Computergirl's Christmas Message

So it is just before Christmas Day in the UK- I know some countries are already celebrating.  Some of you have to wait a few more minutes/hours! 

I have been watching Santa go round the earth using http://www.noradsanta.org/en/ and firing off messages to people in that country as appropriate!

I just wanted to wish you a very merry Christmas with your nearest and dearest.  I hope that you are able to have a restful and peaceful day- whatever your circumstances.

A special mention goes out to those who work in hospices, hospitals or other such establishments which do not close for Christmas.  You do a great job, and we appreciate you!  Thank you.

It is estimated that in the UK alone, 250'000 old people will be on their own this Christmas, so please take 5 minutes out to go and wish your elderly neighbour a happy Christmas.  You might be the only person they see.  No-one wants to be on their own.

If you are someone who is feeling alone and reading this then please read Kellie's post.  She has summed up what I wanted to say perfectly so I won't try to copy or better it.  Just take a look!


Thank you for another wonderful year on Computergirl's Musings.  I have lots more to come next year- including my 3rd blogging birthday!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL!

Emma xx

12 Days Giveaway: Day 10, 11, 12! Prize extravaganza!

On the TENTH, ELEVENTH and TWELFTH Day of Christmas Computergirl gave to me....

Today I am doing one post to cover three days, and seeing as it is the last day before Christmas day, well it might be a special set of giveaways! There will be 7 winners!

5 Kiss nail kits (Each kit RRP £7.75!)

1 RMK eyeshadow and limited edition makeup bag (A great little brand.  Shadow alone RRP £20!)

1 Murad Celebrate you Pomegranate set (as mentioned in a previous post!  Worth £39!)

Some nice brands- purchases/reviews to come next year!
A few of these prizes are UK only so please check the rules!
Don't forget to check Days 1-9 out before they close!

Rules:

To enter you must

1) Be a subscribed follower of this blog via GFC/blogger dashboard.

2) Comment below: Please tell me what is the present you hope for for Christmas!  This can be as superficial as you want- whi knows, you might receive it!
3) Please state which country you are in.  This is important.

4)  As a little present to me, please tweet something about this giveaway (include @computergirl200 in the tweet!), post something on your blog, like this post on bloglovin, facebook, networked blogs, bloggers etc- which ever platform you are on!

Winners announced via blog post after Christmas (but hopefully before new year).

Disclaimer:

This is a thank you to my readers, therefore entrants from competition forums are not allowed. After item is posted it is in the hands of the postal services.  I accept not responsibility for items lost once posted.  No alternative prize is available.  I reserve the right to disqualify entrants, amend the rules or cancel the giveaway at any point.  My word is final!

Last minute gift guide (some free ideas!)

I have put off doing a gift post until now, partly because I have been so busy.  Also the net is flooded with ideas at the moment, which has put me off saturating my blog with gifts.  Instead I have been doing 12 Christmas Giveaways which have taken over a little... So here is my one and only gift guide for this year!

Some ideas which have caught my eye, some gifts I have bought for others, some ideas which I have used in the past.  Don't forget to try and buy a couple of gifts from local Independent shops!



For friends, sisters, brothers, boyfriends, grandparents etc My local Body Shop will wrap purchases into a gift if you ask nicely (for free yay!).  You can choose a little kit of anything (but their body butters are nice, along with shower gels... oh and the cranberry lip tins.  I normally treat myself to some of the Cranberry lip glosses in the sale after Christmas ;) )  You can normally buy a few bathroom essentials like nail clippers, body brushes, flannels etc and then pop them with some bath and shower goodies.

For friends, couples, mums, sisters, bridemaids, people who spend a lot of time on their feet and need a nice foot massage..!  If you are stuck for inspiration then Wahanda (the online spa directory) have a little gadget that will ask you questions about the recipient and then suggest a product or service!  I havent tried it but have heard that its quite good!  You can see their Christmas ideas HERE.  Just noticed their mob deal is 2 nights 4* for 2 in the Czech Republic for £112?!

One for sisters, mums and grans!  At the moment I am testing a wonderful little kit from Murad called 'Celebrate You'.  It contains a lots of anti-oxidant pomegranate products, which I thought was a bit unusual.  I love eating pomegranates, so healthy for my yummy :)  I will update you later on how I get on, but I think that Feelunique sell Murad and might be able to deliver any orders in time if places today!  If Murad isn't your cup of tea then feel unique or Beauty Bay have some great ranges of gifts- just double check delivery dates for where you are!

As for other ideas, Boots do a lovely range of ethical fairtrade products called Extracts.  The Cocoa Butter one smells like chocolate.  Plus the entire range is on 3 for 2 at the moment Click HERE. 
The range is quite gentle plus Boots stores are easy to find, so do keep an eye out!  I think this is a fairly fail safe gift for anyone!  While there I can also recommend picking up the Botanics Eye makeup remover for any young girls just getting into makeup.  It wont break the bank, but will come in very handy!  (I guess we all remember those 'must-wear-black-eyeliner-to-school' days!)

