Weesse has an EMPTY....or two...!

  By my own admission, I'm a tad unadventurous when it comes to trying new beauty products. When I find something I like, I'm monogamous and don't stray from the old faithfuls I've used for years. Boring I know but playing it safe saves el dinero and my time (precious as it is) which are both high on my priority list. 

  However if I happen to stumble across something new (post-severe procrastination (yup, that's me!)) and actually bite the bullet to try it out, I'm then keen to share my new-found loves with friends.....and that means YOU! Recommendations of products you've used and given the thumbs-up to from like-minded peeps can help to avoid wasting your hard earned cash on unused items that end up just gathering dust on your bathroom shelf-we all have 'em! So my EMPTIES (as in products I've finished and approved!) will be revealed, reviewed and then you can then purchase away if you fancy anything in particular. Boom, done! A public service, if you will! 

 A recent visit to the Kiehl's store in Glasgow opened me up to a whole world of skincare that I hadn't come a across before. Not that I've tried heaps of different brands or would say I'm particularly stuck on one specific make, I have for years been an advocate of Dermalogica products and if splurging on skincare, I tend to stick with them as I know my skin will always appreciate the TLC they afford. Having had two facials at Kiehl's Glasgow this year, I can safely say I've found another fave! 

  Post-facial (which was amazing!) the lovely Lisa at their Buchanan Street store, popped on some Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream in Natural  (available in 3 shades) so I could leave the shop not feeling too exposed (being make-up free!). I'm not someone who gets overly excited about BB creams as I never feel they offer enough coverage/cover-up but this lil' beaut has converted me. I used it everyday on holiday in Spain as opposed to my foundation and I was thrilled with it. Definitely doing what it says on the tin, it evens out your completion and with an SPF of 50, was an ideal choice for everyday wear abroad. I've now started sporting it at the gym (yes, I'm the girl who wears make-up when working out) in the hope that it's less clogging then foundation when getting a real sweat on. Will report back in due course as to whether it does the job or not. 

  I have also been loving Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream. Despite the hefty price-tag, I feel that with this a little goes a long way and so it will last you a long time-an investment perhaps. It's lightweight moisturiser and smells divine and could be used as a night cream as it has anti-ageing properties. Go and test it for yourself (the staff at the Buchanan Street store are super friendly and helpful). A try-before-you-buy for sure. 

 

 I'm forever seeking out ways to help keep my make-up on my face for longer! After all that's where you want it be, right?! A while back I recommended Urban Decay's All Night Make-up Setting Spray (which I'm still using) but recently paired that end stage in my routine with a pre-make-up step-a primer! Specifically L'oreal Paris Infallible Mattifying Base  which I think is a perfect dupe for the Smashbox Photo-Finish Primer. The L'oreal version is a THIRD of the price, is 5ml bigger and has a similar consistency to it! I find it has been making it easier to apply my make-up too as it's super silky and helps to hold my foundation in place for longer. Go get it! 

 I am a big fan of L'oreal (have recommended their True Match Liquid Foundation before) so I'm not surprised that I recently discovered another favourite from them. I have been freakin' loving their Volume Million Lashes Mascara- like seriously guys, it's da bomb! Firstly, the stiff brush helps to separate your lashes as you comb through  the mascara (love!); it defines and lengthens with minimal application (love!); and it's not expensive (sold!). Again, in the past, I have touted Urban Decay's Subversion Primer/Perversion Mascara Duo  as a real fave of mine (which it is) but at a THIRD of the cost, the L'oreal mascara has to win. More pennies in your pocket to buy more lovely things! 

And that my friends is your wack (as we say in Bonnie Scotland!). I hope you find a new love in one or all of the above. I've certainly got a bit of repurchasing to do!

Comment below if you have discovered any gems recently! 

Peace out!

Weesse xx

New-Found Faves (pssst, that don't break the bank!)

Well hello there, long time no see! 

Been a rather hectic few weeks work-wise & I guess something's gotta give when life gets in the way...sadly it was blogging. Sad face. 

