That's a Fair Trade! Fairtrade Fortnight!

Yesterday marked the start of Fairtrade Fortnight!  Think it's all chocolate and daggy woven things? Think again!  Fairtrade means that all the contributors get a fair cut of the profits rather than the original producers/produce sellers being exploited for mere pennies a week.  There are many guilty companies and I try to avoid shopping with notorious brands because of it.  However sadly in this society there are so many unethical companies that it is ultimately really hard to know every aspect of the products history.  Rather than moan about those who are bad, today I thought I would bring you some of my favorite FAIRTRADE products and companies.  I hope that you will enjoy this post and perhaps thinking about supporting FAIRTRADE in the future!

Two fairtrade products- more to follow!

Dr Bronner's Magic 18-1 Magic Soap.  Loved by Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman and Bobbi Brown.  I love this stuff and have previously posted about it here.  It's fairtrade, organic and comes in many scents Lavender, tea tree, peppermint to name a few.  As if that wasn't enough this soap has 18 uses including washing body, teeth, hair, pets and cars- the perfect space saving travel/handbag product.  Liquid soap prices start from £5.49 on Asos or soap bars/travel soap available form around £1.69.  Also available in Waitrose!

Tous H2O Perfume.  A recent addition to my perfume collection.  The bottle and packaging are made from recycled material, and the profits go to Oxfam to help them give clean water facilities to those who need it.  The scent is lovely.  It's citrus, fresh and light  Very spring/summer appropriate.  Plus how sweet is the water drop inspired bottle?!  You can purchase this scent from Debenhams (prices start from £21.60 which is a bargain link), Boots ( £26 and up Link)

How cute is the dinky travel bottle!

Co-op Chocolate.  I'm off chocolate for lent, but if you are partial to the odd bite then all Co-op's own range of chocolate is fairtrade.  If you aren't near the co-op then you can always pick up Divine chocolate from Oxfam or other retailers!   While we are on the subject food and drink I noticed the co-op website has a great section of fairtrade items (fruit, chocolate, flapjacks- even wine!!).  Worth a look!  Food tastes all the sweeter for knowing that you are helping people!  Just look for the fairtrade symbol.

Just look out for this symbol.

Thanks to a recommendation on twitter I found this gorgeous range of fairtrade jewellery and accessories at Kazuri beads.  These bead necklaces are made out of ceramic beads.  Kazuri hand make all their items in Kenya and they are not a huge drain on the wallet either.  The bonus is that you are unlikely to meet another person wearing the same jewelery- unlike a high street alternative!  www.kazuribeads.co.uk also sell necklaces made out of Taguabella from Columbia, seeds that are known as 'vegetable ivory' due to their strong properties.  I have a necklace made out of these from a different company and I LOVE it.  If you want to read more about this company and their ethics then click this link!

Gorgeous and a snip at £36 http://www.kazuribeads.co.uk/catalogue/item/kazuri/necklaces/pita-pat-mocha-pink

 Fairtrade Fortnight runs from February 27th to March 11th. I will be featuring some more companies (and of course beauty brands!) over the next two weeks so keep your eyes peeled!


Do you think  Fairtrade is a good or bad thing?  Can you recommend any Fairtrade brands?

(P.s. Dont forget to enter my Mac Giveaway!)
Disclaimer: Dr Bronner's and Tous were PR samples, but this has not affected my thoughts in any way.

Pond's winner and 600 follower MAC giveaway

The winner of the ENTIRE Pond's skincare kit is...............

ForeverGlitter!

I noticed that I hit 600 followers on the blogger dashboard (GFC).  While follower numbers arent everything (there are lots of other ways to follow like Bloglovin, Facebook, Bloggers, Network blogs, email etc) GFC is the easiest way for me to see YOU, my blogging family!

Win a current collection Mac Lipstick of your choice.

Of course it's a bit milestone so I have shuffled round the giveaways to have a 600 follower celebration.  It was a toss up between MAC and NARS, but seeing how popular my last MAC post was I thought I would go with that and leave the NARS for another celebration (800 possibly!)

International Giveaway Rules

1) Must follow this blog via GFC.  It's easier to follow up.

