HOTD & FOTD From Yesterday

So I decided I really had to get a new haircut, I definately had to go for some change and here is the result:

I can finally put my hair up without looking like I have no hair too! So with new hair I did a fairly neutral face using:

MAC Prep + Prime

MAC Studio Fix SPF 15 in NC30 (thanks to Xen-Tan!)

 MAC MSF in Medium

MAC Powder Blush in Pink Swoon

Rimmel London Liquid Liner in Black

Eyelure Girls Aloud Lashes in Nadine

MAC Plush Lash in PlushBlack
MAC Lipstick in Pretty Please

I kinda like peeking out from under my fringe :)

xoxo

Formspring.. Thoughts?

So I just got home from my last driving lesson before my test to find this on my Formspring:

 

I love that this was posted anonymously, and the person obvoiusly doesn't actually look at my looks that closely as it was purple and green not pink and green! So I'd like to know, what do you all think of hateful things that are said on Formspring? I have seen a whole lot of it lately and really didn't think I'd become a target of it. I go by the motto, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".

This is also the first person who has ever actually told me I'm 'shit' at makeup, most people will either like what I do or never say anything.. so maybe I am shit and nobody's ever been frank enough to tell me, but a "you're not very good, get someone to help you" would have been enough I think. Is calling my work disgusting is a bit extreme?

I'm not going to go on and on about this, I was just wondering what all your thoughts are on the subject?

xoxo

NOTD: Nailene Couture

These are my favourite Nailene Full Covers I have ever tried! I just love the design and they just look so perfect!!

I'm sorry the photo isn't brilliant! My camera is playing up and refusing to go into the proper 'mode' for close up shots!!

I adore Nailene Nails in general, I've never once had a chip or break and with the level of typing and general 'hands-on' work I do, this is pertty amazing! Nailene have so many designs to choose from, they are just one of those brands where the really is something for everyone. The 200 nail packs are amazing for finding the right size for your own nails, but even the smaller packs, which can have anywhere from 12-18 different sizes, contain enough variety to give anyone and everyone gorgeous.

I personally find painting my nails fairly difficult, I'm not the most neat and co-ordinated in that area so I takes me hours to do one coat. But I can apply a full set of Nailene falsies in about 10 minutes (plus there's zero polish drying time, the glue literally takes 20-30 seconds to go rock hard!!). Who wants to sit in a salon for an hour and pay £40 for something you can do yourself for just over a fiver? Not me. Though occasionally I do enjoy the pampering, I don't have the time or cash on a regular basis! Plus the Couture Nails just make me feel extra special!!

I find these sets last about 6-8 days, it really depends on your activity and the growth rate of your nails. I do like this because it presents me with the opportunity to have a new design and colour. I've never had another brand last as long while staying in top notch condition, a sure sign of the quality of Nailene products. Nailene are the definition of good value when you pitch the quality against the price; it seems too good to be true, but it isn't!

If you'd like to see more of Nailene, check out www.nailene.com to see a full list of offerings! If you've never tried false nails before, it's a great way to start! And if you're a seasoned professional, try out more designs and keep your nails looking fresh!

xoxo

Just Wanted To Share..

I've had a few requests to share the final pictures from the photo shoot I did last month, I'm really proud of the and was quite shocked (in a good way!) at how they came out!

xoxo

50 Follower Giveaway! - CLOSED

Okay Ladies and Gents. The giveaway is finally here!! I've had a crazy week trying to write this post, something seemed to be missing every time I tried, but here we go...

THE FIRST ROUND OF PRIZES

All products are brand new and never used. Most were purchased specifically for this giveaway.

LUSH Caca Marron Henna Hair Dye

Benefit The Gloss in Zone Out

MAC Original Fix+ Spray

LUSH Sex Bomb Bath Ballistic (Made By Me!)

Barry M Nail Paints in Bright Purple, Bright Red and Fushia

Eyelure Girls Aloud Festival Lashes in Cheryl and Kimberley

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!

Each Tuesday starting August 3rd new prizes will be revealed until August 24th when the giveaway closes.

so prizes will be revealed on August 3rd, 10th and 17th. no prizes will be revealed on the 24th as I will be on a plane!

PLUS

There will be a special prize included in the final package which only the winner will see!