But HOORAY, Mimi & I are back & have lots of favourites to share. 

Here's my recent purchases...

First up, is Johnson's Baby Oil! Yup, I've been slathering myself in it over the last month (nothing weird, I promise!) and I'm really feeling the difference in my skin. Don't know what made me buy it actually but I'm real glad I took the plunge & splurged (heehee!). I can be real lazy when it comes to caring for my skin sometimes but this is so easy to apply straight out of the shower or tub & gives you a real sheen that looks especially sexy on sun kissed/fake tanned skin. I'll be sure to continue making this a part of my daily routine to ensure I'm ready to bear some more flesh as the sunshine arrives (it'd  better appear pronto!) & as it's a major bargain purchase I don't need to use it sparingly. Result! 

  I am always (like most girls I know) on the hunt for the perfect mascara. One that lengthens, thickens, separates, cooks the dinner & does the dishes. Well not quite, but one that is a triple-threat but doesn't break the bank. I've tried umpteen brands over the years & have accumulated a few favourites that I do go back to but I'm always open to trying new ones.

   My mum recently recommended I try her go-to mascara. She's also tried & tested a heap of different makes but loves the SEVENTEEN Waterproof Mascara which I concur is pretty darn fabulous. It does all of the above tricks (aside from the housework part), doesn't clog on the lashes & is another purse-friendly find. A new fave indeed. 

Recently I decided to road test Johnson & Johnson's Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion Sensitive in attempt to up the ante in my ever-fluctuating skincare routine. When I can, I love to use Dermalogica products & recently I have been trying to have a salon facial every 2-3 weeks to keep my skin blemish free & in good condition. After all, it's always nice to let an expert take over & do the job right. 

 Johnson & Johnson's Clean & Clear Exfoliating Daily Wash has been a firm fave of mine for years so I hoped the Deep Cleansing Lotion Sensitive would step up to the mark. It did not disappoint! Although the exfoliator is pretty thorough at getting all my make-up off, the lotion clears away the remaining debris & seems to be keeping those pesky zits at bay. Hallelujah! Although it's more a toner-like formula it doesn't leave my skin feeling too taut or stripped of moisture. I wear full coverage make-up everyday so anything that gently strips my face bare at the end of the day & helps fight off any spots threatening to emerge gets my vote. Another cheap purchase alert....can't beat it! 

 I'm the kinda gal who buys a lippy in 'not my usual colour' & then ends up not wearing it. Aside from a pillar-box red for when I'm performing, I tend to opt for a similar shade of lipstick time & time again as I find I don't suit many of the colour palettes out there. A while back I bought Rimmel's 'Vintage Pink' & adored it, wearing it religiously.  I aimed to pick up another when I'd reached the very last dregs of the bullet but kept forgetting, until a few weeks back when I was patiently waiting on a prescription in the pharmacy. Sadly they didn't have it in stock but I discovered another beaut in the shade 'Asia' from their Lasting Finish range which I now wear daily. It's my perfect lip colour & as a brand I find Rimmel's lipsticks not too drying & sufficiently long lasting. 

How would I describe the colour? Mmmm not sure, so here's a photo! 

  Next up, is not one but TWO Loreal new faves. It's fast becoming my go-to brand. Quality without the price tag of higher-end versions.  When it comes to bronzer I don't have an extensive list of demands-as long as it's not too shimmery & not too drying on the skin (and the perfect shade of course) I'm a happy camper. Like so many of my other cosmetic purchases, I'm a creature of habit & tend to stick loyally by the same few brands for each of my make-up routine products. For years I was a Benefit Hoola girl, then I went on to a more Drugstore budget & returned to Rimmel's Natural Bronzer on repeat.  

