Mini ELF Haul

After many failed attempts at finding the Elf store in Cardiff a recent girly shopping trip lead me in the right direction, With Christmas creeping up I had to be pretty good on the spending front but here are a few things that caught my eye i just had to get..

ELF Angled Contour Brush

This studio brush is originally meant to be used on the eyes but I figured it would work pretty good for contouring the face too, especially down the sides of the nose. The bristles are synthetic and also antibacterial allowing for a smooth flawless application. RRP - £3.95

ELF Glitter Eyeshadow Applicator

"Tis the season to wear sparkles!" Glitter eye pigments are definitely a statement look this season! So I figured this silicone head applicator designed for a more precise application would be just the tool I'm looking for to create those party perfect eyes! RRP;£3.95

ELF Zit Zapping Concealer - Corrective Green. 

Seen so many good reviews on this zit zapping concealer I decided to finally give it a go. After watching multiple YouTube tutorials on how to erase blemishes with makeup, I got mine in the shade corrective green, looks pretty scary! but when used correctly it's fab for muting out any blemishes or unwanted red tones before applying makeup making problem areas almost vanish! Little word of warning a little goes a long way.. So dab a small amount on the effected area ONLY. Not only does this concealer cover blemishes it also gets to work at removing them too, the formula contains 1.0% of the well known medications for acne (salicylic acid) tea tree oil and camphor. RRP;£2.95

ELF Baked Blush - Pinktastic

Okay, so i'm going to judge this product as a highlighter as appose to a blush because to me that's what i would use it for. Absolutely no idea why its called 'Pinktastic' because when applied its not by any means pink, but that aside its the most gorgeousss champagne highlight! perfect for adding a subtle glow to the cheek bones without looking to much, highly recommend this one, so pretty! 

RRP;£3.95

Have you tried Elf products before? i'd love to hear your recommendations.. If you havent already Elf is definitely a makeup brand worth checking out if you don't have a store near you, you can order online at; 

www.eyeslipsface.co.uk

♡

Positive Life Changes.. New Job

I'm back! I can't apologise enough for becoming non existent for the last few weeks! without going into too much detail I've been going through a large mixture of hurt and ups and downs so my head just hasn't been in the right place to put a sentence together to blog.. On a more positive note I thought I would share with you a few of the more better changes that have gone on recently..

I have started my new job as a beauty therapist in a local beauty salon and it's fair too say I am absolutley in my oils! Beauty Is definitely what I enjoy doing most so to work somewhere that makes me happy and doesn't actually feel like I'm working is absolutley amazing! The salon offers a range of different treatments such as manicure, pedicure, acrylic nails, gel, shellac, spray tan, lashes, waxing, threading, tinting, makeup, micro-dermabrasion facials, massage, hair extentions and so much more.

I get to work along side this crazy girl and considering we have completely different personalitys and attitude towards basically everything! we get on great!!! Mad to think ive only known her just over 6 weeks! 

Most of my training was through Samantha Lawes the salon manager.. Who I'm sooo lucky to have met and to have been given the opportunity to work at her salon I'm pretty sure we're turning her just as crazy as us:) I now have accredited certificates in all aspects of beauty I wished to cover and will definitely be branching out my training as I progress further.

If your in the area feel free to pop in for a pamper! The salon is open to walk ins at the moment I'll list opening hours below..

Monday- Closed

Tuesday- 9.30am-5.30

Wednesday- 9.30am-7.30pm

Thursday-10.30am-7.30pm

Friday-9.30am-5.30pm

Saturday-9.30am-4.30pm

Sunday- Closed

♡

ESTÉE LAUDER - Double Wear | Review/Before&After

Those who know me well enough will know that to me foundation is a pretty big deal, i'm ridiculously fussy! and it definitely takes a lot for me too find one i am completely 100% happy with. For the last two years i have been obsessed with Mac studio fix it ticked all the boxes for me, still does. Though recently i have been breaking out like crazy and felt the need to try something a little different to change things up a little. I always opt for a full coverage foundation to cover up any blemishes and to leave my skin with a flawless finish. Everyone seems to have raved over Estée Lauder Double Wear in the beauty world so i figured  its got to be worth trying out.

 i used  www.findation.com  to match up the shade that i normally use in Mac NW35 to the shade i needed to use from Estée Lauder I got matched to the shade 4N2 'SPICED SAND' and it was perfect! definitely recommend that website girls! 

Estée Lauder Double Wear
My Honest Thoughts..