____________________

 HOW TO ENTER

1. Follow my blog by clicking 'Follow' over there >>

2.  Blog about my giveaway, please include the first photo from this post and a link back to this post.

3. Post a comment below saying 'Enter Me' with the link to your blogpost.

You have to write a blog post for your entry to count, a link in the sidebar counts as only an extra entry when the blog post has been written too!

Numbers 1, 2 and 3 are mandatory and account for 1 entry to my giveaway. If the above steps are not completed fully any additional entries from the steps below will not count.

EXTRA ENTRIES

4. Follow me on Twitter

Leave your Twitter Username in the comment. +1

5. Tweet about my giveaway including @LoraDoesMakeup.

Let me know in the same comment as above that you did so. +1

6. 'Like' my page on Facebook

 Leave the name of the account that you used on facebook in your comment. +1

7. Put a photo from this post in your sidebar and link it back to my giveaway.

Let me know in the comment that you have done this. +1

8. Each week write a blog about the new prizes in my giveaway.

Leave a comment each time you do this, blogs must be written by Friday each week. +1 entry per blog per week (+3 entries if you do them all)

so basically: new prizes revealed on Tuesday, the blog post detailing these prizes must be written by Friday of that same week

So. If you leave a comment that says something like:

Enter Me! www.loradoesmakeup.blogspot.com/blahblahblah

I followed you on Twitter using @loradoesmakeup

I tweeted about your giveaway

I 'liked' your page on Facebook using Lora Benzie

I've got a link back to this post in my sidebar

xx

Then I posted 3 more comments over the next 3 weeks with links to the other blog posts.

Then you would get 8 entries total.

____________________

RULES

please read them carefully, not following the rules might cause your entries to be disqualified; and nobody wants that :'(

1.) My giveaway ends on August 24th, 2010 at 11.59pm UK time (GMT). Any entries made after this time will not count.
 

2.) You must be a public follower of my blog.

(I will check)

3.) Must be 16 or older OR have your parents permission.

(I can't really check but please be sensible)

4.) I will not accept blogs specifically made just for giveaways. All of your entries will be disqualified if I find this.

(Again I will check)

5. Winner will be chosen using random.org

____________________

Wowieee that was tons of writing. I hope you all understand the rules etc, the reason I put so many is beacause I'm planning that this will turn out to be a pretty massive goodie bag and I want to give those who have been following me since before this giveaway the chance to earn a few extra entries :) Plus I want to thank each and every one of you for your support over the past few months! I can't wait to reveal the next lot of prizes!

xoxo

LUSH Compounders On Tour

So it's only taken me 2 and a half weeks to upload the photos from my iPhone to my laptop, and I feel bad! This was a really fun experience, although short which was a little disappointing :(

I went to the Windsor store on July 5th and Jack and Brahim from the LUSH Factory were there to show us how to make the Sex Bomb Bath Ballistic.

They did the measuring and mixing for the purple and pink powder that is used to form the ballistic, then moved outside to give us all the chance to make our own ballistic. They used little plastic re-usable moulds to shape and dry the ballistic, once dry (after 24-48 hours) the mould is removed and re-used.

 First the little rice paper rose is placed upsidown in on of the halves of the mould.

 Then the top half is packed with purple ballistic powder.

Then the second half is overfilled with pink powder and the two halves pushed together hard, REALLY REALLY hard. The excess powder is pushed out of the sides of the two moulds to make the shape.

All done!

The powder is basically magic in that it glues to itself and dries that way, but if you don't get enough in and close the mould completely it won't stick. Kind of strange but it works. Now being me, I forgot to take a picture of it! However, there will be one tomorrow when I put up the first round of prizes for my giveaway, because it is part of the goodie bag!

Look forward to tomorrow ladies (and boys! I know you're there!), I can't wait!!

xoxo

MAC - Rodarte Controversy; My Thoughts

There have been a lot of blog posts on this issue, and I just wanted to state how I feel about it. I'm not going into detail about the actual stituation as you can all read about this on the numerous other blogs. I'm leaving Rodarte's views out of the equation as I genuinelt know nothing about them.