2) Leave a comment saying what specific posts you would like to see on
Computergirl's Musings in the future

3) Gain an extra 8 entries (2 for each additional point) by;

• Following me on twitter and tweet " Oo check out @computergirl200 super duper Mac giveaway! http://computergirl2007.blogspot.com/2012/02/ponds-winner-and-600-follower-mac.html "  (2 entries)
• Blogging about this giveaway (post or sidebar picture/link) on your personal blog (not competitions blog!)
• Following my facebook page and leave a nice comment on my page.
• Follow me on bloglovin' and like this (and possibly other!) posts!

Please check back to see if you have won.  I will do my best to ensure the item reaches you but I can't control the item after posting.  'Compers' will be disqualified as it is not in the spirit of this giveaway.  My decision is final and I reserve the right to end or change this giveaway.

Giveaway closes March 17th! Good Luck!

Haul: Cook Mac, Shop Mac

I don't always make it to a MAC counter in time when there are limited edition collections, and trying to grab things online can be a bit of a mission (I have been THAT 'stalk and refresh the page 100 times a minute' girl)!  I like seeing the collections, but MAC bring out so many per year that I do loose track of them nowadays.  However I was really pleased to see images of the 'Shop Mac, Cook Mac' collection.  I'll be brutally honest- it isnt going shake the moutains, but there are some cute pieces.

Pretty Pink Gingham print box!

I managed to get a great look at the collection at Selfridges (who currently have the collection exclusively) and there were some nice pieces.  Sometimes my MAC shopping experiences have left much to be desired (pinning your customer to the spot is never a good tactic!) I'm pleased to say that I was offered assistance within a minute and had an assistants full attention and help (unlike the Laura Mercier counter where I was the sole customer and ignored while the SA's chatted to each other- their loss)! 

Photo fail: Then tendertone is on the right!

The overall feel is 50's Kitch and this is reflected in the packaging.  I liked the look of Runway Red lipstick but it is similar to one I have from collection 2000, so I left it there!  Plus it's not a colour I would wear lots so I'd rather invest in something I'll get more use out of.  I almost, almost picked up Innocence Beware- in fact I might go back and pick it up.

I came away with a Tendertone in the colour 'Hush, Hush'!  As you can see its a browny nude, with a bit of fine shimmer.  These aim to combine the softness of a balm with the finish of a gloss.  This collection of 4 tendertones has a yummy, gentle strawberry-kiwi scent and flavour.  They aren't too sticky (no hair-stuck-to-lips scenario!) and contain in inbuilt SPF 12 factor to protect your lips.

Notice the pretty shimmer :)

Once applied, the colour is quite sheer, but they look good on their own or over a lip stick or stain.  These really make my lips feel so soft!

Swatched!

Shop MAC, Cook Mac is currently available exclusively at Selfridges stores and online.  As a little extra, from  February 25th there will be a 50's Kitch Mac pop up at Selfridges Oxford Street with models, Djs, and checkouts.  I'm not sure when the collection will be on Mac online but I plan to pick up a few more tendertones for sure!

Tendertones get a (fashion pout) smile from me!

Tendertone's cost £11 for 6ml and come in a glass jar (which is slightly smaller than the soon-to-be-discontinued Studio Sculpt concealer).  You can view the whole collection on Selfridges online (link!)

What do you think of the Mac Limited Edition collections?  Will you be purchasing anything?  Have you tried the tendertones?

P.s. Dont forget my amazing skincare giveaway!  Win the ENTIRE Pond's skincare range- perhaps win it for your mum/Nana for mother's day? (link!)

OPI Winner & Amazing Ponds Giveaway

The Giveaway series continues with a an amazing chance to in the entire Ponds Skincare range.  One lucky reader has the chance to win over £25 worth or products!

Pond's has been giving women a helping hand for over 150 years, which is quite impressive when you think about it.  It is a brand most vintage lovers will have on their dressing tables.  The heritage is fascinating and you can read more about it here (link).  In 2012 they are still a firm favorite for creams and have recently released a new Eye Contour Cream.  If you want to read more about the products or range please visit Boots (official supplier)

Pond's have been very generous and offered me the whole entire range to giveaway!  Aren't you lucky?  If it is not your thing, then maybe your mum would like it for mother's day?

Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser, RRP £4.07

Pond’s Nourishing Anti-Wrinkle SPF 15, RRP £4.07

Pond’s Triple Action Moisturiser, RRP £5.10

Pond’s Hydro-Nourishing Cream, RRP £4.07

New Pond’s Eye Contour Cream, RRP £7.99

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is;

1) Make sure you are following this blog via GFC (or blogger dashboard)

2) Leave a comment below telling me two things:  Since Pond's have been around for 150 years, I want to know which skincare product has been on your shelf the longest (i.e. which one do you keep repurchasing?)  I also want to know, what pond animal you would like to be?!

