New blog!

Hey all - I am coming back to the blogging world - however at my new address of www.bexiwiththegoodhair.com. If you follow me here, please give me a follow over there instead ! Many thanks

Kat Von D haul 🌹 SAINT AND SINNER

Hey guys! 

Welcome to my first blog post in over a year! Where have I been? Life kind of took over. I've still been very active on my Instagram though so please follow me there @bexi_with_the_good_hair 

Anyhoo, I wanted to start back off here with a wonderful haul from one of my favourite brands, Kat Von D beauty 

One could say I'm clearly in the Halloween spirit, but I am all year round FYI, these room decorations ain't seasonal! 

I was prompted (because I take a lot of prompting to buy a load of makeup 😏) to treat myself to some Kat Von D goodies as I was gifted some Debenhams vouchers from my wonderful friends Cheryl and Ryan. Imagine my happiness when I decided to go on my spree and discovered that there were fabulous new multi packs out of the Everlasting liquid lipsticks and the new Everlasting liquid lip liners. STRAIGHT IN MY BASKET

As you can see the packing is a thing of beauty as always from Kat Von D. Gothic, dark and beautiful. I knew I loved her liquid lipstick formulas anyway (the only ones that don't crumble and look disgusting after I've so much as taken a sip of water) and jumped at the chance of try some of her newer shades in the mini collection. I purchased this one here : 

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_130016895999_-1

I then was extremely excited to see that there was a new set of her Everlasting Lipliners out so I couldn't help but buy those, obviously 

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_130016895699_-1

So far I have only tried "Lolita" and I love it. My only slight criticism is that it is extremely soft, so although it's super easy to apply I can see myself getting through it quite fast. The colour and wear is stunning though. 

I also repurchased my favourite eyeliner, Kat Von D's "Tattoo liner" in "Trooper". This is the only liner I can create a wing with that doesn't smudge or break up or go generally nasty. They included a mini version too which I am not complaining about as I'm sure it's going to come in handy on nights out!! 

Finally I bought this big bad boy. The new, Kat Von D, Saint and Sinner eyeshadow palette. And it is BEAUTIFUL

I mean, honestly. The shadows are super pigmented as well as soft and blendable. I've included some suitably poor swatches below 

You could say it was love at first swatch (snigger) 

I would say from my initial playing around my favourites so far are "Cathedral" "Rosary" "Stigmata" and " Rapture"   However I am looking forward to playing with some more of the "out there" colours and stepping out of my red smokey eye comfort zone as well. 

The "Saint and Sinner" eyeshow palette can be found here http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_130016896099_-1

Unfortunately on my first attempt putting this onto my face I didn't have a lot of getting ready time, so the look is pretty simple. I have included a sexy selfie down below anyway for those who are interested. The full makeup details for this post can be found in the comments section of my Instagram (plug plug plug) 

Has anyone else tried this palette? If so, what did you think? Please let me know in the comments below and for now..

Bye, Witches 

Shop Dixi - Mini haul and review

Hi all,

Like most people I think, Shop Dixi first some under my radar due to Instagram. I'd seen a lot of their jewellery in posts and also linkied YouTube videos ( I'm pretty sure Bunny from Grav3yard Girl has a necklace from there) and I sort of dismissed them. Why? For example, the large crystal necklace I had my eye on was out of my price range, and they were probably an American company who would cost me loads in shipping and customs right? Wrong. 

I only bothered to do some actual research into them when I saw the "Lone Wolf" ring ( now sold out, sorry guys). Becoming recently single for the first time in ten years ( I'm 26) it seemed fitting for the strength I believe I have shown and am planning on continuing to show while I learn how to just be me, without another  person.  I had to have it. Unfortunately I used a ring sizer which indicated to me that my size would be a 17.5", which was  sold out. Wah.  I tweeted the company a couple of times but didn't get a definitive response. Sort of fair though, companies don't always know when exactly stock will be in of specific items and probably don't want to make promises that they then cannot keep.

 I then received a newsletter email from ShopDixi, informing me that they had 20% off all rings. I couldn't resist that. There were others I wanted. First one I put in my basket was a thin, sterling silver band reading "Moon child" which is another perfect description for me. The full price for this was £22. I also ordered their "casket" ring which is a small sterling silver coffin ring prices at only £26 (not including discount)

 The final ring of this order is the beautiful "Sunset lovers ocean blue " ring which I got a really good deal on as it was from one of the sample trays. It is  sterling silver and due to being worn on a photo shoot was discounted down to £14. 

