Monday, April 30, 2012

New Look Haul/ OOTD

Hi Guys!!

I have recently made SEVERAL visits to New Look since they have their Mid-Season sale going on and I went and bought myself a few trend pieces which I thought always looked pretty but was always scared to try.

I also went out of my comfort zone since this style is not one I usually wear but I have always loved on other people!!

I went for a vintage feel and tried my luck with a maxi skirt and blouse and the result was....


I was surprised at how many great comments I received on this look, one which I will definitely wear again!

What I absolutely LOVED about this outfit is the back of the floral blouse, as you can see from the picture!

Haul
New Look Floral Blouse
New Look Maxi Skirt

Other
Primark Bangles
New Look Shoes
Mango Brown Clutch
Hope you enjoyed this post!!

Till next time!

Martina XOXO


Wednesday, April 25, 2012

OOTD/ England haul part 10-Fuchsia Fever!!!

Hey Guys!!

Tenth installment of the OOTD/ England haul + New Look Haul!



Featured in this Haul:


Primark Striped Dress
Asda Barely Black Tights

Other Haul:
New Look Fuschia Blazer
New Look Skinny Baby Pink Belt
Bow Shoes (Tip Toes)

Hope you enjoyed this haul!!

Martina XOXO


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

OOTD/ England haul part 9- Strawberries and Cream!!

Hey Guys!!

Ninth installment of the OOTD/ England haul posts!! A little late but better late than never!! This is my Easter Outfit (afternoon/ dinner outfit).



I have also included a picture for you!



Primark High waisted trousers
TKMaxx Top- Brand: Tsaba
Asda/ George Blazer
Dorothy Perkins Bangles
Primark Earrings

Other:
ells Cream Scarf
New Look Mary Janes
Hope you enjoyed it!!

Martina XOXO


Friday, April 20, 2012

Trued and Tested : Essence Tint It ! Colour changing lipgloss Review

Good morning dear readers!

I've been meaning to review this one for some time now. It's the essence Tint it! colour changing lipsgloss in 03 TURN TO CRAZY.


 

It comes in a colourful squeezable tube containing 12ml of product. It cost around € 2.19.

What it says:

Pink lips according to your mood! Colour changing lipgloss that turns from blue to pink - stains lips 
__

When it comes out if the tube, it really is blue, but when applied to the lips, it looks just like a plain clear gloss.

  

 It then starts turning more and more pink. It's very glossy and the colour looks like a lip stain more than a normal coloured gloss.


The lips gloss last for about an hour. It did bother me that is was slightly stingy . .

I much prefer their other glosses!!

Do you have this? What do you think of it?

Denise o.b.o The Fabulous Team XOX





Tuesday, April 17, 2012

A Fabulous Guest: A post by Lara from Every Beauty Addict's Bible!

Hi Guys!!

Today we have another special post for you!! Our dear friend Lara from Every Beauty Addict's Bible.

Taking Care of your Cuticles

Hello loves! I am Lara from Every Beauty Addict’s Bible and today, I have been given the privilege to write this guest post for my friends Martina & Denise.

I have decided to tackle the subject of cuticle care because in my freelance job as a nail technician I get to meet different women from different backgrounds but most of them have one thing in common... they do not know what a cuticle is and how to take proper care of them.  Even more so, ones who are past a certain age will tell you that they used to cut their cuticles off and there are some manicurists who still cut off clients’ cuticles to this very date!

So let me start by explaining the anatomy of the nail and the role of cuticles first and then I will give you some tips on how you can care for your cuticles at home without spending a fortune!


A nail is mostly made-up of a protein known as keratin, so the nail is essentially dead (in fact, dead skin cells are termed to be ‘keratinized’ cells).  The only living part of a nail is the matrix, from which the nail gets the necessary nutrients to grow strong.

The nail matrix is protected by the cuticle is that thin strip around the base of the nail that protects the new cells underneath from infection or damage. Therefore, the cuticle grows from the finger to overlap and protect the nail plate and form a rim around the base of the nail.

The cuticle is perhaps the most important part of the nail, protecting both the nail matrix and with its delicate tissues and cells below the nail plate which are actively forming the hard nail. Its purpose is to protect against debris, fungi and bacteria that can damage the matrix and the nail bed.

Gentleness is key when caring for your cuticles, since vigorous trimming and pushing them back as well as the use of harsh chemical solvents may cause ridges in the nail. Therefore, wearing rubber gloves while doing house chores helps protect both your hands and cuticles.

