Get sexy waves for New Year using Phil Smith

Celebrity stylist Phil Smith has some great hair products which will help you achieve that perfect New Year Party look.Trying to achieve sexy loose tousled waves can actually be quite hard, if you don't get it right you end up looking like a scare crow. I must admit I am guilty of this and can speak from first hand experience, just by using the correct product for your hair seriously makes all the difference.

Phil says:

'The key to this look is texture and adding a little volume. When the hair is wet add in Xpanding Thicknening Cream £4.09 which creates texture, definition and volume.  As this is a light cream it will help protect the style from dropping and you can keep adding extra to create more texture. If you need an extra boost try the Xpert Sea Salt Wave Spray £4.09 which has Pro-Vitamin B5 for soft and tousled locks. Then make sure to hold in place as this style will need a little extra support. Finish with Xtravagant Hairspray £4.09 which will leave hair natural looking but with much needed hold'.



Today I used the Sea Salt Wave Spray to create sexy natural beachy waves. I sprayed my hair whilst slightly damp and then simply scrunched my hair to create that loose messy wave. When my hair was fully dry I then sprayed it again a couple times and did the same technical procedure of scrunching! I bravely took a photo, please excuse the dodgy face, the lighting was rubbish and plus I look rubbish! Lots of late nights taking their toll I think.







I finished it off with a spray of the Xtravagant Hairpsray and found this is unbelievable, it not only held my hair in all day but it also give my hair that added extra lift. I felt once I sprayed this on my hair I was able to mould and add extra volume to my hair.I would really recommend you try this hair spray if you want a spray which will add volume and hold your style. I love the bright packaging and the prices are very purse friendly!



I have yet to try the Xpanding cream but will report back to you all my thoughts on this one very soon!

You can pick up these fab styling products from Sainsburys so next time you're out and about pick up something up to try.

How are you currently styling your hair?

Sherrie xoxo

31/12/11 Beauty Blog Link Love

Well peeps this is the last BBLL ofd 2011!

Miss Beauty Nerd is smitten over Korres' Body Butter in Basil Lemon because her skin now feels oh-sooo-soft!

At Lipstick Musings, see how a happy mistake at the Dior counter led Shannon to fall in love with the Dior 5 Couleurs Palette in Rosy Nude!

Looking for the perfect waterproof eyeliner? Jenn over at Spiced Beauty reviews the limited edition Make Up For Ever Wild & Chic Aqua Eyes Collection.

Rae reviews lip sets featuring Korres Cherry Lipglosses, Clinique Chubby Sticks, and Bite High Pigment Pencils during the not-so-inventively-named Lip Set Week at theNotice.

At Eyelining Obsessions Claire decides to try the Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Cotton and discovers a couple of potential pit falls.

My Lips But Better shares the scoop on the MAC Naturally Collection for spring 2012!

Tracy@Beauty Reflections tries out the new CoverGirl Blast FlipStick Blendable Lip Duo.

How long does it take you to use up your makeup? Katherine from Handmade Reviews vows to finish her favorite beauty products by 2012.

Fleurissante reviews the best eyeliner ever: Guerlain Terracotta Loose Kohl.

Pammy Blogs Beauty continues her Holiday Palette Review series with her take on Stila's Daydream Palette.

Le Metier de Beaute fans will rejoice when they learn that a Blush Kaleidoscope has been created. To see it in all its glory, check out Beauty Info Zone’s review and pictures.

Check out Bun Bun Makeup Tips' 8 days of Christmas Eye Makeup Tutorials!

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Help celebrate AOYV's second blogiversary; one lucky lady will win a MAC lipstick and eyeshadow of her choice.

Nail Board

I quickly came up with this idea and thought I would share with you my Nail photos from the past couple weeks. These are just photos of nail polishes I've been wearing and loving, I tend to take photos on my iPhone everytime I paint my nails so this is like a Nail Board of snap shots!

China Glaze 'Little Drummer Boy'

China Glaze 'Santa Kissing Mommy' & 'Jingle Bells' on ring finger.

O.P.I Simply Smashing!

