Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from me and Westy, who is so spoiled that my mom bought him TWO costumes for the Halloween parade at daycare. Did you dress up this year? Tell me about your costume in the comments section.

Outfit of the Day: Driving lesson attire

Hi All!!


I am learning to drive and it's about time I started!! I am so glad I finally plucked up the courage to do it, I just wish i'd started years ago when my whole family kept pestering me to do it. To be honest I actually had a phobia of it... sad I know! After 11 lessons my instructor said I am making great progress so the only way is up!

Here's what I wore on a recent lesson, being in a car means no coat required....

Jacket: Primark
Top: Topshop
Jeans: Oasis

A close up of my minimal make up with statement lips.....

MAC 'Impassioned' Lipstick

Hope you liked!!!
Doma-Nikki.....x

Outfit of the Night: Turquoise & Cream

Hi Al!!!

Here's a night outfit for you.....

(I apologise for the poor picture quality)
Top: Kate Moss for Topshop
Bodycon Skirt: H&m
Heels River Island

If you can remember I posted about the above heels here and I would never have expected that five months later I would own them.....

I am so happy I found these in a recent shopping trip in the sale! They were originally available to to buy for £84.99, then were reduced to £40 but I bought them for only £20!!!! What a bargain!!!


Here is a close up of my make-up.....

Hope you liked!
Doma-Nikki...x

Carol's Daughter Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Bath and Body Collection

They got me. And by they, I mean Lisa Price and those hustlers at the Home Shopping Network.

A few weeks ago while at home on maternity leave, I was channel surfing and landed on HSN. Lisa, founder of Carol’s Daughter, and the HSN host were raving about the ‘Today’s Special’ – the new Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Bath and Body Collection. They extolled the virtues of the products’ ultra-hydrating properties, and couldn’t stop gushing about the collection’s unique fragrance profile. And by the end of the presentation, I had reserved a set for myself.

I don’t think I’ve ever purchased bath and body products without smelling them before, so ordering the Sugar-Dipped Vanilla products online was a leap of faith. And I fully intended to give someone a piece of my mind if my order didn’t live up to the hype. Luckily, the products turned out to be just as amazing as they were described – which is why I’m taking this opportunity to start spreadin’ the news.

For all of you fellow vanilla addicts out there, I think you’re going to dig the Sugar-Dipped Vanilla fragrance. Why? Well, because notes like peach, pink peony, guava, water lily, sandalwood and cotton candy set it apart from your run-of-the-mill vanilla scent. It smells so soft and fresh, and the fragrance is so flattering that I think a lot of vanilla haters will actually love it too. Trust me, you won't smell like baked goods.

You’ll also love how the Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Bath and Body Collection - which includes body wash, body cream, and an ‘All Over Sheen’ (plus a loofah) – deeply moisturizes skin while leaving it velvety soft…not greasy.

I’ve been using the collection every day since it arrived on my doorstep, and I adore it so much that I’m kicking myself for not also buying the Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Eau de Toilette Rollerball.

The Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Bath and Body Collection are an HSN exclusive, so if you take my advice and snag yourself a set, visit hsn.com.

Lips of the Day

Hi All!!


Here's the berry lips look I have been wearing recently.....

I am wearing Victoria Jackson, unfortunately no shade mentioned but it is from the 2010 gift set available to buy from stalls at possibly your local shopping centre!

Doma-Nikki...x

Maybelline Volum' Express the Falsies Washable Mascara

I hate mascara ads. Hate them. People get bent out of shape about magazine airbrushing. Well, mascara ads are my pet peeve. The lashes in said ads are always so exaggerated that no matter what amazing results the mascara actually yields, you end up feeling cheated because your fringe still doesn’t look as fantastic as it does in the ads.

So, speaking of false advertising…a while back, Maybelline sent me a tube of their Volum' Express the Falsies Washable Mascara to test and review. At first, I was really disappointed that it didn’t look the model’s. But then I had to stop myself and think rationally. Obviously, the lashes at left have been creatively super-sized and no one in their right mind should expect to look like that, post-application. So I put the advertisement out of my mind, stood in front of the mirror again and took an objective look at my lashes. And you know what? Ad, schmad…Maybelline Falsies Mascara is ab fab – and I’ll tell you why.

