Oh So Fabulous Darling!

First Impressions: YSL & Chanel

2012-02-13T12:26:00.000+03:00

I recently came to the realisation that my Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation is simply too dark for me now; the last few times I have worn it I just didn't feel the love. So I was contemplating between simply getting a lighter shade in the Chanel foundation or trying something new. I thought I would give YSL a try seeing as I generally love their makeup, and I'm glad I did.

First off, I love that the shades in YSL foundations are uniform so if I am a 5 in one foundation then I am the same colour in others. I picked up the Teint Radiance and I am absolutely loving it, the colour is perfect for me right now and it feels very light on the skin. I love the finish of this as well, it looks natural and dewy unlike the Vitalumiere Aqua which at times can look a little too matte on my skin. That being said I tend to get a bit of shine on my nose towards the end of the day and Vitalumiere Aqua always kept that at bay, while I have noticed the Teint Radiance does not. But that doesn't really bother me as I feel I get more of a natural finish with the YSL and I could always powder my t-zone which I don't usually do. So far I am loving this foundation, and really recommend anyone to try it out if they have normal-dry skin and are looking for a light-medium coverage foundation.

While I was out getting my foundation I passed by the Chanel counter and while I have seen different things online about their new Illusion D'ombre eyeshadows I had never checked them out in person. They all looked so nice! I decided to pick up the lightest and more neutral colour Emerveille. This is a beautiful pinky beige shade with golden shimmer, it almost has a coppery/gold undertone to it. The colour is build-able and incredibly easy to apply. First time I used it all I used was the brush it came with and my finger to blend and it went on effortlessly, these really are fool proof! I can't wait to pick up more colours in this line!

Have you tried any of the Illusion D'ombre eyeshadows? What is your favourite foundation right now?

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Haul Time! Soap & Glory, Bourjois and Armani

2012-02-09T11:35:00.000+03:00

Soap & Glory Hand Food and Flake Away, Bourjois Liner Feutre, Giorgio Armani-Armani Code

I popped into Boots to pick up a few things and was excited to see that my local Boots is now stocking Soap and Glory. I immediately zoned in on the makeup remover wipes but since I had only recently purchased some No.7 wipes I thought I would wait until I am almost out. I ended up buying the Hand Food hand cream and Flake Away scrub.

I had originally tried the hand cream when it first came out years ago and while I liked it I remember getting a bit sick of the scent, but recently have seen so many people rave about the Hand Food hand cream I thought I would give it another try. It really is a lovely hand cream, very moisturising and while I do not love the scent I do not mind it. A lot of people say it smells very similar to Miss Dior Cherie perfume, I personally disagree!

Now the scrub, oh my goodness does this smell good! It has a more citrusy sweet scent than the Hand Food. I have yet to try it out, but I am sold just by the scent. Are there other Soap and Glory products scented like this? I may just need them in my life!

I am always on the look out for new eyeliners, and had heard some good things about the Bourjois felt tip liner. While I wasn't blown away the first time I used it, I have found that storing it upside down really helps with the application.

I purchased this perfume on a complete whim, I had originally wanted to get the Jimmy Choo perfume and decided to smell this and fell in love! I know this isn't a new fragrance, in fact I always see print ads for this in magazines and have always overlooked it. I guess the ad doesn't appeal to me! If I had to describe Armani Code I would say it's a mix between Burberry Brit and Narcisso Rodriguez Essence.

Do you have any Soap & Glory or Bourjois product recommendations? What was the last perfume you bought?

January Favourites!

2012-02-01T15:26:00.000+03:00

Well we are officially a month into 2012, and I hope it has been treating you all well.
January was a month of me rediscovering old products, things I have had sitting in my drawers unused and things I used to love and haven't used in a while.

Nars Orgasm Blush..This is something I have had for years and never used it much because I prefer Deep Throat. But lately I have been reaching for this more and more. It gives a peachy pink golden sheen and is perfect for evenings.

YSL Rouge Pur #148 Tea Rose..Has this been discontinued? I have heard varying things. I can't do concealer/beige nude lips so this is a great nude for me. Just enough pink to not make it look flat.

Kiehl's Blue Herbal Spot Treatment..I am lucky in that I have quite clear skin and just the occasional spot or two. This really speeds up the whole process of getting the pimple to go bye bye, I also like that it doesn't dry out or irritate my already sensitive skin.

