Accessorize Giveaway.

It's been a while since I had a giveaway so I thought I'd pop them up, especially as Lily has come across an easy way of doing it!

I was given these Accessorize goodies at an event, and as much as I wanted them, I have decided to give them away to my lovely readers as a thank you for following and reading my blog! I can't tell you how grateful I am, so thank you.

There is to be one winner, and you will win the above - two new perfumes, an eyeshadow palette, a mascara and a baked eyeshadow.



As always, terms and conditions apply:

- The giveaway closes at midnight on 10th July 2012
- You MUST follow my blog in some way, either via GFC (on the right in the sidebar) or on bloglovin' or subscribe to my YouTube channel
- You can gain extra entries (option within the below form)
- There will be ONE winner only.
- The winner will be chosen through the Rafflecopter form (below), only entries via this form will be accepted - you cannot enter via the comments.
- If the winner doesn't contact me within 7 days, I will select another winner.
- This is an international giveaway and is open to anyone.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Video: MAC Blush Collection.

Another MAC Collection video, this time my blusher collection. I've been meaning to film this for some time, so here it finally is!
Please subscribe and vote up! Let me know your thoughts in the YouTube comments (watch in YouTube to see descriptions and links to swatches and reviews of the products).

Thank you. xo.

Instaupdates #8 - Edinburgh & Glasgow.

OOTD; Dinner in Glasgow; Jordan & I; Cocktails at Miros Edinburgh; Mexican dinner; OOTN; Jordans outfit; Olympic Rings in Edinburgh; Smoochies; Hotel mirror shot; cracking open the bubbly; Jordan & I; Fleetwood Mac; Jordan; breakfast in Edinburgh; silly faces; birthday cupcakes; my face; Jordan & Barney; Birthday meal; hitting the wine; birthday lunch; Jordan in his new shirt; champagne birthday breakfast; homemade chili & chorizo nachos; matching socks; Jordan & Marley; tapas.

Last Wednesday I travelled up to Glasgow to see my boyfriend for a little break and his birthday. We went to Edinburgh on Friday for the night and went out for dinner at a little Mexican on Rose Street called Miros Cantina which was amazing! We had frozen margaritas and a little Mexican feast - it was seriously delicious, everyone should check this place out! We were able to sit outside which was so nice, just the right temperature and very peaceful. 

After dinner we had a little wander around Edinburgh, I got my photo taken with the Olympic rings on the hill! I love Edinburgh, it's such a pretty place. 

We spent the next day in Edinburgh, having a shop. I bought Jordan some birthday cupcakes from Bibis on Hanover St - the flavours there are chocolate caramel, blueberry, banoffee, Oreo, chocolate cheesecake and red velvet. They were actually amazing! A nice change from a typical birthday cake (although there was one of them too!).

For Jordans birthday on Sunday we got up and had champagne, bacon butties and chocolate fondue (with strawberries and marshmallows) for breakfast - Jordan turned 25 so we had an excuse to celebrate! We then had more cake and champagne for lunch and I took him out for a boozy lunch in the West End which was incredible! The food and wine was so so good. 

I planned a little surprise for Jordans birthday with all his friends at night which was awesome fun. Going out in Glasgow is great fun, we went to Driftwood and Bamboo on this particular occasion as it was a Sunday but the music was good and everyone we love was out with us.

Yesterday was spent being hungover, we went to Cafe Andaluz near George Square for tapas which were incredible! One of the best tapas restaurants I have been to - there's one in Edinburgh too.

That night we made homemade nachos with chili and fried chorizo, one of the best dishes I've made! We completely devoured it. 

I'm really pleased that we tried a few new restaurants this time rather than frequenting the usual haunts. I had an amazing time and it was great to have a break with my boyfriend and spoil him on his birthday.

NOTE: I'm gh0stparties on Instagram.

Review: Real Techniques Brushes #2.

Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush - £6.99

Real Techniques Setting Brush - £6.99

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - £9.99

I've blogged about the Real Techniques brushes before, but I recently got the three new brushes and wanted to share my thoughts. I think I have every brush from the collection now, including two Stippling brushes, who kind of sums up my thoughts about Real Techniques. I adore everything about them, the colours, the handles, the brushes themselves... (oh and I love Sam Chapman and Pixiwoo!).

I don't really wear eyeliner, apart from a small amount under my eyes (usually MAC Groundwork Paint Pot) and the Fine Liner brush has been perfect for this. It's allows such precise application of eyeliner, I used it with a gel liner today and I was so pleased at the results. It also means I can get in between my eyelashes to give my eyes a bit of definition. If you're hunting down an eyeliner brush, then this is for you.

