Stocking Filler | Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant

With Christmas racing round the bend I have started to think about gifts. Sometimes I leave it so late that even the ASOS Christmas Eve delivery isn't fast enough. But in true Pixi Picks style, Christmas is always about beauty products and the prettier the better. 

The Eight Hour Cream is 84 years old and has been around the same length of time as Pixi Picks' number one fan - my Nanna! It is a hero product of makeup artists and an essential to any makeup bag.

So if you are a fan of the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant*, this little gift will be right up your street. For Christmas they have given the packaging a gold makeover and it is pretty blingy! I have been using the balm textured cream on small dry patches on my face and the backs of my hands as the weather is turning cold, but it can also be used on minor skin irritations. I am wondering what the lip balm is like, I feel a bit weird scooping something out of a pot to put on my lips. 

The Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant* is limited edition and will be available in stores from tomorrow! It would make the perfect stocking filler!

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant Gold Collection, £20

Have you tired the lip balm? 

Stay beautiful

xoxo

p.s don't forget to follow me on Blogloving

Autumn Inspired | Bourjois Berry Lips #GiveItAGoDaily

I have just about given in to Autumn by buying a blanket cape, having fallen in love with the Burberry blanket back on the Autumn/Winter 14 catwalk. But being a bit of a beauty junkie I wanted to take some autumn inspiration for my make up. Gone are bright spring lips and nude eyes, I have replaced with smudged smoked khol liner and burst berry lips. Think Prada and Jonathan Saunders!

Photos: Prada | Vogue.com

“Berry lips are set to become this autumn’s statement look. Be brave and try out this look by experimenting with a range of berry colours – go for a deep matte berry shade or opt for a brighter berry colour!” - Vanesa Guallar, Make-up Artist

This can be created quite easily and by using your favourite drug store brands. In this look I am using Bourjois products that you can pick up in your local Boots. I am so sorry some of the pictures are blury, my camera refused to focus on my face and not the sofa!

Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer* | Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in Violine Strass* | Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in Famous Fuscia* |
 Bourjois Poudre De Riz De Java*

I started by using a small amount of Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer* to blot out the lips. It smells amazing and fruity, with extracts such as rasberries. It also has quite a matte texture and I imagine it would last well if applied on the skin. This helps create a canvas on which I can draw my lips onto. Great if like me you have a thin lip, I used a lip liner to make them look a little fuller on top 

Once I had lined my lips I applied the Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in Violine Strass* straight from the bullet onto my lips. I didn't need to use a lip brush because the lipstick had a pretty sharp outer line so it was soft and easy to apply. I liked this lipstick because it almost acted like a stain and even after a few hours of wear and the lipstick was in need of a quick top up, there was still a lovely berry stain to them. I also found it was quite glossy and even though I am more of a fan of matte textures, I could see myself wearing this on a night out.

On the Prada catwalk the model's lips were almost two toned but blown out at the edges. I decided to use the Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in Famous Fuscia* just on the central inner section of my bottom lip. It gives a plumping effect which I think looks quite pretty! If you want to recreate the blow out effect use a cotton bud to smudge the concealer back onto the lips, inwards, bluring the lines. You could add a tiny bit of concealer onto the cotton bud to help the process along.

Lastly, a product that I am loving at the moment is the Bourjois Poudre De Riz De Java*, yeah I have no idea what this means either! It is a fine powder that has a slight iridescent shimmer that can be dusted lightly over the face. It smells amazing, almost like I imagine a powdery boudoir to smell! But because I love matte lips, I patted some onto my lips using my finger to give a matte effect and add staying power! It also has a slight lavender sheen that looked really pretty over the lipstick. 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer, £7.99

Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in Violine Strass, £7.99

Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in Famous Fuscia, £7.99

Bourjois Poudre De Riz De Java, £9.99

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What do you think of this look for Autumn/Winter?

Stay beautiful 

xoxo

For full how-to guides, more expert advice and tips on how to #GiveItAGoDaily, visit www.boots.com/giveitago.

Pixi Picks | My Passion & Hopes

I never really had much passion for what I got up to in my life in terms of a career. As far as I saw it I was working for the big man, to pay my rent and have some money to spend on lipstick or a cheeky glass of bubbles. I spent two years sweating it out for free for a career I wasn't sure was even really me, sometimes I still feel like that. The only thing I really know is that I have a passion for beauty, a craving to experience what is new and what is the future. 

My firends laugh at how long I spend perfecting my make up but are quick to ask me to do theirs. I am still not sure what the future holds for me and yes sometimes that is scary. Having not found something that makes me throw the sheets off in the morning and sing on the tube to work. What I have realised is that is it okay not to be sure, even when it seems like everyone else has it sorted. I am trying to learn not to compare myself to them, I am sure their lives are not as perfect as they seem. 