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado.. A nice thick eye cream that doesn't feel too heavy.

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette..I love how long wearing this concealer is, and the coverage is good too. Read my review here!

Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum..I'm still working my way through this GWP size, this is the perfect pick me up serum for when my skin is feeling or looking dry. I reviewed this too!

Mac Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Feline..I love how black this kohl is, a lot of kohls go on almost a dark grey - which I like for everyday but its also nice to have a very black kohl. This also doesn't end up all over my face like some softer kohls.

YSL #148 and Mac Feline

What were your January Favourites?

11 Questions Tag!

2012-01-29T12:16:00.002+03:00

I was tagged by the very lovely India, from The Jewel Beauty Blog, and I love these kinds of tags so I am extremely happy she tagged me!

The Rules: Write 11 facts about yourself and then answer India's questions for me. If you would like to carry on this tag then make some questions for others to answer.

11 Random Facts About Me

1. I own over 100 pairs of shoes.
2. I only like to drink coffee in the afternoon - never the morning.
3. A secret guilty pleasure of mine is watching reality TV.
4. I always round my height down because I don't like to emphasise how tall I am.
5. I am often told I look like the actress Leelee Sobieski.
6. I love to travel and hope that one day I will be able to say I have travelled the world.
7. I am a perfectionist, and sometimes I would rather just not do something if I know I can't do it perfectly.
8. I could live off of pasta for the rest of my life (even though I haven't had any in over a month!)
9. As a child I used to like to sit at the bottom of the swimming pool.
10. I have never been a morning person. I would much rather stay up at night and forget about the morning.
11. I am a major germaphobe.

India's Questions for me!

Have you made a friend for life through the beauty/blogging society ?

I haven't been blogging for very long so I haven't YET!

What is your HG beauty product and why ?

Concealer! I never leave the house without concealer under my eyes.

If you had £10,000 to spend in a Designer boutique where would you go ?

Just one boutique? I would like to cheat and pick a department store - Harrods, where everything is under one roof!

What haircare products are you using right now ?

A mismatch of John Frieda, Redken and Kerastase products.

If you had the choice to live in another part of the world where would it be ?

LA!! I have been on a bit of a California high since last summer.

What is the best part about blogging ?

It's a great place to talk about things I love, and interact with some great like minded people.

If you could sum up your life right now what would it be ?

I never know what life has in store for me around the corner!

What is the best thing you have ever done ?

Earned my Masters degree.

What is the worst beauty product you have ever used ?

hmm this is a tough one, I don't know about worst but two of the most disappointing products for me were Chanel's soleil tan de Chanel and By Terry's Baume de Rose.

If someone wanted to get to know you better, How would you describe yourself to them ?

loyal, kind, funny, sarcastic and a great listener.

Name one person you have met through the fashion/beauty society, and why you like them ?

I haven't "met" anyone yet.

I tag everyone and anyone to do this! Go ahead, and if you do please leave a comment so I can check it out! :)

Thank you India for tagging me!

Wrist Action of the Day

2012-01-20T11:48:00.000+03:00

Bulgari B.Zero1 bracelet in yellow, rose, and white gold; and Chan Luu Wrap Bracelet

What are you wearing on your wrist today?

Cute Blog Award!

2012-01-19T14:12:00.000+03:00

I received the Cute Blog Award from the lovely Parveen at Handbags and Fashion Rags. I absolutely adore her blog so I am extremely flattered that she has given this to me! She has an amazing blog, so if you haven't already checked it out you really need to! Thanks again Parveen, it means a lot to me to know someone enjoys reading my blog. :)

For this award you:

1. Link back to the person who awarded you.

2. Answer the award questions.

3. Tell something about yourself that you haven't told anyone on your blog yet.

4. Award as many blogs as you think worthy of this award

5. Make sure to let these you gave this award to know that you awarded them.

The Award Questions:

1. What is your go to make-up brand?

I don't have one specific brand that I tend to always buy, but my top makeup brands would have to be YSL, Dior and Chanel.

2. What was your favourite fashion trend of 2011?

Stripes! Striped everything! I think I must have picked up so many striped tees, tops, sweaters and dresses. It came to a point where I told myself to put the stripes down!