China Glaze Peace On Earth.

ORLY Fowl Play

My poor nails have taken a bit f a bashing lately do I am going to take a small little break from wearing polish. I started using a treatment last night from ORLY. I will update you all on my progress!

What have you been wearing on your nails

recently?

Sherrie xoxo

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Vs Lidl's Suddenly Madame Glamour

I am SUPER excited to blog about this and share with you my lucky find of the year!! Yep I can still say this is the best find of the year...just. I can't take full credit for this find and have to thank my very close friend Jenny who actually text me yesterday telling me about a perfume she bought in Lidl. Now, I bet you're all turning your noses up and thinking LIDL?? Seriously if you're a fan of the very chic Chanel Coco Mademoiselle then you need to find your local Lidl and snap up a bottle or two!

Ninety percent of woman in a test showed they favoured Suddenly Madame Glamour over Chanels Coco mademoiselle. I'm sure like most of you ladies will already know what Chanel's Coco Madamemoiselle smells like, if not then you need to take a swift visit to your local department store or Boots and have a quick whiff. Then you'll know how good this perfume really is!

I know the bottle does not carry the same sophistcation as does the very chic and stylish Chanel perfume bottles BUT I can live with that seeings this is 15 times CHEAPER than the ever popular Coco Mademoiselle.



This is an EDP which makes this find even more appealing, I raced down to my local Lidl and walked the isles till I eventually found the health & toiletry section. I gave a quick scan of the shelves hoping to find the perfume but sadly could not on first glances. I must admit I did start to feel a little gutted until I walked back and glanced up and there it was in all its glory...well as much glory as it could muster sat high up on a shelf above shaving foam lol! A little different from the high end glamour of department stores, but fear not I can assure you Suddenly Madame Glamour will get the same about of love and appreciation as would if I owned Chanel Coco Mademoiselle.

OK so you're probably wondering what the notes are in this?? Well after much research on the net the only info I could find was a quote by John Bailey founder of the perfumers guild, 'fresh Citrus and floral notes merging to an alluring, exotic oriental accord'.





If only I knew about the perfume before Christmas, this would've made great stocking fillers! However there's always 2012, this would make great birthday presents and Mother's Day gifts. I know my mum would be made up to recieve this and a nice bouquet of flowers.

I would love to know if any of you pick this up and if so please comment here or tweet me @sherrie821 and let me know what you think.

So will YOU be running to Lidl anytime soon?

Sherrie xoxo

VOYA Cleansing Balm

VOYA is an organic brand available at Selfridges, VOYA is a range of skin care products created by blending wild hand-harvested seaweed with the finest organic ingredients from around the world. i've been using their Totally Balmy cleansing balm which melts on the skin and feels amazing! My skin needs some extra TLC this time of year so a deep cleansing hydrating blam like this is perfect, the formula and consisitency is lovely and moisturising. I can't say i've ever really thought of Seaweed as a great ingredient but after reading about VOYA as a brand it has definielty opened my eyes to it.

Benefits of seaweed:

* Naturally soothes and moisturises

* Improves suppleness and elasticity of skin

* Helps against the signs of ageing

* Tones and stimulates the skin

* Traditionally used in the care and repair of skin

Totally Balmy is an anti-ageing cleansing balm made with 91% certified organic ingredients.







The packaging is simple and practical, a glass jar which has a screw lid, then another screw cap and then a plastic top which lifts off. You can guarantee the product will keep well and clean. The scent is very natural and that's in a good way, I know with a lot of natural organic products sometimes the smell can be a little 'iffy' if you know what I mean. I really love the solid balm which then melts on touch, I've been following the instructions on the packaging. VOYA suggest you apply some of the cleansing balm to the face and massage into the skin. VOYA include a great step-by-step leaflet which shows you the different ways if massaging the balm into your face. I've found this really helpful and interesting, I apply the balm all over then soak the muslin cloth in the hand hot water and ring it out then place it over my face for an intense cleanse.



