January Favourites

So, erm where did my January go? C'mon who stole it? Own up!

Honestly last month disappeared & we're a week in to February, in what feels like the blink of an eye. 

Anywho I thought I'd put the spotlight on a few new products I decided to try out last month & give my feedback on them. It's always helpful I find to get someone's opinion on a potential purchase you're still undecided on, especially when it comes to beauty products as you don't want to waste your money on things that'll end up at the bottom of your make-up bag if you instantly don't like them on application.  

Photo from www.loreal-paris.co.uk

First up was L'Oreal's True Match Foundation. I've read so many fabulous reviews lately on this foundation and had been super keen to find an inexpensive, medium-full coverage dupe to my Estee Lauder Double Wear  (which is awesome  but rather high-end in the price department!).  Doublewear for me has an unnecessary staying power and coverage for my mid-week use so wanted to find another foundation that gave similar results minus the hefty price tag. My only reservation about buying a drug-store foundation was being able to find the right colour without the help of a sales assistant/make-up artist on site. It did put me off a little if I'm honest but luckily I found the patience to trawl through their entire collection one Saturday afternoon in Edinburgh until I found the colour which I thought best suited my skin tone. I also took my Doublewear along with me to compare which did help greatly. At under £10 this foundation has been a star find for me and I've also been wearing it at the weekend's too. Think I'll be rationing my Doublewear and making it last longer by only wearing it when I'm performing or going on a big night-out.  Result!

Photo from www.debenhams.com

Last year I purchased Urban Decay's Naked 2 Eye shadow palette and although I immediately fell in love every shade, I had concern that I wouldn't get the longevity from the collection that I'd expected from a high-end company. I felt like every time I used it I was packing on the product to get the desired look-something you'd expect maybe from a cheaper brand of make-up but certainly not a palette at £40.  So when I received a few samples of their Eyeshadow Primer Potion I decided to have a go.....(but truthfully) thinking it wouldn't make much difference to the application or staying power of the shadows. WOW, was I wrong or what?! It really does work! I'm finding the application is easier, the colours pop more on the skin, the fall-down of the shadows is significantly reduced and I'm using way less product each time! I think this now has to become a staple of my make-up collection for use with any eye-shadow. For someone who always applies foundation on to eyelids I'd reckoned this product wouldn't have made much of an impact to merit buying a specialist formula for under your eye make-up but it really has and I think it would be a worthwhile investment in making my eye shadows last longer. 
  There are 3 versions to choose from (Original, Eden (nude matte) and Sin (simmering)) and to be honest I have only tried the Original and Sin thus far but would probably go for the Original when purchasing the full-sized product. 

Photo from www.muastore.co.uk

Santa left a lovely new lippy in my stocking at Christmas by a brand I wasn't familiar with. I instantly LOVED the colour 'Fawn Fancy' and being a matte lipstick (which I don't normally go for) I was keen to see what else they have to offer. On searching for MUA (Make Up Academy) I've discovered they're a extremely in-expensive brand exclusive to Superdrug. £1 this lipstick cost! £1!!!!!

Here I am wearing it!

 Honestly I ADORE the colour and I'm now going be rushing to stock up on more....at that price you can afford to experiment with colours you wouldn't normally go for! Yippee! 

Lastly, I think I've found my 'forever fragrance' in Tom Ford's 'Black Orchid'.  I can only describe this scent as 'sensual' as it has a real musky, spicy heart to it. It's like nothing else I've worn before and I can't see past it now. Lotus wood, patchouli, vanilla, balsam, vetiver infused, this is likely to become a constant in my life....trust me to pick an expensive fave! 




And that my friends are my January faves which I'm happily taking with me through to February! Let me know if you try any of the above and what you think.

Over and out!

Weesse x

Weesse's November Faves

Hey there 

 So as the year fast approaches it's crescendo (can't believe it's December!!) 

I seem to have been opting for uber cozy attire despite the mild weather we've been experiencing. Yes this has meant that I've been left sweltering in my chunky knits on a number of occasions but have been determined to embrace Autumnal/Winter fashion trends regardless. I'll be a sweaty (but happy) mess over here, don't you worry bout me! 

 As well as my woollies, I've had a fair few faves this month.....