BOYS! If in doubt, think big kid trapped in an adults body.  Think toys, childhood nostalgia, beer and FOOD.  I picked up a copy of The Goonies and The Flight of the Navigator for a 30-something the other year and it went down amazingly.  Also cost very little! Teamed with some snacks and a desk toy- Sorted!

Last minute options also include eVouchers from play.com, Amazon, Ebay (Via Paypal), ASOS or post offices do a nice highstreet card which can be used in a multitude of places.




I do not always buy new things for people.  I love to mix and match new with old gifts.  I guess I should say Vintage Gifts!

I love to buy second hand books for the charity shops for people.  They have been loved and used and then passed on.  It's ethical and is a double gift as the money you spend will go to support the charity.  If you want new things then most shops now have a range of new gifts- particularly Oxfam who have an exellent range of 'Oxfam unwrapped' gifts they send to Africa on your behalf, while you get a fridge magnet.  I have some goats and alpacas in Africa right now!  These can be sent as eCards!

I also love picking up a good board game or jigsaw for the older members of my family.  We normally all sit round and participate- so the gift is actually making the family all sit down and laugh together!  This year I have picked up a 'Royal Wedding' Jigsaw from the RSPCA shop!


FREE Gifts
If you really want free gifts then I love making home made vouchers for people.   These have especially been welcomed if the recipient does not have much spare money to spend- they feel less guilty about accepting some help or time. Here are some of my best ideas;

• A nights babysitting voucher so that mum & dad can have a night out.
• A trip to the cinema/shopping for an elderly relative.  They get a day out, you pay for transport/drive.
• 1 night's taxi ride for a sibling/friend.  You drive, they party!
• A taxi ride to the airport for mum and dad or neighbours when they go on holiday.
• A dinner party night for friends.  3 course, you cook.
• A friendship blanket evening for a friends newborn.  You each knit or quilt a square then sew them into a new blanket together.  Some company for new mum, and some quality time with friends.

So there you go.  Some various gift ideas that could really help out some of your family and friends.  After all, Christmas is about spending time with people and looking after each other.  The only things we really have to give is love (and time).

This video made me cry with laughter

I bring you the gift of de-stressing in the run up to Christmas!

(Work procratination = Youtube!  Needs sound!)

Watch it and then if you are confused see my comment below this post!  I dont want to spoil it for those who haven't seen this yet!
Don't forget my Melvita giveaway (plus all the other Pre Christmas giveaways on my blog!)

12 Days Giveaway: Day 9 Melvita Goodies

On the NINTH Day of Christmas Computergirl gave to me....

Melvita Goodies!

One Bio-Excellence Hand Cream (protects hands from early signs of aging, improves skin condition) RRP £15
One Argan Oil Roll-on with Geranium for Hands and Nails (nourishes cuticles, dry spots.  Also roller-ball provides a massage while applying, aiding circulation and lymphatic drainage) RRP £9

Organic and Cruelty Free.
A nice brand- some purchases/reviews to come next year!
These giveaways are open till I say closed :) 
Don't forget to check the other ones out!

Rules:

To enter you must

1) Be a subscribed follower of this blog via GFC/blogger dashboard.

2) Comment below: Please tell me what is the BEST Christmas gift you have ever received!

3) If you have had some enjoyment out of my blog this year then please show your appreciation by clicking the 'like' my post on Bloglovin, sharing this post on twitter (using the 't' button at the end of this post), or share my blog link on your blog.

Winners announced via blog post after Christmas (but hopefully before new year).

Disclaimer:

This is a thank you to my readers, therefore entrants from competition forums are not allowed. After item is posted it is in the hands of the postal services.  I accept not responsibility for items lost once posted.  No alternative prize is available.  I reserve the right to disqualify entrants, amend the rules or cancel the giveaway at any point.  My word is final!

Review: Alpha H Liquid Gold and Night Intensive

I have mentioned these products a few times since buying and using them, but have put off doing a post for reasons explained here in a small rant.  While I might initially mention a new products, a good review needs a few weeks or months of usage!

Alpha H is an australian company which specialises in anti-againg and acne Glycolic based treatments.  I started this blog because I was downhearted by my skin and Alpha H was recommended to me personally by the wonderful Beauty Mouth.

Pacman and Ghouls! I might give you a link at the end ;)

Glycolic acid is a bit like little pacmen (you know, those little yellow crescent computer animals that munch their way though a maze of stars and fruit while being chased by rainbow coloured ghouls....  Man, I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall for that product pitch!).  Anyway the teeny tiny pacmen zoom all over your skin and munch up the dead cells and debris- preventing it from falling into and clogging pores.  This action also promotes new, healthy skin to grow by jump starting the natural renewal process.   Glycolic acid is a natural substance and is usually found in fruit (fruit acid).  Therefore it's just using what nature gave us ;o)  (I think I have just reasoned that nature gave us Pacman... moving on....)