3) Spread the word via 'liking' this post on bloglovin, networked blogs, facebook, bloggers and/or tweeting a link (put @computergirl200 on the end) or posting on your blog for an extra entry or two!

UK only i'm afraid folks, but stay tuned for more giveaways!

No pro compers and I reserve the right to disqualify, amend or retract the giveaway at any point!

Giveaway will be open for at least a week so get commenting!!

OPI WINNER:

Aysh of Truly Madly Beauty.

Well done.  Please sent me your address so I can send you your prize!

BEST OF LUCK!!


P.s. As if I wasnt spoiling you already, I've nearly reached 600 GFC followers and when I do there will be something specials- so if you are a lurker, then now is a good time to sub :)

65% off Bourjois, makeovers, catwalks, tv filming and much more!

Sounds good, doesn't it?  Bourjois have some great pieces, from the chocolate brick bronzer, to the gorgeous eye shadow pots- and of course my well used Coup de Theatre mascara!  Bourjois have come up with some great ideas to celebrate London Fashion Week.  If you are not near London, then keep reading until the end as there are lots of things you can take advantage of!

If you are near London today sees the launch of a pop-up boutique at The Gallery, Beach Blanket Babylon, Shoreditch, London, E1 6LAfrom 12pm-6pm tomorrow or 12pm-8pm any day until (and including) Monday 20th February.  Why?  You will not only have the chance to purchase Bourjois with a discount of up to 65% off, but will also have the chance to win great prizes, watch London Fashion Week catwalks (while nibbling on fresh macaroons), get free make-overs and listen to advice from some top makeup, hair and fashion experts.  As if that wasn't incentive enough, the first 50 customers each day will get a free Bourjois goody bag (and who doesn't love one of those?!) AND the T4 cameras will be there filming too, so you might even appear on tv!

Fear not, if you cant make it to London, then you can keep up to date by following Bourjois' twitter, visiting their website www.bourjois.co.uk or visiting their Facebook page where you will find money off coupons,  and be able to follow all the gossip and tips from London Fashion Week!  There are also chances to win goodie bags by taking part in various tasks including guessing where Bourjois Belle will be at 12pm each day (I've placed my guess- fingers crossed!!)

I can't wait to see what trends London Fashion Week has in store for us this year.  They are not always wearable for most of us, but it is fun to interpret the looks!

Do you like Bourjois and London Fashion Week?  What products have you tried?  Any recommendations or predictions for trends?  Will you be visiting their first pop-up store?


Don't forget to see if you won my OPI giveaway, and while you are there why not try to win an entire range of a certain product....(link!)

Getting lippie (liner) with it!

For years I didn't see the point in lip liner.  I'd just add a bit of lipstick and go.  Of course I knew about it, I just didn't really 'get' it.  Well a few years back I 'got' it.  We all want the 'flawless took me no effort' look, but will spend hours grooming ourselves to get 'the look'.  The general rule of make-up seems to be feature the lips or eyes, but not both.  If you want people to look at your lips, then framing them neatly is a must.  We all reach for the eyeliner on a daily basis, so why not for use it for lips too?  (Well probably not the same pencil although some brands can be used for both- not that I would want red eyeliner or black lip liner on a regular basis!!)

A good lip liner will help prevent lipsticks for feathering and 'bleeding' by creating a barrier.  It will create a neat defined outline around your lips, which you can then colour in with your desired product!  If you want to make your lips look a little fuller then a good defined line will help create the illusion of volume (but be careful not to line too far outside of your own lip line!)

My current 5 most used lip liners

Top to bottom!
Prestige Lip liner in Silk L-206 from Boots (I think this was around £4) A nice blue toned pinky nude.  I often use this with patisserie lipstick by Mac (link! Use SHBC for free delivery)

Max Factor Colour Elixir Lip Liner in 02 Pink Petal £4.99 from Boots (MF is currently on 3 for 2).  This liner is very soft- sort of like Urban Decay's 24/7 eyeliner pencils).  It is a nourishing texture and lasts quite well. Good neutral dark pink with a hint of brown.  I use this with the Max Factor Elixir lipsticks (7 lipsticks, 7 days, 7 faces Post)


Mac Lip Pencil in Oak £10.50 (link!) (Use code SHBC for free delivery!) This is a brown nude colour, and I use it with Blankety lipstick when I have flesh nude lipstick on.  Because I have pale skin I tend to go the dark brown side of nude- I fear concealer lips!!

