Latest purchase: Bliss Steep Clean 15 Minute Facial Mask

I recently read a review over at Alpha Blonde about a face mask that she really loved, called Bliss Steep Clean 15 Minute Facial Mask. She seemed to love it so much I simply could not resist ordering this myself as well.

I got it over at my usual beauty haul headquarters ASOS, and even though it is a bit pricey, if it is anything at all like Alpha Blonde described, it should be well worth it.

I am really looking forward to trying this product, I can't wait for it to get here already!

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Polished: OPI Rainbow Connection

"Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me!"

OPI's Rainbow Connection (from The Muppets collection) is billed as the rainbow glitter of your dreams, and oh, it is. This polish contains both small and large chunks of multi-colored glitter - blue, silver, red, orange, pink, green!

I had to to turn off my flash in iPhoto just to get a decent picture of my manicure, as all the photos I took with the flash on just looked like a blur of glitter.

This polish is definitely statement-making, and I think it is a great accessory for the holidays. I am considering a base coat of black polish, topped with Rainbow Connection as my festive manicure for New Year's Eve. What do you think of this polish?

 

-Alyssa

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Christmas Dresses on a Budget

Hi All!!

Firstly the Christmas competition is now officially closed! Any entries made from now will not be counted! For those who have already entered a winner will be announced this Sunday so Good Luck everyone!

Secondly, my digital camera has decided to die on me this week and I am gutted to say the least! Right before Christmas too, so I can't take hundreds of photos like I planned! But for now I will have to revert back to my old Canon camera which I have to say I am not a big fan of and also use my phone camera for the moment. So please bare with me if any photos are of not very clear etc!

Now... If you still have a Christmas party to go to and are still looking for that party dress that stands out to you but on a tight budget I thought I would do a post on this Seasons dresses I have taken a fancy to. All dresses are from www.missguided.co.uk and £50 or less...

I love the colour of this dress
and can imagine it teamed with a sparkly skinny waist belt

£17.99

Red and sequins are my guilty pleasure

£24.99

Skater dresses are in at the moment and this has to be one of my favourites

£24.99

I do prefer the long version but a statement dress nonetheless

£33.99

I haven't purchased from this website since I bought my dress for Richard's graduation party but I would buy from there again and there are some fab Jeffrey Campbell inspired boots that I think I need to purchase asap!!

What will you be wearing this Christmas?

Doma-Nikki...x

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Anthropologie Homegrown Monogram Mug

Last week, I found the cutest gift for less than $10. The Homegrown Monogram Mug from Anthropologie makes the perfect present for someone you want to spoil pretty - without breaking the bank. So if you're still stumped about what to buy your co-worker, kid's teachers, or bring to a holiday party as a hostess gift - this is it. And if you've got a couple more dollars to spend, stuff the mug with a Starbucks gift card or a baggie of chocolate-covered espresso beans!

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Polished: Best of MAKE UP FOR EVER Kit

As a fan of long-wear makeup, I was ecstatic to receive the Wild and Chic Best of MAKE UP FOR EVER Kit.

It includes:

• HD Microfinish Powder
• Aqua Cream in 13 Warm Beige (champagne shimmer)
• Travel Aqua Eyes in Mat Black 0L (black)
• Lab Shine in Star Collection - S4 (pearly pink beige)
• HD Microperfecting Primer
• Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara

I usually spend about five minutes on my makeup every morning. Before leaving the house (yes, I'm one of those girls) I apply foundation, pressed powder, eyeliner, mascara, and lip stain - at minimum. I recently tested all of the products in this kit, minus the lipgloss. No offense to MAKE UP FOR EVER, but I'm not a gloss girl.
 

First, here is a photo of me with no makeup on. This is what I start with.

I first applied the HD Microperfecting Primer, which made my skin feel smooth and wasn't too heavy. I then applied my regular foundation. Next up was the Aqua Eyes eyeliner (inside upper lid, and on upper lid), which was precise but had smude-ability. I added Aqua Cream in 13 from the liner to my brow bone, and it gave the perfect amount of color and highlight. Then two coats of Smoky Lash Mascara, which I was probably the most curious about. My lashes are long, and hit my brow bone, so at the end of every day I have to make sure I haven't turned into a raccoon. Finally, I dusted the HD Microfinish Powder over my entire face.

This whole process took about 10 minutes. I was eager to see if my extra time in the morning would hold up by the end of the day. This is what I looked like at 8 a.m., post makeup application. 

I then walked eight blocks to work on a foggy and humid day, had a typical seven hour day at work, and walked home the eight blocks in the humidity. This was unintentionally the perfect day to test these products!

Here is a photo of what I looked like when I got home. 

Everything had held up really well! The eyeliner, Aqua Cream, and mascara looked as good as they had 10 hours earlier. My foundation had melted a little, mostly in the T-zone area, which was to be expected after a humid day.

Overall, I adore this product set, and it was absolutely worth doubling the amount of time I spend applying makeup in the morning. I would suggest this most to ladies who have a long day ahead of them, and no time for a mirror check. Trust me, all MAKE UP FOR EVER products will stay exactly where you applied them, and you will look fresh and lovely (not made-up and cakey).

The Wild and Chic Best of Make Up For Ever Kit ($55) is available exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com.

-Alyssa

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Essie Chinchilly with OPI Servin' Up Sparkle

I may be the cosmetics connoisseur of the family, but my mom is definitely the nail phile. I know a lot about polishes and own an extensive library of lacquer, but every now and again I get schooled by my manicure mixtress mother. Her latest combo is a coat of OPI Servin' Up Sparkle (from the Serena Glam Slam collection) layered over her all-time fave, Essie Chinchilly.


With flash

Without Flash

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What if...I was a character in the Nutcracker?

As a first part for my "What if..." series specifically for the month of December, I wanted to go with a dream I've had ever since I first saw this ballet around 8 years ago - the Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky's most famous ballet has been as captivating to me as it must have been to the audience that first saw its debut in the late 19th century.

So if I were to be apart of this ballet, which character would I be? I had a tough time deciding between two important characters, Clara or the Sugar Plum Fairy. To me, both embody innocence and beauty while maintaining a strong importance to the audience.

Clara is the heroine of the story who unknowingly gets whisked into a magical but strange world. I've always adored the near-romantic relationship between her and the Nutcracker, especially when the curse is broken and he returns as the Prince. However, some say that the Sugar Plum Fairy steals the show as she performs her famous and elegant dance after the Land of Sweets has been saved. Sure, the Fairy's role isn't as major as Clara's, but both are somewhat significant.

I can honestly admit that I feel a piece of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy inside of me. As for Clara, entering a world far away from home is reminiscent of Dorothy Gale. The Sugar Plum Fairy shows grace from the start and although she only shows positive emotions, I believe that she could in a way resemble the feisty Tinker Bell.

In upcoming posts, stay tuned for my thoughts on their makeup inspired by these characters! Tell me, which character do you see yourself as? What else would you like to see in the "What if..." series? Comments are greatly appreciated. =)

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