3. What is your favourite dessert?
Hmmm this is a tough one because I have a major sweet tooth. If I had to pick I would say cheesecake.

4. Favourite colour?

Blue! Not baby blue though, dark and deep blues.

5. What is your middle name?

My middle name is my father's name.

6. What's the last song you listened to?
I was shopping the sales yesterday and Tinie Tempah - Till I'm Gone was playing. It is now officially stuck in my head so I guess that counts!

7. Cats or dogs?

I love both! But I guess if I had to choose I would say cat, because I had a pet cat growing up. She was the love of my life!

Random fact I haven't told anyone:

People think I am a very calm and relaxed person, but the truth is I can be quite nervous/anxious. I just maintain composure really well. I guess I am a typical virgo in that sense.

Award As Many People Who You Think Are Worthy Of This Award

Zainab In her bag

Lucy Limited Lucy

India The Jewel Beauty Blog

blog-a-beaute

REVIEW: Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum

2012-01-18T14:04:00.000+03:00

At the end of November the skin on my face went CRAZY. I don't know if I was having some kind of allergic reaction or what but my skin got really dry, irritated and red. I was using everything I could possibly find to try and fix it and while my skin did get better I had this persistent dry patch on my cheek that I could not seem to get rid of. I was going through one of my drawers and came across this serum that I had received as a GWP about a year ago and had never tried. I thought why not.

I am not exaggerating when I say that one application of this stuff made my skin so much better! That dry patch that I had for 2 weeks and had tried everything to get rid of was GONE! I have been using this pretty regularly since then and I still have more than half of the bottle left. I love that the texture is really light (like a watery gel) and it is easily absorbed by the skin without feeling heavy or greasy. Some days I don't even need to apply moisturiser on top of it because its so hydrating.

My only complaint was that I once applied the serum and then applied a La Roche Posay moisturiser instead of the usual one I used with it, and I don't know whether I didn't leave the serum on long enough to soak in but my skin started to sting and get red so I had to wash it off. I have never had any problems since then and I'm not sure if it was just a fluke or whether those two products just don't go well together, so I would keep that in mind if you are going to layer a moisturiser on top of this not from the same line. I usually use my Lancome or REN moisturiser and have never had any problems with it. If you are suffering from a persistent dry patch, or your skin is feeling dehydrated I really recommend you trying this out!

Have you tried this product? Do you have a favourite serum?

Style Inspiration..Olivia Palermo

2012-01-12T15:03:00.000+03:00

I love Olivia's style, I think she has mastered "city chic". I must admit every now and then I do find her style a little boring and predictable but at the same time I like it because of that predictability. She stays true to her style, and keeps it simple. She doesn't overload on accessories or flash the latest IT bag..It's just modern and classic - if there is such a thing! I also love how she mixes designer with high street brands effortlessly. I have heard people say she isn't the nicest of girls (I wouldn't know I have never seen an episode of The City) but her style is spot on, I could see myself wearing things very similar and pairing them together the same way she does.

I love how she dressed down the blazer
and Birkin with Sneakers.

All Black outfit with brown clutch-LOVE!

Casual Chic!

CL booties and a knee length dress

Simple white tee with a jacket and jeans.

Love the Anya Hindmarch bag!

What do you think of Olivia Palermo's style? Boring or chic?

Loves Of The Week

2012-01-11T13:08:00.002+03:00

Juicy Couture Perfume..This is what I tend to reach for when I can't figure out what perfume I want to wear. It's not too strong and fresh and sweet at the same time. I know it looks like I just photographed an empty bottle but I promise it's not..YET!

Sonia Kashuk Concealer Palette.. I have been reaching for this more and more lately. It goes on very smoothly and lasts all day.

Reebok Realflex Running Shoes..I never enjoyed running until I bought these shoes about 6 months ago. They are so comfy and light and I never get sore feet after running anymore!

Chanel Glossimer #148.. A pretty peachy pink shade.

What are your loves this week?

REVIEW: Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette

2012-01-05T22:54:00.000+03:00

I picked this up when I was in the US from Target for around $10. It contains two different concealer shades, one neutraliser shade, and a setting powder.

The two shades on the left are the concealer shades, top right is the powder and bottom right is the neutraliser shade.