Liquid Gold

Liquid Gold (LG) comes in a fairly basic even bland, bottle.  It's not going to win any awards for how it looks, and to be honest if I saw it on a shelf in Boots I'd probably walk past it.  However, stay with me!  It is a clear liquid which you apply to cotton wool and sweep over cleansed skin every other night.   You can then apply a night serum or moisturiser over the top (which will dilute the treatment a little) OR (as I tend to do) leave it neat on the skin for a more intense treatment.  It is designed to resurface and firm the skin, plus fight acne.

It smells ever so slightly of licorice (which is one of the ingredients) and I like the smell.  (Incidentally licorice root jump starts the immune system, has antiseptic properties and has long been used for cleaning teeth).  I have been using LG alternative nights,  normally after a good deep cleanse with my clarisonic (which removes deep set dirt and helps the skin to absorb products such as serums and moisturiser).

Liquid Gold Intensive Night Repair Serum

The big daddy product is Liquid Gold Intensive Night Repair Serum (INRS) and it is as magical as it looks.  See the little beads inside the tube?  They burst upon pump application.  The packaging looks pretty, the product looks like gold, and the result on my skin? (Dad joke coming up) Alpha H...AH-mazing!

This product smells more of fruits (and possibly essential oils?) than Liquid Gold.  A couple of pumps of this gel do my whole face and neck area but, as with LG, don't apply to the delicate skin of the lips or eye area.  I accidentally got some on my lip once and it stung a little until I washed it with water.  This product is aimed at mature and sun-damaged skin, but that doesn't stop us with 'early signs of aging' using it.  It also contains vitamins A, B3 and E which your skin will soak up overnight.

How has LG and INRS changed my skin?

Before it was like this. Sorry folks, it makes me feel sick just looking at it.

Night 1: Skin smoother and softer. 
Night 7: Skin 'glowing' more, tone less patchy.  Grey dullness gone, red spot scars vanishing.
Several months on: Pores are less congested, less visible and my whitehead / cystic spots have dramatically reduced.  Even those stubborn little white congested pores on my chin have subsided.  Of course I get the odd breakout but that is becoming more hormonal and diet linked. 


Sadly due to years of acne and picking (DONT!!) my face does have scars.  HOWEVER, these seem to be lessening.  I am amazed.  I thought I was stuck like this for life.  They are not gone all together but I have found the INRS more effective (and less greasy) that Bio Oil (another product I've tried for scars).

After using Alpha H.  This is the left side of the picture above.

Also weird effect I didn't expect- my skin is less oily in the day now, and my foundation is a lot easier to apply.  Of course this is a result of several parts of my daily routine, but my softer, even, less pigmented skin is a factor.  (For spot tips see this post).

The biggest impartial indicator to its success is the number of unprovoked comments I have had from friends, family and strangers.

LG or INRS?

I have both because of various deals and a long quest for nice healthy skin- like I should have had in my teens and early twenties.  For me, my skin is far from perfect so I found INRS a huge help.  If your skin is largely spot and scar free then I would go for LG to help even the pigment and remove dead skin cells.  If your skin is suffering or has suffered like mine then I'd recommend INRS.

I aim to use both to repair my skin, then only use LG to maintain it.  I tend to rotate these on a three day routine with a night serum / moisturiser on the third day.

Downside?

As the dead layer of skin is (rightly) removed, this can make it temporarily susceptible to sun damage- make sure you use a day cream or foundation which contains an SPF suitable to the climate you are in.  (I have been using Origins Brighter by Nature SPF 35 recently, with Chanel Mat Lumiere SPF 15)

Some people might suffer a bit of a tightening or tingling sensation- espessially if you have sensitive skin, eczema or other per-existing conditions.  I have had no reactions (red skin, tight skin, itching, pain etc) apart from the brief lip incident.

The big downside for me is that these babies seem to retail between £30 and £50 (online only).  Skincare is definitely an investment for me- an investment of time and money.  Unfortunately I have not found a cheaper alternative.... yet.  There is no need to use religiously every other night, but I think you would get 6-12 months out of each bottle.

I have purchased mine from Beauty Bay who seem to have various discounts at certain times of the year and international shipping.  I have also seen the products on QVC so have put both current prices below for you to compare.

LIQUID GOLD (Left)

Beauty Bay £31.50 (Free UK Delivery) = £31.50

QVC £28.50 (P&P £3.45 UK) = £31.95

LIQUID GOLD  INTENSIVE NIGHT (Right)

Beauty Bay £49.00 (Free UK Delivery) = £49.00

QVC £37.14 (P&P £3.95 UK)  =  £41.09

So there are my thoughts on Alpha H Liquid Gold.  A big thumbs up in my view!  I can't wait to try the eye complex next as it is supposed to be good.