First, Falsies has just the right consistency. I’m like Goldilocks when it comes to mascaras. I hate when the consistency is too thick or too watery. This one is just right – coating evenly without clumping. And over time, it doesn’t dry out like so many on the market. Another reason to love Falsies: the curved brush grabs every lash – lengthening and volumizing them to their true potential. For gals with sparse lashes like me who have little to work with, you know that this is a big deal. Finally, I absolutely love that the formula is buildable. So many mascaras claim to be buildable – and then you layer on coats only to wind up with clumped up, tarantula-looking foolishness. The Falsies Mascara builds perfectly. Apply one coat for a natural, “maybe she was born with it” doe eyes. Layer on multiple coats and your peepers will be batting a thousand.

I’m so impressed with Falsies that I’d say it’s a close second to my #1 mascara, Lancome’s Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara. They’re alike in many ways…well, except for the $16.50 difference in price.

Honestly, Falsies’ mascara is so great that Maybelline didn’t even need to augment their ad. The actual results speak for themselves, and the $8 price tag is just icing on the proverbial cake.

My many Halloween costume ideas ♥

Hi All!!

So Halloween is coming around again and it doesn't seem so long ago that I was Catwoman for Halloween 2009. If you are interested in seeing my costume from last year then just click here.

This year has been very stressful, I am going to a charity fancy dress party and then heading up town afterwards. I have changed my outfit idea so many times! Just take a look....

A Clockwork Orange

So Christina Aguilera pulled off the look, so I thought why not do this! It's different and I could play around with the one eye make-up. However I slowly found it quite boring...


Silent Hill Nurse

An original scary costume especially if you have seen the film it would probably freak a few people out. It would have been fab if I had a clue how to make the mask/bandages. But I don't want my face covered up so let's try again....

Gogo Yubari

The psycho assassin school girl... I loved the idea of the whole concept and I was planning on doing my make-up with blood around my eyes like when she gets killed. However I then spotted this.....

Neytiri

How cool?!! I loved everything about this costume, and I even started buying feathers for my hair for the whole look. But then I realised, I have work this Sunday and painting my face and hands blue would not be quite a good idea if I stuggle to get it all off. Which knowning my luck this WILL happen.

So I then searched the web for all sexy costumes and something I wouldn't usually go for and came across this Harlequin Jester costume...

I found my outfit!!! It's not something I would usually go for but it is short, tight and stands out which is what I like. Just wait until you see the make-up look i'm going for, completely out of my comfort zone but I will try my best!

What are you dressing up as?
Doma-Nikki....x

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Turn Back Time

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.

Hello Mario,

I find as I get older, my skin needs a lot more coverage and does not have as much luster. Is there a specific product that could help because if I use too much concealer, I look too made up and if I use too much highlighter, it is not smooth looking - and too much glitter on older skin just doesn't look good. Can you recommend some products to use to cover and give the appearance of smooth maturing skin? I am going to turn 42 next month and I am a single mother of a 19-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son and I feel I have lost my shine....please help!

Regards,
Sue

Hi Sue,

I get asked this question a lot from women! As our skin changes with age naturally, the makeup you wear should change as well and same goes for your skin care regimen. Start with your skin products first because it can make a huge difference. Use anti-aging, lifting and collagen-boosting products and always use a rich eye cream like the Eye Balm Intense by La Mer.

For foundation, I recommend you go with a liquid like DiorSkin Sculpt Line-Smoothing Lifting Makeup SPF 20. It covers nicely, contains light-reflecting crystals and gives a glow to the skin. Just blend it well and make sure that the color is a perfect match. If your skin is dry, you can skip powder all together or apply a little loose powder to set the t-zone. For concealer, it's important again to use a liquid and one with anti-wrinkle or lifting properties. A great one is Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector by Maybelline.

To finish off your face, I think every woman should use a makeup setting spray or even Evian spray, especially if you use powder. There are so many out there that are amazing! One of my favorites is 10 Years Younger Makeup Setting Spray by Motives. Apply it right after you finish your makeup and throughout the day to refresh your makeup and keep you glowing.

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Decisions Decisions: Cape or Mac??

Hi All!!

So I am really struggling with choosing my Winter coat for the next few months. I need your help, the following are a couple of options I have my eye on.....

ASOS Mac

Topshop Cape

I know there are more options on the high street at the moment, and i've seen a few Camel and Khaki shaded Mac's and Cape's that have taken my eye. But I just thought I would show you a couple of what I am really interested in. I must be honest I am leaning towards the cape more so, I just need to find 'the perfect one'.


Which trend are you liking this Winter?
Doma-Nikki...x

Elle Magazine Giveaway

Hi All!!


If you hadn't noticed the new edition of Elle Magazine is giving away a free cute sized Clinique Superbalm Moisturising Gloss......

I've got mine!!
Doma-Nikki....x

Trends: Berry Lips

Hi All!!