The description says; 

"This remarkable lasting, yet light weight makeup wears comfortably for up to 15 hours, even in high humidity. Wont smudge of come off on clothes, Oil free, fragrance free, Non acnegenic. Dermatologist and Ophthalmogist tested."

This is without a doubt my new favorite foundation at the minute, i'm obsessed!!! The formula is a cream and blends out beautifully over skin covering up any redness and leaves my skin looking flawless! Surprisingly being such a high coverage product it doesn't look at all cakey which is amazing! instead it leaves skin looking smooth and healthy whilst feeling super lightweight and wearable. My skin can get pretty oily so i find it a little difficult sometimes to keep my foundation in place all day. Double Wear has to be the first foundation i have used where i don't feel that its absolutely necessary to be touching up with powder throughout the day, it tends to stay pretty matte even without powder which is a god send! I do totally agree with the claim 'stay-in-place makeup'.. i apply this in the morning and it does not budge all day.. still looks great before washing it of at night! i do wish it had come with a pump so less product gets wasted. Though i have no complaints what so ever on the product itself. If you are looking for a great full coverage foundation i definitely recommend giving this one a try!

The pictures below show before and after application of Estée Lauder Double Wear..
I did not use a primer, concealer or any other product for these pictures as i wanted to show the foundations true capabilities.

Before..                                                                       After.

                                                              

(No Filter used on either of the pictures)

 RRP - £29.50 House of Fraiser



Have you tried Double Wear?
If so what do you think?


♡

TOPSHOP Lipsticks | A/W

As per usual Wales has had plenty more delightful rain than sun this August and it's making me more and more impatient for Autumn/Winter to come around! i just hate this in between stage where its super cold yet still summer, so frustrating! i'm ready so rock a darker lip and get all cozy now!

I've had my eye on Topshop makeup for a while, I've been seeing a ton of great reviews and swatches and been dying to get my hands on the lippy's! they don't seem to sell much of the makeup range in the store nearest me, So during a recent shopping trip into Cardiff I thought I'd have a little look through see what the fuss was all about..There is also a 2 for £12 offer on lipsticks at the minute! So they turned out to be an absolute bargin! i spent a ridiculous amount of time swatching most of the pretty colours and finally decided on the shades 'Red Lippy' and 'Drive'.

Red Lippy

'Red Lippy' is well.. pretty much what the name says, it's a gorgeous red shade with no undertones of any other colour.. just your basic red! I love a red lip especially in the winter time and coming up to Christmas so I'm sure this shade will be getting plenty of use. 

Drive

'Drive' Caught my eye instantly before I had even swatched the rest of them.. It's a deep plum purple shade with a metalic finish.. i'm not normally too fond of a metalic finish but as you can see from the swatches its very subtle. Again sooo pretty! This may i add is my first purple lipstick so i'm definately looking forward to rocking this through A/W.

Here is a swatch of the two..

I was actually shocked at the amazing quality and pigmentation of these lippy's for only £8.. they apply effortlessly and are sooo creamy! I think I possibly may have started another collective addiction!

uh-oh!

Have you tried any Topshop lipsticks?

Which shades are your fave?

♡

The Liebster Award

I've kindly been nominated by 3 lovely bloggers TheBwFashion, Thebronzeddoll & NotesOfPetranella for the Liebster Award! Thank you so much girls! :) I thought i would combine all three sets of questions in to one post just to make things a little easier so here goes.. 

Rules
1. Thank and link back to the blogger who nominated you.
2. Answer the 11 questions that the nominator asked you.
3. Nominate 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers
4. Create 11 questions of your own for your nominees to answer.
5. Contact your nominees too let them know that you have tagged them.
(unfortunately you cant nominate the person that nominated you)

Questions by Beth Welsh - TheBwFashion 

1. Which beauty product could you not live without?

Foundation

2. Highend or Drugstore makeup?

Highend, if a product does great things i don't mind paying the price.

3.Which phone app are you addicted too?

Twitter! keeps me up to date with whats going on in the world! bit like my morning newspaper:)

4. If you could marry and live happily ever after with any celebrity who would it be? 

Couldn't see myself with a celeb! wayyy to much drama!

5. Who is your favorite TV series character and why?

Amy Childs from TOWIE because i just find her hilarious!

6. Handbags or Shoes?

Love both but Shoes for the win!

7. Most embarrassing song you have on your iPod/iPhone?

Meridian Dan ft. BIG H & JME - German Whip. Catchy but such a beasty boy song!

8. If you had £1000 to spend in ONE store, which one would it be?

Could easily spend £1000 in Topshop on my A/W wardrobe at the minute.

9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I hope to be content with life at this stage.. have my own place and be running my own successful beauty business.