Pros:

You can blend the two concealer shades to match your skin tone.
The consistency is creamy but not heavy, and sinks into the skin easily.
The concealer is long lasting, I generally don't wear makeup when I workout but the other day I forgot to remove the concealer from under my eyes - after 45 minutes on the treadmill I still had concealer on.
The neutraliser shade does a good job at covering redness.

Cons:
There is only one shade (07) and even though you can mix the two concealer shades it might not work for very pale or darker skin tones.
If this isn't blended well it can look a bit cakey.
Some people may require better coverage from their concealer.

Final thoughts:
I really do like this concealer, I think its great to throw in my makeup bag and have everything I need in one little palette. I mainly use concealer under my eyes, and this does a pretty good job but is not the best and therefore I only wear it when I am not doing anything too special. For the price, I think this is a really great product!

Have you tried this concealer palette? What did you think of it? What is your favourite concealer?

New Years Resolutions

2012-01-02T21:57:00.000+03:00

I don't usually do resolutions because I feel we always break them and don't see them through so what's the point? But with a new year, I am trying to have a new more positive outlook. I also feel that by writing it down on my blog it makes what I'd like to achieve more real..So here it goes!

Become healthier and lose weight. I think this is probably the resolution everyone makes, but this year I am taking this more seriously. I have already started a diet (more like a lifestyle change) and have been exercising almost everyday. I am lucky that I am not overweight and do not have much weight to lose but the weight that I do have to lose is stubborn and does not seem to budge. I had 3 failed attempts last year at trying to get fitter and I always eventually gave up. This year I have told my self I expect to see results!!

Think Positive. I like to think that I am a positive person, however at times I can be too "realistic" in my thoughts and just tell my self no, never going to happen, don't get your hopes up. 2012 is going to be the year of positivity!

Reach out and cut out. I would like to make more of an effort to meet up/hang out with friends especially those that I feel care about me and want to see me and that because of life we have just drifted apart. With that being said I am also not going to waste my time and energy on people that bring me down or continually show me that they don't value my friendship much.

Take a photography course...or two. I am a complete amateur when it comes to photography, and have only taken one sort of introductory course but it is something I have a lot of passion for. I love being behind the camera, seeing beauty in things and looking at things with a different eye. I really hope that I can learn more about photography as it's a great outlet/hobby.

Read more. Oh how I wish I could get through the pile of books sitting on my bookshelf that I have yet to touch. It actually makes me feel quite guilty, because I do enjoy reading and think its great to sometimes switch off from all the tv/internet/blackberry and just read something.

Clear out. I have so much stuff! Clothes, shoes, products,makeup. I'm hoping in 2012 I will be able to declutter not only from all my stuff but from the negative emotions around me.

Phew! Okay, I think that is all for now. I am going to try to stick to it, but even if I don't I shouldn't give up...I do have an entire year to make these changes. It's all about baby steps, right?

What are your new years resolutions? Are any of them the same as mine?

2011 Favourites!

2012-01-01T14:19:00.000+03:00

Happy new year everyone!

I know I am a bit late with my 2011 favourites, this post was supposed to go up yesterday but I ended up going out of town..Hope you all had a great 2011, and I hope and pray that we all have an even better 2012, filled with lots of happiness! :)

All of the products I am going to mention for my favs are products I used for the very first time in 2011. I am also not going to mention any new-ish products that I have only been using for a month or two..So these are truly my 2011 favourites!

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Shampoo & Conditioner..I picked this up on special offer a few months ago and have been really enjoying this. First off I like the smell, its sort of a musky chocolate type smell. My hair really does have a lot more shine when I use these and I notice this brings out the different tones in my brown hair. The conditioner never weighs my hair down or makes it look greasy.

La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense..This is truly a 2011 fav, as I am on my second bottle of this. I first bought this moisturiser in April and at initially was a bit sceptical since the consistency is really watery and thin. But it works very well, sinks into my skin and is an excellent base for makeup.

Origins VitaZing..The perfect middle ground between a regular moisturiser and a tinted moisturiser. To me this isn't really a makeup product its more on the skincare side of things. Its so easy to just slap it on and go, and I love the natural glow it gives me.

Eucerin Aquahor..This post says it all.

Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Body Wash..Probably one of my all time favourite body washes, smells nice, and doesn't dry out my skin either.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation..Great lightweight medium coverage foundation.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine #48 Evasion Lipstick. Perfect sheer coral-pink lipstick. I wore this almost everyday in the spring and summer.