I was really looking forward to trying the Setting brush as I wear highlighter daily and I find my blush brush is slightly too big for this. The Setting brush means cream or powder highlighters can be applied so easily, and this is usually what I use this brush for. The best thing about the Real Techniques brushes is that they are SO versatile, one minute I'll be using the Pointed Foundation Brush (in the Core Collection) for concealer and then I'll find it works great for powder under the eyes. I've also heard MUA Wayne Goss uses the Kabuki brush for foundation, who knew!

The Expert Face Brush was the brush I was most looking forward to trying, as many have said that it rivals the Buffing Brush (Core Collection) for foundation. I actually have been using the Expert Foundation brush for powder, it's especially good for getting in to areas around the nose and giving a flawless finish. I do love this for foundation too, it provides such a quick and flawless way to apply foundation. I'm looking forward to using this with cream blusher too.

I hope Sam Chapman brings out more Real Techniques brushes soon as they are my favourites. They are so affordable and incredible quality. They're easy to clean and still feel silky soft after washing.

What are your favourite Real Techniques brushes?

Review: ghd Black Gloss IV Styler.

ghd Black Gloss IV Styler - £99 *

Let me start by saying I've had my last set of ghds for almost 7 years, they still work perfectly fine. They have been everywhere with me, they've moved with me countless times over the years and I adore them. I remember being 13 or 14 and desperately wanting a pair, and the moment I finally got them for my 15th birthday. Although my old set work fine (my Dad had to change the plug once, good old Dad) I was worried about the day they were going to break due to the amount of travelling they do, so when I was offered a pair to review, I couldn't say no. 

I love the packaging of my new ghds, so sleek and stylish! I also love that over the years, the price has remained the same - I'm almost certain they used to be the same price 7 years ago! 

I have nothing but good things to say about ghds, they really are the only set of straighteners out there for me. I have straight hair anyway, but I use them to wave and curl my hair. The new pair are easier to use than my last pair, which looking back now, did drag my hair slightly (probably due to age). I find the new pair glide through my hair and therefore, create an effortless wave or curl. 

The new functions are great also, the beep when they heat up (remarkably quick!) is so helpful and the sleep mode takes a weight off my mind. 

Overall, these are the only straighteners I would recommend, they are incredible quality and last so long. 

What are your thoughts on ghds? 

Review: Phyto Clarifying Detox Shampoo.

Phyto Clarifying Detox Shampoo - £10.50

I mentioned this little wonder in my most recent video but I've never actually blogged about it. This is a detox shampoo which deeply cleanses the hair of oil and product build up. I have quite fine, limp hair and I used to have to wash my hair daily or it was disgusting, but now I've discovered this product I can go up to three days before I have to wash it again. 

I prefer this to the Bumble + Bumble Sunday Shampoo, although this may just be because my hair needed a change of shampoo as it so often does, but I do find my hair is left thoroughly cleansed and really fluffy after I use the Detox shampoo and I don't use as much product. 

I really like the Phyto products and this is such a great product for anyone who is finding their hair is getting dirty quicker and the time between washes lessens. I use this once a week, usually on Sunday as that's my pamper day, and then use a volumising shampoo around Wednesday, so I'm really only washing my hair two or three times a week - compared to every day as it used to be. 

It's a little more expensive than most shampoos but I won't be using it as often and I know it leaves my hair in amazing condition and feeling thoroughly cleansed so I will definitely be repurchasing. I can't believe how cleansed my hair is after use and how clean it looks for days without washing. 

What are your favourite Phyto products? 

Review: Clarins Liquid Bronze Facial Tanner.

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning For face & Décolleté - £17.50

I'm not big on tanning, I quite like being fair and I find fake tanning hard to keep up. I do like a bit of colour on my face, so for the last two Summers I have been using Clarins Liquid Bronze (please note they have changed the packaging recently, this had me very confused!) on my face and neck to give me a subtle glow.

I don't use any other tanning product on my face, as this area takes in more product so if you're using a tanning product for your body, it's likely it will end up darker on your face (compared to your body). Clarins Liquid Bronze gives a really subtle glow, without looking uneven or dirty.

I use this a few times a week, I used to use my hands but I find using a cotton pad gives a more even finish as the consistency of this product is quite thin and milky. I use it after my moisturiser (sometimes before I don't think it matters too much), in either the morning or the evening and I love the subtle, healthy glow it gives my skin.