Photo from www.hm.com

 I've purchased a few staple pieces lately in the hope that I'll be able to put together a few different looks from a limited number of items. My aim for this Winter was to find a pair of ankle boots that go with everything but don't kill....that is the bank balance AND my feet! I like loads of styles on the shelf but have had great difficulty in the past finding  a pair that I actually like on my feet. I felt dumpy in many of the flat soled designs but was determined not to end up with a skyscraper pair that I couldn't walk in. Been there. Done that.  

 These H&M beauties ticked all the boxes really. High enough but with a sturdy chunky heel that doesn't leave you wobbling and aching within an hour.  Genuine leather and super comfy, they're smart but not fancy & look good with skinny jeans! At only £40 these are a bargain, as so many other stores had faux leather versions at the same price. A firm fave for this month! 

Photo from www.burtsbees.co.uk

 Anyone who knows me knows I have mega dry hands. When I say dry, I mean arid. Desert-like even. My husband Rob is constantly mocking me, pretending his hand in tatters from holding mine(funny, not!).   The other issue is that I don't like the sensation of cream on my hands. I apply it but immediately feel the urge to wipe it off. So wading through countless bottles, tubes and containers alike of various hand creams, I rarely come across one that I'll happily apply regularly.

 However, hallelujah, this month I discovered Burt's Bees Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Creme. It does exactly what it says on the tin- "melts into skin to moisturise and soften without a greasy after-feel", smells  

A-MAZING and helps to smooth even the scaliest of hands. Highly recommend! I've ran out already (travel sized) and plan to purchase more.

 If you wanna try it before committing to the full-size product have a peek at the miniature versions in their Tips and Toes Kit (featured on my Christmas Gift Guide Part 1 blog).

  My super curly locks pretty much take care of themselves, in that they don't require much faff or styling products to looks half decent. Suits me down to the ground as I don't have the patience for coiffuring on a daily basis. Bit a lazy butt when it comes to my barnet. However I do welcome a little something to help define the curls if it's only a matter of spritzing some product through the hair when wet. Zero effort that's what I'm all about peeps. 

 I recently discovered TRESemme's Texture Style Tousled Wave Spray and I'm really impressed. Although the product's not actually aimed at styling curly hair, it seems to be doing the trick for me, defining my curls and giving them some hold. My hair is currently really long and often my curl is loosened with the weight but this gel-like spray is helping to keep them looking healthy and frizz-free. Better still, it's cheap! Only £1.99 for 200 ml from Semi Chem. Result!  

Photo from www.lush.co.uk

I love a good shower gel me but tend to buy the same ones time and time again. So when I received a LUSH gift box for my birthday in September (which I subsequently forgot about and excitedly came across it a few weeks back!), I was chuffed to find their popular The Olive Branch Shower Gel inside. So many bloggers adore it! A lot runnier than your usual shower gel, I'd recommend pouring it on to a shower scrunchie (after you've shook the bottle to mix the oil back in) so as not to use too much. It contains mandarin, lemon, orange flower, bergamont oil and of course, olive oil  (all naturally sourced)and the scent is to die for! Honestly, it's divine! A new firm fave that I'd be likely to re-purchase. To be honest I've never been that fussed about LUSH products. LOVED the aroma as you pass by the store but I'm never enticed in, however I may now be more likely to venture in to see what other yummy treats are on offer.

At £4.75 for 100g it ain't super cheap but if you use the shower scrunchie as I suggested, it's bound to last a while and is just so delish you won't mind the affordable splurge on such an everyday product.  

Photo from www.amazon.co.uk

 Lastly, my crappy end to November (sciatica sucks....big time!) was made decidedly better with a surprise early Crimbo pressie from hubby. Wait for it.....

 Jennifer Lopez's NEW BOOK 'True Love'!!!!

 What.The.Actual?!!! 

 My love for JLo knows no boundaries. Her music, her perfumes (wore 'Glow' by JLo on my wedding day, her style (endless hours lost on Pinterest searching her. No that's not weird at all!) and her films (who didn't love 'Maid in Manhattan'?!!! And don't get me started on 'The Wedding Planner'!!!). I just love her and everything she does and if I could look like her, even remotely, well, my actual life would be complete. FACT!

 Am I loving the book? Eh, duh, silly question...it's about JLo by JLo.. what's not to like?! I'm only first chapter in but I feel closer to her already. By the end of the book, we'll be besties! We're destined to be. Obvs. 

 You can buy the book too if you like. You won't be best mates like Jen and I but you'll enjoy it just the same I guess.  Here's the link.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/True-Love-Jennifer-Lopez/dp/0451468686

 So I'll sign off here peeps. Got a date with Jen. See ya.