In other news.... I have REN's Glycolic Renewal Mask so I will be seeing how it compares in performance and price.  I also have some new cashmere mits (thanks to Lauren) which I wore today as I went up snow covered mountains with a friends dog.  I 'almost' felt like I was in Switzerland.  Almost!  Finally don't forget my 12 24 Christmas giveaways, 8 of which are up and open.  Some special things to come!


Have you tried any Alpha H or Glycolic treatments?  Do you have any recommendations?  How do you treat your skin to combat dull, red, blotchy, spots and scars?  Is skincare an investment for you?  Any thoughts, questions, Pacman scores?

Disclaimer: Items were bought by me.  Review is my own honest thoughts!

12 Days Giveaway: Day 8: Dove

On the EIGTH Day of Christmas Computergirl gave to me....

A Little Bundle of Dove!

One Dove Hydro Nourishment body lotion

One Dove Nourishing Oil Care conditioner

These products are great at helping keep the body and hair moisturised.  Something which is really important in winter with all the harsh climates.

Give yourself a bit o' Dove this winter!

UK only folks!
These giveaways are open till I say closed :) 
Don't forget to check the other ones out!

Rules:

To enter you must

1) Be a subscribed follower of this blog via GFC/blogger dashboard.

2) Comment below witha nice Christmas message or something!

3) If you have had some enjoyment out of my blog this year then feel free to show your appreciation by clicking the 'like' my post on Bloglovin, sharing this post on twitter (using the 't' button at the end of this post), or share my blog link on your blog.

Winners announced via blog post after Christmas (but hopefully before new year).

Disclaimer:

This is a thank you to my readers, therefore entrants from competition forums are not allowed. After item is posted it is in the hands of the postal services.  I accept not responsibility for items lost once posted.  No alternative prize is available.  I reserve the right to disqualify entrants, amend the rules or cancel the giveaway at any point.  My word is final!

12 Days Giveaway: Day 7 Models own Lipgloss

I have several prizes to giveaway on the run up to Christmas as a thank you!  It's been a fun year so what better way to celebrate than to pass on some wonderful goodies!  These are all items I have either bought or been sent as surplus samples or giveaway prizes.  I have made a substantial donation to the local women's refuge (though Give and Makeup) but have kept a few things aside especially for a Christmas blog giveaway!  All items are new and unused.  Please follow the rules carefully!  Good luck!

On the Seventh Day of Christmas Computergirl gave to me....

Two Christmas Kisses- aka Model's Own Lipglosses!

Golden Nude, Pure Plum, Lacquer Red, Glossy Pink

Models Own have teamed up with Diet Coke to create these four exclusive shades of Lipgloss.  After my trip to The Clothes Show with Diet Coke, they kindly gave me the set of Limited Edition glosses.

These remind me a bit of my Victoria's Secret glosses.

As you can see, I already have 'a few' lipglosses.  I have another VD one, but its in a bag- plus a whole drawer of other glosses.  I think I might have a problem.

Golden Nude and Pure Plum

These glosses are thick, dewy, vanilla smelling Christmas in a tube.  There a bit of fine glitter in the two I've opened.  It's a perfect product to pucker up with, before you hit the Mistletoe with that certain special someone!  I have also tried mixing them to create my own colour!  Step aside OCC lip tars!

So, you get to WIN two Models Own glosses!!

International Giveaway! 

Both these products are available from Boots so if you cant wait, then head to Boots and pick up two bottles of Diet Coke to claim your free lipgloss!!

These giveaways are open till I say closed :) 
Don't forget to check the other ones out!

Rules:

To enter you must

1) Be a subscribed follower of this blog via GFC/blogger dashboard.

2) Comment below with what shade you want.

3) If you have had some enjoyment out of my blog this year then feel free to show your appreciation by clicking the 'like' my post on Bloglovin, sharing this post on twitter (using the 't' button at the end of this post), or share my blog link on your blog.

Winners announced via blog post after Christmas (but hopefully before new year).

Disclaimer:

This is a thank you to my readers, therefore entrants from competition forums are not allowed. After item is posted it is in the hands of the postal services.  I accept not responsibility for items lost once posted.  No alternative prize is available.  I reserve the right to disqualify entrants, amend the rules or cancel the giveaway at any point.  My word is final!

Chanel Giveaway Winner: Illamasqua haul / Code

I was wondering why my Chanel winners hadn't contacted me.  Having just looked back it seemed to posts scheduler did not work.  I am so sorry!!  I thought no-one wanted the Chanel- how wrong could I be!

