My verdict on chalking - Er, chalky?

So, if you have been following my blog a bit you would know that I have always wanted to dip-dye my hair like Lauren Conrad did for SS11 but never really got around to it. I took the plunge in april for my birthday and decided to go ombré (best decision ever!), leaving my options open if I ever wanted to dip-dye my ends as they we already bleached.

As, the end of the summer became near and the chances of me being able to dip-dye my hair became very very slim as I was going back to school in a week, and I had a party the next day I decided to try chalk my hair. Er, not my best idea at 11:30 pm (let's face it, it's probably not the best time of day to make decisions but I'll go on).

I read up many times before on how to chalk your hair but this was the main video I used: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhRK9F_I2wg

I'm just going to be brutally honest: A waste of time and I ended up looking like a scarecrow (totally serious here). When my hair was curly and it had freshly applied wet chalk I thought this was the best thing ever invented and I couldn't wait to tell everyone, but as I had to "seal" the colour with heat things just went downhill.

I was half afraid to brush my hair as everytime I did it appeared as if more and more chalk came out. I felt as if I'd just wasted too much time. Once my hair was curled and looking pretty I did start to like the look of it but would have prefered stronger colour. What I did like about it though was that it gave me an idea of how my hair would look like dip-dyed and I definitely plan on doing it sometime!

Also, make sure you're hair is conditioned very well before and after. Most people say that you need it after but if you would rather that your hair wasn't straw condition the bejaysus outta' your hair. Same goes for after.

So this wasn't really for me but did give me an idea of how my hair would look like dip-dyed which was great to see. Maybe not my cuppa tea, but if you've a problem with crows attacking the shpuds then this is for you!

My First FOTD! Out and about...

I wasn't exactly dressed for anything in particular just out and about I guess!

Denim shirt: Forever 21 (June last year)

Tank top: Penneys

Skirt: Bershka

Boots: Penneys

Bracelets: Stradvarius

Bag: Dunnes

A Teenager's Worst Nightmare...

So there's some people out there (*cough* adults *cough*) who think that a teenager's worst nightmare is breaking a nail or not having an ipad. Well now let me tell you this, from my perspective that you're completely wrong (although yes, breaking a nail is annoying). It's having unruly, irritating skin. And there's much more to it than you think...

There's some (very) lucky people out there who are blessed with clear skin, never had to worry only ever had a spot once or twice, easily gone. I, for one though, are not one of those lucky people. Now I'm not saying I have bad skin, I have never had (and don't currently have) any acne, so I am lucky in that way. Every now and then though my skin just decides to breakout like crazy and my skin is never quite completely clear, there's always something but luckily, it's all contained to my t-zone.

What many people (usually the one's blessed with clear skin) that it's actually just such a bleedin' pain having skin like this. Not because of all the effort of trying to find products that clear your skin (well yes that too) but it knock your confidence BIG TIME. I hate feeling like I have to go out wearing makeup because of my skin. Not only do you go through more makeup but it doesn't exactly help your skin get any better and when everyone around you has lovely, clear skin you just feel, well, let's be honest here, like c-r-a-p. (Sorry for the language but you get my point now?)

So I've been through the rounds with different things like my one week skin challenge, and various stingy face washes. Right now I'm using Dermalogica's clean start kit that I was lucky enough to receive as a present. It seemed to work wonders for my skin at first but as it runs out I feel my skin going downhill :(

I'm on the hunt for something at the moment so please let me know what you like and find works! Also let me know how you feel on this issue, I'd love to hear from you!

Follow me and my blog and also on twitter @gabriella678 and instagram: Gabriella_678 !

Gabriella x

Thursday Thoughts

Hello again! I know, it's been a while *bows head like puppy in shame*. Anyway, this was meant to be published as Monday Musings but there were some technical difficulties (of course).

So, I've been working at a summer camp for the past two weeks so I'm kind of wrecked buuuut I'm off on my holidays soon! Yipee! I'm so excited to get out into the greek sun. As I was using my Dermalogica Clean Start Kit I wondered whether I could get some while I was there, then bam! It hit me. Greek cosmetics. How are they? How do they fair price-wise and how is the quality? So, if anyone out there has ever tried that comment and let me know- I'd love to hear what you have to say!

