Shoe Is Art - The Winner

Back in September I wrote about Dune's in-store autumn and winter 2010 campaign based on the theme of Shoe is Art.

Dune offered artists and shoe fans the opportunity to create their own piece of art in their latest competition. The competition ended on Monday 8th November.

Enteries could have been a painting, photograph, sculpture or any other form of art.
There were three regional prizes of £1000 (each one will be included in the final judging) and the main prize is for £10,000.

 There were over 400 entries including films,installations,paintings and sculptures.

The winners will also have their entries displayed in the window of the Flagship store in Covent Garden, London and other regional flagship stores across the UK.


After two hours of deliberation, the panel of  six (including Daniel Rubin Founder and Executive Chairman of The Dune Group), unanimously selected Jane Forbes.

Jane is an artist based in Scotland. Jane's winning work was put on display in the Covent Garden Flagship store on the 8th December and as part of the presentation she also received her prize from David Rubin.

                                            Winning Art by Jane Forbes

The regional winners Beckie Steele,Josh Bristow and Sangmin Park
                                  

                                             Oil painting by Beckie Steele

Beautiful ink and watercolour by Josh Bristow
                                                                         

                                               Fickle shoes by Sangmin Park inspired by Murakami Takashi's pop art paintings

Congrats to all the winners.

Love..Lauren Loves....

The lovely Lauren from  Lauren Loves...  has been nominated for Blog of the month by the British Style Bloggers

Well done Lauren. She has a fab blog which always makes me smile,if you love Lauren Loves... as much as I do then you can Vote here

Thank you

Happy reading, stay pretty x

Cruelty Free Beauty Update.

I just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten about my series on Cruelty Free Beauty. I am still doing research and awaiting responses from cosmetic companies....Sadly some are less forthcoming than others, which may or may not surprise you all I'm not sure.

As soon as I have more updates, I will post them.

Happy reading, stay pretty.

Bloggers Book Club

If you still wish to join us, the first book we are reading is The Host by Stephenie Meyer. As I got to pick this book, next time one of the other lovely ladies K @bristolbeauty , Leanne  and LeanneOCD can pick !

Also just want to say congrats to Leanne for reaching over 1000 followers/readers. If you haven't read her blog, you are missing out on great reviews and nail art.

Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Review.

I was lucky enough to receive the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser from Liz Earle's PR Team.
When I received it, It was beautifully packaged. It was like opening a present !

 History

Liz Earle's Naturally Active skincare was founded in 1995 and has 15 years of botanical beauty expertise. Liz Earle are passionate about all they do and create products that work on every skin type by harnessing the potent powers of the finest quality naturally active ingredients. Liz Earle products offer a simple, no-fuss and dependable routine for everyone.

Now you have seen the packaging, onto the product.

What's in my Cleanse & Polish ?

It contains Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao),Hops Extract (Humulus lupulus), Rosemary Essential Oil/Extract (Rosmarinus officinalis),Chamomile Essential Oil/Extract (Anthemis nobilis),Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus globulus),D-panthenol,Glycerin and Beeswax (Cera alba).


How to use ?

Cleanse daily morning and night using this two-step process:

Step 1: Massage 1 or 2 pumps gently onto dry skin over face and neck. Free from mineral oil, its rich and creamy texture swiftly removes all traces of face and eye make-up, including stubborn mascara.

Step 2: Rinse the pure muslin cloth in hand-hot water and wring out before gently polishing off the cream to gently remove dead skin cells and help reveal clean, soft and radiant skin.

Splash face with cool clean water and follow with Instant Boost Skin Tonic and your choice of moisturiser.


Liz Earle say

We only make one cleanser because this formulation is the ultimate in concentrated yet gentle cleansing power and works on every age and skin type.

Our plant-based cleanser has a 2-phase action, phase 1 is the cleansing. Free from mineral oil, it has a rich and creamy texture and swiftly removes all traces of face and eye make-up, even stubborn mascara.

Phase 2 is the polishing. Polish off the cream using the pure muslin cloth to help gently dislodge dead skin cells and help reveal clean, soft and radiant skin.
Use morning and night with pure muslin cloths to reveal fresh, radiant skin.
Naturally active ingredients include eucalyptus and cocoa butter for smoother, clearer skin.

 My thoughts
It is very easy to apply and a little goes along way making the price very reasonable at £11.50 for 100ml. I expect this to last me around 4-6 months. You can purchase the cleanse and polish in a variety of sizes from 30ml - 200ml.

I like the versatility of this product as it saves you having to buy a separate makeup remover, which also saves on storage.It is great for travelling and takes up minimal room in your bag or suitcase.

I find after using the cleanse and polish all my makeup has been removed and it leaves my skin feeling really clean and fresh. I would repurchase this again and recommend it and the brand.