A lot of names went into the hat having left positive mantras/comments/tweets etc (such an uplifting post so take a look at the comments HERE)- and it took me a while to verify them as some people were a bit cheeky and didn't follow the rules (!) anyway, the two names picked at random using a spreadsheet and Random.org are............

75. Miss Mathful

115. Bambaki83

Congratumalations!!  Please send me an email using the title 'Chanel Giveaway' using the contact details on this page.  Please send me your postal address.  You have each won one Illunsion d'ombre shadow!

ILLAMASQUA

I have a couple of pieces by Illamasqua.  The brand has seemingly sprung up out of nowhere in the last couple of years.  Their style seems to be gothic inspired (and umm a few questionable names!).  I know I have blogged about ore pigment before- well I added to my collection while at The Clothes Show!

Just a small haul!

L-R Cream Blush, eyeshadow, pigment, 3 pencils.

Cream blush in Betray- notice the bubbling :(.  Below, pencil in cane/

 I haveheard really good things about Illamasqua's cream blush.  Unfortunately I picked up one which had bubbled.  I'm not sure if this is a fault or just my luck!  It comes out a lot softer than in the pan, so a real buildable colour.  The trick with cream blushes is to set them using a powder- I try to use a blush in  a similar colour, then a translucent powder.  Unlike some cream blushes I have tried, this is not overly sticky to apply- or once on the skin.  It provides me with gentle flushed look.

I wanted to make my eyes look brighter so I picked up the multipurpose pencil in cane, a sort of nude yellow.  I'll play around a bit with this and get back to you with my verdict!  I should be able to use it to neutralise dark circles, spot scars and make me look awake.  sounds heavenly!

Eyeshadow in Tango.  This has a lovely metalic hue

.

This eyeshadow is a gorgeous coppery brown with metalic finish.  It does remind me a bit of a slightly darker MAC Mythology- however you get 2g to MAC's 1.5g.  Perfect to frame blue or brown eyes!

I also picked up another pigment in Fervent, a mid brown pigment with finely milled irreidescent and copper shimmer.  A prefect addition for a frosty winter look, or to blend in with Tango eyeshadow.  I normally try to use a cream base when using pigments.  It helps to set the powders, although sometimes I will just apply straight over my Urban Decay Primer Potion, before it has set.  If I want to pack lots of pigment on, then I use good ol' Vasiline!

The last two purchases were two more multipurpose pencils in Feisty (a blue tones bright red for a vintage lip) and Adament (a smokey grey for a softer eye).

Swatches L-R

Cream Blush in Betray £16.50

Eyeshadow in Tango £15.50

Pigment in Fervent £15.50

Medium Pencils in 

Cane

Adament

Feisty

All £13

Lucky for all of you, you can get 15% off if you shop online at Illamasqua using the code FRIEND15 or TREAT15.

Alternatively if you are quick Debenhams have huge discounts of 10-40% off at the moment.  Worth a look!

 Do you have any Illamasqua products?  What do you think of the quality?  Have you ever known products to bubble like my cream blush?  What do you think of Illamasqua's collection?

P.s. Don't forget to enter some of my Christmas giveaways!  Some have only one or two entrants so you have a big chance of winning!  Just click the 'Giveaways' tab at the top of this page!

Magpie Sparkles for Christmas

Christmas is a time for sparkly things :)  I thought I would do a post in homage to all things glittery, sparkly, affordable, and, err, not so.. but a girl can dream!

My latest Christmas giveaway is a Skin Art Glitter Tattoo kit.

Just bigger than a DVD Box.

Several different designs, and simple instructions

Put the adhesive stencil on the skin.  Apply glue on to the skin and let it settle for 10 seconds.

Add SPARKLES!! The kit comes with three!

Voila! Pretty temporary glitter tattoos!

This kit cost £14 from Boots BUT is currently on a 3 for 2 gift deal!  Perfect!  The tattoos last for around 5 days- mine has been on for three and is still going strong.  Quite cute.  I have had no reactions, other than people asking about it in the street!  Next I'm going to mix some gold glitter in with the silver!


I previously mentioned my Butler and Wilson earrings, these are so sparkly and have been getting lots of compliments this party season.  Subtle enough to catch the light.  I think I saw Holly Valance wear the red pair on Strictly come dancing last week!

They are a little heavy, but not too heavy.


While browsing the Butler and Wilson site recently I spotted this gorgeous piece.  A peacock purse, a snip at £398!

How gorgeous!  Oh if I were Tamara Ecclestone (Billion Dollar Girl- watch it here) then I would snap one up!  However I am not Tamara (I don't skive off work because I have a spot!!- or was that just for the cameras!) anyway, I wont be buying one anytime soon!

Perhaps more affordable for most, and something I love, is this Art Deco Clutch from Accessorize

£32 from Accessorize

And this 'Zeus' Cocktail ring for £15

Certainly get the Gods attention with this!