On that subject (somewhat anyway) I logged back on to find my blog at 241 views, a helluva lot more than when I'd last checked it, so thanks, much appreciated! Don't forget to drop a comment anytime you want and follow me!

So right now, clothes-wise, I'm really loving short-shorts, especially bright-coloured ones and denim. Oh, and white leather converse hi-tops because anyone that knows me know I have a weakness when it comes to converse I just LOVE them. Ok, so I know these aren't converse but hey? They are high-tops: http://ie.schuh.co.uk/vans/womens-pale-blue-vans-van-doren-slim/1973585350.

I'm also loving barbie pink and raspberry pink nails right now. Nom.

I'm also considering joining istagram as it I think it works well on this new phone of mine hehe

So to end my Thursday Thoughts (well, monday really) I thought I'd let you know of a song I'm currently loving, Tyler Ward's cover of Pumped Up Kicks!

Gabriella x

Thursday Loves

Phew! After another long weekend full of travelling and what not it's time to chill and write some more posts!

So what am I loving right now?

Nails? I'm loving ombré nails right now. I love they way they can take any simple outfit and make it something special. I'd love to try them but they do seem a bit tricky. Also, for the effect below I would think that you need pretty long nails to get the effect, but hey who says you can't give it a shot (or use fake nails ;) ).

http://www.facebook.com/littlewolfvintage

Skincare? My dermalogica Clean Start Kit. Wow. Nuff said. (Review coming soon!)

Music? My brother showed me this great site called fratmusic.com . It's basically like online radio as they call it) or pre-made playlists (my description). I like it but the playlists don't seem to change too often. I absolutely love 8tracks.com though. It is again along the same lines but there is more and more playlists added each and everyday-yipee! You can also get this as an app on your mobile phone.

Clothes? I love denim shorts and hi-tops. Especially converse, as those who know me know I lurrrve converse. They have such a summery feel to them when worn together. Also, any floaty dresses especially skater dresses and those dip hem skirts. Oh, and nude coloured heels. And my aviator sunglasses ( 3 euros, how can you go wrong in Penneys?!).

And of course makeup: I'm very curious about these Max Factor Flipsticks. I know lip-art is all the rage right now so I can't wait to see how these turn out. I like the look of Gipsy Red and Bloomy Pink. Also, Froncover's SS12 collection looks lovely. Remember my second post on Frontcover's Top Drawer set? (http://brownsugarsweet1.blogspot.ie/2012/02/frontcover-top-drawer-is-top-notch.html) I had some problems removing the pencils, but check out what they've done with their pencils in the Pencils + Polish set!

http://www.frontcovercosmetics.com/buy-online/product/pencils-polish.html

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer (ish) weather!

Gabriella x

Monday Musings

Oh look, it's Ireland...

Well hello there! Sorry it's been a little while since my last post, I've been up, down and roundabout the place and suffered some dodgy internet! Anyway, I decided I would start a new post each Monday, Monday Musings. Basically, it will just be some general chit-chat about the weekend, this coming week and general things like that.

So much for the best summer in six years, I was pretty disappointed, but hey? Your never know, things are starting to look up here in the sunny south east. The sky is a fluffy white mess, but luckily there is some sun coming through.

Everyone been keeping an eye on the Euro's? The Euro's were put on here and at first I pretty much hadn't a hope of being allowed change the channel so I watched them, and to be honest, I am actually getting hooked (shocking, I know). I'm all set for tonight's Ireland v Italy match later. Hopefully it will bring a bit of luck for the lads, they deserve it! COYBIG! (And yes, it took me until last Thursday to figure out what it meant, so for those who are like me: Come On You Boys In Green!)

I saw those brightly coloured wigs on Xpose the other day. Hmmm I'd love to try them to give me an idea of what the styles would look like on but I doubt you would see me going out in them to be honest! I'm hoping to chalk my currently ombré hair like Lauren Conrad's hair for SS11. I love the idea of chalking as you don't have all the hassle of dye and the look washes out after a few days if you don't like it anyway. Will report back!

