Aussie Lusciously Light Summer Soiree!!!

Last Saturday was the date of the much anticipated Aussie Summer Party for the Lusciously Light conditioners! It was held in a beautiful studio in Ladbroke Grove, London, and there was soo much to do.

I met two lovely girls when I arrived, Pippa and Alice so me and my friend Louise stuck with them for the day.

Lou, me, Alice

There was so much to see and do, first up was champagne tasting! Yum!

Plus a yummy candyfloss machine!!

Candyfloss and Champagne! Possibly the best combination ever?

The lovely Miss Holly and I :o)

Most exciting of all though was the amazing Aussie hairdressers on hand ready to transform your hair into whatever you please!

I actually didn't get my hair done as I had already curled it that morning, but I was happy to watch everyone else! There was some amazing hairstyling going on!

Pippa getting her hair done!

Lou getting her hair done too :o)

How AMAZING?!

You may be wondering what all of the hairstyling was in aid of, well....

Aussie had a whole photo studio set up for us all to pose away and get some gorgeous pics taken! I had never had photos taken professionally before so to say that I was excited would be a huge understatement! :o)

In all, thank you so much Aussie - especially Emma and Holly for such a fantastic day and experience!

You may have already seen that my Twitter pic is one of the pictures that was taken on the day, but I will post some more of the snaps tomorrow. Otherwise this would be a super picture heavy post!

Love H xoxo

London's OOTD's!

As you all know, I popped over to London this weekend to go to the Aussie event with my BFF Louise! Here are our OOTD's :o)

Harrods & Oxford St shopping day!

H: Top: New Look, Jeggings: New Look

Lou: Top: Forever 21, Jeans: Pull & Bear

Aussie Summer Soiree event!

H: Dress: New Look

Lou: Top: H&M, Trousers: Primark

I wish I had taken more pics of the first day we were in London, but basically we just went to Harrods and then headed over to Oxford St! This is the only pic I have, of me in Krispy Kreme in Harrods! Yum! 

Tomorrow will be a Tanning Tuesday post, but expect a full rundown of the event on Wednesday, plus a London Haul over on my YT channel by the end of the week! Oh, and a 'Whats in my travel makeup bag- London edition' which is currently uploading to my YT, unfortunately we are experiencing some technical difficulties (nothing new there then!). **UPDATE: Video is now live!** Exciting stuff!

Love, H xoxo

PS. Beyonce on Glasto last night? W O W!!!!

In and Out #4

IN:

Hoodies: Namely, this one! I am not the type to wear any kind of sportswear, in fact I don't believe I own a single pair of trainers! However I have gotten so much wear out of this hoodie I hauled here. I really like the green, it is a good colour on me and I never knew it. Plus Care Bears?! Whats not to love? :o)

London, baby! I am super excited to be heading to London with my best friend Louise this afternoon, for the Aussie event, which is on Saturday. We went last year for a shopping trip and I am glad we are going again this summer! So funny though, last year we were tip-toeing around Harrods, thinking we weren't 'good' enough to buy anything (execpt Krispy Kreme in the food hall, YUM!). However I now know this is crazy and we shall be doing some serious damage in the beauty department this time. Below is a pic of me and Lou outside Buckingham palace last summer...

OUT:

Unpacking: In actual fact, it was never 'in'. Below is the spare kitchen (don't ask) which is outside my bedroom, and the mountain of bin bags that I launched all of my junk from my College bedroom in when I moved out over a month ago! Ugh! I just don't have the storage for it all! This is all in addition to the double duvet that has been rolled up in the boot of my car all this time also.

Sickly-ness: So maybe a month ago I made the decision that I wasn't going to take any hayfever meds this summer. Ever since I moved to Ireland I have been plagued with a stuffy nose and streaming eyes all summer long, I really think the only way to get rid of this is to fight it by myself, deal with the symptoms and build up some resistance! By doing this I didn't quite notice the mild sinus infection coming along. But anyway, I finally got me some meds! But it tastes horrible!!!!

Finally, a little blogger peeps love...

<3 Musings of a Makeup Maniac

<3 A Pretty Obsession

<3 Fashion Turn to the Right

<3 Gorgeous M.E.

Love H xoxo

Tanning Tuesday: Facial Tanning

Yay! It's time for another Tanning Tuesday! This time I am going to talk all about facial tanning, something that really needs to be considered when getting into your summer false tanning routine. Sure you can use the tan you use on your body on your face, but the chemicals do break me out (I have very sensitive skin) so a facial tanner is a must. I have been using and repurchasing L'Oreal Sublime Bronze for face for nearly two years now and I definitely think it's the best I have ever used.

It has a really clever dual pump system, one of which is the tanning gel, the other a moisturizer. When pumped out and applied it is very subtle yet instant, and the next morning (how long I like to leave it for) it results in a nice glow. This is actually my summer holiday must have, with this I am more than confident to go out in the daytime and sometimes evenings with just this, a dusting of bronzer and some mascara. 

I am not the hugest fan of the actual L'Oreal sublime gel as a false tanner on the whole, I went through a phase of using that about four years ago and it is a little hard to apply because of the gel consistency. However with the moisturiser it is absolutely perfect!

