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Lucy's Naked 3 Palette Review (Guest Post)

Friday 28 February 2014

'Choose from every finish imaginable: ultra-smooth mattes, gorgeous pearls and glimmering metallics. From the palest shimmery pink to deep, warm black, these neutrals will make you want to get Naked all over again. Every shade features our Pigment Infusion System, the proprietary blend of ingredients that gives each shade its velvety texture, rich colour, serious staying power and blendability.' 

Hey! So, my Naked 3 palette from Urban Decay has arrived. When I heard it was coming out, I knew I had to have it in my collection of all 3 naked palettes (obsessed? I think so). I was excited to try it out because it seemed like the colours were everything I'd look for in a neutral palette, more so than the Naked 1 & 2 which I use religiously. The rose gold theme of the palette is also going to be perfect for the Christmas party season!

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I'm really happy with the never-before-seen new colours in the palette. I love that there is a range of light shimmer shades but also matte colours which are perfect for blending in the crease. There is also a couple of dark colours which are good for transitioning from everyday makeup into an effortless night time look. The shadows appear to give a much more velvety and smooth finish on the lid, with barely any fall out. All colours blend well with each other and are easy to work with the double-ended shadow brush that comes free in the set. 
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It was also a nice surprise that the palette came with 4 large samples of the Urban Decay Primer Potion in sin, eden, anti-ageing and original. I've had the original primer potion a few times before and swear by it when wanting your eye makeup to have longer staying power!

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I've noticed there has been some speculation about whether the palette is worth buying and if the colours are actually any different to Naked 1 and 2. The colours are similar in the sense that they are all neutral, however I notice the differences in the palettes hugely ranging from quality, colour and overall finish. Urban Decay never fails to impress me with their Naked collection, love it!

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Michelle's Nail Varnish Review (Guest Post)

Wednesday 26 February 2014

Hi Guys! My name is Michelle from Thou Shalt Not Covet and I'll be guest posting today for Courtney! I'm a bit of a nail polish addict and I'm always on the hunt for new colours. I also think every girl should own a red polish, and I'm so pleased as I've just found my prefect red! I have quite pale skin so certain shades don't really suit me, and I've been struggling to find just the right shade. I've recently discovered Max Factor Glossfinity in Red Passion, it's exactly right for me! This polish is absolutely gorgeous and only takes two coats for full opacity. The brush is a good size and easy to use, and the polish is a great consistancy for easy application. If you're looking for the prefect red polish this season I'd definitely recommend this! 
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max factor red passion
I hope you enjoyed my post! You can find more fashion, beauty, jewellery and lifestyle posts on my blog here, I'm also holding a giveaway to win an Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette so be sure to check that out! :) Michelle xxx

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You loved me back to life

Monday 24 February 2014

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Jumper: Boutique

I love this jumper, i love this jumper, i love this jumper. How pretty is it, with it's cute tiger/lion print on the front. It's a great fluffy and warm jumper and it looks great too, so all in all it's more or less the perfect jumper. It sits really nicely too which is always a plus. I thought i'd wear this with a lilac skirt, and i think it creates a fabulous outfit, it really makes the print on the jumper stand out and become more eye catching. I didn't really think the outfit needed jewellery as the print on the jumper is enough and i didn't want to over power the outfit.
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Megan's Beauty Wishlist (Guest Post)

Saturday 22 February 2014

Hey everyone! 
Courtney approached me about doing a guest post for her and so what with Christmas fast approaching and practically EVERY ONE OF US terrified about that prospect, I'd thought I'd do a little Christmas Beauty Wishlist ;) I'm really not looking forward to Christmas just because of DEADLINES. I'm sure plenty of you feel the same so let's just forget about that for a minute and look at pretty things...