Natural Collection Lip Liner in Mulberry from Boots. 3 for £5 or £1.99 each.  Cheap as chips and quite useful!  A nice dark purpley wine colour.

Illamasqua Medium pencil in Feisty £13 from Debenhams (use SHBC for free delivery).  A nice soft, blue toned bright red.  Illamasqua has over 39 shades in this multipurpose eye, lip, face and body pencil.

Prestige Lip Liner and Mac Patisserie

I have to say that I have found the MAC, Natural collection and Prestige liners to dry a little and become hard.  If this happens to you, then try either dipping the tip in some moisturiser and then working in into the pencil by drawing on tiny dots on the back of your hand- this will also warm the product up.  If you don't have time to do this then a quick blast of heat from a hair dryer should warm it up (but also dry it a little).  Be careful to sharpen often as the hairdryer heat could increase bacteria levels!  I have also been known to leave mine on the radiator for half a minute or exhale repeatedly on the tip!

Nooooooooooo!!!! Don't do it!!

The trick with lip liner is to stick as close as you can to the lipstick shade.  Take is a shade lighter or darker, depending on your preference but at all cost avoid the 'Kat Slater' from Eastenders look... aka completely mismatched lipstick and liner.


Is lip liner a yes or no for you?  Which brands do you like to use?  Any tips or tricks to share?

Disclaimer: All lip liners mentioned have been purchased by me and all views are my own!

Valentine's Shmalentines. Things you can buy yourself.

Who needs boys?!  Seriously, unless you love yourself no-one else is going to respect you or love you.  And let's face it, makeup lasts forever (or until the 1-2 year expiry date!) and shopping can be a bit more satisfying than boys (or am I deluding myself a bit...)!  At least you know where you stand with shopping... in stock, order/try on, fit:keep, wrong size: return and get a refund!!

Valentines: Wine, cookies, sweets, DVD and nail polish.

Someone raided M&S... Belgian chocolate cookie selection is amazing.  Very addictive!!


I know there are a lot of 'Valentine's' releases, but to me I see them more as a pre-spring collection rather than something I need someone else to buy me to show me they care.  Love should be something that is always the centre of every relationship.  It's the little considerate things that count, like always checking each other is ok, knowing when your partner looks tired and taking them home at social occasions without them saying, not leaving them behind places, making them their favourite food, not leaving dirty clothes/towels about, doing the washing up so the other person doesn't have to wade through layers of grime and dirt just to make a cup of tea, making a hot water bottle in their bed as a surprise, hoovering before they get home from work every now and again so that they don't have to do it when they come back exhausted (or come back and see mess!), drawing a bath for your partner every now and again.... you get the picture!  No amount of makeup, handbags, roses (which are normally farmed unethically using slave labour), (blood) diamonds) shoes, or chocolates purchased on one day of a year can makeup for 364 days of neglect!!!!  (And boys, do NOT even THINK about buying that 7p Asda smart price valentine's card.  If you really are then trust me, a homemade one will go down better...)

Nail Polish of choice.  Orly's Rock-it.  Red with glitter in :)

My nail polish choice of the V-Day.  My choice has to be Orly's Rock it polish form the Mineral FX collection. Gorgeous dark burgundy red with a goldy/wine duo chrome glitter/shimmer.  Available for £6.99 inc postage HERE


If you feel like treating yourself (go'on!) or treating someone special in your life (Special can mean friend, mum, aunt etc) then these are some ideas for you!

Doesn't this swatch look a bit like a rose?

Emma Watson (Lancome ambassador) has picked her favourite 6 items out of the Rouge In Love lipsticks (£21) and Vernis in love polishes (£12) and will be personally presenting them at the Oxford Street branch of Selfridges Friday 10th Feb at 4:30.  It looks like a pretty range and Ms Watson has great classic style so I'm sure they'll be a hit.  If you can't get to London then the full range is available on Selfridges online (lipsticks link and polish link!).  I haven't tried Lancome lipsticks so I'll be swatching away this weekend!