Weesse x

Weesse's SEPTEMBER FAVES

Hey

It's Weesse here with my September Faves! Each month I'll give y'all the low down on any purchases I've made, whether it be beauty products or some fashioney bits & bobs & pop the links on here to anything I'm loving right now for you check out.

My birthday is in September so between some lovely gifts & my birthday money splurges, I feel I've been buying left right & centre. Not at all complaining of course! Even made some Autumnal purchases whilst holidaying in Portugal! 

BEAUTY PICKS 

In terms of beauty recommendations for September, two of my faves are from URBAN DECAY. My mate Kelly had recommended their SUBVERSION lash primer & PERVERSION mascara duo & having never really found a mascara that I absolutely love, I was particularly eager to try these out, especially when I mistook Kelly's lashes for falses! Those bad boys were looking good! 

   So far, I'm really liking this primer meets mascara scenario. The wands on both are a decent size & easy to use which I like & I really do notice a significant difference in using the primer prior to the mascara. I apply the white primer (looks a tad weird but hey, it's not like you're going out with just that on!), allow it to dry & then layer up the mascara on top. The biggest difference I've noticed has been on my lower lashes which rarely look very defined. This combo seems to making them far more fuller & fluttery (word?). I wonder if the primer or the mascara alone would do the trick. Which one is the magic ingredient or is it really this specific combo that's making it all happen? I will have to use the primer with another brand of mascara I guess...and will report back on my findings! 

My next beauty fave is from Benefit & it's another primer! Maybe I'm just in the prime of life, eh? Badoomtish! Their POREfessional makeup primer is super silky on the skin & you need very little of it to get maximum coverage. I've never been one to use a primer before applying my foundation but had heard so many good things about this one I just had to try it. So far I'm loving it & that extra layer on the skin can only serve me well to achieving a very even coverage & flawless application of foundation. Always love Benefit's packaging & the handy sized tube is great for storing it in the old makeup bag.

FASHION PICKS

Moving swiftly on to my first fashion find of this month, it has to be from my Zara hit in Portugal. Yes I'm the gal who goes all the way to sunnier climates & buys a jumper & scarf from a store we have here at home. Had to be done as when I spotted these beauties I had to have them immediately. I always admire Zara's Autumn/Winter scarves as they're always beautiful patterned, a great size for wrapping yourself up on & uber soft to the touch. I swithered between quite a few in this year's collection (and may purchase another) but finally opted for a mixed of greens, greys, blues, red & black thinking that this would go with all of my winter jackets (and any other future purchases). I can't wait to as it's super snugly! No cold necks here! I'm not sure this exact pattern is available in the UK but there's plenty more to choose from.....which I'll probably end up doing again....well a girl's gotta have options, right?!

My second purchase from Zara was this thick knit, black jumper with leather trim around the neck. It was this detail that sold it to me. Love a lil' bit of leather so I do & I reckoned that black was a stylish, timeless option.  Also available in grey which could squirm it's way into my wardrobe before November!

Finally, I'm in love with this bag from H&M- a gift from Mimi herself! It's THE perfect shade of grey, an ideal size for everyday use & it's sturdy fabric gives the bag a fixed shape which I particularly like. Phone, makeup bag, diary, perfume, notebook, magazine, space for my scarf & a bottle of water....it's all getting in there & they won't misshapen the bag to boot! Result! Ideal Autumn/Winter purchase & will seriously go with anything! 

Photo credit: H&M UK

ET AL PICKS

It's a 'GOOD READ' pick this month with Sophia Amoruso's #GIRLBOSS being an absolute corker of a book. From humble beginnings on eBay, Nasty Gal has reached dizzying heights in a mere 8 years, selling clothing & accessories online worldwide to the tune of over 100 million dollars! This frank, witty account of her troubled teen years, the struggle to pinpoint her path in life as a young adult & then finding her passion for selling vintage treasures (like the Chanel jacket, bought for $8 & sold for over $1K!) online is a joy to read! I devoured this book on my week in sun. It's inspiring, funny, honest & motivational. A must for any budding #GIRLBOSS indeed! 

So peeps that's us for September! 

Me and my winter woollies and primers are off to do our thang and  I'll be back with an October Haul soon!

Peace out! 

Weesse x

REVIEW: House of Fraser Glasgow Urban Decay Event

Hi there!