Here is a Autumn/Winter trend that I seem to rockin' everyday this week- Berry Lips!! Whether you are wearing Chanel, MAC or Victoria Jackson (like moi) these lips are key to this season. Just have a look at these beauts rockin' the look...

What do you think of this trend?
Look out for a Face of the Day/Night soon with this look!

Doma-Nikki....x

Bare Traps Trystine Boot: Stylish Answer to the Wide Calf Conundrum

If you have wide calves like me, you know how physically and emotionally exhausting it can be to shop for tall boots. The funny thing is that my calves aren't even that fat. It's as if shoe designers are making boots for anorexic appendages...or trying to embarrass all of us thick-legged sistas so that we struggle, in vain, zipping up a cute boot while all these other heffas simply just slip them on.

Anyway, I lucked out a few weeks ago when I purchased these super cute boots at DSW.com. I first spied the Trystine Wide Calf Boots by Bare Traps at my local DSW store, but they didn't have my size in stock. So when I returned home, I logged onto dsw.com and ordered a pair.

The store's limited size offerings actually worked out in my favor because I used three coupon codes (920 for 10% off, SHIPR for free standard shipping, and 919 for 500 bonus points added to my DSW Rewards account). So the $59.99 boots ended up only costing me $53.96 - and I'm closer to my next rewards certificate.

The Trystine boot, while synthetic, look like the real thing. The heel is high enough to elongate and visually slim the leg, yet low enough that they're comfortable all day long. The boot shaft circumference is roomy enough that I can wear them over leggings and skinny jeans. I can also pair them with skirts and dresses.

And for those of you lucky enough to have average sized calves, the Trystine Boot comes in a regular width too.

Spartoo Wishlist: Buffalo Shoeboots

Hi All!!


First of all..... WOW!!!!

Buffalo 'Foljy'

How amazing are these heels, seriously!

These stunning shoeboots are a staggering £163 but all I can say is any girl who owns or buys these heels is a very lucky lady. These heels can be found on Spartoo and I am costantly coming across little gems like these everytime I visit the website.

I have to admit, and i'm not being biased due to my Spartoo posts, but these boots - made by Buffalo - have got to be one of the hottest shoeboots around. You can go to other stores on the high street and yes you may come across some wicked heels, but you cannot say that these boots do not deserve to be up there with them.

I really think Buffalo did a brill job designing these, they are very on trend at the moment and the fringe detail sets the look off perfectly. You could team these with skinny jeans or leggings and a big chunky knit cardigan in the day or with a cute bodycon dress and oversized clutch in the evening.

What do you think?
Don't forget to visit the whole Buffalo range at Spartoo


Doma-Nikki....x

Video Post: Accessories Haul

Hi All!!


Here's another video post about my recent bargain haul and the accessories I purchased over the past couple of weeks......

Incase you didn't catch it here is where I got those items:
Headband: Miss Selfridge (£1)
Peacock Feathers: Primark (£1.50-£2 sold seperately)
Belt: Topshop (£1)
Sequin Gloves: Topshop (£1)

If you have your own You Tube channel then please subscribe to mine which you can do so by visiting it by clicking here!!! Enjoy the mid-season sales!

Doma-Nikki....x

Outift of the Day

Hi All!!

I am hating the weather at the moment, is it just me or did temperatures drop to RIDONKULOUS over night?? I could not believe it when I stepped out the house this morning - at 7am I might add - to go to work!!!

Anyways here is my OOTD from yesterday.....

Cardigan: Vintage

Jumper: Hypnotic

Shorts: New Look (Giles Deacon Gold Collection)

Boots: Vintage

And here is just a lil close up of my simple make up and hair style.....

Headscarf: Peacocks

Earrings: River Island

Hope you liked!! Now make sure you wrap up warm, this weather is a killer and it's only going to get worse :o(

Doma-Nikki.....x

Makeup Mondays With Mario: Color Coordination

Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.

Hi Mario,

As a beauty junkie, I just want to say how awesome it is to get to write and ask you a question. And if you're reading this question, that's even more awesome. You are so talented and I really admire your abilities. Anyway, moving on - here's my question. Do your eye shadow, blush and lipstick/gloss have to be in the same color family? I'm always so confused about the rules. Like, if I wear warm tones on my eyes, do my cheeks and lips also have to be warm toned too? And if not and it's okay to mix them up, do you have any tips for how to coordinate them all? Thanks so much, Mario!