Liz Earle are a cruelty free beauty brand, they don't test any of their products or ingredients on animals.

More Liz Earle,
facebook
twitter
blog

Other reviews on Liz Earle
Lauren Loves
vaguely in vogue

Once upon a time....

Once upon a time a young woman decided to start her own online book club. She made a post on her blog about it and hoped that she would find princesses and princes to join it...

I like many different types of books from fact and fiction. Fanatasy, Sci Fi. Romance,Comedy. The list goes on.

These are the books I have sat on my shelves waiting to be read.

A Year in High Heels
Sex and the City
The Host
Wicked
Worst Date Ever
True Blood Boxed Set
Bunny Tales
Buffy the Vampire Slayer 1
Stardust
 
If you fancy joining me comment below, let me know what type of books you like and if you want our first read to be one of the books I have mentioned or something different !

Happy reading,stay pretty.

Closet Makeover

I moved house earlier in the year and my accessorises,cosmetics and shoes have been in chaos.

The end goal is to have a wardrobe like Carrie's.

In the meantime I need some new storage. As far as my cosmetics goes I think I will invest in some drawers from Muji.

Some of my shoes are spread between 2 wooden ikea shoe racks ( I think the boy may get the old shoe racks) but the rest are still packed in their boxes in a big plastic box, with nowhere to go. In the old place I had a shoe cupboard.

Can anyone recommend any good shoe storage solutions for 70+ pairs of shoes ?

I also need some decent storage for my handbags and other accessories.

Happy reading, stay pretty x

Jewellery Feedback For Penny Masquerade

The lovely Sarah from Penny Masquerade is looking for our feedback.

I have a few of her pieces and always find her customer service excellent. I wanted to help obtain the market research that Sarah needs.

If you want to help please leave your feedback in the comments.

What colours do you like on your jewellery ?

Do you have a preference for the colour of metal ?

Many thanks

Happy reading,stay pretty.

My Venomous Villains

If you didn't already know, I am a huge disney fan and I have become a recent mac fan. When I heard they had made a collection devoted to disney and it's villains I was so thrilled and knew I would be purchasing some of the collection.

The Packaging

The Goodies

Heartless lipstick and Innocence Beware Lipstick.


 

 

L-R Bite Of An Apple Blush, Oh So Fair Beauty Powder and My Dark Magic Mineralized Eyeshadow.

First set of swatches

Top - Bottom Hot House Lipglass, Innocence Beware and Heartless.


I love the packaging I know it's not to everyones taste.My favourite products are the eyeshadow,lipglass and beauty powder.My regret is that I could get the Briar Rose beauty powder.

As promised

I  mentioned a few posts ago that, I was lucky enough to win at Modesty Brown's blog giveaway.

I won the beautiful Abyssinian Catbird eyeshadow from Rouge Bunny Rouge ,modelsown Becca's Brown nail polish and a modelsown lipgloss in Violet Cream.

I was so excited to receive these goodies and win the giveaway, thank you very much Jane.I will swatch/ wear these as soon as I can but I am ill that the moment, so it should be within the next week or two.

If you haven't read Jane's blog - Modesty Brown then you are missing out on a great read.


Happy reading,stay pretty.


Ps. Image was taken from Modesty Brown Giveaway post.

What would you like to read ?

To keep things fresh and  interesting.... I wondered what you would like to read more of ?

What would you like to read that currently isn't on my blog ?  What you find interesting that is currently on my blog ?

I declare the floor is now open.....

Happy reading, stay pretty  !

Models Own Shopping Spree

Now all the posts have dived down, I thought I would show you what I got when I took advantage of the Models Own
50% off promotion.

                                                              L-R  Blue Moon,Pink Fizz,Magenta Devine,
                                                                    Scarlet Sparkle,Emerald City,Mixed Up

If you would like to see a NOTD with any of the above, please let me know. I am quite curious to see how Blue Moon will look on.

Happy reading stay pretty

The winner is....

I had a crap friday but my day was made that evening, when I received not one but two blog awards from the lovely thebristolbeautyblog

I also won a super giveaway, which will get it's own post!

 I was awarded

Now I have received the Beautiful Blogger award,I'm supposed to tell you 7 secrets about me, and then pass this on to 10 other bloggers.

Here goes

1) Although I LOVE Mr Depp, I have some sort of bizarre crush on Jeremy Clarkson - I think it's down to the fact that he doesn't really care what people think. He just says what he thinks.

2) I got my first set of lego last christmas from a friend.

3) I feel a house is more of a home, when there are plenty of books in it, I would like my own library.

4) Some of my favourite scents are that new book smell, the smell you get when you have blown out a candle, that's been burning all night. Fresh bread baking.

5) I have shared drinks with two bizarre magazine   and playboy covermodels !