VOYA say-

Voya's luxurious cleansing balm is formulated to clear away make–up, every–day impurities and pollutants that can damage your skin. With its unique algae extracts, ylang ylang, bergamot, sweet almond and rose oils, Voya's anti–ageing balm is designed to deep–cleanse your skin, leaving your face feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Comes with organic muslin facial cloth.

 

You can purchase Totally Balmy here from Selfridges, it is a little on the pricey side but if you can afford the money this is well worth it. Think of the natural, organic ingredients which has gone into producing and making this product and then you're using this on your face. I would also check out their range of body and hair products, I like the look of their organic candle.

 

What Cleanser have you been reaching for?

Have you tried a balm?

 

Sherrie xoxo

Clarins Instant Lip Perfector

I first read about Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip perfector from the lovely Holly who writesThe  Yummy Mummy's  beauty Blog. They looked pretty and perfect for carrying around in your bag. I love wearing a smokey eye and then a natural looking lipstick which is subtle but still pretty on the lips. Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors are perfect for this type of look. They come in 3 shades, sadly they don't have names.

Shade 01 is like a pretty pink

Shade 02 is like  a soft peach

Shade 03 is like a creamy caramel





I adore all 3 shades and can see these getting a lot of use all year round ESPECIALLY in the Spring/Summer months.

The product is in the form of a tube which has a soft felt like applicator which is slanted for easy application and control, I love the formula of the lip perfector. It doesn't take long for the product to be squeezed and come to the tip ready for application. They are very hydrating like a lip balm, they give a lovely colour like a lipstick and they have a glossy non sticky finish like a gloss. Now do you see why they are called Lip PERFECTOR? Ohhh and they also have a sweet caramel smell which is yummy!







Sorry for the dodgy iPhone pictures but my proper camera had lost it's battery power, I hope you get a nice idea of how they look on the lips. Lips definitely look fuller and plump!





Available to buy from your local Clarins counter retailing at £15, however I've found them cheaper over at the great online store Escentual.com retailing at a special price of £12.

Do you want to try Clarins Instant Light natural Lip Perfectors? What Shade catches your eye?

Sherrie xoxo

Bath time bliss...

Bath time has now become a must in my body routine, the shower has certainly been made redundant because of some beautiful bath products which are too good to be left on the shelf. Mandara Spa have these amazing pampering honey baths, rich and decedent and very relaxing.

Pampering Honey Bath is available in 3 fragrances, Honeymilk Dream, Tropical Blossom and Amber Heaven. Depending on your mood and which aroma catches you the most you can float away the day in a lovely bath full of beautiful bubbles. Light a candle and relax...





Honey milk Dream-
Acacia honey, rice milk, frangipani flower milk, shea butter and almond oil.

The jars are very heavy and made of glass so be extra careful when handling these beauties. I particularly like the packaging of the coloured glass, these look so pretty in the bathroom. I have mine on display and all my friends & family can't resist opening them up and smelling them. When you read the exotic ingredients which go into making these beautiful products you will be running to Sainsburys!





Amber Heaven-

Acacia honey, frangipani flower milk, rice milk, sandalwood, patchouli and ylang ylang.

The best way to use the honey baths is to simply pour the honey under warm running water, swirl, lie back and enjoy! The jars contain 500ml which a lot of product and will last months and months. Once the jar is opened you have 24months shelf life, but to be honest once you try the Honey Bath you won't take 24months to use it up!!

Mandara Spa is available exclusively to Sainsburys or you can purchase online from www.timetospa.co.uk

What have you been indulging in lately?

Sherrie xoxo

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Limited Edition

Liz Earle have added a festive touch to their award winning cleanse and polish. I must admit when I saw this limited edition gift set I did a little squeal of enjoyment. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish definitely has to be the holy grail of cleansers, especially for my dry combination skin type. So if you're a C&P devote or you know someone who is OR you think some one would really enjoy using it then this has to be the ultimate stocking filler.







The gift packaging is very festive and sleek, I love how Liz Earle have still kept their traditional colour and look and have just added a seasonal wreath around the box, very classy!







Priced at £18.50, you get a very generous 150ml pump and 1 Muslin cloth.