1. Paul & Joe Eye & Cheek colour cat set in Bronze - I'll come right out and say that yes, this is mainly on here for that cat bag, but I do love Paul & Joe products as well, so win/win :)
2. Faux Gemstone Mirror Compact - I'm forever asking for someone's mirror, running off to the loos or using my front camera to make sure my lipstick isn't halfway up my face so I'm in desperately need of a cute little mirror!
3. Colour Change Nail Polish - I was always obsessed with those mood rings when I was little and now I can have it on my nails, this is technological progression people!
4. Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer - Well this is just damn gorgeous and I need it in my cat make up bag ;)

1. MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam Original - MAC is re-releasing their original Viva Glam from 1994, don't get much more 90s than that.
2. ELF Glitter nail polish - I'm definitely on a glitter tip at this time of year, I can't help myself. This polish has small flecks which always look better than the chunky ones. 
3. Topshop Glitter Hair Paste - Ever since I saw glitter eyebrows on the catwalk here I've been dying to try them out! I think they'd be a fab way to do something a bit drastic and different with your make up for say a night club but hey, if you wanna rock it to a lecture that's cool too :)
4. Real Techniques Brush Set - I'm yet to try Real Techniques Brushes but this looks like a great little set to start off with.

What have you got on your beauty wishlists?

                                                  Twitter Instagram - Tumblr - Bloglovin  



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Lucy's Bath Must Haves (Guest Post)

Thursday 20 February 2014


Hi CourtzMelz readers, Lucy here. I run the beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog Louminous and the lovely Courtney has asked me to do a guest post for her. I hope you enjoy!

I'll be talking about my favourite body scrubs, when I use them and what for. I think scrubs are a super important step in maintaining beautifully glowing and healthy skin. The action of using a scrub gets the circulation going which is great in these cold winter months and this increased blood flow also plumps up the skin, making it look better all round! So here are my top 4 picks for beautiful skin...

Boots Extracts Cocoa Butter Sugar Scrub AKA 'The Moisturising One'
Now I got my hands on this at a fete/festival as a women was selling it off new for only £3, bargain. It smells absolutely delicious - like chocolate and vanilla - but the scent isn't too sickly. I find this to be a really effective scrub and it really gets rid of any dry areas or flaky skin. The main feature of this product for me though is the rich and creamy balm that surrounds the scrub. It is incredibly nourishing on dry skin and leaves a coat of moisturiser that can be worked further into the skin after your bath or shower. However, due to the film it leaves on the skin, it isn't brilliant pre-shave. That leads me onto my next scrub...

H2O+ Black Sand Body Scrub AKA 'The Tough One'
Don't be put off my its tough exterior, this is a fantastic pre-shave body buffing wonder. It has some serious clout when it comes to getting rid of any dry skin and ingrown hairs which makes it fabulous for achieving super smooth pins. Even on my sensitive skin this is fantastic, although I would restrict its use to the legs and behind, possibly backs of arms. But not any of the more sensitive areas like underarms or bikini line as it may be a little harsh. Now if you need a bit of an underarm scrub why not try...

Soap & Glory Scrub Actually AKA 'The All Rounder'
You can't talk about scrubs without including a little of the ol' S&G (in this case two of their lovely products.) Scrub Actually is a great all over scrub for when you haven't got time to do a full on routine with lots of different products. It is from their deliciously scented pink range and has Kukui oil, mango butter and vitamin E to nourish the skin. It also doesn't leave a layer on the skin so you don't have to work any excess in like the Boots one.

and last but not least...

Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Scrub AKA 'The Traveler'
A little something to finish off with in case any of you are planning a trip away for Christmas. (Side Note: Its only a month away!) With the same scent as above, this miniature version of their body scrub is fantastic for travel. Scrubby, moisturising and no shaving gel required. It leaves you feeling super clean, soft and smelling lovely.

So there you have it. A round up of all the best body scrubs and when is best to use them. Thank you for reading and thank you to Courtney for the opportunity!

You can find me over at www.louminous.com or on twitter @lucylouminous.
Please do come and say hello! 

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Away with the dragonflies

Tuesday 18 February 2014

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Cardigan & Top: Topshop

I recently purchased this oversized dragonfly print tee from Topshop and i love it. Considering it's an oversized top, it can be worn over a pair of leggings and create a nice, yet simple look. I've decided to wear this lovely tee with a pastel pink cardigan, which is oh so snug. I've had this cardigan for a couple years and it's still in good shape and i love the colour of it, definitely one of my favourite colours. I'm also wearing this lilac skirt which i think looks great with the tee and cardigan. The cardigan and the skirt really compliment eachother and allows the dragonfly to stand out, showing the print on the tee really well.

