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Thursday 24 November 2011

FOTD: Pretty Natural

Hey Lovelies, 
Since I last posted I've reached 100 followers (117 of you gorgeous lot now), don't worry it hasn't gone unnoticed, and I may have a wee cheeky giveaway coming up, so look out for a Collection of Immaculate clues, as to what the prize might be.
I wanna say a huge thank you to each and everyone of you who've clicked that little follow button :)

I really like the way this look turned out, yes it's flicked eyeliner, yes it's fuchsia lips, but I also think it's quite understated. The perfect balance between day and night. 
I'm really loving peachy cheeks lately, it just looks so healthy and naturally flushed, and doesn't clash with my red hair, or pink lips, (plus peach cheeks help to disguise heavy contouring).

Products used:
Base:
- 17 Photo Flawless Skin Primer
- Loreal Paris Infallible Foundation Matte Finish in Porcelain

- Estee Lauder Double Wear in Ecro

- Collection 2000 Sheer Loose Powder in Translucent

- Soap & Glory Concealer in Light

Contouring:
- Benefit Blush Coralista
   - L'Oreal Paris True Match Blush in Innocent Flush
- MUA Pressed Powder in Shade 4
- Benefit Highbeam

Eyes:
- HD Brows Kit in Vamp (Matte Brown used for both Brows and Eyeshadow)
   - MUA Mascara Shade 1 Clear (Used as Brow Gel)
   - L'oreal Colour Infallible Eyeshadow 002, Hourglass Beige
   - Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner in Black
   - Benefit They're Real Mascara
   - No7 Lash Adapt Mascara

Lips:
   - L'oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in 370 Crazy Fuschia

I'd also like to say a big thank you to Chloe from The Beauty Corner, not only did she pick me for her "Lovelies Under 150" Post, I also won her Vaseline Creme Brulee Giveway, and being the sweetie she is, I received this pretty package in the post.
It was extremely thoughtful of her, and had a lovely handwritten message inside. 
What a wee cutie!

If I hadn't been lucky enough this week, I got an email from Emma at Em's Mixed Bag last night congratulating me on winning her Giveway! Thanks Em :)
Please don't think I'm boasting in any way, I just wanted to thank these lovely girlies for making my week.

And, not that you can see in the photo, I've had my hair dyed, if you've seen my Hair Chronicles Post, you'll know I'm on a mission to go brighter, less purple and more red.
So here is a before and after.

I know it will take a while (if I want to go brighter healthily, and without all over bleaching), so I guess I just have to be patient. 
Hmm, I'm just not too sure if I can see a difference, can you?
Also, I really keep meaning to do a post on my Eyebrows, is it something you would be interested in?


M x

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Urban Decay Naked Pallette for £25 Today Only


Extremely quick post to say BuyaPowa have the Urban Decay Naked Palette for sale now!

(Image from Google)

My last BuyaPowa post on the OPI Muppettes Set for only £7 went down really well, 
so I thought you might be interested in this Beauty of an offer, d'ya geddit? Beauty? No, oh I give up.

The Urban Decay Naked Palette is quite possibly the most hyped product in the Bloggisphere,
everyone and their Gran has been blogging about the Palette, and I haven't managed to pick one up yet, 
(the £35 price tag is too many pennies for a poor student).
Until now, that is as BuyaPowa's lowest price is only £25!
To purchase the Naked Pallette click here
and if you're feeling particularly lovely you can even click that I, Maxine Meighan, referred you.

The Naked Palette contains:
- 12 Gorgeous Neutral Eyeshadows, (from light champagnes, to shimmering gunmetal greys, glitters to mattes)
- 1 Professional Quality Shadow Brush
- 1 Mini Urban Decay Primer Potion
- All presented in a Chocolate Velvet Casing

(Image from Google)

Swatches can be found here on Temptalia,
(Please note this edition is from last year, the eyeliners have been replaced with the shadow brush, 
though all eyeshadows remain unchanged).

BuyaPowa is a co-buying site, basically the more people who buy, 
the cheaper the price everyone pays for the final product! 



The lowest price for this set is £25 (with only £2.50 delivery), and seeing as the Urban Decay Naked Palette
normally retails at £35, then you are saving of a tenner, £10!
I bought my Benefit They're Real Mascara from BuyaPowa 
(for only £12, with delivery I might add)
 and I could not fault them one bit! 
And, as you can see from my last BuyaPowa post, 

I also treated myself to the OPI Muppettes set for only £7 (with £1 delivery).