Best part of all = it has never broken me out. Woohoo!

Alternatively... a DIY facial tanner is necessary (ie. when I run out/forget the good stuff). Using the same theory as the L'Oreal, I just add some moisturiser and some tan.

Here I have used some E45 lotion and some St.Tropez spray.

However, be warned! This may break you out. I tried it with Xen Tan last week and believe me, I am still dealing with the consequences.

Also, don't expect face tanners to last long once applied if your cleansing routine is as complex as mine, I do have to reapply every couple of days with this, whereas my body tan would last about 4/5 days. It is worth it though, I do find that when I have a facial tanner on beneath my foundation, it gives me a sort of 'glow' and makes the tan look a whole lot more natural!

If you have any questions feel free to comment below or tweet me @hannahbanana661 :o)

Happy Tanning!

H xoxo

Impulse 'Very Pink' Giveaway Time!!

When I was younger I was just crazy about Impulse body sprays. They were a constant fixture in whatever little bag I was toting around with me,and I do have fond memories of getting duplicate gift sets of Impulse 'Red or Dead' and 'Hint of Musk' for my birthdays! :o)

Anyway, Impulse's new fragrance for the summer is Very Pink, from the name alone you could tell this would be just my sort of thing!

This fragrance was actually developed by Ann Gottieb who has developed several high-end perfumes such as Calvin Klein, Caroline Herrera and Sarah Jessica Parkers 'Covet'.

{Press Image} Am I insane that I actually wouldn't mind having my hair like this?! Pink Ombre? Love it!!

I am no fragrance expert, but I can definitely pick out the pretty rose, vanilla and pink grapefruit scent of this. It is honestly lovely and light and perfect for spraying on throughout the day. I love it! :o)

Now for the best part...

The Impulse people are giving one of these away to one of you lovely bunch!

All you have to do is leave a comment below with your email address or twitter name so I can contact you in the event that you win. Oh, and go on, follow by GFC! :o)

I won't be doing any additional entry stuff for this as it's only a mini-giveaway.

The giveaway will run for a week and a half, so until Wednesday June 29th.

Good Luck everyone!

H xoxo

Introducing... Bijoux Dolly

Recently, there has been an influx of pretty, unique jewelry sellers online that offer something different from what you might find on the high street. I think this is fantastic, as it gives us all the opportunity to source some one of a kind pieces, as well as support small businesses. :o)

I was lucky enough that Katie from Bojoux Dolly sent me a couple of pieces to try out!

This is the ring, it has that kind of tarnished silver which I love. This is one of those pieces that will go with almost any outfit. It is understated but very pretty!

A couple of close-ups: the ring is adjustable, as are others on the site. I know that is something that a lot of people look for, myself included!  

I really really love the handmade headbands that are on the site. These are just the kind of thing I adore!

The print is a gorgeous ditzy-print, and the bow is just adorable!

It is elasticated, so suitable for almost everyone. 

For a handmade hair piece like this, it is super affordable at just £4! Katie has a huge selection of these on the site in all different prints, too pretty. 

I really urge you all to check out her site: www.bijouxdolly.co.uk  

Katie has recently updated her site, there are so many cute pieces there, I am loving the bracelets. There really seems to be something for everyone!

What are your favourite pieces? 

H xoxo

F.A.O. All Hello Kitty lovers!

Hey everyone! :o)

How CUTE is this watch? I know I am biased as I do adore all things Hello Kitty (seriously, check out my twitter background if you don't believe me!)

The strap is a gorgeous pealrescent white, but they come in all different colours!

I am in love with the watch face! Seriously, how adorable!!!! (I am aware I am gushing now!)

Even the little rhinestones on the surround, too cute!

Here is my arm 'modelling' it! I have quite small wrists, and it adjusts to fit me just fine.

I love this, it definitely is going to be an everyday piece for me, I heart it!

Just had a little thought that I may just start selling these, they are super affordable and I know that there are other Hello Kitty fans out there (you know who you are!).

If that's something you might be interested in, let me know!

Seriously though, HOW CUTE!

What do you think?

H xoxo

Tanning Tuesday: Xen Tan

Hello my lovelies! Today I am bringing you the very first installment of my new series: Tanning Tuesday! In this series, you can expect spotlight posts on different self tanners, preperation products and tips and tricks to achieve a year long glow! :o)                                             I adore false tanners, and have worn them almost every day since I was about 16/17 years old. With that kind of experience I feel fully equipped to let you guys in on all I know about tanning- the safe way, of course!                   

Today I bring you Xen Tan!

This is the Dark Lotion - a formula adored by several of my favorite celebs; Holly Willoughby, Gok Wan and Mollie from The Saturdays, to name but a few. 

The formula when it's right out of the bottle is a dark chocolatey brown, slightly scary looking but very blendable to a gorgeous instant tan finish.

L-R Straight from the bottle, slightly blended, fully blended.