I also love the look (no pun intended) of Daniel Sandler's 'In love' candle, (hand poured by J Ward).  It can also be used as a moisturiser once melted (which I think is cool).  Also order this delight from his website (link!) and receive a Daniel Sandler Base brush for free (plus free delivery).  I have the base brush and it is one of my most used brushes.  I use it to apply moisturiser normally, although it does create a flawless finish with foundation.  So forget this 'valentines gifts for others' malarky and buy one thing and end up with 3; a gorgeous smelling candle, a moisturiser and a luxury base brush.. bargain!

Talking of dual purpose candles, I quite like the sound of Earthly Body edible candles (link!).  You're in the bath, the candle is alight, you get hungry.. eat the candle! Go'on!  Practice your fire eating skills!

Wahanda (link!).  Make yourself have a treat!  Valentines is a huge stress whether you are in or out of a relationship.  Relax by taking a spa treat from just £20!  That is 2-3 bottles of wine, but much kinder to your body!!  I recommend a nice hot stone back massage to work out stressed muscles and relax your mind.  Just don't eat the candles at your spa. They might think you are a bit odd.

Sometimes getting away is as good as a rest.  If I am going somewhere of  the beaten track I use local, independent places, but for larger cities I use lastminute.com and late rooms to find a nice hotel, then plan a few excursions (theatre, castles, museums, SHOPPING!) around it.  If you really want luxury (and we need a little in our life from time to time) then pamper yourself with Mr and Mrs Smith international breaks.  No- Don't wait for someone else to do it!  Especially not a boy- they generally get fed up of a website within 1 minute and book the first thing they see regardless of suitability or cost!!

So, as you can see, my Valentines is shaping up well.  Nice pampering evening of stress free indulgence, personal shopping and trip planning!  This post is slightly tongue in cheek- of course I think that celebrating any sort relationship (partner, parent, sibling, friend) is very important, but I just don't believe in pinning it down to one day of the year :)

Is Valentine's day a big celebration for you, or a big old normal day?  Do you go all out or ignore it?  Any disaster date stories?  Are you going to be like me and use it as an excuse to buy things for yourself?!

P.s. No more mentioning of the V word this year :)

Magical 'wonder-water' 4711 cologne... intrigued?

When I was 14 I went on a school trip to France.  We caught the ferry from Dover to Calais, and did what every school girl with a taste of freedom would do.... hit duty free!!  (I still do that now, it hasn't lost it's sparkle)!  I remember smelling and discussing the fragrances with a teacher and this, my friends, is where I learn about 4711.  It has magical properties!

Pretty gold and turquoise packaging!

Firstly this Eau de Cologne smells like a combination of citrus, lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus.  It's a little odd because Eucaplytus isn't in there- it contains;

Top notes: orange, peach, lemon, bergamot and basil.

Middle notes: cyclamen, lily, melon, jasmine and rose.

Base notes: patchouli, tahitian vetiver, musk, cedar, sandalwood and oakmoss. 

Overall it smells very fresh and zingy- like crisp white sheets, streaming sunlight, fresh grass, blue sky, bird song, fresh orange trees and much more.  A sort of spring, summer and autumn all rolled into one!  As you'd expect from the name, 4711 Eau de Cologne is a German manufactured scent, which has an  amazing heritage dating back the the 18th Century.  Years of history have turned it into a cultural timeless wonder- did you know it is mentioned in the book 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'?

Vintage 'watch' bottle, size of a pocket watch!

I love vintage things, so for  me, the gorgeous, opulent bottle caught my eye.  It doesn't seem to look like the design has changed since the 18th Century!  (I sort of imagine a Keira Knightly figure using this when she is dressed up as 18th Century Duchesses in period dramas!)

There are three things I love about this scent.  The vintage bottle, the smell, and the magical properties!  My french teacher told me that this is the perfect scent for travel because it eases headaches and tiredness.  It is known as the 'wonder-water' because this scent refreshes and relieves tension.  I love applying it to my pulse points or the back of my neck if taking long journeys.  I believe (but do check current guidelines) that the small 'pocket watch' bottle (25ml) is allowed on aeroplanes, but if not then you can always take on one these 4711 moist individually wrapped tissues.  I bought these for the pricey sum of £1.30 (on offer!) many years ago- that's 13p per tissue!!  Perfect for handbag/carry on luggage!

Bargain tissues!