Anyway, enough babbling, as I type there are only 39 left, and I can guarantee they will run out in a couple of hours at most. Just click here LINK if you want to buy, you can sign in through Facebook too, so it only takes a minute.

Let me know if you manage to get your hands on the Urban Decay Naked Palette.

M x

Also, Don't forget to enter my Christmas Giveaway, bundle of prizes include Bourgois, Eyeko, MUA and Forever 21.
This post is in no way sponsored or affiliated with BuyaPowa or any other company, just passing on a good deal to my bargain-loving readers.

GlossyBox November 2011: First Impressions

Hey lovelies, 
I won't bore you with the wrapping and presentation of the box, 
which was perfect as always, so look above if you'd like to see.

Now on to the box itself, 
there's been a lot of very vocal feedback about the contents of this month's box, 
and I can't say I'm surprised, 
No Make-Up? Seriously?!
This month's Glossybox's theme was, 
"The Christmas Gift-Guide: Part 1. 5 Products to try before you buy (whether for yourself or others)".
 Here's the box I received:
Oh, Glossybox, I'm not angry, just disappointed. 
I've recommended so many of my friends to sign up, with promises of Nars, HD Brows, and OPI, 
and I have to say I'm a little embarrassed. 
The box looks so empty.

Have a peek below for a more detailed view of the contents.
Left to Right: Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps, Dead Sea Spa Magik Delicate Boosting Mask, Arbonne Ultra Hydrating Hand Creme, Illamasqua Freak Eau De Parfum.

 Philip Kingsley Elasticizer: 40ml, £4.20 (Full size 500ml, £52.50)
GlossyBox Say: "Intensive, super-moisturizing pre-shampoo treatment for all hair types. Adds elasticity, manageability, bounce and shine".
I say: The only product I was 'wowed' by from this box. Although I don't have damaged hair, I love taking care of it, so I'm excited to give this a try. I've never tried a Pre-Shampoo Treatment, and Philip Kingsley Elasticizer is hyped to be the best of the best, so I'll let you know how I get on. There is bound to be some disappointment this month, as some people received a Moisturiser/Bath Salts/Foot Cream instead of this, so I'm really glad my box contained this gem.

 Arbonne Ultra Hydrating Hand Creme: 15ml, £2.40 (Full Size 118ml, £19.00)
GlossyBox Say: "Soothing creme moisturises hands, leaving a healthy appearance and skin feeling smooth and refreshed".
I say: I'd usually scoff at a hand cream, but I'm actually glad they included this. As I said, I'm not really fond of hand creams, and as a result, I don't own one. But as the weather gets windier, my hands have been craving moisture. This cream is light and fruity, so more of a day cream. Perfect for you handbag, though hands in need of more help may prefer a creamier texture.

 Dead Sea Magik Delicate Boosting Mask: 25ml, £2.90 (Full Size 75ml, £8.80)
GlossyBox Say: "A creamy mask containing pure Dead Sea Mud in a gentle formulation, showing immediate and remarkable results".
I say: Not had a chance to try this mask out yet, but you all know I love a good face mask, so I can guarantee it will be used. Again, this item was a 'luck of a draw' type, and I much prefer this to bath salts. One thing I am a bit miffed about is that the brand 'Dead Sea Magik has been used in GlossyBox before, and isn't the whole idea of GlossyBox to try something new?

 Illamasqua Freak Eau De Parfum: 1.5ml, £1.18, though free samples can be obtained from counters, (Full Size 75ml, £59)
GlossyBox Say: "Celebrate the night with Freak, the dangerously exotic first fragrance from the cult British beauty brand, Illamasqua".
I say: Normally I feel a bit short-changed by perfume samples, and yes, you can get this for free at counters, but I love this fragrance! It has a spray nozzle, which I prefer, and at 1.5ml, I'll stick it in my handbag for a quick refresher. The fragrance is not as over-powering as I was led to believe, but it is still strong. I was worried that, considering the fragrance is meant to be Unisex, it was too flowery and feminine to be worn by men. So after a quick spray and sniff some rigorous testing by the boyfriend, he confirmed it does indeed, and I quote, "Smell like a man, a bit 'lynxy'". On the bright side, the fragrance appeals to both sexes, but as, at least in my experience, we wear perfume to appeal to the opposite sexes, it might not be what you're looking for.

Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps: Red Lace, 16 Nail Wraps (Full Size, £6.65)
GlossyBox Say: "The new Nail Rock wrap range is designed to last up to 7 days on nails and 8 weeks on the toes. They won't chip or stain the nail, require no drying time and deliver on trend in just 15 minutes".
I say: Yet again, another repeat product (though this time by a different brand). I've yet to use Nail Wraps, as the last set I received were plain black, and a bit boring. I really like this design, and will definitely give them a go, although as a Nail Art fan I know I will miss painting my own nails. However I do see why they would appeal to a lesser experienced nail fan.

Total Amount Spent:
£12.95
Total Worth of Box:
£17.33

This box is definitely more of a grower than an instant 'wow', 
as I've had a closer look at the products, I have warmed to the box. 
I can honestly say that I will use every product from the box, 
which I've not been able to say from some of the previous boxes. 

This box is also the least 'value for money' box yet, (saving only £4.38), 
though to be fair, you are still getting more than you paid for. 
Considering last month's box didn't have a great reception either, 
GlossyBox really need to pull out something special for the December, 
or they will be losing a lot of subscribers in the New Year. 

Personally I'd love to see GlossyBox go back to it's roots, 
High-End Luxury products, with more make-up and some cheeky full sizes. 
With new rivals Carmine, Boudoir Prive and Feel Unique gaining more fans, 
GlossyBox can't afford to be complacent.


What did you think of this month's box? 
Will you continue to subscribe?
If you would like to subscribe to GlossyBox, then please click here.

M x

This post is not sponsored or affiliated with GlossyBox in any way. The product's were bought with my own money and opinions are my honest own.

Monday 21 November 2011

Vampy Look: MUA Eyeshadow Swatches

As promised here is a more detailed look at the MUA Eyeshadows I used to create my Vampy Look. 

From Left to Right: Pearl Shade 3, Pearl Shade 4, Pearl Shade 9, Pearl Shade 10.

I absolutely love MUA (Make-Up Academy), 
they are sold exclusively in Superdrug and Superdrug Online, and their prices start from £1. 
They have their normal range, where everything retails at £1, and their Pro-Line, including Eyeshadow Palettes, Primers, and Foundations, (though even then their most expensive item is only £8 for a 24 Colour Eyeshadow Palette, The Immaculate Collection).
So what can you really expect for only a quid, shoddy packaging, poor pigmentation?
Well, you'd be wrong, MUA Pearl Eyeshadows are quite possibly the most pigmented eyeshadow I've ever came across, 
the packaging is simple and you can even depot the eyeshadow's into a Z-Palette or similar.

They are extremely good value for money, see for yourself in the swatches below.
Left: Flash, Right: Natural Light
From Left to Right: Pearl Shade 3, Pearl Shade 4, Pearl Shade 9, Pearl Shade 10.

- Pearl Shade 3: An unbelievably pigmented silver, £1
- Pearl Shade 4: A shimmering pinky-lilac, £1
- Pearl Shade 9: A gorgeous bright purple with a blue duo-chrome, £1
- Pearl Shade 10: A deep black/blue with navy and purple shimmers, £1
The eyeshadow's are also densely packed for minimal fallout, and have an almost-creamy texture to them.

To create the smokey Midnight Purple eyes above: 
- I lined the eyes with MUA Contour Pen in Black, £1.50, then smudged with a blending brush. 
- I then applied Shade 10 all over my lids to the crease, and underneath the outer corner of the eye.
- Next I applied Shade 9 above the crease and in the outer corner.
- I added Shade 3 to the inner corner and brow bone.
- I finished with applying Shade 4 to the lower inner corner and the upper brow bone.

And here is the finished look, as seen in my Vampy FOTD. 

Hopefully I've shown that you don't need to compromise on quality, even if you have a bargain budget like me. 
I've picked up loads of MUA Eyeshadows and products, so I'll definitely have to give you a peek at my collection one day.
Also, Superdrug are offering 3 for 2 on all cosmetics at the moment and, by completing the Superdrug Reciept Surveyyou get 25% off Superdrug's own brand, including MUA, making the eyeshadow's even better value at 75p each. 
Meaning if you're quick, you can get three MUA Eyeshadows for £1.50!