  If you read my January favourites post, you'll know I discovered & fell head over heels (as did my purse!) for Loreal True Match Liquid Foundation as a more affordable dupe for my Estée Lauder Doublewear Foundation. It was with this find that I also decided to try out their Glam Bronze Powder Duo, taking advantage of a '2 products for £14' offer in Boots, which meant I had nothing to lose venturing out my bronzer comfort zone. Again, I wasn't disappointed. Ticking my must-have it boasts a gorgeous shade of bronze, sturdy packing (that means, like some others I've tried, doesn't risk you smashing it in to smithereens if you take it out & about with you!) & a handy slim-line contouring brush that I've been using to give definition in to the ol' cheekbones. Can't grumble with this one & I can safely say, having partially hit pan now (bought it in January so that's good going!), I'll be repurchasing this for sure. 

Again, through circumstance (and by that I mean the offers in Boots! A girl can resist a bargain!) I also, more recently, ended up buying Loreal's True Match Concealer. I had found a real favourite in Miss Sporty's version (also available in Boots) but the thicker consistency and lasting power of the Loreal one tips the barrel. I choose the the lightest colour as I mostly use it for under-eye correction and highlighting. 

 And there you have it. A perfectly formed collection of affordable new-found faves of mine that I'll be taking with me right in to Summer. 

Until next time. Peace out.

W x

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

BRAvo for ULTIMO'S House of Fraser Launch

On Thursday evening, both Mimi & I hotfooted it down to House of Fraser, Glasgow for lingerie brand ULTIMO'S launch of their concession store in house.

   Headed by Glaswegian tycoon Michelle Mone, ULTIMO catapulted to fame in 1999 with the launch of their first bra at Selfridges selling out in a mere 24 hours. Years of unprecedented success later, with many well known faces & of course, bodies, having modelled for the brand, it's a name that I've always known of & associated with well-fitting, stylish lingerie. So you can imagine my delight when the RSVP to the invitation required my bra & underwear size!

On arrival we were offered a glass of fizz or orange juice (us tea-totalers opted for the latter) & we were then free to peruse the collection on display, all beautifully presented & true a feast for the eyes. Use of bold colours, lace & the ULTIMO signature plunge design for cleavage boosting power, one set was nicer than the next. Your black, white & flesh coloured staple pieces were also on show but it was this hot pink combo which caught my eye. Ohh mama!! 

ULTIMO'S beautiful bridal collection boasting many solution products is also available at this first-ever Scottish concession store & with a team of dedicated ULTIMO staff & free bra fitting service, I presume it will become a hot-spot for all your lingerie needs. 

We were delighted to see a few familiar faces amongst the modest crowd of invitees, including the gorgeous Nicki McCourt of STV Glasgow & Steph Telfer of Scottish Wedding Directory. Always a pleasure to chat to these uber talented gals & was comforting to know some peeps there considering this was our first launch event as bloggers and all. The ever-glamorous Michelle Mone herself was also there, looking fabulous in a fitting white top & checkered trousers, with her golden locks coiffeeured to perfection & her makeup pristine.  

As guests started to say their goodbyes, we finished up our drinks & caught up with the beautiful Kat Campbell of ULTIMO (who'd kindly invited us) who presented us both with a goodie bag! On later inspection (as soon as we left!) we found a stunning  lingerie set, a YSL foundation sample & a 100ml bottle of Paul Smith Optimistic Woman. Thrilled! 

My gorgeous black lace & baby pink satin underlay bra & knickers set fits perfectly! I ADORE it! At a 32E I sometimes struggle to find a padded bra (which I prefer as I feel it gives better support!) in my size as these tend to be exclusive to A-C cups in other brands. I wore it on Sunday whilst out for lunch & you know that special feeling you get from putting on pretty new lingerie? Well, I got it wearing this set for sure! Almost too nice to wear hidden under clothes!! 

A huge thank you to ULTIMO & our beautiful friend Kat who kindly invited us along. 

A pit stop at Yo Sushi & then we were off home, goody bags in hand & feeling very special indeed at being invited to such a swish event! 

BRAvo ULTIMO! 

Be sure to check out their concession store in House of Fraser ASAP! 

Weesse xx

Useful Links

http://www.ultimo.co.uk

http://m.yosushi.com

http://www.paulsmith.co.uk

http://www.yslbeauty.co.uk/exclusive

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 :)