10. Which celebrity do you dislike the most and why?

Definitely Katie Hopkins.. i just feel her opinions towards people are nasty and uncalled for sometimes.

11. if you had 3 wishes what would they be?

♡ To have my nan and grandad back happy and healthy and for the rest of my family to be happy and healthy too.

♡ To have my own personal hair/makeup artist to get me ready every morning.

♡ To have plenty of money so i never have to worry what i'm spending.

Questioins by  - Thebronzeddoll

1. How old are you and where are you from?

I'm 22 and i'm from Cwmbran, South Wales.

2. Who/What inspired you to blog and how did you come up with your blog name?

Always loved to read other blogs and watch beauty related youtube videos, figured it would be a great way to share my passion for beauty with those likewise. 

My blog name.. i came up with DollybirdGlam because as a little girl i would always go to my nans and play with her make up and get her to do my hair, she always used to call me her little dollybird, still does to this day.. 'Glam' is basically because i love anything glamorous and pretty! and there we have it!

3. What are your favorite blog posts to read? What are your favorite blog posts to write?

Beauty/Fashion/Fitness are my fave posts to read for inspiration. My favorite to write at the moment are beauty related posts.

4. What camera do you use to take pictures and what program do you use to edit them?

at the minute only using my iphone5 until i decide on what camera i want to get.. The programmes i use to edit are mainly PS Express and MoreBeaute2

5. Whats your holy grail product and how did you come across it? Why do you like it?

Mac studio fix fluid foundation, came across it when having my makeup done at the mac counter. I like it because the coverage is perfectttt!

6. Whats your go to makeup look?

Bronzed glow with a Peach lip at the minute.

7. Name your favorite makeup or beauty brand. What is your favorite product from that brand and why is that brand your favorite?

Mac, definitely the lipsticks because of the wide colour variety and the pigmentation!

8. Who is your makeup and style icon and explain why?

Makeup - GLAMREZY because shes forever flawless! the looks she creates are so pretty!

Style - I don't have a specific style icon i kind of just have my own style! though i do love michelle keegans style she's so classy!

9. Would you either go makeup less or not have your hair styled for a month? Why?

shocking being a hairdresser but i would have to take makeup over hair because i can throw my hair up on my head.. though if that includes washing i would deffs take the hair option!

10. What is your worst beauty habbit?

Not using heat protection before using hot tools on my hair.

11. If you could share one bit of advice to your 16 year old self what would it be and why?

Be yourself, your only young once.. do not try settling down too young.

Questions by Elle - Notesofpetranella

1. What is your biggest fear?

HUGE phobia of sick! yuck!

2. If there was a choice between saving your skincare or your makeup, which one would you choose to save?

Makeup it covers a lot of flaws;)

3. What type of blogs do you love to read?

Beauty/Fashion/Fitness

4. Favorite item of clothing?

Pretty dresses!

5. What food would you happily want to eat every day?

Pizza, Loveee pizza!

6. Name your favorite beauty or fashion brand and tell me why you love them?

i'll go for fashion brand love Missguided! always so on trend!

7. What is your favorite colour?

Pink

8. Describe yourself in three words

Kind, Caring, Needy!

9. Books or Films?

Films

10. Tell me your favorite thing about blogging?

Definitely the lovely girls that i have got to know, the blogging network is so friendly and welcoming! also everything i'm learning along the way.

11. Do you have any plans for the future?

I plan to be happily settled and content eventually have my own little family and run my own successful business. 

This post has been a bit of fun, i enjoyed answering all your questions and thank you all so much for nominating me i really appreciate it

my 11 beautiful nominee's are..

Becky - BeckysBeautique

Marie - Fascination Beauty

Samantha - InSAMazement

Ameera - Talk Beauty Blog

Danielle - Polished Rose

Jude - Sugar And Spice

Lauren - Laurenmariesreveries

Lucy - Lucylurose

Ella - Rosecrown

Ellie - Your Daily Dose Of Style

Terri - Terri Swan

My Questions

1. Where does your inspiration come from?

2. Who/What encouraged you to start up your blog?

3. Name 'ONE' beauty related item you couldn't live without?

4. On average how long does it take you to get ready?

5. Favorite beauty/fashion brand? Why do you love them?

6. Whats your worst beauty habit?

7. Who is your Celeb Makeup/Style icon and why?

8. Where is your favorite place to shop? 

9. Would you ever consider plastic surgery? if so what?

10. 3 Random facts about yourself?