In short, I'm disgusted with MAC and I ultimately found the collection distasteful and disrespectful. Mainly for the product names, it's impossible to mix the names "Juarez", "Factory", "Ghost Town", "Nightwalker" and "Sleepless" in an innocent fashion. There is no way MAC didn't know about the atrocities that happen in Juarez; the fact that the promo image could be seen to glorify death just cement this to me further. The model looks incredibly thin and unhealthy, I thought MAC would be the last brand to promote such a look.

With MAC's current statement on the situation of donating $100,000 to charities in and around Juarez, I'm boycotting the collection and any re-promotes resulting from it. I can't say I'll boycott MAC because I won't, but I can't bring myself to buy these products. Even if they are changing their names, the originals will always be there, the shades will always be affiliated with those names. However, should ALL of the profits (I'm considering hanging on to hear if all the PROCEEDS) from this collection are donated, I will consider buying a few of the products with the less offensive names for the sole purpose of supporting the cause. All in all, maybe they should just can the whole collection?

Of all the makeup brands I love, I really though MAC would be the last brand to do something like this. I'm not going to go overboard on the critiscism, I think that's been done, but I am truly disgusted that MAC would even think about shooting a promo shot like that, let alone releasing those product names. I'm disappointed in a brand I would consider to be my favourite.

Do any of you really want to see that photo larger than life in a shop window? I sure don't.

xoxo

Please Click Here to see a list of all other bloggers who have written on this issue, you can find all the information you need on the controversy.

And Click Here to sign the petition calling for a better response from MAC on their actions regarding this collection.

Update

Hi Ladies,

I just wanted to apologise for my lack of existing, I've been in hospital and they can't actually figure out what's wrong with me :s So I'm feeling pretty miserable and haven't even thought of putting on makeup. I have been trying to compile my giveaway goodies, so far I'm doing fairly well and have a nice bag full :) I've still got more to collect and go shopping for, but as you can imagine, I'm in so state to shop so please bare with me!

I've spent the morning reading up on this MAC/Rodarte controversy, now I'll be the first to say I love MAC, but I'm really disgusted by this. I'm not going to go into as much detail as other bloggers as I'm sure you've all heard it all already, but I will be doing a short post on my thoughts and feelings about the issue.

I hope you're all well,

Lora

xoxo

NOTD Fail: Models Own Bluebelle

I didn't actually get as far as to take proper pictures of this, I absolutely adore this polish but I have discovered that you have to apply it very thinly, very slowly and very neatly!

I started out okay:

But then this happened:

I think, even though the polish seemed dry when I added another coat, it wasnt. And as a result it just peeled off. I know all glitter polishes can be messier than normal ones, and I am crap at getting my nail polish neat so glitter may not have been the best choice, but I had to try it anyway! Because I'm pretty bad at being neat, I tend to do my best and then use nail polish remover around the edges, something which is almost impossible with glitter polish!

So I ended up like this:

Pretty much a total fail. I think I need a whole lot more practice before I attempt glitter polish again! How do you all get your glitter polish to work for you?

xoxo

50 Follower Giveaway!

As I am approaching 50 followers my thoughts are turning to thanking you guys for reading and sticking by my ramblings, some of you since February! Since this giveaway is for you guys I want to know what you want the prizes to be! It can be brands or products, would you prefer to choose your own prize once you've won or just have a bunch of things already chosen? It's my first giveaway, so help me out ladies!

Eyelure Girls Aloud Series - Cheryl Festival Lashes

These lashes were recommended to me by a friend, I decided to try out the Cheryl and Kimberly Festival Lashes and the Nadine Lashes for my first purchase and I have to say I'm quite impressed. I definately prefer the standard lashes, but the festival lashes are great for adding a touch of glamour to the more 'out-there' looks! I'll do a little series with all the lashes I buy from the GA collection, because I'll definately be getting more.

I'm starting with Chery's Festival Lashes, I've photographed them with fairly neutral makeup so you can see them properly.

These lashes are fun, but are definately for nights out. Because of their shape  and design they are a little harder to apply, so I wouldn't recommend these if you are just starting out wearing lashes. I love how the gold flecks are only on one side so they flash when you blink :) Super fun lashes, just a bit fiddly placement-wise.

You can buy these at Superdrug, Boots and most department stores.

