nars blusher in deep throat

NARS Blusher in Deep Throat

Some of the NARS names definitely don't leave a lot to the imagination do they? You saucepot Francois you! I do feel a little bit risque writing the name out but I adore it and want to feature it - such is life! Deep Throat is a pretty coral pink with much softer gold glitter pieces than Super Orgasm. It's quite similar to the original Orgasm blush just much less softer in tone and pigment - but it's definitely from the same colour family. I find that it's absolutely perfect on my skin and can be built up wonderfully to get a rosy glow.

It's very softly milled and will last for a real long time as you don't really need a lot to get a good wash of colour, even if you do go for a pale glow or a built up statement cheek. Even though it's a shimmer shade it's not horrifically shimmery, and just a delicate sprinkling of the gold glitter pieces falls onto your cheeks. I know so many of you are divided by NARS packaging but I love it, I adore the little rubber casing - I think it's slick, stylish and pretty. It does get a bit rough around the edges quickly but I still absolutely adore it. I feel like it doesn't look loved if it's not a bit rough around the edges - bit like a good pair of Converse, much better when not pearly white! I think this shade is a fantastic starter shade if you don't own anything else from NARS and want to try a blusher, because it's not as coral as Orgasm and not as intense as Super Orgasm. The pink undertones running through the coral means it's soft and will suit pretty much every girl. Of course it's perfect on us paleys too!

NARS Deep Throat blusher retails for £21 at NARS Cosmetics online and in House of Fraser, Space NK, Harvey Nichols and John Lewis stores across the UK.

What do you think of Deep Throat? Do you cringe a little bit when you look at the NARS blusher names like me? Do you love this shade or is there another NARS blush that captivates your heart more?

Love, Zozo 

x

Disclaimer: NARS Deep Throat blusher was a PR sample given to me free for consideration but it doesn't stop the name being any more naughty! Scandal!

once like a spark

| jumper: topshop | shirt: zara | disco pants: american apparel | shoes: new look |
| nails: models own in hedonist (hed kandi range |

So I know i've been harping on about disco pants for what seems like forever now but I finally bit the bullet and got a pair last weekend! Sorry for the weird shot of my crotch above but I wanted to show just how amazingly flattering they are! They suck in every lump and bump and are thick enough to hold it all into place. I know they're really expensive (they're £70) but I honestly believe they're worth it. I really adore mine and I know they're going to last a really long time. My shirt is from Zara and has been talked about quite a lot recently - I first saw it when I was in Barcelona and absolutely fell head over heels for it then but just couldn't justify the price tag. I saw it in Westfield last Sunday for some reason marked down to £39.99 - i'm still not sure if it was an error or what, it was the only one shirt there! So I grabbed it and ran to the till! So lucky it was in my size and everything - definitely destiny.

Now, that jumper. Look how insanely colourful it is! I never ever buy anything at all with that much colour so to buy a full on yellow jumper was like...woah. But I honestly love it so much and I think/hope it suits me all okay! I'm trying to really embrace the colour and have been buying lots of things lately with bright bold colours so hopefully you'll see me in some more colour! It's still quite hard to find stuff that goes well with bright pink hair so yeah, a learning curve. My nails are basically neon and it's Hedonist from the new Hed Kandi range by Models Own - apparently it's UV too! Need to go partying, stat.

This week I went to some awesome events from Space NK and Babyliss. I got to meet Henry Holland who complimented me on this Zara shirt so I was pretty chuffed! I've had a wonderful week and am looking forward to all sorts of fun and games and events this week too!

Love, Zozo 

x

Disclaimer: Everything in this post was paid for by me apart from the New Look shoes.

models own ibiza mix comparison swatches

Models Own Ibiza Mix (Hed Kandi range) vs OPI Rainbow Connection (r) vs Sephora Spark-tacular! (l)

Ding ding! Let the battle commence. As soon as I saw the Hed Kandi range pop up on the Models Own website I thought it looked rad. Some of the shades are incredibly neon, and some are very bold and bright. I also picked up Hedonist to show you but more on that later. This is Ibiza Mix and probably a bit like me you're thinking "woah boy, that sure looks familiar!" and yes, yes it does. It's a very similar, multi-textured glitter in all different shades to the OPI that set the nail world alight over Christmas - Rainbow Connection. If you do cheat on me and read other beauty blogs (how could you?! *sob*) you might have seen quite a lot of chatter and hype around Ibiza Mix already. I scoured the Interwebs to look for comparison swatches of Ibiza Mix against OPI's Rainbow Connection before I bought it and alas there were none so I thought I would do this service to y'all incase any of you were also thinking "do I really need this?" like I did last Sunday whilst standing at the Models Own Bottlestore. Thing is i've a problem and I bought it anyway, if there was some kind of rehab for beauty addicts trust me I think i'd be the first admitted. I also own yet another very similar polish and that is Sephora for OPI in Spark-tacular, so i've thrown that in the mix there too.