A key point to note is that once the cuticle is damaged, the watertight space under the nail fold is laid open to moisture and becomes a potential breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to a number of unwanted infections.



Cuticle care is therefore the cornerstone of a good manicure and impeccable looking hands; hence, cutting them off is not a solution as this will only create an open way for bacteria to enter your body and it could have serious repercussions.


Taking proper care of your cuticles shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes a day and besides making sure that your cuticles are in tip top condition, this will also help strengthen your nails! Here are a few tips on how to take care of your cuticles:

-  Gently push back your cuticles with an orange stick right after a bath or shower or after soaking your nails in water for some time. You will achieve a neater result and they will be softer to work on.

- Never cut your cuticles. Besides leaving you prone to infections, this will make cuticles become tougher and thicker than before.  If you think you need to have your cuticles trimmed, always consult a professional manicurist or nail technician.

- Use a cuticle moisturizing oil on a daily basis. This helps strengthen the nails as well as soften and condition dry cuticles. If you don't have cuticle oil, you can use baby oil or olive oil.  You can also fit in a weekly cuticle scrub.

- Apply a highly moisturizing hand cream frequently, preferably after each time you wash your hands. Use one with a pump dispenser, that way you'll be more inclined to use it. Also, try slathering on a thick layer of hand cream (or body cream on your feet) before you go to bed and wear an old pair of gloves (or socks!) and sleep in them... by morning your hands and feet will be baby soft!

I hope you found this post useful and don’t hesitate to ask me your questions on my facebook pages!

Special thanks go to Martina & Denise for giving me the opportunity to write a guest-blog post for them!





Monday, April 16, 2012

OOTD/ England Haul Part 8- Red Rose + FOTD

Hey Guys!

Another one of my OOTD/ England Haul which I dubbed the Red Rose since I was all in Red! I also wanted to share with you my FOTD.

The following is the OOTD video showing my FOTD too!



England Haul items:

Dorothy Perkins- Red Dress
Dorothy Perkins- Bangles
TK Maxx Red Bag- Brand: Suzy Smith

Others

Accessorize Ring
Dylons Colour Block Heels
Paired up: P..S Long Cardigan, Evie Cape

FOTD

Make Up Forever HD Foundation
e.l.f HD Powder
essence I love Stage Primer
essence Dance all Night eyeshadow
e.l.f Mineral Eyeshadow in Angel
essence Black Goddess eyeshadow
Catrice the Giant Mascara
e.l.f Red Carpet Lipstain (thank you Maria for pointing it out :-))
Missha Red Lipstick
essence Sun Kissed Bronzer

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Martina XOXO


Thursday, April 12, 2012

Quicky skin tips!

Good morning dear readers!

Every now and then, I like to make a post about skin care, so here's a quicky with some tips that I have stumbled upon for you guys!

This week, I was very lazy and in the evening, I  didn't cleanse my skin as usual, but only used facial wipes..!! Needless to say, I can see some negative changes in my skin (dulness, pimples) and vowed to only use facial wipes only when really necessary...

Now, when I say skin care, I don't only refer to the lotions and potions, but also to the food that we eat (or the lack of it)



What can help your skin apart from a good cleansing routine and a good diet? Increasing oxygen in the blood and better circulation! Why not try jogging, walking or any other exercise, yoga and dancing? By doing that, you will increase the amount of blood and therefore nutrients to the epidermis.
You should also try rubbing your body with a rough glove while showering.



Girls, to really glow, stock up on brightly coloured vegetables and fruits ! Please please please avoid alcohol, coffee and smoking! Why not try slowly cutting meat? A vegetarian diet is generally best for good skin (and everyone else). Do your research and look up for good veggie recipes. You will be amazed by how good non-meat dishes are! You will notice a difference in your skin, health and everything else!

Cleanse, tone and moisturise daily!!  Not with just any products!! Don't trust the big brands!! Read this :http://www.storyofstuff.org/sos_downloads/PDFs/more-info/more-info-SoCos.pdf and watch this video:  http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-stuff/ You will be SHOCKED!
I like buying my skin care from health shops and I also suggest www.crueltyfreemalta.com

Hope this helps a little!

Denise o.b.o The Fabulous Team



 

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

OOTD/ England haul part 7!!- All Abroad the love express!

Hi Guys!

Seventh installment of my OOTD/ England Haul posts! (yes, I bought quite a lot of things didn't I?)