11. What is your guilty pleasure? Can be anything..

if you take part in this post don't forget to tag me and send me your links on Twitter so i can read your answers♡

thanks again to TheBwFashion, Thebronzeddoll & Notesofpetranella

for nominating me

♡

August Glossybox | Happy 3rd Anniversary Glossybox!

It's time for me to share with you the treats i received in this months glossybox! This August box is to celebrate glossybox's 3rd anniversary! By that i knew it would be filled with some pretty exciting new products for me to try, here's what I got and my thoughts..

Philip Kingsley - Elasticizer (Sample Size)

I was kind of impatient and checked out the spoiler on twitter around a week or so before the box was dispatched so i knew that everyone would be receiving one of these Philip Kingsley Elasticizer's in their box this month. My hair loves a bit of TLC so i knew i would without a doubt be appreciating this. I do try my best to wait for the surprise it just always seems to get the better of me. Shockingly being a hairdresser i actually hadn't heard of this make before, the card reads..

"Originally created specifically for Audrey Hepburn this pre-shampoo treatment delivers unrivalled elasticity, manageability,bounce and shine without weighing down or coating the hair".

Basically you apply this treatment to wet hair and leave in for around 20 minutes before shampooing and conditioning.. i have only used this once it seemed to leave my hair lovely and soft and nourished looking.. not overly convinsed it would be worth the heafty price tag though who am i to judge after only one use! only time will tell I guess. The full size product retails for £38 /250ml you can purchase it from www.lookfantastic.com

Kryolan For Glossybox Highlighter (Cashmere)

As soon as i read 'Kryolan' it got me a little excited to say the least! And the fact it was a full size product was definitely a win! Not only do i love a good highlighting product, i know the brand is amazing and is used by some of the top makeup artists all over the world. I first heard about the brand through one of Sabrina's You-tube videos from LoveLaughAndMakeup i will leave the link to the video and her channel below. Kryolan are now available to buy online so i will link below for you too, definitely worth checking out. 

The Highlighter is a cream product, very lightweight with a polished gloss finish its gorgeoussss! and can be used to highlight cheekbones, cupids bow and brow bone for a lovely natural looking glow. I received the shade cashmere which is natural nude shade i can completley understand why Glossybox would choose to work with this shade as i imagine it will look flattering on almost any skin tone. My favorite product this month by far! RRP; £12.95

Kryolan; www.kryolan.com

Video; LoveLaughAndMakeup

Youtube; LoveLaughAndMakeup

Figs & Rouge - Mini Hand Cream

Firstly how cute is the packaging? So pretty! & before we even start on the product inside would look great in my dressing table. The description on the card says..

"These hand creams are enriched with Shea butter, natural antioxidants and algea extract for beautifully fragrant and indulgent skincare. Softens, nourishes & thoroughly pampers hands throughout the day!"

Sounds great! I never really heard of Figs & Rose before receiving this product but i have to say i really like it. The main thing i love about it is that its not greasy, nothing worse than a hand cream that makes your hands feel all yuck ughh!!! The hand cream is quite strongly scented which i quite like, the scent is 'Rose Berry' though it reminds me alot of sherbet that I used to get with my pick'n'mix when i was young! i recieved the 20ml tube, The full size product is 80ml RRP; £6.95 

Yves Rocher - Pink Nail Polish

The birthday bonus product added to the box was this cute mini nail polish. I have heard of this brand before though i can't say I've ever used any of their products so I was excited to give this nail polish a try.. the shade is so lovely! It's like a muted rose pink and I'm a sucker for pink it's my fave! I received the sample size for the full 3ml bottle RRP; £3.60

www.yves-rocher.co.uk

Essence - I love extreme crazy volume mascara

As I've mentioned in previous posts I'm more of a false lash girl it takes a lot for a mascara to wow me to the point where I don't need them.. Though for applying colour and separation to my lashes before application this will work perfect! Love the brush also nice and sturdy. RRP; £2.79

www.essence.eu/en/store-finder

Lalique - L'Amour Purfume

I love receiving perfume samples, I'm so fussy when it comes to scents it's ridiculous! And I'd much rather try them out this way than spending a small fortune on one I'm not going to like..I'm not going to butcher this scent with my description so this is what it says on the card..

"This soft, sensual fragrance has delicate top notes of rosebuds laced with fresh bergamot, white floral heart notes and a musk base note. This fragrance captures the essence of love".

Tested it on my wrist and It's lovely and fresh smelling I actually really like it.. Would say I'd have to wear it properly to judge. RRP; 50ml £67

www.boots.com

Have you tried any of these products before?

if so i would love to hear what you thought..