Lauren Conrad's dip-dyed hair

Gabriella x

UPDATE: Apologies, but as elf decided to change their giveaway due to much confusion I had to update the details.


Pssst: As elf cosmetics have reached 350,000 followers on Facebook they are having a two day sale with 35% off EVERYTHING for today only, then 35% off the studio range tomorrow. Here's the deets...


Guys, we hear you and absolutely didn't intend to 'trick' you in any way. By way of an apology to you all for any confusion caused we have decided to change today's promotion to allow you 35% OFF ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING on our website. If you would like to use the same code ESSENTIAL350 (for UK and Europe) and ESSENTIAL350IT (for Italy) you will find that this will give you 35% off your total order(minimum spend of £20 / €24 applies). This offer will end at 12.30pm Tuesday 19th June. Our day 2 promotion - 35% off Studio will still run tomorrow as planned.
Our apologies once again. If you have any questions, please just let us know.


35% off everything code valid from 12:30pm GMT 18/06/2012 until 12:30pm GMT 19/06/2012. 35% off Studio code valid from 12:30pm GMT 19/06/2012 until 12:30pm GMT 20/06/2012. Min spend £20/€24 before the code is applied and before shipping. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. 35% discount codes can only be applied to everything on day 1 and the studio range (day 2) during the specified dates. You must apply the code to receive 35% of the everything or studio products in your order.

Keep track of the Facebook pages of different brands as they often have excellent offers on!

Dots, dots and, em, more dots!

Welcome to my first post after the blog's facelift! Today, I've decided to do a nail tutorial. I've never been amazing at nails but I love doing them. To be honest, I'm not quite sure where I got inspiration for this, I just thought of it lying in bed. I love wearing these colours so hey, why not put them together!

1. Wipe your nails with nail polish remover to remove any excess oils.

2. Place a clear base coat on your nails to prevent staining. I always just use a clear nail polish, this one is 17 brand, I got it in a a set that is from boots I think? I got it as a present so unfortunately I don't know the price.

3. When dry apply your base colour. I used a red, bought in Claires for 2.95. When dry apply a second coat if needed (If you have patience, unlike me hehe).

4. Then, simply take your dotting colour, I used a glittery gold, 17 brand, again from the same set as the first clear coat I used, and dot away to your hearts content. No tools needed. Just watch that the droplets on your brush aren't too big or else you end up with a splodgey mess that will never dry!

5. Finish with a clear topcoat, I used the same clear coat that I used earlier. Make sure that the dots are completely dry though or else all the dots will smudge and you will have to start again.

Ok, so I guess you would probably have better results with a dotting tool but for those of you who just want simple nail art without having to buy all new tools well here you go! Also, I do know I'm not the best at nail art but I really enjoy it and practice makes perfect. Now, go show off your nails!

Gabriella x

Oh Hai Thur!

Oh hai thur! So, I know it's been a long time since I posted, which I seriously apologize for. I was a bit caught up between projects and what not. Also though, I'd rather not sugar-coat this but I was a bit dis-heartened. I felt as if I was getting nowhere and I had a bit of a blogger mind block. I had no idea what I wanted to post.

Then I saw this: http://www.llymlrs.com/2012/06/llymlrs-is-three.html. Seeing all that she has done in just 3 years put me in the best mood ever and just made me want to write even more! So I guess you could say she inspired me! Just writing this I realised how much I love blogging and really missed it.

So, as a sort of 're-launch' of my blog, I decided it needed a facelift, a big one at that. Also, I guessed maybe you should know a bit more about me.

Well, welcome to the newly updated Brown Sugar Sweet! My name is Gabriella, I'm a teen, still in school and this is just the start of my beauty adventure. What makes this blog different you ask? Well, firstly the fact that I'm pretty young but mainly because I'm me. I'm not going to try copy any other blog out there, I'm just going to be my self. Follow me on my beauty adventures and watch this space...

Gabriella x

The One Week Skin Challenge - Day 7 I'm Done ?? Already??