6) Two of my heros are Roald Dahl (his books got me not only to pick up books but to enjoy reading) and Ruth Handler ( Ruth is the woman behind barbie, showing the world that a woman can be beautiful, have a brain and be anything she puts her mind to Vet,lifeguard, pilot the list goes on ).

7) Despite having a love for shoes and heels that are 5-6inches, I have been lucky enough never to tumble and break any bones.... I hope this continues to be the case.


Firstly I would like to say a massive thank you for my awards.


Now it's my turn to give out some awards and I have decided to give all these lovely ladies the two awards. I most tell you it was very difficult to choose just 10 blogs.. but I some how managed it.

Well done ladies

Bicky
Jane
Katy
Lauren
Leanne & Nicola
Ms Wedgie
Rani
realgirlsbeauty
Rowena
sweetlikejelly


P.s All images were taken from google.

Benefit - Cruelty Free ?

A few weeks ago I wrote a review on Benefit Cosmetics and after it I was left with one question. Are Benefit cruelty free ?

                                                                          Taken at Banksy Exhibit 2009.




There are various discussions/comments on one of the Benefit fanpage on facebook. However I wanted confirmation from Benefit directly. I emailed them and this is what they had say.

Not the result I was hoping for.

Until it changes, I will not be purchasing any Benefit products or using anymore products.

What do you think ?

Diamonds are a girl's best friend

One of my favourite online jewellery boutique's  Penny Masquerade  have now got their own domain.Their designs and pieces are very quirky,unique not to mention they are elegantly vintage!

Don't just take my words for it or my happy jewellery box, go over and see for yourself.

BehindTheShoes, Needs you !

I am looking to create a series on different cosmetic brands from drug store to high end and everything inbetween. Including independent/local lines. I want to include all brands, even if they only specialise in one particular product.

I need your help to compile a comprehensive list, so if you could be darlings and leave a comment with brands you know/use that would be fab and much appreciated.

So far I have

17
Avon
Barry M
Batiste
Benefit
Bobbi Brown
Bourjois
Burt's Bees
The Body Shop
Collection 2000
Clinique
Clarins
China Glaze
Chanel
Dior
Dainty Doll
e.l.f
Essie
Eyeko
Elizabeth Arden
Estee Lauder
Gosh
Illamasqua
Jemma Kidd
Lancome
Lush
L'oreal
Liz Earle
Max Factor
Maybelline
Mac
MeMeMe
MUA
Miss Sporty
Models Own
NARS
Nailene
Nails Inc
No 7
OPI
Paul & Joe
Revlon
Rock Face Minerals
Rimmel
Ruby & Millie
Soap & Glory
Sleek
Stila
St Tropez
Too Faced
Urban Decay

Shoe Of The Day

It's actually my second pair of the day but by far the prettier of the two! The other are a pair of flat black ballerina pumps.

Help me choose part 2 - The Winner

Thank you to everyone who left their vote and comment.

I originally went for the fuschia pair but unfortunately Dune didn't have any in a size 7 left :(

I went with my second choice.....

What do you think ?

Bye Bye Shoes

These are brand new with box from Dorothy Perkins. Sadly they are too big even with insoles, so I am letting them go.

If you are interested this is the listing

Keep on Running

Last week, I lost another 1lb which for another long week of work, overtime and no time for exercise isn't so bad.

Benefit Cosmetics

On sunday I found I had some spare time to visit debenhams in Bath.

I stopped off at the Benefit counter to have a look at some of the products I have been curious about.Until Sunday I had never used any Benefit products, I had always admired the pretty packaging and range of products from afar.

The young woman on the counter was really helpful and lovely. She was very happy to answer my questions,show me the products and give her recommendations. So for customer service I have to give Benefit 10/10.

I was able to try out the erase paste in shade 01.

benefit say This concentrated, creamy concealer brightens and camouflages in one easy step! Targets dark circles, discoloration and imperfections.

It went on easily, only a small amount was used and it didn't feel heavy on my skin. I originally thought that £18.50 for the size of the pot was very expensive but given how much you need I think it is a fair price.


Benefit You Rebel Lite

benefit say Our defiantly different tinted moisturizer gives your complexion coverage, moisture and SPF protection all in one. For fair-skinned rebels.

Like with the erase paste, less is definitely more and I think that a tube of this will last quite awhile so the price at £21.50 is reasonable. Another great thing about this product is that it has an SPF (15).

Then came Sugarbomb

benefit say swirl the 4 flattering shades of peach, soft plum, shimmering pink and rose powders together and sweep on cheeks for a sweet rush of gorgeous.

It gives such a lovely glow and the 4 shades work very well together without being too extreme.


The Porefessional

benefit say Quickly minimize the appearance of pores! Apply this silky, lightweight balm for translucent pore coverage and smoother-than-smooth skin. Pores... now you see 'em, now you don't!