Of course a statement ring needs a good application of nail polish- this is to follow in the next sparkles post!

For sparkly eye makeup- its got to be Chanel Epatant and Mirifique Illusion d'ombre shadows.  I have photographed and mentioned them lots, so I wont put more pictures in here!  I also love a good Barry M dazzle dust as some of them have sparkles in.  A great affordable bargain for £4.50 (plus Boots currently have a great offer on of a free gift when you spend £6 on Barry M!  Make sure you set it through, or you'll be finding glitter on everything!

Of course a sparkly things post would not be complete without a sparkly scent.  Earlier this year I posted on DKNY's Million Dollar Bottle as part of their Golden Delicious launch.  Of course that was sparkly, but for those of use with less than $1million to spend (!), I recently found Donna KAran's Cashmere Mist Swarovski- which is a Swarovski exclusive to Harrods at £85.

Perhaps slightly more affordable is the £46 set of EDP and Body Lotion- for those of us who arent made of money, and want to invest in two products for the price of one!

Of course the best sparkle to have this Christmas is probably the one in your eye (preferably as you sip a nice glass of bubbly and chat to family and friends)!


What Sparkles are you looking forward to this Christmas and New Year?

Disclaimer: SA Glitter Art kit PR sample.  As usual this does not affect my review. 

12 Days Giveaway: Day 5 & 6 Glitter Tattoos and Colour Xtreme Hair Art

This is a little later due to the scheduler failing (thanks!) so I have put days 5 and 6 together!

I have several prizes to giveaway on the run up to Christmas as a thank you!  It's been a fun year so what better way to celebrate than to pass on some wonderful goodies!  These are all items I have either bought or been sent as surplus samples or giveaway prizes.  I have made a substantial donation to the local women's refuge (though Give and Makeup) but have kept a few things aside especially for a Christmas blog giveaway!  All items are new and unused.  Please follow the rules carefully!  Good luck!

On the FIFTH AND SIXTH Day of Christmas Computergirl gave to me....

Three Colour Xtreme Hair Art spray colour in a can.

I used these before I visited the clothes show (have a look at my post if you want to see how red looks on brown hair!).  Look out for more posts using them!

One Skin Art Glitter Tattoo kit

This kit is so cool! Post coming very soon! (Edit Review POST HERE)

UK Only Folks! 
Both these products are available from Boots so if you cant wait, then head there for a look!

These giveaways are open till I say closed :) 
Don't forget to check the other ones out!

Rules:

To enter you must

1) Be a subscribed follower of this blog via GFC/blogger dashboard.

2) Comment below with what shade you want.

3) If you have had some enjoyment out of my blog this year then feel free to show your appreciation by clicking the 'like' my post on Bloglovin, sharing this post on twitter (using the 't' button at the end of this post), or share my blog link on your blog.

Winners announced via blog post after Christmas (but hopefully before new year).

Disclaimer:

This is a thank you to my readers, therefore entrants from competition forums are not allowed. After item is posted it is in the hands of the postal services.  I accept not responsibility for items lost once posted.  No alternative prize is available.  I reserve the right to disqualify entrants, amend the rules or cancel the giveaway at any point.  My word is final!

12 Days Giveaway: Day 4: Mac Eyeshadow

I have several prizes to giveaway on the run up to Christmas as a thank you!  It's been a fun year so what better way to celebrate than to pass on some wonderful goodies!  These are all items I have either bought or been sent as surplus samples or giveaway prizes.  I have made a substantial donation to the local women's refuge (though Give and Makeup) but have kept a few things aside especially for a Christmas blog giveaway!  All items are new and unused.  Please follow the rules carefully!  Good luck!

Sorry- I was out and didn't post this up in time, but hopefully it was worth the wait!

On the FOURTH Day of Christmas Computergirl gave to me....

One Mac Eyeshadow.
Open Internationally

One Mac eyeshadow from permanent collection in the UK.
These giveaways are open till I say closed :) 
Don't forget to check the other ones out!

Rules:

To enter you must

1) Be a subscribed follower of this blog via GFC/blogger dashboard.

2) Comment below with what shade you want.

PLUS share this post on twitter or your personal blog (and link below or @computergirl200 in your tweet!).

3) If you have had some enjoyment out of my blog this year then feel free to show your appreciation by clicking the 'like' my post on Bloglovin, sharing this post on twitter (using the 't' button at the end of this post), or share my blog link on your blog.

Winners announced via blog post after Christmas (but hopefully before new year).

Disclaimer:

This is a thank you to my readers, therefore entrants from competition forums are not allowed. After item is posted it is in the hands of the postal services.  I accept not responsibility for items lost once posted.  No alternative prize is available.  I reserve the right to disqualify entrants, amend the rules or cancel the giveaway at any point.  My word is final!

Spot? Check!