Mac Viva Glam V Lipstick..I am always on the search for a nude "my lips but better" lipstick and I think I may have found my match. This isn't too brown and blah or too pink either. It's just the perfect nude for me that I can wear day or night with or without gloss, because its a lustre it has a great light almost juicy colour.

Maybelline One by One Mascara..I am always trying new mascaras out, and switching up between high end and drugstore. This is one of my all time favourites it gives my lashes loads of volume without looking clumpy and seperates them at the same time.

Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier pencil Pointe Noire..I am more of a pencil/kohl liner than liquid liner girl because I love that smudgey imperfect look. This blends out amazingly, works as an eyeliner, shadow, or base for shadows.

Bobbi Brown Bronzer #1 Golden Light..Natural bronze colour without looking orange or muddy.

Random Favourites

Toms Shoes..Slight addiction here! They are soo comfy. The first time I wore Toms I spent the entire day walking around in them and my feet didn't hurt. Plus for every pair of shoes you buy Toms donate a pair to a child in need of them.

Pinkberry.. I have long been a fro-yo fan but I only tried Pinkberry for the first time in 2011, and I was hooked! Thank goodness they have opened up locally.

What were your 2011 favourites? Would love to hear all about them!

Family Dinner Party

2011-12-23T15:31:00.001+03:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I will be wearing an "almost all black" outfit...Thought I would share since this is not a typical outfit for me at all. I am all about colour generally, especially for evening. I will wear the blouse (which is quite sheer) with a black tank underneath and probably tucked into my jeans. I think I will also go very minimal on the accessories just a pair of diamond studs, a watch and bracelet. Thoughts? :)

Family Dinner Party by thedarlingd featuring wedge heels

See by Chloe silk blouse
$255 - stylebop.com

Citizens Of Humanity Jeans straight leg jeans
$3,184 - revolveclothing.com

Wedge heels
£160 - lkbennett.com

Lanvin leather shoulder bag
£850 - flannelsfashion.com

Loves & Leave Behind

2011-12-23T15:10:00.001+03:00

Loves

Pinterest...my latest addiction!

I have been watching season 3 and 4 of the Rachel Zoe Project. In true Rachel style I am rocking red nails and shall wear an all black (well almost all black) outfit to a party tonight. I don't ever wear much black and hardly ever wear red nail polish. But I am loving the red and should do it more often.

For anyone interested I am wearing Nails Inc Tate. A very classic red. All I need now is to venture into red lipstick.....maybe in the new year!

I am usually a hot tea/iced coffee kind of girl but lately I am loving vanilla lattes and flat whites. I rarely drink hot coffee but am enjoying the change!

Home services..why go to the salon when you can get the same service at home? I recently discovered a great company that do everything I'd ever need from the comfort of my home. I feel like 2012 should be the year of pampering!

Leave Behind

Friends that continually make plans and then cancel on me. Even when they are the ones that make the plans to begin with. Well its ONE friend and I think I have hit my limit.

Pushy sales people. I was browsing the sales yesterday and a sales assistant came up to me and asked if she could take the two items I had picked up. I said no thanks as I was being helped by another person and was about to pay. I was then told I was not allowed to carry things. WTF?! Could that really be a policy? She then proceeded to hover behind me while I looked at some things ready to pounce on me if she thought I was going to pick something up. I hate.hate.hate pushy sales assistants. I am more likely to buy if I am left alone.

Can't believe the year is almost over! My next post is going to be my favs of 2011. I have a feeling its going to be a really long post.

What are your current loves/hates?

My Favourite Winter Perfumes

2011-12-16T18:33:00.000+03:00

As I am sitting here sipping on my vanilla latte watching someone on TV talk about gingerbread I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about winter perfumes..I am not a person who strictly follows the rules of you can't wear this or that scent in certain seasons I really just go with how I'm feeling that day. But still there are a few that I tend to reach more for when the weather is colder!

Burberry Brit - This is not your typical sweet oriental, mainly because to me there is a very strong lemon note (italian lime to be exact) and to me that nicely balances out the spiciness and sweetness so that it isn't too much of anything. Notes of Italian Lime, Icy Pear, Green Almond, White Peony, Sugared Almonds, Amber, Mahogany, Vanilla, Tonka Bean.