I think this was my favourite product the results are great and it is well worth the £23.50.

 I will definitely be adding all these to my collection and I would love to try badgal lash and eye bright ( as I was never able to get any copies of glamour *sad face* )


What are your favourite benefit products ?

benefit can be purchased at
Asos
benefit
Boots
House Of Fraser

For other benefit reviews see
Leanne at donotrefreeze
Kim at Dottie K
Lauren at laurenlovesblog
May at maylovesmakeup

Images credits - Benefit website.

Help me choose !

I can't decide between these 4.Can you help me decide ?

All images taken directly from Dune

Shoe Is Art

This season Dune has dedicated its in-store autumn and winter 2010 Campaign to the theme of 'Shoe Is Art'. Taking its inspiration from cartoons, cubism and pop art. It's colourful and innovative display showcases the shoe in an original and visually exciting form.


Dune is offering artists and shoe fans alike the opportunity to create their own piece of art in their latest competition. The competition launched on Monday 27th September and will run until the Monday 8th November.

The art can be a painting, photograph, sculpture or any other form of art. You need to be at least 18 to join. There are three regional prizes to be won £1000 for each prize (each one will be included in the final judging) and the main prize is for £10,000.

The winners will also have their entries displayed in the window of the Flagship store in Covent Garden, London and other regional flagship stores across the UK.

To enter the competition you can submit your entry at the Dune Stores.

Send it to the head office address

Dune
9 Hatton Street
London
NW8 8PL

alternatively submit your entry via email shoeisart@dune.co.uk

for more details and full t&c's go to Dune

Good Luck!

What's In My Current MakeUp Bag ?

I've read quite a few post over the last few months about What in my bag and I thought I would create a post devoted to what is in my make up bag,so here it is.

Make up bag was a clinique freebie.

Clinique glosswear 313 Nude Nectar
Rock Face Minerals Sheer Clear Lipbalm
Soap & Glory's Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss Clear.
Mac's Amplified St Germain.
Mac's Paints Bare Canvas.
Dior Addict Plastic Gloss 464
Ruby & Millie Eye Brush
Tweezers
Mac's Era Satin Eye Shadow
Avon's Pro Colour & Gloss Lip Duo in Berry Luscious
Avon's Pro Colour & Gloss Lip Duo in Poppy love
Eyeko's Touch up & go concealer
Mac's Splashproof Lash in Blacksplash.
Dior Addict Plastic Gloss 854 Electrifying Red.

If you have done a post like this feel free to link it in the comments.


What's in your make up bag ?

Happy reading, stay pretty

Thanks

Come join the party....

I have decided to create a directory as one of my blog pages for Beauty and Fashion Bloggers.

If you would like to be listed please let me know and leave a comment with  your name, blog name, which category you wished to be listed against Beauty, Fashion or Beauty and Fashion and any other contact details you want listed like email or twitter.

Happy reading, stay pretty

Thanks

Rachelle

Sunday Shopping

Today I finally managed to get my mitts on Barry M's Pink Iridescent and it's sooooo pretty and I can't wait to get it on my nails and a NOTD up !!

I have been trying for weeks to get my hands on a bottle and today was my lucky day. It's not the only Barry M missing from my collection, the other elusive nail paint is Mushroom.

I have tried online and in boots and superdrug in several different towns and cities. The Barry M nail paint saga continues, stay tuned !

NOTD Posh Polish

Quick nail of the day post today, it's Eyeko's Posh Polish

It's a lovely shade and very versatile for work or going out.

Reviews on Eyeko's Posh Polish by my fellow beauty bloggers

Amy at Amy Antoinette
Kim at Dottie K
Laura at lollipop26writes.com
Chloe at Make-up Princess

Rock Face Minerals Review Part 1

I was lucky enough to receive some products from Emma at Rock Face Minerals. I was sent a range of products to review.

This review is devoted to the Natural Lip Balm I have been using the Sheer Clear Lip Balm for a few weeks now.

Rock Face Minerals say It's Made by hand, in small batches to order, these lipbalms are packed with lovely natural ingredients to pamper and condition your lips.

What's In My Natural Lip Balm ?

Contains coconut oil, grapeseed oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, aloe butter, candelilla wax

The Sheer Clear is one of two lip balms in the current range. The other is mauve a tinted lip balm

It is very easy to apply and there is no mess unlike alot of other lip balms that are packaged in pots.It's texture isn't too sticky and it has a pleasant,natural scent so your nose will be happy all day long!
After only a few days my lips were feeling more pampered.

The Lip Balm is compact and light,Ideal for your bag,dressing table or pocket.It's a steal at £5.00.


Other Rock Face Minerals Product Reviews

Big Fashionista
May at May Loves Makeup
Modesty Brown
Jemma at the beautiful news

For more of Rock Face Minerals

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