If you're worried about applying a self tan to your face, then I would go for Liquid Bronze. It's really subtle and won't leave you looking orange or a different colour from your body. I've never had any problems with it streaking or going in my hairline and I find it's really easy to use - I've actually never had this go wrong (apart from one time when I first got it, I left a considerable gap from my hairline and face and had a pale streak around my hairline - hot).

I find the bottle does last well, although it's hard to say as I use this most in Summer and only occasionally in Winter (twice a month maybe) but I do think it's worth paying a bit more as I use less foundation and look a lot healthier after using Liquid Bronze.

What are your favourite Clarins products? 

Daily Makeup #4.

YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation *, NARS Sheer Glow (mixed in), Clarins Bronzing Duo in 02, MAC Springsheen blush, MAC Era & Honesty Eyeshadows, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, Collection Brown Gel Eyeliner, Eyeko Fat Brush Mascara, MAC Reel Sexy Lipstick

My go to look at the moment is quite simple, I'm mixing foundations at the moment as YSL is a little bit fair... or it could be my imagination as I'm pretty fair too! I will be doing a full review on this soon, but I wanted to review it near the release date. 

I've stopped wearing eyeliner apart from a little under my eyes, but even this is a little too heavy! Usually I wear none, as I just seem to look better without it. I tweeted about this recently and the response I got was huge, hundreds of tweets but a completely divided opinion on whether girls thought they looked better with or without eyeliner!

As you can see, I'm still loving MAC Reel Sexy lipstick and the Clarins bronzer! What are your thoughts? 

Video: MAC Lipstick Collection.

I finally filmed my MAC lipstick collection video, after quite a few people requested it. If you could open the video in YouTube to view description & subscribe I would be very happy!

Any video requests would be appreciated too. x

Sunday Update #5.

I had aimed to get some posts drafted as I'll be away from Wednesday to Thursday (it's Jordans birthday so I'm off to Glasgow and we're going to Edinburgh!) but I've actually had the laziest weekend! It's really not like me at all to do nothing at the weekend but there you go!
I've got in to a new series called Revenge and I'm hooked. I don't have the attention span to watch films so TV series are the only way for me as they're shorter, has anyone else been watching this? Fashion blogger Ashley is in it, she's done so well! I absolutely adore her in this, everything she wears is gorgeous.

I've got a few videos coming up on my channel this week, I had aimed to film another today but meh I got lazy and then I couldn't really think of what to film. Hopefully I'll get another one finished tomorrow after work.

Tonight is mainly trying to catch up with blogging and try and remain calm before my little trip to Glasgow. It feels like ages since I've seen Jordan (literally not even two weeks) and I'm so excited about heading back to the home country.

Has everyone had a lovely weekend? *Excuse my makeup free face above.

Ten Stories.

Bralet - Topshop

Skirt - H&M

Shirt - ASOS

Necklace - H&M

Cheeks - Clarins Bronzing Duo (*)

Lips - MAC Watch Me Simmer

I'm really loving bralets at the moment, but in true gh0stparties style I've dressed it down with this denim shirt. I don't like being too overdressed and prefer a more casual look. I also don't fancy baring too much flesh! 

Once again I've gone for my Clarins Bronzing Duo which I adore! I often use a little bit of a pink blush like Topshop Pinch creme blush to give me a flush, but I love the bronzing duo on it's own also.

I've uploaded another video on my channel, which you can see here. It's a haul video and I've not done one of these in so long! I've got another couple coming this next week too so make sure you subscribe!

Any video recommendations? 

Hideaway.

Shirt - ASOS
Disco Pants - American Apparel 

Cardigan - Topshop (old)

Necklace - New Look

Lipstick - Sleek Peaches & Cream

I cannot put these Disco Pants down! I've actually hardly worn them recently but I love this denim shirt (it's actually quite long and I've tied it myself) and I like how this outfit came together. 

This cardigan goes with everything, I'm not sure what I'll do when I have to throw it out. 

I wore this outfit in my Favourite Foundations video, if you haven't seen already. I'm off for the rest of the week from tomorrow so I'll be mainly filming/blogging so if anyone has any requests, please let me know!

Really getting in to this whole YouTube thing. 

What are your thoughts on Disco Pants?

Video: Favourite Foundations.

I have a rather large foundation collection so in this video I've narrowed down my favourite ones and explained why I like them. Please subscribe and let me know your thoughts!
Open in YouTube and I will get back to you via YT comments if you have any questions :)

Thank you. xo.

Review: Clarins Bronzing Duo Mineral Powder Compact.