| top: sephora for opi spark-tacular! | middle: models own ibiza mix | right: opi rainbow connection


I have heard some people saying they don't think Ibiza Mix is anything like Rainbow Connection but if i'm honest with you I think it's really really similar. It's got the same hexagon glitter pieces, mixed with smaller glitter pieces and they're both multi-coloured. The glitters are different colours, Ibiza Mix is more of a pastel toned colour scheme whereas Rainbow Connection is a lot brighter. Rainbow Connection has an overall much more 'green' tone to it but Ibiza Mix is more 'blue' overall. Spark-tacular! is closest in colour to Ibiza Mix but has much more fine glitter rather than larger hexagons.

If i had to choose I can't. They're all beautiful. (That's where my polish problem lies) but price wise, Ibiza Mix hands down. Sephora for OPI isn't even available in this country, and Rainbow Connection is very very hard to find now. Ibiza Mix is proving difficult to track down in store - although Models Own assured me it would mostly be in stock all the time online - but it costs just £5 which is incredible. If you already own Rainbow Connection i'd say you don't need Ibiza Mix and i'm sorry if I made you want Spark-tacular! If you don't own any glitters similar and are thinking about Ibiza Mix i'd say it's def worth the purchase. I bought two other Models Own polishes at the same time and it only came to £12, so it was even cheaper than £5!

Models Own Ibiza Mix retails online and in Superdrug stores for £5.
Sephora for OPI in Spark-tacular retails in the USA for $9.50.
OPI Rainbow Connection I found on this site for £14.50.

What do you think of Models Own Ibiza Mix? Have you been feeling the vibes of the Hed Kandi range? Do you already own Rainbow Connection? What're your thoughts on the comparisons i've made?

Love, Zozo

x

Disclaimer: I purchased Models Own Ibiza Mix with my own money. OPI Rainbow Connection was a Christmas gift from my also nail loving Sister and Sephora for OPI was picked up in America for me by Lily.

nip and fab clean fix gel cleanser

Nip + Fab Clean Fix Gel Facial Cleanser

Let's make no mistake, I blimmin' love a good gel cleanser. I only very recently sang the praises of Clarins's version before I was introduced to another gel cleanser, this time by ultra-cool brand Nip + Fab. Nip + Fab is brought to us by Maria Hatzistafanis who founded Rodial, and wanted to bring a more affordable range to mass market. It's certainly Rodials' younger, hipper, cooler little sister range and I really adore the packaging and general feel of the products. As I mentioned above, I really love my gel cleansers. I was particularly interested to see how this one would perform against my current favourite and title holder of "Zozo's Favourite Gel Cleanser" award, Clarins (which I featured not too long ago.) Now, much like the Clarins one, you can rub this into your eye area to remove makeup. Also like the Clarins one, it does sting the eyes. They're both pretty even on that front. It's fine if you have gentle eye makeup on but for stubborn eyeliner and mascara it's a definite no no. I usually rub on a gentle eye makeup remover to remove anything harsh from the eyes and then cleanse the face with this generally avoiding the eye area.

It's quite strongly scented but I can't work out what of, sometimes I smell apples, sometimes I smell mint, sometimes I just smell..clean! I can't work it out at all. It's not horribly off putting though, and doesn't really transpire much when used onto skin - which is good. It foams up unlike the Clarins one which helps the feeling of a deeper, more intense clean. I really like this. After scrubbing away all the dirt and grime of the city with this my skin feels amazing! I haven't noticed any bad side effects, no break outs or dodgy reactions and totally ticks all the same boxes as far as Clarins is concerned too - it's quick, it's easy, it's soft and it's really gentle on my skin.

I think the two are on par for me, they both do the same job and they both do it very well. This one definitely wins the packaging war though, not only is it much cooler to look at, I much prefer the pump system - stops me wasting loads. One pump is definitely enough! I'd really say it's down to personal preference, but i'm very happy with this cleanser and my first foray into Nip + Fab!

Nip + Fab's Clean Fix Gel Cleanser retails online and in Boots for £10.25.

What do you think of Nip + Fab? Do you love a good gel cleanser like me? Do you think you'd purchase something like this? I do think the price point is absolutely fantastic, and a pleasant surprise!

Love, Zozo

x

Disclaimer: The Nip + Fab Cleanser was a sample I got for free from the CEW Awards night.

illamasqua favourites | youtube

Today's new Youtube video is all about Illamasqua and what my favourite products from the brand are! Hope you enjoy it and please don't forget to subscribe to my channel.