The only sign that it had been worn was the sample sticker attached.

 It's perfect and I would really reccomed checking the sample trays out to snap up rings that you like at a discounted price. Obviously there is usually only one or a couple of each though so act fast if you find one that you love. 

I also purchased a heart necklace which was on sale for £5 and reads "witch" not to everyone's taste but it suits my style perfectly 

In my excitement of checking out, and the pain of using terrible hotel wifi, I realised I had mistyped my email address and so did not receive the confirmation email (rooky mistake) I emailed ShopDixi customer service and also included another request about the "Lone Wolf" ring. They got back to me very quickly (within a couple of hours) resent my email and advised that unfortunately they would not be getting any more stock in of the ring now but I could keep an eye on the sample trays as it might appear there. I panicked and immediately ordered the ring in 18" with the intentions of getting it resized.

 As I was in holiday at the time I got all packages at once when I got home, however shipping was incredibly quick (a couple of days max) and cost only £1.95! Bargain! The " Lone Wolf" ring was £36 but was reduced down to £24 with the 20% off. Turns out that, as the band is thicker, I would have needed the larger size anyway, and it fits perfectly stacked with my other purchases. As all the rings are sterling silver, my fingers won't be going green anytime soon! Hurrah! 

To sum up, Shop Dixi DOES have expensive things out of my personal price range but they also have very good value, affordable products, are a UK company and have quicker, cheaper shipping then most! What's not to love?! Unfortunately that particular promotion of 20% off of rings has now ended however I would definitely recommend signing up to their newsletter before buying as they seem to have discount codes on a lot! They also do special offers on specific items which I believe changes daily so keep an eye out for those too! All in all I'm very happy with my purchases and am sure I will be shopping with them again sooner than my bank balance would appreciate  

Has anyone else bought anything Shop Dixi? What are your thoughts? 

Xxx 

Cohorted beauty box review

My relationship with Cohorted is bittersweet. Since their launch of their beauty boxes I have been desperately trying to get hold of one. I even came so close with the August box only to have it whipped out of my basket at checkout and met with the dreaded "SOLD OUT". However, by some stroke of luck I managed to get my paws on the September box and it was worth the wait! 

Firstly, the box is only £19.99 plus shipping (£2.50 or free for all orders over £20.. Cheeky Cohorted!)  but the contents of the box are always worth a lot more. I believe my little card told me that Septembers box was worth around £75. 

The packaging is super pretty and I felt weirdly special undoing the bow to open the box! It's the little things in life 

First thing I noticed made my jaw drop. Honestly. I literally couldn't believe it and wondered if they had made some sort of mistake. 

"Nude tude" by The Balm palette. I had my eye on this for ages but for £37 I was holding off.. And here I am getting it in a £20 beauty box! I'm a fan of their shadows anyway as I love the "Meet Mr Matte" palette so I was VERY excited to receive this. 

The next item I spotted was another jaw dropper. A full size NARS lip pencil lipstick. I can't remember the colour name because I'm rubbish, but it's a beautiful orangey browny red shade and is perfect for Autumn winter! 

But first 

(Excuse the rest of my face please, this was a evening photo after I had been at work all day!)

Next up was a mini eye primer again by The Balm 

A very cute Molton Brown bath and shower gel (promptly gifted to the mother    in law)

And a shower gel by GUCCI. Yup. GUCCI

I was a little surprised to see two bath/shower products in one box but honestly the rest more than made up for it. This box is incredible value for money. The products provided are popular well known products and in actual wearable colours. This is a premium beauty box service for a more than reasonable price in my opinion, and a massive hit with me. 

The October box is available to preorder from 6pm tomorrow. I'll race you to check out

https://www.cohorted.co.uk/pre-order-october-beauty-box.html

Too faced Cocoa Contour palette and review

Hi all!! 

I make no secret of my love for the cocoa infused Too Faced products. They are creamy, pigmented and smell like my favourite food. So I kind of knew that this was going to be a hit! My little sister kindly bought this for me for my birthday, but I believe it retails at around £32. 

It came in a cardboard sleeve which is cute but will irritate me and no doubt end up in the bin. Here's the back of it though

I really wish they would print this on the back of the actual palette rather than on the sleeve ( Too Faced - we did talk about this with the chocolate palette, please listen to us!)