Clarins Bronzing Duo SPF 15 Mineral Powder Compact in 02 - £26 *

I was lucky enough to receive the new Clarins Summer Makeup Collection which I will be posting about very soon, but I couldn't resist telling you all about my new favourite product which is in the collection. I have been wearing the Bronzing Duo in 02 for the last few days and I'm completely obsessed.

If you know me, you will know I'm absolutely blush obsessed, this is only the third bronzer I own (compared to hundreds of blushers!) so for me to have been converted over to the dark side (lol) is quite a big deal.

This blusher really gives such a gorgeous flush of colour (see it on me here) and a brilliant glow, it applies so easily and really changes my whole look. I mix the two shades together and apply with my Topshop blush brush and I'm so pleased with the results, such a subtle, luminous glow.
I love this with a nude/peachy lip and minimal eye makeup, it's a really lovely summer look.

What do you think of Clarins makeup?

See No Evil.

Skull Tshirt - ZARA

Shorts - ASOS

Collar - H&M

Cheeks - Clarins Bronzing Duo *
Lips - NARS Bolero (review here)

It's been a long time since I've uploaded an outfit post! I just haven't been in the mood/concentrating on YouTube and beauty stuff but I know people like to see outfits sometimes and it's good to mix things up. 

I love this little outfit, I think I might wear it out for my boyfriends birthday in Glasgow in two weeks, as it's probably more of a going out outfit for me! This little peach shorts are so cute and go with everything! I've linked to everything above - this whole outfit was an absolute steal (the shorts were £18 and the top £15.99!).

I am in love with this new Clarins Bronzing Duo I've received, I never really wear bronzer but this is heavenly and I can't wait to blog about the Summer Makeup Collection which this is part of. 

Finished off with my token messy hair.

I've been busy filming YouTube videos lately (here is my channel) and getting posts ready on here. If anyone has any requests, please let me know! 

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. xo. 

Video: Favourite Blushers.

I finally got together a video on my favourite blushers! As always, please subscribe and watch in YouTube to see the full description.

Enjoy. xo.

Review: Percy & Reed Hair Royal Highness.

Percy & Reed Hair Royal Hairness Travel Pack - £24 *

I got this surprise little package delivered to my door just as I was packing to go to Scotland for the Jubilee weekend, so it was excellent timing! I absolutely adore this selection of products and the Jubilee theme. 

Percy and Reed are a brand I've been meaning to try for some time and I can honestly say they have won me over with this travel size set - it's to die for! Included in the set is travel sizes of Splendidly Silky Moisturising Shampoo & Conditioner, Frightfully Firm Session Hold Hairspray, No Fuss Flawlessness Dry Conditioner, Smoothed Sealed & Sensational Volumising No Oil Oil for fine hair and Abundantly Bouncy Volumising Mousse. Basically everything you will ever need to take away with you!
I have flat, fine hair so this set was perfect for me, everything a girl needs to give big hair. 

I've not tried all the products yet, but so far my favourites are the No Oil Oil for Fine Hair, which is a beautiful product that gives volume and tames frizz without the greasy feeling afterwards. I also love the hairspray and I can't wait to try the mousse and dry conditioner. 

Overall, this is the perfect little kit for going away. I absolutely adore the theme, the packaging and the products and I'm completely sold on Percy and Reed. 

What do you think of the kit? 

Casetagram.

Casetagram - $34.95 (~£23)

I've had an iPhone 4S since it came out last year but never really had a cover for it. I wanted something personal and something I'd stick with and nothing appealed to me until I found Casetagram, a customised iPhone case made from your Instagram photos that you design yourself.  I'm a big Instagram user (my username is gh0stparties) and I tend to take a lot of personal pictures of me, my boyfriend and our friends when we're out, rather than using my SLR so this really appealed to me. 

I haven't seen this done before and it's literally something I stumbled upon and liked the idea of so I went ahead and planned my case. It cost $34.95 (roughly £23) including shipping and came within two weeks, and I'm so pleased with the result. It's really well done and personal, and the price is great for the quality.
You will never find anyone with the same design and you can fully customise it.
I chose pictures of things I like, photos of Jordan and I and my friends and I love how it came out. 

I'd absolutely recommend this, it's such a great idea and a really personal way to make your phone look cute and keep it safe. I'll probably make another one in 6months when I have some more memories, as my best friend has been away travelling since I've had Instagram so I feel bad that he isn't on it! I also want to try out another of the designs. 

What do you think of my Casetagram? Do you think you would try this out?