That is the other thing I love about this fragrance.  It is affordable.  You can pick it up from £4 for the Eau de Cologne.  There is also a 4711 stick, tissues, body spray, lotion, talc, shower gel and Cologne.  Absolutely worth a look.  You can see a good selection at Boot.com (link!), or Gemsmaquillage told me that she bought hers from Cheap Smells (link!)  I have managed to find some of the more obscure items on Urban Retreat (link!) I have purchase mine from Murray's Boots and Duty Free.  If you are a vintage geek then there are some lovely vintage bottles on Ebay (link!)

Golden ticket?

I was excited to read on Beautymouth that 4711 is sponsoring Matthew Williamson at London Fashion Week 2012 so expect to see a bit more of this unisex scent around this year!

Do scents remind you of places?  Do you use 4711?  Do you like vintage items?  How do you get rid of headaches and revive yourself on a long journey?

P.s. Don't forget my OPI giveaway, and to check to see if you won a prize! Also a huge thank you for all the loevly comments recently.  It really means a lot.

Disclaimer: Products and views are all mine, not PR samples!

The best winter warm me up breakfast?

The UK hit -10 degrees last night- needless to say it was freezing this morning.  I had to bribe myself to get out from under the duvet by resolving to make bacon and scotch pancakes.  This is my first time at cooking this dish.  I ate it for the first time last year.  After mentioning I was making them on twitter and posting a picture, I received quite a few comments, so here is the recipe I used :)

Preparation time: 2 minutes
Cooking time: (each around 1 minute, collectively around 10 minutes)

You'll need:
Bacon (I used unsmoked back bacon and trim the rinds)
1 egg
1/4 pint of milk
Pinch of salt
120g Self Raising Flour
30g caster sugar

Butter for pan
Maple syrup (optional)

Whisk the egg and milk together, then add flour (sift if needed), sugar and salt.  Turn on heat under pan an put a little butter in the bottom.  Turn on grill and leave bacon to cook.

Once pan is hot enough, spoon a little of the mixture into a round.  Once the mixture starts bubbling, use a spatula/slice to flip it over.  after about 10 seconds this side should be cooked.  Put some kitchen roll on a plate and put the bacon/pancakes on as cooked.  I always to this to take off any excess fat.

Eat with maple syrup as desired.  I normally have a nice glass of orange juice to break down the grease. 

Perfect warm brunch breakfast!  Quick to make and a departure from a full English or porridge, but just as warm!  You can pre-make the batter and store in the fridge overnight to speed up things in the morning.


Have you tried this dish?  What is your favourite hot breakfast for cold mornings?  What breakfast foods do you recommend for a good, healthy, energetic start to the day!

This week on the blog, and OPI giveaway, plus sparkly gold items from MAC, Urban Decay, Michael Kors and much more!  And don't forget to see if you won a Christmas prize! 

Gold, always believe in your soul!

Crock o' Gold!

There is only ONE song which you can (optionally) listen to while reading this post...  It had to be done!!

I blogged a while back about how, when I was in my early teens, I had been told at a colour consultation that I should stay clear of gold things and only wear silver.  This meant that for years I had a stigma attached to gold things.  It was only as I got older that I realised that actually I CAN wear golds (of a certain hue) and wear gold accessories.  Silver has a colder tone and while I do still wear silver the most, gold can really brighten and warm my complexion!

I think the key is not to cover yourself in gold as this can look tacky, but a little touch here or there can look very elegant!

As you can see I have amassed a few of my most used gold items :)

• Gold Multi sequin top from Oasis (previous season).  You can sometimes find old season stock on ebay, or I found a different but cute one at Boohoo .  Incidentally while on the Oasis website I found a gold sequin skirt in the sale reduced from £80 to £15! Yes or no? (Link)

• Russian Gold Bracelets: Miss Selfridge (previous season)

• Alpha H Liquid Gold (Before and after pictures/post HERE)

I have a few polishes which I am happy to wear on their own or over another colour.  One of these is Sephora by OPI 'Looks like rain, dear'.  A gorgeous gold sparkle polish with tiny holographic pieces in it.  I have previous posted swatches (link!) and I love it. 

Unfortunately it was limited edition but worth asking at Sephora or doing an ebay search every now and again.  Feel free to suggest dupes!  (P.s. I am giving away some OPI this week so check my last post!

 ...And while we are on the subject of makeup.... 

This is my recently purchased (while shopping with a fever!!) Vital Enlightening Highlighter Powder from the current No7  Floral Brights collection.  It's a light subtle gold and I am enjoying playing around with it.  Pictures to follow :)  I also picked out my three most used gold eye shadows.  Urban Decay's Half Baked, Amber lights and All that Glitters (Mac).