The front of the actual palette is the same as the sleeve, and the back looks like this;

And the usual little diagram sheet which is always helpful 

The palette contains 2 highlighting shades (one matte highlight and one shimmer/ glitter highlight) and 2 contour shades (medium and dark) as well as a nifty little brush.  I was a bit afraid of the glittery highlight but honestly it's not as harsh on the face as it is in the pan. 

Here are some swatches 

So my verdict is that I really like this palette. BUT I am white as a sheet
naturally and I would really like it if Too Faced released a "Milk chocolate contour palette" for those of us with fair skin, as the milk chocolate soilel bronzer suits my skin tone perfectly. This one I have to be a little careful of not to get too heavy. 

Here's a before and after with the worst lighting ever 

Before : 

After : 

Quite subtle but that's how it's meant to be right!?

Anyone else a huge fan of the Too faced Cocoa palettes or contour kits in general? Anyone have any recommendations for contour with super pale skin? 

Xxx

1 Minute review! L'Oreal Paris Miss Manga Punky Mascara Blue

Let's get straight to it. I (like everyone else) love Loreal mascara. However... The "Miss Manga" formula is probably my least favourite. It's weird considering I like spider lashes but there you have it!! I am a walking contradiction. When I saw the brilliant blue of this new shade though I had to give it a go ; 

It's most definitely the bluest mascara I have ever used!  It looked a bit shocking on my lashes but made a nice change for holibobs 

The formula appears to be the same as the normal "Miss Manga" mascara but the colour pay off is amazing. This particular one isn't waterproof but didn't flake or smudge on me either 

After trying the full on look, I then put it just on my lower lash line. I think I prefer this look as it's more subtle but still brings attention to the eyes

Would I purchase this again? 

Only if I couldn't find another formula with the same colour payoff.. If you want BLUE lashes then this one is for you! I also should point out that I do have my lashes tinted however at this point they were pretty blonde, which may have intensified the colour "pop"

I personally will stick to boring black with my "L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes So Couture mascara" for the time being. 

Kiss cosmetics company and review!

So who are Kiss cosmetics?

 Kiss cosmetics are a makeup brand who launched this summer.. however bloggers got to hear all about the brand before the launch. This is because the company invited all bloggers (no matter how big or small) to participate in the development of the products. We were invited to a private Facebook group where we were asked a variety of questions regarding formula, package preferences, what we value most in our makeup products and even which names we preferred! I thought the whole idea was fab and Kiss cosmetics have basically ended up giving the majority of customers exactly what they want. 

You can read more about their launch here; http://kisscosmetics.co.uk/blog/?p=718

Once launched, Kiss have continued their  involvement with the blogging community by offering all bloggers that signed up a chance of receiving a free sample (I believe these samples will soon be able to purchase at a cost of £2 each which is genius.. How often have we bought a drug store lippie only to discover that it really does not suit us as much as we might want it too?!) 

Mine came swiftly in the post by recorded delivery 

I received the kiss stick ( lipstick) and the first thing that  I noticed when I opened the package was the card depicting all the different shades available ;

Me being a glass half empty kind of girl thought "Great.. I'm going to end up with a orange that I would never wear (doesn't suit me) and will hate to review!" Imagine how excited I was when I opened this beautiful shade 

It's called "Naked Pink" and it's just beautiful!! The perfect wearable dusty mauve pink shade. In. love. We also reviewed some voucher codes for money off products and delivery charges

First off, this lipstick is one of the most pigmented I have ever tried. The swatch above was one stroke. If you are a makeup bully then be careful, as the formula is quite soft and smooth, but this also makes the application easy and you can barely feel it on the lips

Pout baby pout! 

This is the colour upon application at the tube station (around 8:30)

How did it wear? Beautifully. I'm always concerned with how lippies wear as they tend to settle in the outside line of my lip and I end up looking like I'm wearing some incredibly dodgy 80s lip liner. This was the product by about 10am

( my natural lips have no pigment and I look like a zombie by the way.. So there's definitely colour on there!)

And by lunch time! 

Still there (barely) and no dodgy liner lips. Score. Not bad for only £7. Yup. That's how much the full size is! Honestly I love it and will be purchasing the full size once this runs out. Oh and maybe the shade "Birthday suit". Oh and maybe the lip expholiater.. You get the idea. 

The lipsticks (and other products) are available to purchase online NOW at http://kisscosmetics.co.uk 

* Although this product was sent to me by the company to review all opinions are my own, if I hated it then you would know about it! *