Have you tried MUA before? 

M x

This post is not sponsored or affiliated with MUA in any way. The product's were bought with my own money and opinions are my honest own.

Sunday 20 November 2011

The Hair Chronicles, Part 1: My Hair Story

I've been getting a lot of questions and lovely comments about my Red Hair, 
so I thought what better way to answer them than with a new feature: 
The Hair Chronicles! 

This series will include:
- My Hair Story
- Red Hair Inspiration
- How To Fade Your Hair (I know what your thinking, why would I want to fade my hair colour? However, if you ever have a hair disaster, or your hair becomes over saturated with product build-up, this feature will come in very handy)
- My Hair Care Routine
- How To Get The Hair Cut You Want
- How To Stop Your Hair From Fading
- How to Match your Make-Up with Red Hair
- Do's and Don'ts of Red Hair


If I've missed anything, or you have other questions related to Red Hair that you would like answered, then just leave me a comment, or email me beautytothemax@hotmail.co.uk

Let me start by saying I'm not a Hairdresser, 
far from it, but I've had Red Hair for over two years, so I know how to care for it, and the Do's and Dont's. 
I'll often be asked about my Hair, and I am quite proud of it because I've never had to bleach my hair. 
Yes, Never! 
This was a conscious decision I made, as anyone I have ever spoken to has regretted bleaching their hair. 
It's no secret bleach damages your hair and makes it more porous, obviously some colours cannot be achieved without a good bleachin', (Blondes, Bright Pinks etc), but I think if you can avoid an all over bleach, then your hair will thank you for it.
Of course most hair dyes contain peroxide, which is damaging to you hair, but no dye is ever going to be 'good' for your hair. On the other hand, I do agree that hair can feel and look healthier when it's been dyed, and let's face it, isn't that what we really want, a glossy, shiny looking mane?
Although this feature is focused primarily on Red Hair, some tips can be applied to other colours and styles.

As I mentioned, I've had Red Hair for just over two years. 
I decided to go Red when I was 17, I'd just moved out of my parent's home in Spain (where I lived for three years), moved back to Scotland and was about to start college. Any good teenage rebellion wouldn't be complete without dying your hair a crazy colour, and aren't your teenage years for experimenting?
I had never dyed my hair before, I'd had a couple of dodgy blonde highlights when I was twelve, but not an all over colour. I was torn between going Red or Blonde, but was advised by the Hairdresser that due to my pale complexion, dark eyebrows, brown eyes and freckles, Red Hair would suit me better. 
I was also swayed by the fact I could walk out of the hairdressers a Redhead, whereas going Blonde would be a gradual process, I'm very impatient and wanted a 'Wow' moment.
(Tip: Take your hairdresser's advice into account, it's their job to give you the best hairstyle they can, you don't need to follow their advice, but at least give it a second thought).

