Model's Own Hyper Brite Lipstick review: Pink Hawaiian

I've just started wearing lipstick, and after the first nerve-wrecking application, I now feel fairly confident wearing it and can't wait to try more colours. Thus, during my standard lunch time browsing of Boots, my eye was straight away drawn to Models Own Hyperbrite lipsticks. Of the four colours [Orangeade, Flaming Red, Annalise's Pink and Pink Hawaiian], I was immediately drawn to Pink Hawaiian...still not sure if I'm quite brave enough for orange lips!

In the tube, I loved the look of it. Bright pink but with a slight coral tinge, rather than a cool toned Barbie pink that I think would look terrible on me [see the other Hyperbrite Lipstick, Annalise's Pink!) 

However, in reality, it looks completely different on to what's in the tube...

Classic hand swatch

Excuse the major bed hair...

I was quite disappointed in this. I absolutely love the colour in the tube, but on the lips I don't love it and it doesn't seem to be the 'Hyper Brite' shade it claims to be. The formula's odd too; though deemed 'Matte Hyper Brites' it really isn't matte at all! You can see the sheen of it in the photos, especially this close up

Though this means it's very comfortable to wear, and doesn't dry and clump on the lips like other matte lipsticks, it doesn't result in the look that I was after. With matte shades, I expect the coverage to be pretty opaque, but this was quite sheer. 

So there you go! Pretty disappointed with this, as I love Models Own for their nail varnish and hoped this lipstick would be as good. The colour wasn't what I was hoping for, but the wear time was pretty good [around 2 hrs] and it faded and left the lips stained a nice pink rather than cracking and clumping like other matte lipsticks. But really wasn't what I was after.

My watch: Michael Kors Dupe

This was a Christmas present from my lovely boyfriend. I have, like most other girls/ bloggers, long lusted for a Michael Kors watch, but the price tag has long put me off. And as my boyfriend is only interning at the moment felt I definitely couldn't be so selfish and demand he spend £200+ on me. I saw this French Connection one on a few websites and loved it, and thought it looked pretty similar to a Michael Kors one

The lovely box it came in

It came beautifully packaged, and looked even nicer than on the website. At £119 it's still not exactly a bargain, but still a great deal cheaper than the original! And at least 5 people now have commented on it thinking it's a M.K. one, so seems like a good dupe to me :)

NOTD: Hello Kitty tips

I saw this on a tumblr page a while ago, and as a devoted Hello Kitty enthusiast had to try it! And I really like how it cutesies up a boring french manicure: quirky elegance :)

With flash

Disappointing 'Beauty Classics'

As anyone who reads magazines or has an interest in beauty products knows, there are many items touted as being 'classic' or 'cult' products that we all must own. After purchasing one such product recently and being disappointed, I thought back to many items I've tried that have failed to live up to the hype.


Lipcote 

What they say: 'The original lipstick sealer and secret of lasting lipstick. A true beauty staple, transparent, quick drying Lipcote is specially formulated to perfect and protect every shade of lip colour for a smudge, feather and fade proof finish'

My thoughts: This has been around since the 50s, and is often stated to be a beauty essential. I've only just started wearing lipstick, and am still wary of smudging it all over my face so thought I'd give this classic a go. However I was not pleased: it smells like nail varnish, stings my lips despite them being in good condition and doesn't seem to make my lipstick last any longer despite following the instructions. Overall not impressed, and buying this is what prompted me to write this post 



OPI Nail Polish

What they say: 'From humble beginnings to global recognition and beyond...OPI nail lacquer sets the bar for performance and fashion'

My thoughts: Ok, this may be a tad unfair as I've only tried one OPI polish, the light grey Skull and Glossbones from the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' collection. However, I was not impressed with coverage and lack of opacity (if that's a word!) With cheaper light-coloured polishes you expect coverage to be a bit thin and streaky, and that multiple coats will be needed. But when paying premium prices, I thought that despite the light colour it would only take one or two coats to get great coverage. However, it took FOUR, and even then it still wasn't as opaque as I would've liked. I guess I can't write off all OPI products, maybe I just need to try out some darker colours.



Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream

What they say: 'The all-day, all-night, all-in-one beauty secret. This remarkable cream promotes healthy skin and seals in moisture'

My thoughts: I have tried this multiple times and have never been able to get to grips with it, despite it apparently being a 'holy grail' product for celebrities and make up artists. It's supposed to be a product with multiple uses (to help protect skin from the elements, to tame brows, soothe hands and skin, give skin a dewy sheen etc etc) but to me it just feels like extra thick petroleum, which I don't really want to spread all over my face. It can be used to soothe lips too, but didn't actually do a lot to heal my sore lips in winter- I'll stick with my Blistex thanks.



Lucas' Papaw Ointment

What they say: 'Lucas Papaw Ointment has a proud history spanning 100 years. It has anti- bacterial and antimicrobial properties'. 

The papaw plant used in the ointment was described by it's creator as "the world's greatest healing agent."

My thoughts: I think this is somewhat similar to E.A's 8 hour cream- a supposed life saving product that can be used for anything. AGAIN it disappointed me. It bangs on about how it's made from the papaw plant, and I was expecting it to have a nice fruity scent or taste, but no. Like E.A, this seems like glorified, extra thick petroleum, but is quite a bit more expensive than bog standard Vaseline. And it still doesn't heal sore lips like my beloved Blistex!  I've googled other random uses for it (someone recommended using it on lashes to help them grow thicker and even on spots, which I'm not so sure about!) so I shall trial some of these and see if I can get this to work for me 

 I know these products have thousands of devoted users, but they just didn't work for me; maybe it's my skin type or the way I apply them?  

Have you tried these, or been disappointed by any other beauty classics? 

NOTD: Galaxy nails

I know the whole galaxy trend is pretty old hat, but I always enjoyed seeing people's galaxy nails. Here's my attempt at galaxy nails...not totally happy with them, one to try again with some different polishes

With flash

The tutorial I used for mine is below, but it basically involves sponging on a load of different colours and glitters.

S/S 2013: Neon picks

Every Spring/ Summer the neon trend comes around, and I have always hated it WITH A PASSION. But this year I am a convert (as can be seen by my recent NOTD). Though I'm still not sure of the best way to pull off neon pieces, I've seen a few things that I am really tempted by, but might have to wait until this snowy patch blows over!

1. Skirt, £12. Boohoo. Wear with: a black cropped jumper, chunky gold chain and boots to toughen it up

2. Jumper, £38. Topshop. Wear with: leather leggings

3. Ankle socks, £3.50. Topshop. Wear with: high waisted shorts, crop top and high tops for a sporty/ 90s vibe

4. Bag, £18. Boohoo. Wear with: Anything! 

5. Jumper, £20. Boohoo. Wear with: Denim shorts or leggings 

6. Crop top, £15. Topshop. Wear with: I'm thinking white shorts or a skater skirt- but that outfit would definitely have to wait 'til Summer!


Think my new found love of neon is my subconscious wishing for sunnier days and the end of this dreary winter. And also because of it's tie-ins with the 90s trend which I'm also liking- hello Wildfox S/S look book!

Top Shop Mini- Haul

My recent purchases from Top Shop have been far too optimistic...though I love winter clothes I've already started thinking about Spring/ Summer 2013 and outfits :) Though with snow today and the cold front coming over from Russia, some of these outfits may not see the light of day for a while!

-

Denim Pinafore dress (£36) and grey crop top (£10): didn't buy both together to intentionally have an outfit but I think they work well together. I'm planning on wearing the dungaree dress with long sleeve crop tops and boots or creepers now while it's still cold, and I can imagine wearing it loads in summer with gladiator sandals

Green speckled dress (£26): this comes in a few different colours but I loved this one; unusual colour between bottle and teal green with little flecks in it. This is great for just chucking on with tights, boots and a fur stole

White cropped jumper (£30): I don't usually wear white as I think it washes me out, but with my new Kate Moss lipstick this looked great. Will wear with disco pants now and high waisted shorts in summer.


Seriously why am I thinking about summer so much already?!

I really want to begin doing outfit posts, however my camera isn't brilliant and I'm not in possession of a tripod. I was too embarrassed to ask my mum to take photos as don't think she'll really 'get' the blogging thing but I'm going to swallow my pride and just ask her :) I think when everyone starts out blogging they feel a bit embarrassed and like a total newbie, so hopefully it's