Mimi here, completing my first blog entry for the Mimi and Weesse blog! Hope you are enjoying our posts so far. If you would like us to cover anything or review any products or services, please get in touch (totes not a hint to send us free stuff).

This post is a review of an Itison event I attended last week. House of Fraser in Glasgow were running their 'Beauty Confidential' event, which comprised various elements including demonstrations and discount offers. I purchased a ticket for the Urban Decay launch for the Thursday at 5pm and couldn't wait!

I arrived at Urban Decay and was greeted by the lovely Dionne. Orange juice in hand (pink fizz was also available) I was shown to a seat and so my 45 minute personal consultation/makeover began. The Urban Decay area was absolutely buzzing with various other ladies all getting tips and advice from the reps.

The event marked the opening of an UD area in Fraser's, with the only only one in Glasgow being at Debenhams, so Dionne was keen to talk me through various products while she asked me what kind of "look" I wanted to go for that afternoon. I have a confession to make: I LOVE getting my make-up done. Like, love it. I find it crazy relaxing. I even love watching people do their own make-up (see when people do their make-up on the train? Could actually send me to sleep it's so chillin'!). Therefore, it really didn't matter to me what Dionne done to my face, so long as she stroked it with lovely expensive make-up brushes and I got to smell lipstick I was happy :)

In spite of my indifference, Dionne was keen to keep me involved in the process and she showed me various different foundation samples and primers, asking me what kind of skin I had and what make-up preferences I had (heavy all the way baby). She started by prepping my face with their Vitamin Spray, which smelled just like Watermelon, followed by their Primer placed on my oiliest parts (forehead, nose and chin). She then buffed in their loose powder which, although a powder, contains tiny beads of water which add moisture and hydration. Right away my usually shiny forehead was matte.

After choosing a foundation shade (I was shade number 1), she contoured my face just so with a contouring palette. I was amazed at how little she used and the effect it gave me...this, I was told, was due to the high pigmentation levels in the product. A little really went a looong way!

Once my base was complete, we moved onto eyes. Now, UD is famous for their shadow collection, the NAKED Palettes. She showed me their NAKED2 palette which was full of gorgeous shimmering metallics and browns, as well as more matte neutrals. 

After prepping my eye with Eden (and eye-shadow primer is ESSENTIAL so I am told) she asked me to select my 3 favourite shades and got to work blending those bad boys together. After a precisely applied flick of black liner and light coat of mascara (according to Dionne I have good eyelashes anyway) all that was left were the brows.

Now, brows are a big thing to me. Like a BIG thing. Like MY thing. I like to think when I die, my tombstone will read "Emma Corcoran: brows were her thing". We had a long chat about our mutual brow appreciation and how they are most definitely a personal thing. I have not been blessed with symmetrical brows, nor are they dark in colour. I also have the odd bald patch meaning filling them in on a daily basis is A MUST. I normally use Boots' Natural Collection's eye-shadow in Walnut mixed with Illamasqua's Sealing Gel which gives me a nice liquid gel consistency pigment to paint on. Dionne however showed me how to use UD's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, warmed up on the back of the hand with a  small angled brush, to create a long-lasting defined line. Now at first, the shape wasn't me. It was good, just not "me". But, after taking a photograph I realised she had actually attained some symmetry between my brows and that the shape actually suited me, even if it wasn't what I was used to (more curved than straight). It was conclusive...brows were definitely still my thing.

After applying a slick of a gorgeous matte nude lipstick, my 45 minute (which was in reality 1 hour) makeover was complete, and I was delighted! For a measly £5 I had been given a whistle stop tour of UD's best products, as well as a few of the newbies on offer, all while chatting to a really genuine and friendly rep. There was no pressure to buy any full size items and I even left with a couple of sample-sized products to boot. RESULT!

A quick takeaway order in Yo Sushi and a visit to Zara later, I snuck into the changing rooms to take this selfie of my makeover.

Moral of the story: get your make-up done once in a while. Even if you're not going anywhere (I wasn't). It's relaxing, usually cheap and you deserve it, right, okay?!

Second moral of the story: Try something new. Reconsidering my brow-filling regime as a result of Dionne's advice. She MUST have been good.

So go check our Urban Decay's new store in House of Fraser in Glasgow- great selection of products, and if you have never tried the brand you don't know what you are missing!

Mimi x

PS- That tan leather skirt behind me in my selfie? Bought it and I loves it. Here's a link :) 

Hey there!

We are Mimi and Weesse! Welcome to our blog! x