We all have them at some point, and for many reasons.  Hormones, diet, stress, poor cleansing, allergies, hygiene... it's amazing how they affect our confidence.  I have suffered with spots for years and years, and my mission to banish them is still going on.  I have started to pen a series of posts on various spots and what I have learned about them- including tips and information to help banish them.

This is my current skin pic (with light foundation)

Before I go into specifics I wanted to share a few pearls of wisdom I have picked up along the way.  Obviously some spots are due to medical conditions, and if you suffer from those then I sure you to see a doctor and dermatologist.  It is nothing to be ashamed of.  I have sought help with my spots, but then after chatting to my doctor decided to do more research into skin problems and see if I could improve my skin without reacting for antibiotics.

I am so glad I did.  I have been able to clear up a lot of my spots through fairly simple changes.  I still suffer but not as badly.

Computergirl's Spot Pearls of Wisdom!

Always clean (cleanse) your skin twice a day.  If the dirt (makeup, pollution, grime, food, sebum, dead skin etc) isn't going down the drain, then it will be forced into your skin.  This means removing makeup at night no matter how late!

Give your skin a little massage as you cleanse.  This will help boost circulation which will improve the condition of your skin (good circulation carries nutrients around the body and helps transport evil toxins out of the body)!

Always change your pillow case weekly.  Your face is in direct close contact with the same fabric for (ideally) 8 hours a day.  If it's dirty, sweaty, harbouring bacteria then that is going straight on to your face!

Always clean your makeup brushes after each use.  Some people spot clean brushes with wipes daily, but ideally deep cleaning is the only way to stop transferring spot causing bacteria from your face to the brush and then back to your face each day.

Always stay hydrated.  This means making sure you have enough water.  Drinking water is good, although make sure you drink extra if you have coffee or alcohol.  However it's not just water that will hydrate you.  Many fresh fruit and vegetables contain a high percentage of water, however your body is able to digest and retain this a little better than water (think melon, cucumber, tomato etc).

Always try to limit refined foods or those containing unhealthy salt levels or chemicals.  In general breads and cakes that are white will heave bleached flour in- whole wheat or brown is healthier as the goodness hasn't been bleached out.

Always exfoliate your skin 1-2 a week to help remove dead skin cells (before they block your pores and cause spots).  You can use a scrub, or an exfoliation pad (like the one above from The Body Shop for £3, dont forget to wash it between uses!)

Always moisturise- even if you have oily skin.  Skin needs moisture.  Serums are good for oily skins.  I love my body shop seaweed clarifying night treatment (Post here, link here).  (I think Cosmo had a free discount card with their latest mag, worth between £3 or £100 for The Body Shop!)

Treat your skin to a nice mask on a weekly basis.  At the moment I am loving Darphin Hydrating  Kiwi Mask.  You can buy this from SpaceNK (Here)  If anyone wants a more details review, let me know.  I also love using a deep cleaning mask such as the Neutrogena 2 in 1 mentioned above.

So healthy spot free skin is a way of life.  There are no short cuts or quick fixes.  Its a long, repetitive routine, but one that is worth every step in my eyes. 

Last summer I picked up 'The Healthy Skin Diet' book (post here) and I have found it really interesting.  I have a review of the book as a whole to post, but can generally recommend it if you are on a mission to sort out your skin problems.  A lot of the time our skin problems are a symptom of another problem.  If we can sort that then our skin will turn right in due course.

 

This book is available from Amazon and Ebay and prices start from around £4.  There are some editions available with a different cover picture but I think the book is the same.

So there are some skin tips- I will be sharing more specific advice and product details in the future.  What skin tips do you swear by?

Don't forget my 12 days of christmas giveaways (just click the giveaways link at the top of the page).  You can enter as many as you like!

Spots are going to become a permanent feature on my blog..... Stay tuned!
Disclaimer: All products were bought by me apart from the Darphin Kiwi mask which was sent for consideration.  This does not affect my post.
 

Clothes Show: Birmingham

For those outside of the UK, The Clothes Show was a tv show which ran from 1986-2000 fronted by Selina Scott, Jeff Banks and Caryn Franklin.  It did have a second outing later on, but now all that is left is 'The Clothes Show Live', a giant trade/industry show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.  It aims to cover all things fashion related from up and coming designers, high end designers, catwalks, vintage fashion, hair, beauty, training opportunities and dance.  I think the dance section is a recent addition.

I was very excited to be invited to The Clothes Show 2011 courtesy of Diet Coke (more of that later).  My day started with a nosebleed, so I was a bit later setting off that I had hoped!  I arrived just before ten and the hall was starting to fill up, but their was still a little bit of room to get round.

I started in the high end designer section, which sadly failed to impress- it didn't feel very high end at all and so I didn't buy anything there.  I walked through to the beauty area (surprise!) although it was nearly time for my catwalk showing so I did a little browsing at Orly, Carmex, Illamasqua, Elimis and Lipcote.