Love, Leslie

Leslie,

Thank you! This is a great question so I want all the ladies to pay attention, please. ;-) To help rid yourself of confusion, get rid of "the rules." There are no rules or laws when it comes to makeup, but there are a lot of options.

Eye, cheek and lip colors do not have to be in the same color family. For those of you who don't know, warm tones are shades like brown, bronze, yellow and peach. Purple, pink and blue are all cool tones. I think mixing cool with warm tones can have a beautiful result. Let's say your skin is warm with a yellow undertone and you do your eye makeup with purple shadows which are cool tones, it doesn't mean that your cheeks and lips have to be cool. I think a warmer cheek like peach and bronze and a nude lip in this situation paired with the cool eye is aesthetically more flattering.

A client of mine once referred to me as the "mix master of makeup," LOL. I mix everything on the back of my hand to see the result. One of the best parts of doing what I do is being able to "wipe it if I don't like it."

Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays with Mario!

xo,
Mario

Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to spoiledprettyquestions@gmail.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!

Spartoo Spotlight: Biker Boots Trend

Hi All!!



Just having a quick look through the Spartoo website and had to post about the selection of Biker Boots available to purchase. Anyone who knows me personally would say that this style of footwear is not something I would usually go for; but I am liking them more and more as the weeks go by. I am fully aware that the biker boots trend has been around for a while now, so im very behind but there's no harm in posting about some styles that catch me eye.



Now we all know that I purchased some boots of a similar sort from Spartoo last month which you can see and read about here. In my opinion I would say that those are more of a cowboy style of boot, the kind I will be focusing on today are definately soley biker boots.



My first thoughts when I came across these boots is the quality....

Elite 'Ylona'







Paul & Joe Sister 'Estonie'









Miss Sixty 'Ambra'

You can see that they have been made very well, are definately worth their price and they don't have to all be black!!! Although I have never heard of Paul & Joe Sister, this is another reason why I love having the Spartoo website brought to my attention.



All these brands look so sturdy and for the winter weather they would be perfect. I could wear them with so many different sorts of outfits; i'm just thinking about what I would wear with now (ha!) Whether I will purchase a pair in the future you will have to wait and see but I will be sure to post about them. Another big thumbs up to the guys and gals at Spartoo for stocking these right on trend items.



What do you think of Biker Boots?





Doma-Nikki...x

The shades of Autumn: Burgundy/Plum

Hi All!!


I love how the season of Autumn brings so many shades to our wardrobes and make-up palettes; these range from red, burnt oranges, brown, mustard and purples. I was channelling burgundy/plum yesterday and I thought i'd make a quick post to show you how.

Outfit of the Day

Gilet: TK Maxx

Dress: Primark

Belt: Primark

Leggings: H&M

Boots: Vintage

Nails of the Day



Nails Inc: Paddington Street

Eyes of the Day

Eyeshadow

Inner eye: Barry M 'Old Gold'

Eye lid: Frontcover 2008 Palette 'Chocolate Truffle'

Outer Eye: MAC 'Carbon'

Mascara
L'Oreal Voluminous 5x Carbon

Liquid Liner

Collection 2000

This is just one of the shades i'll be rocking this Autumn, what will you be wearing?
Doma-Nikki...x

Haul: Cute Jewellery

Hi All!!

I don't own too many pendants in my jewellery collection, although I own a whole bunch of necklaces they seem to all be of the beaded, chained, chunky or statement kind. So when I came across these at bargain prices in the Boots sale this week I couldnt resist adding something different to my collection.......

Birdcage Necklace
£3





Clock Pendant
£4

Doma-Nikki....x

My first video post: Saving my handbag

Hi All!

Check out my first video post......

I'm not sure why the quality is so poor but I will be making this a regular thing so I hope you liked this!

Doma-Nikki....x

The best places to shop: Mid-Season Sales

Hi All!!

I know i'm a bit late with this post but whilst you still can I thought i'd let you know the best sales that are going on around the High street and online during the mid-Season sales.

www.asos.com
Currently offering:
Last few days of mid-season sale
Many items £10 or less


www.boohoo.com

Currently offering:

Up to 75% mid-season sale

20% off selected footwear


www.rarefashion.co.uk

Currently offering:

Up to 70% off mid-season sale


www.newlook.co.uk

Currently offering:

Mid-season sale

2 Pairs of Jeans for £35

Selected cardigans £12

www.missselfridge.com

Currently offering:

Up to 1/2 price mid-season sale

www.very.co.uk

Currently offering:

Up to 60% off sale

There are so many other stores that are having really good sales, but this list could go on forever!! Have a look around and see if there is anything you like..

Doma-Nikki...x