Have you got all your stocking fillers yet??

 

Sherrie xoxo

Weleda Skin Food...

Weleda Skin Food needs to be in everyone's home, great for all the family. I first heard about Skin Food after reading a few fellow beauty bloggers blogs and thought ohh this sounds good! I have combination skin which tends to be more on the dry side, but suffer from your typical dry knees and feet. I can happily comment I've been using this on my face and my knees and feet and so far so good. The texture is very creamy and a little goes a long way.



As the formula is so creamy and nourishing it gives an instant relief to any sore dry skin. I often find if my skin is dry it can become itchy and then feels hot or uncomfortable. Just by applying a small amount of Skin Food my skin feels relieved and soothed.

Weleda Skin Food not only nourishes your skin but also protects your skin. Whilst maintaining the skins natural moisture levels it can also protect your skin from outside aggressors.

Extracts of organic Pansy, organic Chamomile and Calendula are all traditionally used to soothe the skin. Also I'm sure that Calendula is very good for bruising of the skin as well, making this ideal for both chasten and adults. Skin Food is a great al rounder for the face, hands, feet and elbows and even the knees!





Weleda recommend you apply a small amount to dry or rough skin as needed and massage into the skin until your skin has drunk all of it up! You will find that the cream leaves a light film of product on the skin which is perfectly normal and this actually as a protective cover so to speak.
Free of synthetic fragrances, colours, preservatives and raw materials derived from mineral oils.

75ml RRP £6.90, I found this super cheap and with FREE delivery from www.Naturisimo.co.uk

Have you tried Skin Food?

 

Sherrie xoxo

Ciate Nails

Since the festive season has come to stay I've been polish mad and love painting my nails all different shades. The latest 2 polishes to join my collection are both by Ciate, a brand which I'm sure you've all heard of. They sell a lovely selection of polishes in different finishes are probably most known for their super sweet bottles.



Cream Tea is so pretty and very much a shade I love to wear. A beautiful creamy warm nude with a subtle hint of gold reflects which catch in the light and really look pretty. I love the wide brush which makes painting so much easier and enjoyable.
The brush is made from 250 optimum bristles with a flat brush finish. Also with the Ergonomically designed bottle you can control it a lot easier thanks to the long handle. The bottle is curbed to sit comfortably in your hand.



Members Only is a beautiful very soft shade. I would probably wear this more in the spring/summer. A stunning peachy gold shimmer which also transforms a polish when applied over the top or even used in a french manicure would look lush!

Have a look on the Ciate website to see all stunning polishes! There are 3 which really stand out to me and that's Twilight, Jewel and fade-to-greige

What have you been wearing on your nails this season?

 

Sherrie xoxo

Recent Treats...

Hello my festive friends, how are you? All set for next weekend? I've been picking up a few little treats and wanted to share some photos with you.

H&M Gold Ring £3.99





Leather Lace up worn Leather Boots £60 £42.

I adore these really sweet leather boots, they have a brown distressed look to the leather which is really soft and no need to break them in. I'm a typical 6 ½ when it comes to shoes and often struggle finding shoes because normally size 7 is always too big. Luckily these are generous for size so I got the 6's. I plan on wearing these with my leggings and skinny jeans.











 

Yankee Candle Witches Brew sampler, find this little one in the sale for 88p I think and saw they had the same fragrance in the small jars but didn't pick one up. Then got home and regretted it so much so popped back a few days later and luckily got the last same jar. They were such a good price £7.99 down to £3.88!! Yep better than half price! I love the sweet exotic aroma of patchouli.







Next up is the very popular Creme brulee Lip Balm by Vaseline, this has stirred up a storm with all the blogger sna everyones been trying to get their hands on it. Luckily for me I was able to get one through the lovely Nicola, check out her link to her blog!



The smell is scrummy and if I could I would get another back up I think, plus still costing the normal £2.99 this is well worth the money.



I saw this which made me laugh and had to pick it up, I love reading all the little festive quibbs.





 

What have you treated yourself to lately??

 

Sherrie xoxo