So, today was the final day of my one week skin challenge. Wow. That really flew. I'm actually in shock that it is over. And the results? Well...

At first I had a bit of doubt about this challenge. Well I was pretty wrong there now. This has cleared my skin up in such a short space of time that I never thought possible. I couldn't recommend this more to anyone whether your skin needs clearing or just a radiance boost this is excellent.

There is only one thing I really must add. You really need to drink tons of water with this. The past few days I have began to slack off a bit on the 'oul uisce and my skin isn't clearing up as fast as before. Once you do that though you're flying! This also gets so much easier as you go on and soon becomes part of your normal routine!

I definitely look and feel better in myself now! I think I will keep this up for another while to get my skin fully clear and healthy. I will keep reporting back on how my skin is doing too.

So all in all, this is a definite recommendation for anyone really, a great skin cleanser and booster! Until next time,

Gabriella x

Follow me on twitter: @gabriella678 !

The One Week Skin Challenge - Day 4, 5, and 6 Almost there!

So tonight was night number 7 of this one week skin challenge. Tomorrow, it will be one week since I started. Let's talk about the results so far...

My skin has cleared up so much. I am absolutely delighted! The blackheads across my nose are pretty much gone with also few spots remaining on my forehead. My skin looks so fresh and healthy and I am just so happy with it.

Tomorrow I will do a final review on this challenge. Right now, I think I will keep up the routine to get my skin completely clear and glowing and to also possibly keep it going after to keep my skin that way. I look and feel so much better in myself which is brilliant.

Definitely a recommendation if you are looking for clear, or even just glowing skin. Until tomorrow,

Gabriella x

Want to get in on the action? Follow me on twitter @gabriella678 and/or add #oneweekskinchallenge to your tweets!

The One Week Skin Challenge - Day 3 A Few Tips And Tricks!

So today is day three of the One Week Skin Challenge and tonight will be night four of my face washing routine. I've figured out a few tips and trick along the way which really help!

Ok so firstly you do need to focus when doing this. I began multi-tasking during it and almost missed a few steps (although I am a bit of a daydreamer) which you really don't want to do.

Also, when you are doing the water-sugar scrub just watch out, as the scrub likes to drip all the way down your arms so it helps if you check your arms when finished so you don't end up lying in bed a realising you have sugar all down your arm.

I also have really helpful tip about drinking tons of water. Try drink a glass an hour. I think this is way easier anyway but maybe some people have different ways so whatever suit you!

This definitely gets easier as you go along and just becomes normal and doesn't seem like as much as it actually is.  Can't wait to see the results! Until then,

Gabriella x

If you want to get in on the action just follow me on twitter @gabriella678 and/or add #oneweekskinchallenge to any of your tweets!

The One Week Skin Challenge - Day 2 Why Can't I eat Youuu!

It's day two of the One Week Skin Challenge and tonight will be my third evening doing my special skin routine. Let's see how I'm getting on.....

So night number two after my nightly ritual my skin was already feeling and looking better. It still took me the half hour but I really enjoyed it and I looked forward to it during the day (Crazy, I know).

I woke up this morning (hated to get out of bedddd, so I called up the weatherman...) to find fresh-looking skin. There was most definitely a lot less spots on my forehead and any redness has certainly calmed down a lot. My skin where there was no blemishes is looking fresh and glowing.

What is really annoying me is not being able to demolish my remaining Easter eggs, but, by the looks of things anyway, it really will be worth it in the end. I'm drinking tons of water (well trying anyway) so I'm hoping that is helping things along. The healthy eating isn't bad at all, I'm actually quite enjoying it. I definitely feel better in myself already. I did kind of cave today but only once...I had a bit of cake. I did enjoy it though if that's any consolation! That's it though. No more. Not until the week is over anyway!!!

I may have to stare at the nommy Easter eggs, but my skin is definitely looking better and I feel better too. I can't wait to see the results! Until tomorrow,

Gabriella x

Want to get in on the action? Follow me on twitter @gabriella678 and/or add #oneweekskinchallenge to your tweets!

The One Week Skin Challange - Day 1 And We're Off!