My hope for the future is that my passion for Pixi Picks continues to grow, I have never experienced such satisfaction as I have in the last four months from doing something that is a little love of mine. I never thought anyone would read my blog (read my thank to you here) but I am greatful to those who do. I will continue to write, continue to make mistakes and continue to dream. But you know what, I think I am okay with that.

Stay beautiful,

xoxo

Bardo Pink Lips | MAC Matte Lipstick in Please Me Review

Now those of you who have followed me for a while will know I love a good bright lip like Joan Collins Timeless Beauty in Evelyn or even a lovely blue toned nude such as Tom Ford Indian Rose (You can win this shade here). But recently I have found a new go to lipstick that is less Barbie and so much more more Bridget Bardo chic.

During a little shopping trip to Macey's in the Big Apple of New York I was tired and fed up having not purchased a single thing that day. I had waited patiently for friends outside dressing rooms nodding and ooing at various discounted dresses and shoes but finding nothing I wanted to splash some cash on. I began to get a little desperate, anxious that I wanted something new and sweating at the thought of not having a single shopping bag in my hand, so I made a break for it and almost tripped down the escalator to the beauty hall. My fix, my heaven! I spent the next hour swatching various lipsticks and letting the shop assistants tell me how much it suited my pale skin. At the MAC counter it was busy I was left to look at the products alone, something I much prefer to do.

I settled for a couple of lipsticks and felt the anxiety of failure to shop ebbing away, I had my fix! MAC Matte Lipstick in Please Me has fast become my go to pink for day time.

First I line my stupidly thin lips with a nude lip liner, By lining the lips I can make them look a bit fuller and ensure a sharp edge for the lipstick. The colour is really matte which means it doesn't sink into the cracks or bleed and it lasts much longer. I like to team it with pink flushed cheeks and a winged eye liner, Bardo style!

MAC Matte Lipstick in Please Me, £15.50

What do you think of this look? What are your favourite MAC shades? 

Stay beautiful

xoxo

The Brush Report #1 | Real Techniques Expert Face Brush Review

I actually got this brush about 8 months ago after falling out of love with the MAC Foundation Brush and Dual Fibre Brush. I really couldn't get a streak free finish I expected and the hairs often fall out, especially after making my eyes bleed with the price tag. Are they made from unicorn hair? Answers on a post card.

So after hearing a so many other bloggers bang on their key boards about it and it costing a pocket friendly £9.99 I picked a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush up from Boots and headed off home to try it. I have also written a review on the Real Techniques Stippling Brush (here)

 What they say: Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - Look pixel-perfect even in harsh light. The synthetic fibres are ultra plush and 100% cruelty free. Ultra firm for the application and blending of cream or liquid foundation.

What I say: What I noticed from the first use is that it doesn't suck up products like so many other brushes, a little foundation went a really long way; great if your foundation cost the amount of a small house. The most annoying thing about brushes are when the black hair fall out and get stuck to my face. I spend ages trying to get them off without wiping stripes into my foundation. With this brush I am happy to report all of the hairs stayed firmly in there for a good eight months, which is amazing really. I definitely agree with them saying it is ultra firm; sometimes it makes my arm ache because I'm buffing with such little movement from the brush. The finish the Expert Face Brush gives to the foundation is actually astounding for something that costs less than a tenner! I guarantee no streaking!  I can't ever imagine not using this brush and just wish things like this had been around when I was an awkward fifteen year old applying my make up with a piece of kitchen sponge!

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, £9.99

What brushes do you love?

Stay beautiful

xoxo

Elizabeth Arden Christmas Press Day | #ardenxmas

Christmas is only 17 Fridays away! I nearly spat out my peppermint tea when I heard that, where did summer go? But getting me in the Christmas spirit myself and fellow blogger Steph attended the Elizabeth Arden press day held at the London Edition Hotel. As we were shown up to the penthous suite we were greeted with chilled glasses of champagne and given a sneak peek at what gifts are coming up to spoil the people you love best.

Elizabeth Arden own a number of other brands and they had decorated each of the rooms to fit each of them. The beautifully decorated Christmas table was my favourite part of the event, it was sprinkled with golden Elizabeth Arden products in small glasses and as table favours. One of the rooms was even decked out to look like a teenage bed room for the new Juicy Couture fragrance, pink being my favourite colour I was in heaven!

My favourite product of the season will be the beautiful neutral eyeshadow quad. Fingers crossed I will find that hanging off my Christmas tree! Santa I have been really good this year!