I absolutely love the instant colour that this gives. I often apply my tan in the mornings, before I get ready for my day, so instant colour is a must-have! Also, any of you that have used tanning wipes (the horror!) will know all about the streaky mess that blind tanning (ie. with no guide colour) delivers, so this is a must.

L-R tan applied, no tan applied

Scent isn't something that bothers me as much as it does with some people, I usually find a perfumed lotion underneath or a few spritzes of perfume can fix this, however the Xen-Tan scent is quite honestly out of this world. It is a sweet, rich - yet not overpowering marzipan scent that I honestly believe anyone would be delighted to have on their skin. 

The Xen-Tan tanning mitt is also worth mentioning, most tanning mitts are sponge topped, which can become pretty scratchy and dry over time. However this one is actually made with velour, that soft terry-ish material. I am not going to go on about it too much, as mitts are set to be the topic of another Tanning Tuesday post. For now, all you need to know is that they are super luxe- and reasonable too at just £3.99 here.

So you want to see some before and afters? Please be warned that I like my tan dark, and this lotion is very adjustable if that isn't your personal preferance. However, this is how I like it on an everyday basis!

Also, to kick off 'Tanning Tuesdays', I am posting a supplementary 'reviewtorial' on my YT channel, using Xen Tan. This video includes tips and tricks of mine for application, as well as more info about Xen Tan itself!

Available here!

Have any of you tried Xen-Tan? I would love to hear your opinions!

Love H xoxo

I Need Your Help: Foundation

If any of you read my post about my HG No7 foundation being discontinued back in February, you will know that I stocked up on what was left in Boots at the time (all four pots!). Well today I came up to a sad realisation that I am almost half way through my final pot! :o(

I have decided that I will take the plunge into my new foundation routine when I am in London at the end of the month! This way I will have access to all the big brands (hello Harrods!) and of course it will work out cheaper for me paying in £££'s.

I am such a foundation novice, I have obviously heard about all of the big brands but I don't know what to look for. I have first hand experience with pushy MAC sales assistants so I don't want to go in and be railroaded into paying £30 for something thats so not right for me!

Ideally I would get samples and test them etc etc, but that just isn't possible as the closest high-end makeup counters are where I go to Uni, a two hour drive away.

I would really appreciate if you guys would help me choose a new foundation as I don't know where to look!

I don't mind paying for high-end as I figure I spend so much on blush, eyeshadow, lippie etc that I can afford to splurge on my 'base'.

source

This is what I need from my foundation:

~Full Coverage~

I suffer from more than occasional breakouts, and my face is blotchy and uneven coloured.

~Long Lasting~

I honestly think I would have a breakdown if my foundation started coming off during the day! Not asking for 48hr (lol) lasting, but that of a normal day, 8hr?

~Matte~

I don't have oily skin (dry, actually!) but I just cannot deal with 'dewy' skin. It looks fab on some people but just not me! I like my foundation to be completely matte and full coverage!

~NO SPF!~

I take a lot of pictures and I have seen the evidence of how SPF can make you look super pale! I appreciate the benefits of SPF, however I don't want it in my foundation! :o)

To achieve the matte, full coverage foundation that I am after, I understand that a concealer and/or powder will be necessary. I am looking for a full foundation routine overhaul so any suggestions for those will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much for your help in advance!

H xoxo

'English Country Garden Wedding' FOTD

This post is my entry for Amy Antoinette's giveaway :o)

To enter, she asked her followers to create a 'English Country Garden Wedding' makeup look.

This is what I came up with:

When considering a country wedding, I thought that a statement lip or eye would be far too harsh for such an occasion so I chose products with shimmer for a sort of 'lit from within' look.

The ingredients:

Urban Decay Naked Palette 'Buck' & 'Sin' / Benefit  Velvet  eyeshadow 'Rich Beach' / MAC Paint pot 'Rubanesque' / Benefit 'Posie Tint', 'High Beam', 'Benetint' / Benefit 'Sugarbomb' / Dior Addict Lipstick 'Basic' / Isa Dora bronzer / L'Oreal Telescopic / Max Factor 'False Lash Effect'

To get the overall 'glow' I used Benefit Posie Tint on my cheeks to add a flush of colour, over this I dusted a little Sugarbomb for a small amount of iridescence. I used a small amount of bronzer to contour, and highlighted my cheekbones with 'High Beam'.

I kept the eye makeup neutral and light. I used MAC 'Rubanesque' Paint pot all over as a base, then Benefit 'Rich Beach' all over the lid. I blended UD 'Buck' to the crease and highlighted the brow bone and inner corner with 'sin'. I believe this makes blue eyes pop! I kept eyeliner to an absolute minimum, just placing some Benefit Bad Gal (not pictured) in the inner 3/4 of the waterline.

I felt the lips were the best place to make a statement so I used Benetint here. I think this would be fabulous for a bride as it is so long - lasting! For some glitz (and luxe!) I added a small amount of Dior Addict 'Basic'.

 I really hope you like my look Amy! I have no doubt your own wedding makeup will be stunning :o)

If any of you haven't entered Amy's fab giveaway, you should! I believe it ends on Monday.

Love, H xoxo