That's it I said. I'm fed up. There's no way to disguise it. My skin is currently annoying the bejaysus out of me and I'm sick and tired of it. What am I going to do about it, you ask? The one week skin challenge of course!

What is this One Week Skin Challenge you speak of? Well, there's a few things to it.

The main point is that you perform this skin cleansing 'ritual' shall we call it. You have to do this each night for it to work and you cannot perform any of these steps throughout the day or else you'll just muck up the whole program. Here's the link to my 'ritual': http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Clear-Skin-in-1-Week, and here's just a brief overview of what I do:

1. Soak a towel in hot water and place it over your face. The steam and heat opens your pores.
2. Wash your hands properly to remove and dirt or anything that maybe on your hand (key for whenever you're washing your face so no dirt is transferred onto your face). Make a puddle with your hands and squeeze in the cleanser. Rub your hands together and cleanse. Rinse off with WARM water and whatever you do, start singing I Will Survive if you want, just whatever you do, DO NOT USE COLD WATER after as this will close the pores and everything else wont work. Pat dry but not completely dry.
3. Get 10 drops (I know seems like nothing but since it's acidic I wouldn't use any more). Smear all over you face and leave for 10 seconds. If it burns, leave on for no longer than 3 seconds. Rinse off with WARM water. This is your toner (it removes any bits of dirt your cleanser missed)
4. Next, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a bowl (I'm thinking lukewarm water here so as not to close the pores but not to melt the sugar) so that it forms a thin paste. Add another tablespoon of sugar and mix again. Then pour out just a little bit of the water. Scoop up a bit of the mix onto one cheek. Scoop some more onto the same one. Rub in circular motions for 60 seconds (Seems long, I know but just wait until you feel your skin after!) then rinse off. Repeat on the other cheek, then forehead (I also did my nose and my chin). This is your exfoliator .
5. Last but definitely not least, splash your face with cold water. "Hot water unlocks, cold water locks". This will close your pores. I then moisturised within the '10 Minute Rule' as I am calling it. This means that you apply your moisturiser no longer than 10 mins after washing.

This took me 30 mins to do on my first try last night, but trust me the results are worth it. Straight after my skin felt baby soft. It looked a bit red but that was natural from my skin after washing anyway. I wasn't so sure if I'd notice any difference in the morning but I was pleasantly surprised. There was no redness and already I was noticing less spots, especially on my forehead. I washed my face again this morning using a daily exfoilator and finished off with cold water and then my moisturiser.

Now there is a few things that I am choosing to add after research on the internet to help this along, but not only will this be great for your skin on the outside it is also great for the inside too.
- Drink lots and lots of water. At least eight glasses a day.
- Eat either 2 apples or one large orange BEFORE breakfast.
- Exercise between at least 30 mins-1hour a day (I've started pilates at home as there are some great tutorial videos online)
- Eat larger meals so that you don't snack inbetween. This is to, er, 'get the bowels moving' if you get me there.
- If you decide to eat things such as pasta and bread, make sure they're wholegrain. If you must eat bread try keep it to a minimum and even try wheat free bread.
- This is one most people know anyway but avoid the gungy food i.e. chocolate sweets, pastries, I think you can see where this is heading...
- Get 15 mins of natural sunlight a day. This is why people get more spots in winter, 'cause they to cool fo' the cold!
- Make sure you get at least 8 hrs sleep a night.
- Some foods that really help are walnuts, green tea, green veg, oils like olive oil or flaxseed oil, whole grains, fish, purple and deep red foods, lean meats and lean turkey.

There just some key pointers as I say, but I think to really maintain your skin this may be what you have to do. I'm actually enjoying it, I really feel better in myself already!

So maybe it sounds a bit crazy, I know but I'm willing to try it! Will report back tomorrow,

 Gabriella x

P.S. Follow me on twitter @gabriella678 to see how I'm getting on!
UPDATE: Want to get involved? Just use #oneweekskinchallenge at the end of any tweets!

Avon Ultra Colour Rich Moisture Seduction Lipstick, Oh Snazzaay!

I'm in utter shock. I cannot believe it has been so long since I posted! But don't worry I'm back and back for good!!! Anywho, I think it's time I got started don't you?