Mac All that Glitters

Urban Decay's Half Baked

Mac Amber Lights (Centre) (Left: Romp, Top: Mulch, Right: ATG)

These are three gorgeous soft eye shadows- I always use a primer to really secure them and bring out the shimmer.  I also love teaming it up with my GOSH Golden Moss eye-pencil (soft as butter and costs £5 or less if on 3 for 2! Swatches/ post)

(L-R no flash) No. 7 highlighter, Half baked, Amber lights, All that Glitters.

(L-R flash) No. 7 highlighter, Half baked, Amber lights, All that Glitters.

Of course when going out, a girl need a nice clutch bag- and this one is by Michael Kors.  Kors is normally known for his clothing (and the rose gold watch that every beauty youtuber / blogger seems to have nowadays).  I like this clutch because it is a decent enough size to hold a phone, keys, lippie, money and still have room for a couple of other things.  It has hidden magnets inside so once zipped up, it will fold over nicely, plus there is a wrist strap so you can keep it secure.

Dress up any outfit with a little gold sparkle!

Roomy inside, plus luxurious soft fabric inside.

Done up, folded discretely and hanging by the clippable strap!

Of course, not many of us can afford a nice Michael Kors bag- the price tag is normally around £200 which, lets face it, few of us have spare these days.  Well I can tell you that if you purchase some Michael Kors eau de parfum from February 28th then you can get this clutch free.  That means you get two things fro the price of one.  I think it has to be the 50ml and above but worth asking as prices start at £35 which is far more appealing to me than £200 for a bag!  I haven't actually tried the MK signature perfume but I have heard form other bloggers that it is worth a sniff!

Of course I can't mention gold and perfume without mentioning DKNY Golden Delicious (and the $1million bottle).  A perfume I have been using quite a lot over winter.  (Review/pictures here)

One of my favourite gold item's I own is this cute little mirror.  It's just bigger than a bank card and lives on my vanity table.  Perfect for checking that gold eye make up with!  It also makes me feel like Princess Snow white or Cinderella (albeit a giant sized one with a tiny mirror)!


So, is Gold a YES or a NO for you?  What is your favourite gold item you own?  Any gold makeup recommendations?

Disclaimer: The clutch was a sample/gift sent for consideration.  All opinions are my own as usual!                  

Wednesday Giveaway (OPI) and 12 days winners!

Here it is, the start of a few giveaways to start 2012!  These prizes were set aside for the 12 days giveaways I held over Christmas, but I ended up with over 12 prizes.. and rather than have the 24 days of a '12 days Giveaway' I said that I would have some more giveaways this year!  I am going to try and hold these weekly, but don't hold me to it!  These things take a lot of organising and sometimes 'life' gets in the way!  Good Luck!

P.s. Thank you for all the 'get well wishes'.  Feeling much better, nearly 100%!  I will be posting my updated thoughts on Chanel Perfection Lumiere shortly!

Week 1: OPI Sweet heart Nail Polish.

OPI Sweet Heart

A lovely pinky nude which is perfect for a french manicure.  I have previously mentioned and posted this polish as it is in my most used basket.  Professional, discrete, universally suitable and long lasting.  You have the chance to win this today!  (If you cant wait and love an ebay bargain then I can completely recommend this seller who stocks OPI polishes from £3.80 and ships internationally,  or this seller who stocked them from £4- so much cheaper than in the UK, although watch out for customs if you are ordering more than £15-20 worth!!)

Enough! How can I win??!
Open internationally although I will have to send surface mail so please be patient!

Follow these rules very carefully!

1) Be a follower via GFC.
  2) Comment below with your favourite nail polish brand / colour.
3) For an extra entry, tweet " Oooooo an OPI giveaway! Thanks @computergirl200 http://www.computergirl2007.blogspot.com " (or post a link on your blog/facebook etc!)

I will announce the winner with the next giveaway- hopefully next week so stay tuned and remember to check back!!
Small Print: No professional compers/compers forums. I reserve to right to cancel or change the competition or disqualify entrants. 
 


12 Days Winners

These are the last few winners, although some of the previous ones have not contacted me so please check the previous posts to see if your name is there!

Day 10) Styleezta, Peniam, Funkiichiicka, Fetema, Alba M U

Day 11) Olga

Day 12) Emma

Congratulations if you have won!  Please send me an email with the title 'Giveaway Day (number)' and include your address!