So without further a do, here is my Hair Story in pictures, please ignore the silly expressions/make-up looks/posing.
1. My 'Virgin' Hair, undyed and natural. I would say it was a medium to light brown that went golden in the summer and darker in the winter. I actually really liked my natural colour, I was just a bit bored of it, and wanted to experiment.
2. The day after I had it dyed, I also had it layered into a more voluminous and edgy style. I loved my hair like this, even more than I thought I would!
3. As I kept dying my hair the colour became more intense and would fade less. This is just a shot to show you how bright it was, and not a drop of bleach.
4. As you can see from this picture, the hair colour was building up and becoming more purple-toned, though it was still extremely vibrant.
5. I started to let my layers and fringe grow out, I was really becoming used to my Red Hair.
6. As my hair grew, I started taking a more classic approach to it, with a bouncy blow dry and soft curls.
7. But boredom crept in, and my Blonde Ambition started to take over. 
I knew Red + Blonde = Pink/Orangey Mess, so I stopped dying my hair and tried to let it fade. 
In this picture I hadn't dyed my hair in around 3 months, and I had used Scott Henshall's Colour B4 the night before. 
I literally only had this hair colour for a day as I had already booked my Hairdresser appointment, had I known it would be turn out such a lovely auburn red I would have never taken the next step.....
8. Yes I'm Brunette, and make-up free. Although this hair colour really isn't bad, I hated it!
I just didn't feel like me, I felt boring. 
I wear a lot of dark/black/white colours and my hair just blended in instead of standing out. 
When I walked into the hairdressers, I had very naive hopes of walking out blonde, but as I already had quite a lot of red still in my hair, it was not going to happen. 
So after a chat with my hairdresser, we decided that it would be best to cover it with a dark, chocolate brown for a couple of months then start adding highlights until I reached a golden blonde.
9. Did I mention I really disliked my Dyed Brown Hair?
So just over three weeks later I went back to Red, told you I was impatient. 
I couldn't wait for months, and several processes to be blonde, and I knew I loved being red, so I just went back to what worked for me.
10. The only problem was, my Red Hair was no longer as bright, dying my hair red on top of the Brown Dye had resulted in a dark, purple-toned red. I still much preferred this look to dark brown though. 
My hair was extemely long here, this was before I got talked into having 'a few inches' cut off, I loved the length and style, though it did take forever to dry/straighten. 
(How cute is my little Nephew?)
11. I started getting bored with my hair again, but rather than 'reachin for a bleachin', I asked for black flashes through my fringe, and black streaks through my lower layers.
This was probably the hairstyle that got the most compliments, it was really unusual and made me feel very unique, though I do think the black was building up too much.
12. This is a more detailed look of the hair stage I'm at now. As I said, I think the black was taking over a little, and I wanted to go back to bright, vibrant red (see top photos).
So after speaking to a different hairdresser, we decided to use a vitamin treatment (similar to Scott Henshall's Colour B4) and fade my hair, before using a permanent red dye on top. Stages 3 to 11 were all achieved by using semi-permanent dye. 
13. My hair as it is now, not my favourite picture of me, but it was taken in natural light so it gives the most accurate colour of my hair. As you can see, it's not as bright as it once was, but it's on its way. 

After speaking to my hairdresser, I've decided to start using permanent dyes again.
Let's face it, my hair was never going to fade to it's natural colour, even if I was using semi-permanent dyes. 
As a general rule semi-permanent dyes deposit colour and produce product build-up, therefore darkening the hair, whereas permanent dyes use peroxide and therefore lighten the hair, meaning from now my hair will only get lighter and brighter!

Hopefully, if your a red head, or thinking or dying your hair, this has helped you. 
Red hair is possibly the hardest colour to have, it fades the fastest, yet is a nightmare to dye over or fade. Red Hair is a huge commitment, and I've resigned myself to the fact I will be red for at least the next year, and if I ever do want to change my hair, I will have to either let it grow out, or dye over it with a darker colour.
However, I love my red hair, I feel like its 'me', and suits my skin-tone and the type of make-up I love to wear. Red Hair can evoke glamour, or edgyness depending on how you style it. Considering Red Hair is thought of as an 'out-there' or 'crazy' colour, it can look very natural, and is being accepted as a mainstream hair colour.

I should also mention that not once throughout my whole dying experience have I went to a Professional Salon. 
I only ever get my hair dyed/cut/styled at either my local college or as a Hair Model.
I've never had any problems and have always received the hairstyle I asked for. If your a poor student like me try your local college, or trainee salons, I think as long as you are specific in what you ask for then you will broadly get what you wanted, 
ie if you ask for caramel highlights with cool tones and a full-fringe then you will get it, you may not like it afterwards, but you have got what you asked for. 
Don't be afraid to be firm, and push for what you want, the only bad haircuts I've had have been when I've used the phrase, "Oh, you chose, I don't mind". 
Research for what you want, bring in pictures if you need to, but understand and take advice on what will work for you, if you have a slightly chubby face and extremely curly hair (like me), it's no use desperately clutching your picture of Emma Watson's Elfin Crop and hoping you'll get the same results. 
Keep in mind, that it is only hair, it may seem the end of the world if you get a dodgy cut or dye-job, but it will grow out, and everyone's been there.

Now I need your help! 
I've got an appointment at the Hairdressers tomorrow at 1.30pm and I can't decide what I want to do. 
Should I keep aiming for all over bright red? Or get my much-loved black streaks and flashes dyed back in? Any comments would be greatly appreciated as you know I love to read your opinions.

What was your favourite hairstyle from above? 
Are you looking forward to The Hair Chronicles?

M x

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