Jean Paul Gaultier Classique EDP - The EDT version of this is a signature scent of mine, I can wear it day or night all year round. But the EDP version to me is definitely the night time or colder weather version. This is the perfect sexy scent. Notes of Rum Essence, Rose Essence, Vanilla Orchid, Daffodil, Bourbon Vanilla, Sweet Amber, Sandalwood Absolute, Tonka Bean, Amber.

L’Artisan Parfumeur Havana Vanille - If you love spicy vanilla scents you need to run out and smell this NOW! The vanilla in this perfume is the creamiest I have ever smelled, it is literally good enough to eat. I don't wear this often because it can be a little too spicy for me but I absolutely love how rich and luxurious (can a perfume smell luxurious?) this smells. Notes of vanilla pod infused in old rum, clove, leather, crystallized dried fruit, a “ball of vanilla and powder”, narcissus, helichrysum, tonka bean, benzoin, tolu, musks, vanilla absolute.

Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille - This is my all time favourite "sweet" scent, caramel and vanilla but not sickly sweet and very grown up. If you liked Aqualina pink sugar but thought it was too young, or too sweet and wanted something sweet but sophisticated and more high end this is the one for you. It just wraps you in a cloud of deliciousness! Notes of Black vanilla absolute, licorice, sandalwood, coconut milk, beeswax, caramelized benzoin, bitter almond, Gaiac wood, tonka bean.

I was going to leave it at that but I thought I needed to have a non vanilla/oriental option because that is not everyone's cup of tea. So I had to add one of my new favourites..

YSL Parisienne - I have the extreme version which I believe was limited edition. Some rose scents can smell a little dated and old to me but this is a lovely modern rose perfume. The berries add a nice sweetness to balance out the floral rose and violets. Notes of Vinyl accord, Pink peppercorn, Blackberry, Damascan rose, Iris, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Musk.

What are your favourite perfumes for winter?

Do You Have The Time?

2011-12-11T20:51:00.001+03:00

I am definitely a watch kind of girl. Even when I am running out of the house and have no other accessories on I will always make sure I have a watch on. I almost feel naked leaving the house without one. I don't own any watches with steel bracelets mine all have leather straps, but for my next watch purchase (which hopefully won't be too far away) I am hoping to get a steel and gold bracelet.

I thought I would share some watch pictures..Needless to say it is pretty easy to conclude that Rolex (Big chunky Gold ones) seems to be the celeb favourite, it was hard to find anything but that..Just a few Cartier and the occasional Audemar Piguet and Chanel. No love for some of the other big luxury watch houses. Oh well. Enjoy!

Are you a watch person? What watch do you wear everyday? What is your dream watch?

Random Haul

2011-12-09T22:15:00.003+03:00

I picked a few things up over the past week or so and thought I would share my purchases!

What I got

Dove Visible Effects Hand Cream..I bought this for my mom but I have been using it the past few days (BAD DAUGHTER!) and I quite like it. It's no where near as nice as my favourite hand creams but for the price this does a pretty good job.

I don't know what I was thinking when I bought these two products from Kiehls. The creme with silk groom is supposed to be a cult fav but I have read mixed reviews. Some love it, others say the proteins in it can ruin your hair and make it brittle. I just wanted something I could use like a leave in conditioner!

I also picked up the Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil which I think most people use on their hair but I am interested in using it on my body instead of lotion.

I have always wanted to try airbrush legs by Sally Hansen and I finally picked it up. I got it in Medium Glow - which I home is not too dark for me but I have never seen a lighter shade. Supposedly Kim Kardashian swears by this product to cover up her psoriasis.

Umberto Giannini backcomb in a bottle was bought purely because I know Gemsmaquillage on Youtube raves by it and well I wanted to give it a whirl!

I love love love this stuff! This must be my 4th or 5th bottle of the Almond Oil Shower Oil from L'Occitane, it's perfect if you have dry/sensitive skin. I think I might even do a blogpost on this because I think its such a great product and not many people know about it.

What have you bought recently? I would love to know if you use any of the products I just bought and what you think of them?