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Abbie's Mascara Review (Guest Post)

Sunday 16 February 2014




Hello! 
I'm Abbie and I'm from Kittens in Top Hats. I'd like to say a massive thank you to Courtney for asking me to guest post. I've been blogging for well over a year now and this is my first time doing this so I hope it goes ok! I blog about beauty, fashion and a few lifestyle posts in between. 

I am obsessed with make up. Plain and simple. So today I am going to be reviewing Maybelline's The One by One Volum' Express mascara.  

Packaging
This mascara comes in a red tube with a metallic blue bit in the middle between the tube and the lid. The packaging is the same shape as a few other Maybelline mascara's and it also has the de-clumping segment inside the tube too which I like. The wand is really easy to use and handle. It helps that it is made out of rubber so it is bendier so you can get into the corners of your eyes easier. 
Price
The price may differ slightly depending on whereabouts you get it from. I picked this one up in Superdrug for £7.99 a few months ago now. 
The wand is an oval shape with the bristles starting from the corners starting smaller to the middle of the wand and they are at the longest. 

Each row of bristles are spaced out to the next one to help coat the lashes evenly without them clumping together. 


Close up of the wand. Sometimes not all the mascara comes off of the want and I simply de clump it by tapping the remainder onto the top of the mascara tube. 
Close up of the wand. 'Scuse the cotton wool fluff on the end I was cleaning it! 

Make up free selfie ah!

I had no make up on at all for this. Here is my eye. 

A close up of my eye. 
And another to show there isn't a scrap of make up on my face.

To show the best results I have applied two coats to my left eye and left my right eye bare for the time being to show the difference between the mascara and no make up.
Ta da!  Two coats of mascara later and I have lovely, long voluminous eyelashes! 


I think this photo best shows the difference between the mascara and the make up free lashes. The mascara gives my lashes a lovely curl to them too.

Another close up of my lashes and eye. 

With my eyes closed you can see the difference in lash length and colour. Towards the outer corner of my eye you can see where my lashes have clumped together slightly. To get rid of clumped lashes, I use a clean mascara brush and comb through my lashes which usually helps to get them how I like. 

Pros of this product:
It's very pigmented and rich in colour helping to give a really deep black colour. 
It defines and lengthens lashes. 
Adds volume.
Has a de-clumping tube so the wand shouldn't get too clogged up. 
Rubber wand makes it easier to use and also the oval shape of the wand helps to reach all the lashes and get into the corners of your eyes.
Great value for money.
I like the colours of the packaging too.
Lasts all day. 
Doesn't flake off. 
Only needs two layers. 
Removes easily too!

Cons of this product:
I seem to get a lot of product on the brush which I don't like. I have to dab the excess onto the top of the tube. 
Like most mascaras, the more coats the thicker and clumpier the lashes look. With this mascara I'd recommend two coats. As the mascara is quite thick and gloopy anyway the more coats you add the more likely it is your lashes will stick together. 


I'd definitely recommend this mascara! After using Benefit's They're Real for a while I wasn't sure I'd find anything quite like that one but I must say I think they're on par with each other and would probably choose Maybelline over Benefit not only because of the price but I have got on a lot better with this mascara. 

Thanks again Courtney, and thank you for reading! Love A x







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Lizzie's Exercise Wear Wishlist (Guest Post)

Friday 14 February 2014

Hello lovelies, So, I have heard of the brand Sweaty Betty before, but I have never had the time to actually browse the website. Thankfully the lovely Courtney, has allowed me to do a guest post on her gorgeous blog! So I thought it would be an appropriate post to do a wishlist especially as Christmas is knocking around the corner. I must warn you Sweaty Betty is on the more pricey size but their apparel is extremely cute, looks like it is built to last and suited to any type of sporting activity. Now I don't know about you, but I feel more motivated and excited to do exercise when I have really cute sports clothing - as if you look good, then it will be easier to feel good! My favourite picks (below) is a composition of items that really caught my eye because of the colours, patterns or structure. 
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 So if you like workout or just dress girly whether at the gym, the park or skiing, visit Sweaty Betty! Until next time lovelies Lizzie xxxx 
 Ps. you can find me on:
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