Pastel Perfection: No 7 'Pinky Pure' & LILIFI Purple Clutch Purse

Despite the Winter weather we have had over the last week, I am focusing on the fashion business in hand: Spring/Summer 2012's penchant for pastels. Most of the clothes in my closet, tend to be either monochrome, or strong colours such  as blue and red. I don't really tend to buy many pastel items. And that seems to translate into my beauty purchases too.

However, what became clear from the Spring/Summer 2012 Collections, is that pastels are definitely having a moment. From the pastel perfection of Louis Vuitton, to the style sweet-shop that is Mulberry's Spring/Summer campaign, pastels were everywhere. So, I decided that it was time I introduced some pastels into my closet and my beauty look.

Louis Vuitton S/S 2012

Mulberry S/S 2012

First up, was this gorgeous clutch purse from LILIFI. In addition to looking rather lovely, it is also really practical, as there are enough compartments to hold all your cards, cash, passport and phone.

When it came to beauty, I opted for a pastel pink nail polish (No 7 'Pinky Pure'), as opposed to my usual stronger colours. I did wonder whether this might be a bit too girlie for me. However, I really liked the colour once it was on. The polish applied really smoothly, and two coats gave full coverage.

The next step on my road to pastel perfection? To introduce more pastel shades into my closet. Watch this space!

So will you be trying out pastel shades this season? Or will you be wearing brighter colours?

Mini Blog Sale: Nail Polishes (Nails Inc; Essie; No 7; Leighton Denny; Bourjois; Ciate)

I am having a bit of a clearout to make way for some new Autumn Winter purchases, so I have decided to have a mini blog sale. Most of the items are unused. Where I have used the product at all I have stated clearly how much has been used.

Here is the boring bit, before we get to the beauty products:

1. Please leave your comment below letting me know which item you are interested in, together with your email address. I will then send you an email regarding payment (Paypal only). Please note that I would like you to select the gift option when paying via Paypal in order that no fees are applied.
2. All of the items are as shown. If you have a particular question about an item, please feel free to ask.
3. I will not accept returns so please make sure you check swatches online etc. before buying.
4. Standard postage for the UK will be £1.50 for one item. If you buy more than one item it will only be an additional 50p per extra item.

Essie - Great Expectations - Unused - £2.50

No 7 - 90s Pink Slip - Used once - £2.00

Leighton Denny Double Up Duo - Yellow Brick Road - Used x3 - £3.50

Nails Inc - Elle/North Row - Unused - £2.00

Bourjois So Laque Ultra Shine - Magenta Show - Unused - £2.50

Ciate - Wait Until Dark - Used Once - £2.00

Essie - No Boundaries - Used Once - £2.00

Nails Inc - Caramel - Never Used - £2.50

Guest Post: The "No Makeup Makeup" Look

I was really pleased when I discovered that the lovely Emily a.k.a 'Shopgirl' over at Sugar and Spice was a Cardiff-based blogger. While I love a great style blog wherever it is based, it's nice to see someone local blogging, and I like it when they reference local events and place. So without further ado, here is Emily's great post on achieving the much sought after "no makeup makeup" look:

When the boy commented recently that there was not much difference between my made up face and my no make-up face, I took it as a complement and to mean that I had nailed the "no make-up" make-up look.

For work, I don’t like to go too over the top with my make-up. I like to look professional and together but not as if I am about to hit the town.

Boots No 7’s new Lash Adapt mascara is the perfect starting point for this look as it allows you to add more coats to your lashes if you are planning to go straight from the office to the bar but one coat is enough for the "no make-up" make-up look we are trying to achieve here.

I like a good base for my make-up but nothing too heavy – mainly because I hate the way it feels when anyone cakes the foundation on me. So I start by liberally applying Olay’s Radiant Glow moisturiser. I leave it to absorb into my face while I dry my hair and then I apply a little Instant Radiance Concealer under my eyes and Tinted Moisturiser over the rest of my face. It creates a lovely even tone with just enough of a dewy glow.

I find that cream blusher blends easily, giving a natural flush.

For my eyes, I line with a brown liner – keeping black for night-time. I’ve just tried out Boots No 7’s Autumn Collection double ended liner which has an ivory pencil at one end to highlight the inside corner of the eye too and naturally open it up a little.

For my day-time look, I swear by No 7’s Stay Perfect eye shadow in Mink . It goes with everything and if you plan to go from the office to the bar you can use it as a base for blending other coloured shadows into.

Finally, I like to finish off with a little lick of lipstick. The best natural colour I have found – which also looks great when balancing out a heavy smoky eye at night-time – is the Moisture Drench lipstick in Rumour .

And yes, before you ask, I am a massive No 7 fan. I stray occasionally but am always brought back – mainly because of the £5 vouchers Boots are always offering – and the quality of the product!

What is your day time make-up look?

******************************************************************************

Lou Lou says: Thank you Emily. I love a beauty bargain and will definitely be trying out some of these products. Purely in the name of blog research of course!