Love or Hate? Goyard St. Louis

2011-12-05T14:37:00.001+03:00

I am not a logo on bags type of girl, so it's surprising how much I like the Goyard St. Louis. I also generally don't like open totes because I freak out at the thought of someone being able to easily put their hand in my bag and steal something. While I do own totes I rarely carry them around unless I am going to the beach or somewhere without crowds of people. To me it's just not practical, especially if you live in a big city. To me the Goyard St. Louis screams LA style, and when I was in LA over the summer I fell even more in love with this bag!

So what do you think, love/hate, practical/impractical? Too casual? What colour St. Louis would you get if you could choose?

REVIEW: Lush BIG

2011-12-04T20:57:00.001+03:00

I kept hearing so much about how BIG is amazing that I just had to try it. I went in with the expectation that this was a volumizing shampoo - which it is...but it isn't.

BIG contains chunks of sea salt with coconut oil and lemon juice among other ingredients. The first time I used it I must admit the feeling of rubbing something chunky on my hair was very odd. It was almost as if I was exfoliating my scalp, but as soon as you add more water you can feel the oils in the shampoo washing everything away. When I say washing everything away I really mean that; BIG leaves my hair squeeky clean, almost too clean. You MUST use conditioner afterwards. But when I got out of the shower I instantly noticed how soft and silky my hair felt. It adds amazing shine and pretty decent volume as well. If you want to buy BIG purely as a volumizing shampoo I feel you would be disappointed because to me it is more like a weekly clarifying treatment. It removes all the build up and gunk allowing your hair to really absorb the conditioner and any other kind of product. It is a fabulous product, and I highly recommend it for those looking for volume and shine in a once a week clarifying treatment. I think more regular use would really dry out your hair, well at least it would to mine.

Have you tried BIG? Do you have any hair products you love? Let me know!

One Too Many?

2011-12-02T20:22:00.001+03:00

Hello, my name is Darling D and I am an addict.

This morning I woke up in search of my Kiehl's lip balm and I searched in my little pot of lip products and I couldn't find it so I looked in my bag and found a lip balm just not the one I wanted. So I looked in another bag and found another, in a drawer found another. After my initial panic, I realised I owned 14 different lip balms. I only have one pair of lips how much lip balm do I actually NEED?

Umm did I mention I have a stash of back ups...just in case.

I'll admit it, I'm a junkie and I need an intervention.

Style Inspiration..Miranda Kerr

2011-11-30T22:13:00.001+03:00

There is just something about Miranda Kerr's style that I find so refreshing. It isn't out of this world amazing in the sense that it has a major wow factor, but that's why I like it. It's just so simple, yet so chic. Many celebs are over styled you can almost imagine their stylist telling them wear this dress with these shoes, that bag, 5 bracelets 2 rings, this makeup and that hair. It's just too impractical, and unless you have a team of people helping you get dressed in the morning the average person would never be able to dress like that! On the other side of celeb styles are the anti styled, you know the ones that look like they haven't bathed in days and rolled out of bed wearing the same clothes. Miranda Kerr is a perfect balance between the two, there is no fuss or pretentiousness about it. In some ways I would say her style is even more basic than my own but perhaps that is why I like it so much. I also like the fact that she seems to "re-wear" her stuff rather than just wear an outfit once and then throw it to the side.

Over the summer I purchased the quilted Lanvin Happy bag and then exchanged it for the buffalo leather happy bag. While I love both, I was worried the quilted version was too dressy and I wanted to be able to dress down the bag as well as wear it for more dressy occasions. I then came across a picture of Miranda carrying the bag and knew I had made the right decision!

What do you think of Miranda's style? Chic or boring?

Images taken from Just Jared and Miranda Kerr Fan

November Favourites!

2011-11-29T19:57:00.001+03:00

These are some of the things I have been loving lately!

Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Shea Butter Body Wash....I have dry sensitive skin and this doesn't irritate or dry my skin out. A lot of "moisturising" body washes leave a slight residue on my skin which I hate and this doesn't.

Ren Ultra Moisture Day Cream and Rose O12 Moisture Defence Serum...I have never been a serum kind of girl but this stuff is amazing - it's a straight up oil consistency and you only need a little bit. The day cream is hydrating enough for most days for me and doesn't leave me looking greasy.

Eucerin Daily Skin Balance Hand Creme...I'm not terribly keen on the scent of this hand creme but it is not sticky or greasy and incredibly moisturising.