So, today what I have is a sample of Avon's Ultra Colour Rich Moisture Seduction Lipstick. What a mouthfull. Is it worth it? Well,You'll just have to wait and see won't you? 

I have been on the search for decent red lipstick for a while now. I've been into to boots and stores alike on the search for a ruby red lipstick for a decent price (i.e. there was no hope in me paying 30 euro for lipstick), coming out with multi-coloured arms full of swatches. So, when this little guy (or girl, your preference) pooped in through my letterbox I was more than happy to give him a shot. Especially when I saw that the shade name was Red Kiss.

Have I found my HG (Holy Grail) Lipstick??

This new lipstick from Avon promises more than just colour, but that is it is "packed with rich, hydrating ribbons to leave your lips feeling fabulous. Seems legit eh? This comes in twelve shades altogether. Four with a pearl finish: Rose Star, Gold Glitz, Fiery Red and Shimmering Violet. Then there is eight without the pearl finish: Soft Pink, Lilac Shimmer, Rose Ribbons, Red Kiss, Fuchsia Fever, Plum Gorgeous, Smooth Mocha and Nude Perfection.

Packaging wise, I can't really comment on my small little sample but the full size lipstick does not seem to have much excitement. Basic, simple packaging which is the usual for Avon lipsticks, but to be honest at these prices I shouldn't really be expecting too much anyway.

When I swatched this I was dissapointed. This is more of a mixture between hot pink and red, though I must admit I do like the actual colour. I found this quite hard to apply, one because of the size (again though it was a sample so you probably wouldn't have an issue when using the full size and/or a lip brush) and two because this was very very soft.

Er, Maybe not...

When applied, from a distance it actually does look red but then close up you can see the pink in it. What this does remind me of though is Benefit's Benetint - just in stick form.

Moisture wise, I'm feeling no difference to be honest. My lips looked moisturised but I can't really tell if that from me moisturising them or the lipstick. Wear and tear wise this lipstick seems to be wearing well so far and I'm happy. Even after kissing a few pages to see would it all come off, the colour is still strong.

But Hey? It still looks nice!

This shade isn't exactly what I had thought but I love it. If you are a fan of Benetint this would really be a great buy as you get all the colour just in a stick. The colour strength is excellent, the moisture maybe not so much but nevertheless this is a steal at this price and would definitely reccomend! And if you did get this in your letterbox but don't like it, I had great fun drawing with it!!

This is currently half-price retailing at 5.50 euro (Normal Price: 11 euro). Available from your local Avon representitive.

Gabriella x

Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation - I feel like a fairy the morning after!

New out is Rimmel's Wake Me Up foundation. This claims to give you a 'natural glow' due to its radiance pearls, special peptides and we couldn't forget the vitamin complex could we? so the skin is left looking 'rejuvenated'. This formula also includes an SPF 15 which therefore prevents your skin from ageing - yipee! This comes in six shades: true nude, natural beige, classic beige, soft beige, true ivory and ivory.

I love this eye-catching packaging

By the sounds of things would expect these glorious sounding radiance pearls to make you look like an goddess from above, erm yes well I'm feeling more fairy-like here rather than glowing. Looking at it in the bottle it looks like any ordinary foundation but when swatched you can see the magical pearls. I did find it a bit too glittery but when applied to the face the glitter is not as prominent but you can see the glitter radiance pearls in under the light.

This is shade 100 Ivory

This also claims to have ten-hour wear. Now, eight hours later the foundation is still wearing good enough (Note: I applied face powder over), better than their Match Perfection foundation. The radiance pearls though I feel are a lot less visible.

Also, Rimmel claim that this foundation provides medium to full coverage. Er, no light to medium coverage maybe but nowhere near full. I then had to also use concealer with the foundation. There is a plus side to this though- it feels lovely and light going on so you don't feel caked at all.

It also claims to leave the skin looking awakened and refreshed. This it finally succeeded in doing. Kind of. I did look a whole lot more awake than I actually was but I was expecting a miracle. As if I had just slept for years and now I was full of energy. So, maybe I was expecting a bit too much from the foundation. In that case it did a nice job in making me look awake and no longer zombie-like.