Love, Zozo

x

mac extra dimension eyeshadow in dark dare

MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadow in Dark Dare

This is one of the brand new MAC Eyeshadows for their In Extra Dimension range which popped into stores earlier this month. It's a new formula for MAC, which promises layerability with long lasting pigmentation. As soon as I saw them I knew I wanted to try one out! They remind me of the Estee Lauder Powder Gelee eyeshadows that are creamy but dry to a powdery finish. I really thought these would be more wetter than they are, but they're quite dry. They do layer up incredibly well for a pure wash of colour. I use mine by spritzing a brush with a little Fix +, then applying the eyeshadow slightly damp and layering it repeatedly getting the brush a bit dryer each time. I really wanted a few others of these too but when I got to the MAC store they were already sold out! I knew i'd always have uses for a good quality black and i'm still trying to find my ultimate pressed pan black eyeshadow so I thought i'd give Dark Dare a go. Let's take a look at how it swatches:

I am really impressed with these shadows! Not only is it bigger than the regular size eyeshadow - it's like the same size as a Cream Colour Base/Mineralize Eyeshadow - I think it will last me a long time. I think it looks really pretty too and i'm really happy I picked one up!

I think it's definitely worth applying it wet because it seems to stick to the eyelid better when applied wet. I usually use a primer or base too and that helps the pigmentation and also the longevity. MAC promises up to six hours wear out of these and while it did last longer than that on me, it was only because I wore it wet and with a good base - definitely worth baring that in mind. I think this shade would be so good for creating a really dramatic wet look eye as well as using it to darken out any other shades.

MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadows retail at £16.50 each from MAC counters and online.

What do you think of the In Extra Dimension collection? Are you rating these eyeshadows? Do you think you'll pick any of them up - there's ten in total! Let me know.

Love, Zozo

x

Disclaimer: I bought this with my own money but I do have a MAC Pro card which meant I didn't pay full price.

cartoons and macrame wounds

| shirt: romwe | shorts: topshop | shoes: h&m |

I have spent all week and more listening to Mew pretty much relentlessly. If you haven't heard Mew before, you need to check them out - they're a huge favourite of mine. This shirt came in the post for me from Romwe, and at first I totally wasn't sure about it because well, it's a black shirt and there are only so many ways you can carry off a black shirt - but the detailing is gorgeous. I think i've come round to it and apart from it making me look a little bit gothic, I really love it. It's quite sheer, but the material compensates by being dark - you can still see through it a bit though. I really love the detail down the bottom of the sleeves with the gold cuffs, it's such a cute detail. The good thing about wearing black on the top is that it really makes the pink at the bottom of my hair pop even more!

The shorts are some tiger stripe ones I picked up from Topshop a few months back. I think they work but aren't too in your face, as the black shirt needs something to balance it out but not too dark. My shoes are a glitzy leopard print and come from h&m! I only bought those flats on Thursday so they're still in h&m if you're wondering. They cost me £25.

This week was lovely, I went to the ASOS press day as well as quite a few other bits and bobs including Nails Inc and Estee Lauder. I had the most wonderful evening however on Thursday when me, Lily and Jen all went out together to Byron burger. We were in there for about three hours just chatting away! Do you ever do that? Get totally lost in the moment with your friends. We were ordering more drinks just for the sake of spending more time at our table talking! Loved it.

Love, Zozo 

x

Disclaimer: Everything in this post was bought by me apart from the shirt which was a PR sample from romwe.

collection lasting colour lipstick in pink shock

Collection (nee 2000) Lasting Colour Lipstick in Pink Shock

Lip products are such a vice for me, I want them all the time. I love how they can switch up a look with the flash of a swipe over the lips - it can completely change your face. So when it comes to purchasing one, I know exactly what it is I want from one and it's mainly good value for money. I'm always scouring the high street for a bargain lip product but not one that *feels* cheap, if you get me? I often look at the High Street lipstick ranges and think none of them are particularly fantastic, they certainly don't compare to my higher end ones. The beauty of buying a cheap lipstick though is that if it falls out of your bag on a night out, or becomes victim to a crushing or even wants to be borrowed by your friend, you don't feel sick knowing that it cost you the Earth on a stick. I adore my higher end ones, but know I can't ever pop a £20+ lipstick in my handbag! These have so many fantastic uses, my favourite being at a festival for a dash of glam and colour. 