Josie Maran Argan Lip Treatment....This smells like green apple candy, makes my lips feel smooth for hours. The packaging isn't the most practical but I only use this at home before I do my makeup.

Bobbi Brown Bronzer in #1 Golden Light...I am always on the hunt for a natural looking bronzer. This is matte and the colour is build able and most importantly it never makes me look orange, sun burned, or muddy.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation...I don't generally wear foundation everyday but I could with this foundation. It doesn't feel heavy and has a light to medium coverage while not making me look too "made up". Blends into my skin perfectly and lasts all day.

YSL Golden Gloss in #31 Golden Toffee...This gloss goes on pretty sheer but is the perfect mauvey nude gloss. Love the consistency of YSL glosses, they aren't sticky but don't feel slippery (I'm looking at you Dior) on the lips.

Dior Addict lipstick Singulière 465...Sheer bubblegum pink colour. In the tube this looks so scarily bright but goes on much more subtle. This lipstick has the perfect wet shine. I reach for this a lot on days when I am not wearing much makeup - just to add a pop of colour!

YSL Parisienne Extreme...Mmm roses and candy, this is what this smells like to me. It's just the perfect girly scent, and there is something so crisp about it. I'm not sure if the extreme version I have was limited edition or not but I picked mine up at Harrods.

What are your November Favs? Let me know if you love any of the same products I do :)

Loves & Leave Behind

2011-11-29T11:26:00.001+03:00

Loves

Ren Skincare - I have been loving their Rose Moisture Defence Serum and matching moisturiser.
Cooler Weather - Finally it isn't so hot here!
Chanel foundation - flawless everytime.
Kerastase Age Recharge Hair Mask - leaves my hair soft and smooth.
Paul's 6 cereal bread - preferably toasted and with peanut butter. YUM

Leave Behind

Insomnia - Wasn't able to fall asleep last night till after 5 and now I am so so tired :(
Overbooked Salons - Went to get my eyebrows threaded and had a 6pm appointment but had to wait for 30 minutes all the while 2 people tried to steal my spot! Grrr
Shows on hiatus - I want new shows already
Dry Skin - my skin is acting crazy and has never been this dry before.

What's in my bag?

2011-11-28T17:29:00.001+03:00

Now if someone was to rummage around in my bag I would probably burst a blood vessel - because my bag is my personal space. I think that is why I love seeing these posts so much. So many of us carry around our lives in our bags, I think you can tell a lot by what someone chooses to lug around with them everyday. I wish I could be someone that only needs a wallet and keys but alas if I could pack the kitchen sink with me I probably would!

I tend to rotate my bags around every few weeks or so and at the moment I am using my Balenciaga City with giant silver hardware.

Some beauty essentials and my little box of sweets. I am so OCD I didn't realise I am carrying around TWO antibacterial gels.

I love these sunglasses so much! The gold key is Miu Miu from a few years ago and the Malibu key chain I bought at Kitson in LA.

Yes, I am one of those freaks that carry around a purse hook. I often forget I have it even though I ALWAYS have it in my bag. I hate the thought of putting my bag on the ground.

The only thing missing from these pics is my phone and a bottle of water. I always throw a bottle in my bag on my way out the door.

I would love to see what's inside your bag!

Latest Obsession

2011-11-28T13:55:00.000+03:00

There is just something about studs on a bag that I absolutely love..I already have 3 Balenciaga bags with giant hardware just to prove my "slight" obsession. A few seasons ago Anya Hindmarch came out with a studded bag and I went gaga over it. But because of my love hate relationship with Anya I passed....Now I have a new studded obsession - the Alexander Wang Rocco bag. Oh how I want one so! Funny thing though, when it first came out I was so anti this bag. I said it was trendy and a rip off of my beloved Balenciaga..Until I came across a picture recently online - and fell in love. Like a tease last night I was watching Made in Chelsea and there was Rosie carrying her Rocco and looking ever so chic. I want one!

From Rosie's blog: http://atfashionforte.com

Anyone have a AW Rocco? What do you think of the bag? And more importantly what bag are you obsessing over at the moment?

First post!

2011-11-28T12:40:00.000+03:00

Hello! Welcome to my blog, I hope to be updating regularly on everything from my latest bag obsession to my favourite beauty products and everything and anything in between. Thanks for stopping by!