in advance that it is a long one so grab a cup of something plump up your cushion and take a seat. All the furniture ect. will be linked in the video description box.


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Tuesday, 17 May 2016

The One Pot Wonder!

The Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm has become a hero product of mine and I just can't rave about it enough. The 'can do everything balm' is made of 99% organic ingredients with the purest of cold pressed Rosehip and Essential Oils. The creamy oil based balm can be used for a multitude of things including cleansing, as a mask, a lip balm, an intense moisturiser, a hilighter for a subtle glow, cuticle oil, and eyebrow gel to name just a few ways. The quite thick balm has earned it's place on my night stand where I try to slather some all over my skin when I am dry, and I also love using it on my cuticles daily. As well as the Rosehip Oil it also has essential Patchouli, Geranium, and Borage which all strengthen, hydrate and soothe the skin. It is also rich in natural Vitamin A which is great at hydrating and detoxifying the skin. It is such a universal product that is truly good for your skin and I think everyone, man or woman needs this in their life. It is certainly going to be the gift I buy for everyone from now on. So yes, there really is a skincare product that can do it all, and if you like to keep your stash small then this is the one product you certainly need to include. Love...



*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

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Monday, 16 May 2016

Everyday Spring Makeup

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This has been my go to makeup look all spring and it uses some of my current favourite products. I apologise for the quality but I couldn't help still sharing it with you all as I love the look so much.





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Wednesday, 11 May 2016

An Ode to Sarah Chapman's Overnight Exfoliating Booster

Physical exfoliants and I do not mix so naturally I am a huge fan of chemical alternative. Sarah Chapman makes some incredible skincare and none I love more than the Skinesis Overnight Exfoliating Booster. This serum like product contains non-abrasive gentle exfoliants that are perfect for all skin types and work all by themselves while you're sleeping. Not only is it good for sloughing away dead skin cells and holding those pesky pimples at bay, it is also incredible at balancing the skin and therefore also benefitting parched dehydrated complexions. By mixing moisture attracting hyaluronic acid with gentle exfoliants and rose water the treatment manages to leave you with a silky smooth complexion without any irritation or dehydration. With using it just three nights a week you can visibly notice you skin becoming more plump, hydrated, smooth, and younger looking. So as you can see it's pretty much perfect. Love...



*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.
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Tuesday, 10 May 2016

Spring Beauty Edit

It's well and truly Spring time which means nice weather (hopefully) and the approach of Summer. I have done a few Spring posts already but couldn't help compiling a few little items that are favorites for spring. As the weather gets warmer I like to go lighter on the makeup front and especially my base. For this the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation has been perfect. It is a pretty new foundation to me but I love the light dewy finish with its sheer to medium coverage. Of course underneath that you need a good dose of SPF as the sun gets stronger, and I have been using the Clarins Sunscreen Multi-Protection UV Plus SPF 50. It has UVA and UVB protect with SPF 50 making it ultra protecting for the face and it's made up of mainly a mineral SPF (physical) with a few other chemical SPF's to stop it being so heavy on the skin, which I personally really like. I am all about liquid and cream products during Spring and Summer and the Stila Aqua Glow Watercolour Blush in Shimmering Lotus is the perfect peachy shade with a just a little shimmer, to look oh so natural on the cheeks. For the eyes I like to keep things very simple like the rest of my makeup, and go for mainly mate shades for just a little definition. The It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Vol.2 Palette is packed full of stunning matte colours and I particularly love the shades desire and romance for a spring eye look. On the lips I think pink is the only way to go when it comes to spring and I tend to ditch the matte lips in favor for something more glossy like the YSL Rouge Volupte Shine's in the shades #8 a pale pretty everyday pink and #50 a bright fuchsia that makes a great bold lip. With the up and down weather spring brings my skin tends to end up feeling a little tight and dry so I love to use some sort of hydrating facial mist. I have had my eye on the Farmacy Skin Dew Hydrating Essence for a while and finally got my hands on some. It has a very fine mist that doesn't disrupt makeup but still gives you that hydrating and cooling feel. Lastly a new fragrance always appears on my vanity for spring. Something lighter and generally more floral is my ideal. I have a few favorites right now but Maison Francis Furkdjian A La Rose has pipped all the others to the post. The light scent is beautifully rosy without being to heavy or heady and really does just smell like spring; think blooming flowers, cut grass, and fresh fruits. Love...

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Monday, 9 May 2016

Huge Beauty Haul!

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So I may have don a little shopping recently and I thought it was only fair to share my purchases with you all. I have also been sent a few fun PR packages that I thought I would share also in this HUGE BEAUTY HAUL! So watch down below if you want to see what I've picked up from Sephora, Debenhams, M&S, Boots and more! Please do subscirbe to my channel if you do get the chance and again thank you all for your lovely support.


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Friday, 6 May 2016

Urban Decay Naked Skin

When this package arrived in the mail last week I was intrigued to say the least. The idea of contouring with concealers and foundations didn't really sit well with me but I am open to pretty much anything and gave it a go. Anyway as I thought it turned out horribly and the concealer shades were just far to warm, although I think if you do get the right shade the consistency would really work. But I didn't let that flop hold me back and went in to use the products for their original purpose and turns out the Naked Skin Concealer and Naked Skin Foundation are both rather nice indeed. I was unsure about the concealer for a while (I have had a bottle in the past) as I felt it didn't quite sit right under the eyes but I have experimented a little and realized that with a brush you get a much smoother and more flawless application. It is also the perfect all round concealer covering blemishes on the face and dark circles with ease. The creamy light formula doesn't look heavy at all on the skin and has a nice natural finish. Now onto the foundation itself, the Naked Skin Foundation has been out for some time but I have to admit I have never really been drawn to it before as it doesn't have any crazy claims but rather just is your standard foundation. Now this isn't a bad thing in fact it's quite refreshing so when the package turned up I was actually quite excited to give it a go. As I thought I have fallen in love with the foundation! It has a natural to glowy finish with sheer to medium coverage that just sits on the skin beautifully. It can be built up without being heavy looking and really does just look like skin, and nothing more. Naked Skin sits well with me and I'm all for it, well not actually naked skin. Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.
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