At the Carmex Cab with Orly girl Farrah!  I might do an outfit post on my other blog.  I look a bit evil in this picture- I blame it on my nosebleed!

I then went round the corner and saw....

Is that Kimberly Wyatt of the band/dance troupe formerly known as The Pussycat Dolls..?

I ended up sat right by the sound desk in the main catwalk.  It was quite loud, my heart was shaking with each note so I made a point of putting in my earplugs- I think they noticed as they turned the sound down then.  I'm all for being able to hear, but when noise is so loud that it physically shakes you- I'd rather have my hearing when I'm old thanks!!  Considering this event has a high turn over of children, you'd think they'd be hot on the sound levels for health and safety.... (*old person rant mode over).

George Lamb with James and Maria from TOWIE (I think it's them, I don't watch it), Darren and Lindsy from Hollyoaks and Grace Woodward.

The catwalk was opened by George Lamb and Grace Woodward (stylist on the X factor, BINTM etc) who introduced Jade Thompson (Winner BINTM) and The Risk (band from x factor).  I'm not sure if Jade walked in the catwalk, but The Risk sung Make this a night to remember (live it appears, and in tune so well done them).

The Risk

The catwalk was based on a department store where the mannequins come to life at night and visit each floor (Menswear, designer accessories, lingerie, Women's wear, music, bridal).  Each floor was introduced by a team of dancers, then the team of models walked- leaving the alternating teams time to change.  The music floor featured a performance from ex Pussycat Dolls star Kimberly Wyatt with her new 'band' (aka two Dj's with KW vocal- (or not, she had a backing track, sung a few lines and danced (sort of flopped her knees out to the sides and squatted lots- it was sharp but not something I think I can recreate)!  The dancing was inspired and used the space well.  (Daily Mail have a write up/better pictures of KW HERE) There were some really pretty dresses but I don't know who designed any of the items- and I cant seem to find any information :(

Catwalk.

After lunch I settled to watch the Diet Coke Catwalk show, designed by fashion blogger and model Bip Ling.  This presented one of the most memorable moments*.  The theme was fashion in Paris, London and New York.  Each model wore cream lace shorts, frilly ankle socks, red suede Mary Jane shoes, and a cream chiffon blouse.  After this each look was customised to represent the country- so America had a statue of Liberty hat made out of rolled up coke cans.  I spotted a really cute coke can bracelet on one on the models, but they were moving so quickly I didn't get a good photograph.  One look had a gorgeous red handbag.  Here are some images.

Notice the cat ears made out of coke cans?

Quite appropriately they walked to 'J'taime' for Paris, 'London Calling' for... well, London, and New York, New York for.... any guesses?

Ah Statue of Liberty A la Coke and Bip Ling style!

Next there was a New Look show- It seems we are in for more Chiffon blouses, browns, blush, block colours, chunky knits  and glitter dresses.

New Look Fashions- loving the green coat and clutch outfit!

I spent the rest of the day lapping up free Hagen Daaz ice-cream (from a vintage styled American cinema ice-cream seller / model!), watching the designer catwalk show, trying to get near some of the more popular stands, style spotting, spotting the 'I-want-to-be-spotted' girls (tights, denim hot pants, tall skyscraper heels**, tonnes of makeup and backcombed bush hair), and making a few purchases.  

All in all a fun day.  I wish I had worn my pedometer so I could have measured how much walking I did!  I'll be doing some more fashion posts on my other blog www.5foot10.blogspot.com so sub there if that sort of thing interests you :)  I'll be going over a few of the beauty purchases here.

Thanks to Diet Coke for hosting Computergirl / 5foot10 at The Clothes Show.

Goodie bags!

*Most memorable moment- when presenter Zoe Birkett split her trousers through demonstrating a 'booty shaking' dance move.  Its the moment we girls fear- how embarrassing.  I don't think she noticed!

**I saw a lot of girls carrying their skyscraper heels in their hands as they walked back in sub zero temperatures back to the car!!  They obviously haven't found fold-up handbag shoes (very have some for £20!)


Have you ever been to The Clothes Show?  What is the best goodie bag you have picked up at one of these shows?  Would you wear any of the items on these models?  What do you think of the Diet Coke /Bip Ling creations?

(P.s. If you are going to The Clothes Show, don't forget to stop by the Diet Coke Image Catwalk and get for free diet coke sample after each catwalk!)

P.P.s. Many more posts to follow, but if you haven't checked out my Christmas Giveaways then click the Giveaways tab at the top of this page.  I am putting 1 prize up for grabs every other day.  The giveaways stay open until further notice, but I hope to draw some of the winners in time for Christmas and New Year parties!

Disclaimer: My trip to The Clothes Show was courtesy of Diet Coke, this does not affect my views.  All words here are my own thoughts.