My outfit is from Zara

Stay beautiful

xoxo

#5London Loves | Shake Shack, Covent Garden Review

New York is one of my favourite cities and it was whilst I was there that I fell in love with a burger joint. I love burgers, especially ones with cheese on them. So when I got home I was pretty upset that I wouldn't be tasting that bap for a while. The the gods smiled on me and open up a Shake Shack in Covent Garden, someone up there loves my taste buds and I was quick to jump on the tube to refresh my love affair.

Shake Shack was originally a hot dog cart in New York and you know something is good when it is good enough to get its own stores. You order in the same way you would at a fast food place and then go to your table with a buzzer. The burgers are 100% natural beef slapped in between the best bap I have ever tasted, I recommend getting a side of crinkly chips and one of their famous frozen custard milkshakes. The burger isn't the biggest I have ever had, but the beef patty is a pretty decent size Once your tray of deliciousness is ready the buzzer goes off and you skip with excitement to collect it. The longest I have ever waited was 15 minutes! 

Have you been here? Let me know your favourite burger joints?

Stay Beautiful

xoxo

Too Faced Natural Eyes | Neutral Eye Shadow Collection

Ooooo I love it, I love, I LOVE IT! There has been so much hype over the Urban Decay Naked Pallet that I sort of lost my need for it. I wanted an alternative that was just as good but maybe not as well known. Too Faced is not a brand I have used before, but I have read about its Natural Eyes Shadow Collection from a lot of bloggers. So when I made my little Sephora shop I knew this needed to be in it.

What they say: Flaunt your natural side with eye looks you can wear before breakfast or after dark.

What I say: The packaging, its very cute! The dusky pink package gives it a bit of a vintage feel. The eye shadows are protected by the metal tin container, very useful if you are carrying it around in your bag to stop the powders breaking. It comes with a little instruction booklet with some tips on how to create the three recommended looks. I love it when brands include these, they are super useful and I like to see how they think the shadows should be used.

There are nine eye shadows in the pallet, each split to create three looks .The powders themselves are super pigmented and each works perfectly with each other. My favourite is the Classic look! The layer and blend really easily meaning it is easy to create a beautiful smokey eye. I used the Classic look for a night out and I was surprised to find that my eye make up was still in place when I got home. Big tick!!! 

The downside is that there aren't any mini brushes with it. I like to carry my pallets around with me so some brushes included are really useful. The shadows them selves are a bit small with the matt nude shades being the biggest, I hardly use these colours so it is a shame they are so big. 

Over all though I really love this palette. I have a whole box full of eye shadows; I'm a little obsessed. Also if you hurry there is a sale at Escentuals - £25.95! 

Too Faced Natural Eyes - Neutral Eye Shadow Collection, RRP £32.00

Have you used this eyeshadow pallette? Or are there better ones?

Stay beautiful

xoxo

Hero Products | Fine, Broken and Damaged Hair

I like to think of myself as a hair product connoisseur. I like to flirt between different products always looking for the next best thing. What will give me sexy waves, what will banish my fine limp hair. I have picked up a couple of favourites this month and I think these are some gooduns. 

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray

This is a little secret I learnt from a professional hairdresser on set of a shoot. She got through bottles of the stuff and swore it would transform my very fine, lanky hair. Even with a lovely blow dry my hair instantly falls flat to my face looking like I have bathed in chip fat...hot right!? So this little beauty, the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray adds thickness to each strand, making it look like I have more hair! Don't be fooled my the name, I wouldn't suggest using it as a hair spray and I don't think it would do much for setting a style. I spritz a few sprays all over damp hair and then brush it in so that it covers as many strands as possible. It is quite pricey, but it has lasted ages for me!

Ojon Revitalising Mist

I have been using this for nearly a year, my longest relationship with a hair product. Because I hilight my hair it means it is prone to a lot of breakage and it often gets really tangled. This product is a ultra nourishing leave in conditioner, but it doesn't leave my hair greasy and my brush glides through without pulling or snapping the hair. I can't go a single wash without this stuff now and again although it is expensive, one bottle has lasted me nearly a year. 

Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair 6 Effects Serum

I have banged on about my fragile hair splitting, but I am trying to treat and repair the damage I have been doing over the last few years. This luxurious hair serum is enriched with Pashmina Silk Proteins which provides instant shine and softness in damaged hair whilst restoring a silky suppleness for a healthier appearance. I can already see the difference and I have been using it for a month or so. Apply it to the tips of wet hair. 

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray, £21.50

Ojon Revitalising Mist, £11.71

Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair 6 Effects Serum, £9.95

Have you got any hero hair product I should be trying?

Stay beautiful

xoxo