Also if you would like to sign up for your own Glossybox click HERE

♡

MAC Vanilla Pigment | Multi-Purpose Pigment Perfection

I'm always on on the lookout for what I would class as the perfect highlight to finish my makeup and give my skin that much needed glow all year round..

 MAC Vanilla pigment is a Cream/Champagne shade loose powder pigment that can be used in a multiple of different ways. The powder formula is lovely and lightweight and easily blendable adding the perfect amount of shimmer when applied without being glittery, leaving a beautiful glowy finish to the skin that would look stunning on almost any skin tone. I purchased this back last year after hearing Liza Prideaux from GlamBeautys talk highly about it in one of her YouTube videos and it has been a staple in my makeup ever since! Yes there is lots left considering I've had it for so long that's another plus, this little 4.5g Jar will last you years honestly! A little goes a long way.

To use i mainly apply a small amount to my brow bone, cheek bones and cupids bow and blend well, but there's so many uses in this one pigment it's ridiculous!

You can..

♥ Add to your favorite lip gloss to add a subtle amount shimmer to the lips.

♥ Add to lipstick to create a frost finish. Also applying a small amount to the centre of lips will create the appearance of a fuller plumper lip.

♥ Mix with clear nail polish to create a custom colour.

♥ Add a small amount to foundation before applying for a more dewy luminous finish.

♥ Add to body lotion to give your skin a glow.

♥ Apply as an eye shadow.. Can be used loose or wet for a more intense pigmented metallic finish.

Couldn't ask for more from one product to be fair it's pretty amazing! RRP £17.00 HERE 

Have you used MAC pigments before? 

I'd love to hear your recomendations..

♡

July/August Lust List♡

The last few months for me have been pretty hectic and i've slacked big time with blog posts which i can only appoligise for I'm trying to get myself a little routine going where I will be posting at least 3 times a week before I start up my new job in September.. Here's a few things I've been lusting over throughout July/ August and can likely say i'l be purchasing pretty soon! 

Essie Polishes

 Knock Out Pout, £5.50 Serial Shopper, £5.50 Set In Stones £11 

Such a pretty combo! 

YSL Babydoll Mascara

Firstly the packaging is super cute! There I am getting sucked in again. I never normally opt for a high end mascara as I'm almost always wearing false lashes but something has had me wanting to try this one out for a while. The reviews I have read are pretty mixed.. Don't know until you try I guess. 

£24.50

LUSH 'BIG' Shampoo

Can't even begin to mention how long I have wanted to give this shampoo a try! Let alone how many times I've passed it in the lush store contemplating but not actually committing to buy! I've heard and seen 'BIG' things from this shampoo it's made of 50% sea salt and claims to add volume, softness and shine to hair lord knows why I'm still holding back!! Maybe it's the price tag £12 for a shampoo is lots! I just hope it will be worth it.

Glam Glow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment.

Always wanted to give Glam Glow face products a go. I am aware there are quite a few different types available obviously catering for different skin requirements and all that. Read and watched a lot of great reviews on the Super-Mud Clearing treatment and if it does what it says it's most likely to be the savior my skin has been looking for! Only thing holding me back is it's a little on the pricey side for a face mask..cheapest I could find was £33.95

I'd love to know if you have tried any of my product lusts before and your opinions on them good or bad..

♡

Makeup-rev I ♡ Makeup Baked Blush & Highlighter

Hi dolls! The blogging community have been raving over Makeup revolution products lately and I have been seeing great reviews on their products popping up left right and centre. Likewise I had to give them a try for myself to see what all the fuss was about.. Fair to say I wasn't disappointed. Browsing through the website linked HERE I came across these  gorgeous new releases in the I ♡ Makeup collection, packaged in a pretty heart shaped box that instantly sold me as I figured they would look pretty damn cute on my dressing table, another aspect that gravitated me towards buying was how similar they looked to the too faced blushes I wanted a while back but for a fraction of the price.

Blushing Hearts Baked 3 Colour Blush

Adorable right? The colours in this blush blend in beautifuly together to create the perfect pink flush for the cheeks. Super pigmented yet very wearable RRP; £4.99

Goddess Of Love Baked Highlighter

One of my fave highlighters at the minute due to it's unique pigmentation, almost comes across as a champagne shade whist in the packaging yet when applied to the skin creates a lovely subtle pink/purple glow which is absolutley gorgeous!!! RRP; £4.99

First impression of Makeup Revolution products was the quality of the makeup for the price tag amazing! Will definitely be looking to try more products from the brand.

If any of you girls have any Makeup rev recommendations I'd love to take a look and if you haven't already definitely check them out♡

xxx