Have you guys tried these?

xoxo 

Nailene French Finish False Nails

Hellooo.. sorry I'm doing badly with the posts this month, I'm not very well and am going into hospital next week to have surgery on my feet :( not fun and tons of effort to sort out!

Since I've been ill I have been pampering myself a bit and I decided to try out Nailene for the first time :) I didn't do amazingly with the application but they lasted 5 days without a problem. I figured out after I'd got them on that I couldn't just dot the glue on my nail and the fake nail, I needed to thinly spread the glue to prevent the air bubbles in the glue.

I can't fault the quality of these nails, the glue is incredibly strong and the nails are flexible enough to be comfortable, but strong enough to last without chipping or breaking.

My only issue with these is that I had a hell of a two hours removing them! I soaked them in acetone as instructed, the tips melted within a few minutes but it took a long time to scrub off the part attached to my nail. Eventually I figured that it worked better to melt off the tip and slowly lift up the nail in pieces rather than scrubbing at it.

Even though they take a while to remove, I will definately be using Nailene again as I'm sure I'll figure out the knack to getting them off. For just over a fiver these are incredible.

What are your favourite do-it-yourself falsies? And how do you remove them?

xoxo

NOTD: Models Own Lilac Dream Polish

I've had this on my nail for almost 5 days now and I am beyond impressed! The quality of this product is clear, 5 days and only the tiniest show of tip wear, and no chipping! And I didn't use a top coat or a base coat, so this is all product.

I'm into my lilacs at the moment! I needed two coats to achieve opacity, but this dries so fast if you're in a rush you could get away with one coat.


I love it, I can't wait to try more of my Models Own goodies :)


What's your favourite lilac right now?


xoxo

Pervette Lip Swatch

This is my favourite lilac lipstick, it's smooth, creamy and has the perfect amount of purple tint.

I love this paired with smokey liner and lashes, it puts a beautifully even focus on the whole face because of it's quirky shade.

xoxo

Hey, Hey, Hey Mr. Postman

On Saturday the postman bought me a present :) my first ever Models Own goodies! I have to say I'm really impressed with the deals Models Own offer onlline. Since it was my first purchase I recieved a nail file and finisher free of charge, they do savings deals for buying 3 and 5 nail polishes at a time AND postage is free! Plus I am so impressed with the quality of the presentation, packaging and products :)

So here's the ultra-cute packaging my delivery note was in a little black envelope, that and the purple tissue paper are those extra little touches that make you smile :D

And here are my little presents to myself!

My free Nail File and Finisher

 Lemon Meringue, Lilac Dream, Orange Sherbert, Top Turquoise and Bluebelle

Being me I forgot to take pictures out of the bubble wrap! But I'll be painting my nails over the next few weeks with these and trying them out, I've used one so far, so I'll post my swatch pictures asap :) The Nail File and Finisher works like a dream though!

xoxo

Myth Lip Swatch

This is my favourite nude when I have a tan. For me, it's a definite no go on pale skin, but with a gorgeous olive tan it looks amazing!

Please excuse my scabby lips, this photo would come from the one day that I couldn't find my lip balm!! If you keep your lips moisturized well, this lippy looks stunning and doesn't cake whatsoever. If you're doing a 'look-at-me' eye, an understated nude lip never goes amiss.

I really want to try GOSH Darling soon to see how it compares! What is your favourite nude?

xoxo

Join Me On Facebook!

Okay.. so I caved and made a Facebook Page for my blog.. CLICK HERE to join me!

I'm Baaaccckkk..

I finally got to pick my laptop up from Apple yesterday! So now I'm back to blogging!! I missed you guys tons, but I've been taking lots and lots of pictures over the past week or so, so I have a ton to catch up on!

So for starters, here's my OOTN from last night. I went out to dinner with the boyfriend and my parents :)

Sleeveless Leotard: TopShop

Skirt: TopShop

Belt: H&M

Sweater: Jack Wills

Necklace: Freedom @ TopShop

The leotard, skirt and necklace are all current season, so you should be able to find them in your local TopShop.

I was did a simple smokey eye with falsies, but the pictures came out pretty shocking, I'll recreate it sometime soon for you guys :)

Hope you're all well, anyone got some cute fashion finds for summer?

xoxo