And again...the radiance pearls are slightly visible this time

There is one thing that really put me off this though, the smell. Now, in all fairness to Rimmel, it really could be worse. It smell  like talcum powder at first which I actually do like the smell of but then it goes funny and is almost dodgy-chalk like smell, but luckily you can't get the smell when it's on your face. Although again, it really could be worse.

This is not for those who like very full coverage, but for those who like a bit this foundation is lovely and light  feeling and application is nice and smooth. The radiance pearls do seem somewhat glittery at first but become gently less visible and you are left with a nice subtle glow. Lastly, this does it's main job, it leaves you looking more awakened than you did before and refreshed. This is brilliant value for money and is a winner for me. Definitely for those who don't particularly enjoy getting out of their cosy beds in the morning.

(Currently available in pharmacies nationwide at an introductory price of 6.95, Regular price: 10.95)

Frontcover Top Drawer Is Top-Notch!

This brilliant set contains "six chunky eye pencils in a rainbow of new shades and textures", a black kohl pencil with a smudger on the end and a double pencil sharpener. It also includes tips and tricks about doing different looks and images of each. Right here we go....

There is also directions on the back about how to get this look

These chunky pencils can be doubled as cream shadows which is brilliant as application is nice and precise which is brilliant for people like me who tend to not to have the steadiest of hands. Now there's six shades in this set Moccasin (a soft gold with a slight shimmer, more metallic), Pine needle (a sort of teal colour with no shimmer), Drifter  (a lovely dark-ish blue with a slight shimmer, again more metallic), Purple Durple (a straightforward purple with a very very slight shimmer), Chalk (a very pale icy-blue with a shimmer) and Lemon (at the tip it looks like yellow with glitter but when swatched it is pretty much just glitter).

From l-r: Moccasin, Pine Needle, Drifter, Purple Durple, Chalk and Lemon

I have to admit I am guilty of favouritism here. I am really in love with Moccasin. It is perfect for everyday use because it goes with pretty much everything and right now I am really into tan, white, navy and red clothes together. Don't get me wrong though, the other colours are beautiful and I think I'd rather save those colours for going out as they are quite bright and I'm not really one to wear bright colours on an everyday basis, nevertheless these look amazing on.

Right so there is a few tips and tricks I find useful when applying these. Firstly, you need a base on these as they can tend to slide off (not down your face by the way, they just kind of wear away like any other eyeshadow) when they don't have a base which is due to natural oils and/or leftover moisturiser on your eyelids. I use what is recommended on the inside of the set which is just a light dusting of either plain face powder or I use white eyeshadow (but not too much or then it can look as if you have a sunglasses tan, so just a tad) but I'm sure you could use Urban Decay primer potion too.

And on the left we have a little mirror and tips and tricks and on the right is the pencils in all their glory

These are great for precise application but if you want more of a cream eyeshadow look, not here-I-am-with-my-line-of-cream-eyeshadow-I-just-drew-on, just gently blend the top of the line so that the eyeshadow is evenly spread and there is no harsh line left. I also like to use a bit of eyeshadow of the same colour as the pencil for a bit more shimmer and added staying power. On the inside of the cover is the examples and how-to's of looks. These pencils are really a dream to wear and put on.

Now, the only thing is there is one major downside to these pencils. Don't worry it is in fact nothing to do with the pencils themselves but the packaging. I mean it looks lovely and all but some aspects of it all really aren't cuttin' the mustard. Firstly, these are a fairly decent price (i.e. they aren't exactly cheap as chips but they're not over the top priced) but you would think Frontcover would surely use something more hard-wearing than this card. I can see this getting fairly scuffed if this set follows you in your travels everywhere.

The other bad thing about this packaging is trying to get the pencils out. I think they made the grooves that the pencils sit in way too deep as I spent at least a half-hour on Christmas day trying to get them out. I ended up having to tip the whole thing over and tapping (almost turned into slamming) the back of the box gently (while I still had my patience, that is) to get the surrounding part out and then try squeeze out the pencils. On the bright side it was well worth the effort. I figured out then when you are putting back the pencils just don't press them down fully or else you will have to relive the nightmare of trying to get them back out.