Step in Collection's offering, their Lasting Colour Lipstick. This is a bargain price because at just £3 it's cheaper than my train fare for a single into central London - definitely a fantastic price point. The packaging does feel cheap though and I'm not a big fan of the little metallic pink bits on it - I think it looks tacky. The lipstick bullet is just like most cheap lipstick bullets, quite hard to apply straight out of the pan. I'd use a lip brush if I were you. The lipstick is quite soft but also very drying. I had to slap on a load of lip balm before applying it and also dabbed on lip balm with my finger really gently afterwards to ensure it doesn't get too dry on me. Let's take a look at how Pink Shock swatches:

It's so pigmented! How crazy bright is that pink? It's definitely one not to be shy of - but then again the beauty of it being so cheap is that you can buy one to try the shade if you've never worn a bright pink before! It comes in 11 shades (I just happened to choose the brightest) from nudes to pinks and reds and even a deep plum. I found it lasted for about 3 hours on me before I needed to reapply - but it does stain the lips a bit as well so if it rubs off and you can't be bothered to reapply, you are left with a soft pink stain, which I always quite like.

I would hugely recommend these lipsticks, I was so impressed with the quality of them. Like I mentioned above though, I would just pop on a bit of lip balm beforehand to ensure the colour goes soft and glossy and not too drying.

Collection Lasting Colour Lipsticks retail at Boots and Superdrug for £2.99 each.

What do you think of Collection? Have you tried their lipsticks? Do you like Pink Shock or is it too bright for you? Do you agree with me that cheap lipsticks are better for handbags or are you a high end girlie?

Love, Zozo

x

Disclaimer: The Collection lipstick was purchased by me with my own money.

converse 100 club collection

Converse 100 Club Collection

Earlier at the start of the year the 100 Club in London was under threat of closure due to their rent increase. 100 Club has been a huge part of the music industry for over 70 years, hosting some of the UK's most prominent and historic bands, anything from The Clash and the Sex Pistols to The Libertines and Gallows. It opened in 1942 after starting out as a restaurant hosting jazz music but 30 years later it started hosting new acts, from r'n'b to punk and later on indie too. So many iconic bands have played the venue from Oasis to Metallica it's heartbreaking that it was even considered that it might close. No one else felt this passionate about music quite like none other than Converse, the USA's coolest sneaker brand. Having been a huge advocate for live music for years, Converse stepped in to help out with the costs of the venue as their new sponsor to ensure it kept running.

To celebrate this new union, Converse are to release some 100 Club sneakers - their black and white classics just adorned with the '100' logo which I got a fab close up look at when I popped into their head offices last week. All sorts of ace bands are getting involved with it including Gorillaz, who have also launched their own range of Gorillaz inspired Converse. They played the 100 Club a couple of months ago and the venue is set to have a whole host of amazing new gigs courtesy of Converse - bringing some much needed live music love into the area since the demolition of nearby venue The Astoria in 2009.

If there's anything I love more than Converse it's Converse supporting my other love - local, live music. If it was humanly possible, I love Converse just that tiny bit more now for saving the 100 Club and will definitely be getting myself a pair of those 100 Club sneakers because they're very subtle but awesome. They are to be released in the Summer but i'm not 100% sure of the exact date. 

What do you think of Converse saving the 100 Club? Do you like the 100 Club Converse idea? Sorry my pictures of the sneakers aren't 100% clear but the 100 detail is basically in clear lacquer.

Love, Zozo

x

Disclaimer: I was invited down to Converse HQ but am not paid to feature the shoes on the website.

got2b play it straight

Schwarzkopf have always been at the forefront of new hair technology and while this isn't completely new, it's still a pretty revolutionary piece of kit. Born with frizzy, hard to tame, curly or hair prone to kinks? Simply slap on this cool piece of kit and it'll keep your hair poker straight for up to ten whole washes! All you do is shampoo the hair, then section your hair into four sections. Smooth the serum to each section then comb it through gently to straighten the hair. Leave it on for 20 minutes or 25 if your hair is very thick, and comb your hair through around 3 to 4 times during this time. Rinse it off with lukewarm water but do not shampoo it again. Then do the same steps with the sealing cream and let that process for ten minutes, again combing hair about three times. Rinse hair and use a little conditioner if needed. 

When blow drying make sure you use a big round brush and pow! Hair will be noticeably straighter and sleeker for up to your next ten washes.

Now I haven't tried this yet but I absolutely love the idea. My hair is naturally straight but really frizzy near the tips. I love the idea that this will mean I wont need to blast my hair after each wash with my straighteners for a sleeker, more glossier look.

The price point is super cheap as well at just £6.99 and it's available now from pretty much every single major beauty retailer including Savers! (Boots, Superdrug etc too.)

What do you think of this new piece of kit from got2b? Would you try it on your hair? What do you think about the price? I was very surprised how cheap it was!

Love, Zozo

x

Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post courtesy of Handpicked Media.