The following video includes:


Primark Nautical Scarf Watch
Dorothy Perkins Jeggins
Matalan White Satchel
Asda/ George Linen Black Blazer
TKMaxx Heart top, Brand: Qed London
Primark Dark Blue Tank Top

Others:
Things Wayfarers
New Look Mary Janes
Essence Remix your Style Limited Edition in Show me the way

Also, I wanted to show you the back of the top that is included in the video


Hope you enjoyed this post!!

Martina xoxo

o.b.o The Fabulous Team!!





Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Fabulous Focus: Emerald Inceptions

Hi Guys!!

Today we would like to share with you an interesting face book 'shop' called 'Emerald Inceptions' who we had the pleasure of meeting at Runway Malta!!


About the 'Shop':


"Emerald Inceptions incorporates shabby chic gusto with vintage glam, using carefully selected fair trade products and old dismantled items, assembled bit by bit, by hand, therefore cruelty free and animal friendly, the end result is a unique piece of jewellery with a vintage feel, thus making a statement on its own."


What is so lovely about these pieces of jewellery is that they are very unique so you won't find them anywhere else since they are specifically made for each individual!

I would like to share some of my favourite pieces from the collection

Oh my love of Cats and Alice in wonderland! A necklace called Wonderful Wonderland

A mismatched Lock and Key earrings set
Acute necklace called "Double the Trouble"- Now you'll never be late :-p

Wing earrings called Fairy Alae

You can also contact Emerald Inceptions and get Custom Made Creations, this creation is probably one of my favourites <3



Head over to Emerald Inceptions' facebook page for more information!!

Martina XOXO






Monday, April 9, 2012

Tried and Tested: Colour & Go Nail Polishes

Hey Guys!!

Today I have a review of one of my favourite products!!

Basically I tested out 6 out of the 9 nail polishes that I bought.

First of all, the colours I bought are the following:

  • No More Drama
  • Break Through
  • Blue Addicted
  • Modern Romance
  • Time for Romance
  • Where is the Party?
  • Irreplaceable
  • Meet me Now!
  • Date with the Night
Swatches:

No More Drama
Break Through
Blue Addicted- Tips
Modern Romance
Time for Romance
Where is the Party?
Irreplaceable
Meet me Now!
Date with the Night

The following is essence Colour & Go in Fateful Desire which my colleague was sporting so I took a photo of the colour to show it to you!
Fateful Desire

How the product performs:

Pigmentation: After one coat most of these nail polishes aren't very pigmented however 2 coats is enough as you can see from all the above pictures which are just two coats of polish.

Longevity:  As I mentioned before, I tested 6 out of the 9 polishes. I basically applied the polishes in the following manner: I filed the nails and went over the nail bed with the filer and I applied two coats of the nail polish without any top coat and I tested how long they stayed. On average the minimum amount of time that my nails were in tact before chipping was one week however some of these polishes even stayed for a week and a half! Quite impressive!


On the whole, these polishes are very very good polishes, apart from the fact that the colours are very on trend! One thing that I didn't like about these polishes is that the ones which have glitters are very hard to get off therefore you would need A LOT of nail polish remover and a filer to file the nail polish off!

I hope you like this review!! 

Martina XOXO


OOTD/ England haul part 6!!- Peter Panified!

Hey Guys!!!

Sixth installment of my OOTD/ England Haul posts!!!!

I wore this for date night hehe :-D

Ps. Shoutout to my daaaling Lara from Boffism who chose this look for me after spamming her with various dresses :-p hehe

Enjoy!!


Martina XOXO

o.b.o The Fabulous Team!!!


Thursday, April 5, 2012

England Haul: Real Techniques Brushes!

Hi Guys!!

So as I told you in my OOTD/ England Haul posts, I will be doing normal haul posts for certain things I bought.

One of the things I was very excited to buy (and I had been wanting these since they came out!!) were the Real Techniques Brushes by Samantha Chapman, one of the fabulous sisters that make up Pixiwoo.

All these brushes are cruelty free and they are compared to high end brushes by many!

I bought the following brushes:
Real Techniques- Stippling Brush
Real Techniques- Shading Brush
Real Techniques- Starter Set
Real Techniques- Blush Brush

I will be reviewing these brushes later on!!

Martina xoxo

o.b.o The Fabulous Team

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

OOTD/ England haul part 5!!

Hi Guys!!!

One of my FAVOURITE OOTDs!!!!!

Check out the following video!

Thanks for watching!!!

Martina

o.b.o The Fabulous Team!!