These pencils are really a dream to work with. I have been converted to the cream shadow side. There's no fallout all over your face during application so life is made a thousand times easier. So they aren't cheap as chips but these are most definitely worth the money and it is a really decent price for what you are getting. So really these pencils are gorgeous in colour and a dream to work with - definitely recommended for anyone even the complete novice as they are easy to get the hang of. Off you go now and buy them!


                                     Gabriella x

UPDATE: After Frontcover reading this post and hearing my difficulty about getting the pencils out they have placed semi circular holes to assist removal of the product - yay!! 

First Post - Yay! The Wisdom of Bobbi Brown....

So, I finally decided to take the plunge and embark on my beauty adventure by starting my beauty blog! So here we go...

I decided to do my first post on something that love. My beauty bible. The Bobbi Brown makeup manual. I didn't know lots about Bobbi Brown before I got this (well not as much as I know now anyway). I knew that she was a very famous makeup artist who was very highly respected in the beauty world and had her own makeup brand but to be honest that's as far as it goes. Now you ask? I worship her. This book is just a winner all round.

Right well lets get started, firstly the front cover. Seems like I'm going very deep into analysing this book but don't worry I'm just in love with this cover. To me, I guess it just draws your eye. The colour is so bright and eye catching and i love when I see things like this broken blusher and the crumbled blusher on the brush.

Ta-da! (Sorry about the colour the pink is actually a hot fushia pink!) 

       

So on the inside cover it says "This is the book that all women have been waiting for- Bobbi Brown's twenty-five-plus years of makeup artist experience distilled into one complete, lavishly produced volume" which is exactly what it is.

It covers the things you would expect from a book about makeup how to apply it, how to choose the right shade for yourself, etc. , but there is some aspects of this book which just make it so brilliant.

Firstly, the skincare section actually goes into depth. What I really mean it's not like 'Well wash your face with a bitta soap twice a day and shlap on a bitta moisturiser and you'll be grand' type thing. Nope, it tells you all about those all important vitamins and where you can get them, all about different face washes, how to analyse your skin type, what moisturiser would suit your skin and really helpful things like that.
Also, the part about all the tools and all the brushes is really helpful. There is a whole four pages of just brushes and tools explaining what each and every one of them are used for. There is also a whole section on shopping for supplies and what to go for and what to avoid.

I really enjoyed the second part all about becoming and being a makeup artist but I'll go on about that more later.

My favourite bit though was the pictures. I absolutely loved having a good gawk at the "over-two hundred full colour photos" in this book. They are just absolutely amazing. I love the artistic quality of them. From the smushed lipstick and powders to the exquisite makeup done on models I just absolutely loved these pictures. I just had to include a picture of my favourite page - one I spent at least half an hour on just gawking at and examining every little bit of it. A picture of all the items you should have in your kit if you are a professional. I just love it. So much so that I am even gawking at it right now! There is also a picture of a 'fun' kit with extremely bright colours and things like body paint and extreme false lashes.

My Favourite picture (on the right)

                 


This page is actually taken from the second part of the book. This is all about becoming a makeup artist and being one. It includes great tips if you are an aspiring makeup artist such as breaking into the business and building a portfolio. It also has great tips about what to have in your makeup kit and doing makeup for magazines, celebrities etc. It also includes material from other makeup artists and photographers and bits about Bobbi Brown herself and her career, and and and (I know, you can't believe it, there's MORE!) there is a whole section on the history of beauty and who's who in the beauty world.

Bobbi Brown manages to fit so much into this book but not too much and not too little either it's really a great balance. This book is definitely a must-have for any aspiring makeup artist or professional or any everyday person. With it's breathtaking photography and useful guides this book is a real winner and I have completely fallen in love with it. So all in all.... GET IT NOW!!!!!!

(I bought this for 24 euro in my local bookshop  but it is available off her website bobbibrown.co.uk or amazon.co.uk)

                                                                                              Gabriella x