Switched ON to Shadow Switch!

SHADOW SWITCH DRY BRUSH CLEANER

I am a bit of an easy target when it comes to new beauty products. 

Whether it be beauty tools or a nice make up bag, you'll see me in the queue at Boots buying it. 

When I was recently approached by 'Beauty Essentials' to try a product that claims to clean makeup brushes without any soap, water or hours and hours of drying time, well, to be honest, I couldn't wait to try it out.

First Impressions

I liked the simple tin packaging. A small round tin, perfect size to fit in any makeup bag or dressing table. 

On opening the tin, there was the little pot of magic, in the form of a simple black sponge. 

      

Considering I had never used the product previously, I was pleased to see the clear and simple instructions on the box.  

Putting it to the test

I wanted to really put the product through its paces and chose the Naked 2 Palette Black eye shadow on my brush. I made sure that it had thoroughly coated the brush with plenty of product.

When I put the brush into the Shadow Switch, I was a little hesitant to try the brush again on the back of my hand as I really was doubting the ability that simply swirling my brush in the sponge would leave it completely clean of product, but hey presto! The brush was as clean as it was before I had used the eye shadow. 

Overall

The Shadow Switch had me a little sceptical, but has blown me away with how well it works. I use it everyday to swap my eye shadow colours and so far, have been really impressed.

It has saved me a lot of time washing and cleaning my makeup brushes, which lets face it no one really enjoys! 

And the best bit - the price! Its currently on Amazon for £5.99.

 The product is going to be re-branded and the new packaging can be seen  below!

IIIf
you would like to get your hands on one I have put the link here>>>>> Shadow Switch

 Is there a beauty product that you cannot live without? 

Thanks for reading lovelies! 

MichelleAnnaLoves xoxoxoxox

Blondes Have More Fun - Haircare Routine

Blondes have more fun! Right?

Well when it comes to looking after those gorgeous blonde tresses, hmmmm I might have to beg to differ.

I am a natural blonde. I verge on a dirty blonde with natural highlights thanks to the sunshine in the summer. But like many others, (blondes and brunettes) I have given into the trends over the years and reached for the bleach.

This being the case, I have really had to look after my hair, and below I have listed some of the products I cannot leave out of my hair care routine.

SHAMPOOS

Schwarzkopf Bonacure Color Freeze 4.5pH Perfect Silver Shampoo

This shampoo keeps the yellow and brassy tones that creep up on us blondes, at bay. It is a new addition to My shampoo quota recently, as I hadn't been able to find a purple shampoo that I got on with, but this, has solved my problems. Its a rich purple colour and I leave it in my hair for around 3 - 5 minutes before washing it out This ensures a nice crisp and ashy blonde every wash.

Loreal Elvive Full Restore Shampoo

Everyone has seen this in the drugstore, and nine times out of ten its on offer as 2 for £5 or something similar. But even though this is one of the cheaper shampoos that I reach for, it works a dream. It leaves my hair feeling stronger and also healthier and softer than before I use it. This has been an old faithful of mine for years, and its still sitting in my shower now.

Redken Blonde Idol

I use this shampoo inbetween using the purple toner shampoo. It contains no sulfates and is pH
balanced which helps keep blonde hair looking healthy and shiny, and it really makes my hair feel healthy after.

CONDITIONERS

Redken Blonde Idol Custom Tone Conditioner

When I was introduced to this bottle of conditioner, I was amazed at what it could do.
The bottle contains dual chambers which have a dial to twist so you can choose how much conditioner and toner you wish. Basically, if you have just had a colour you would keep it to the lowest treatment on the dial (notch number 1) but if you are 3-4 weeks in you can crank that dial up and choose a larger shot of toner and conditioner (number 6). I have used this for over a year now and I absolutely would never be without it. It keeps all brassy tones at bay and leaves hair conditioned beautifully.



TREATMENTS

Redken Extreme Length Primer and Sealer

I use these two products in unison with each other to encourage my heavily bleached hair to grow. It contains a large amount of biotin (protein) which is good for the hair. Leave the primer on the hair for 5 mins and wash off. Then towel dry your hair and add the sealer to your mid lengths and ends (I apply it from root to tip though). You will thank me for how soft and beautiful your hair will look after using these products just once!!

Loreal Elvive Full Restore Treatment Masque


I slather this on once a week and leave it for as long as possible (ten mins) and then wash off and hair feels like silk. This is good before a night out or a special occasion as it coats the hair and leaves it shiny and smooth.






STYLING/LEAVE IN CONDITIONER

Lee Stafford CoCo LoCo Styling Serum

If there is one product you should go and buy from this list then this is THE one. This product claims to turn 'Straw to Silk' and when i first picked it up in Boots, i was sceptical, but i put it in the basket anyways as i LOVE the smell of coconut and thought it didn't matter what it did for my hair as it
would smell yummy... well I was proved wrong and the product definitely leaves hair easy to  brush through, i even use it on my daughters hair as it helps when brushing it. Beautiful product that conditions and nourishes hair all day.

VO5 Smoothly Does It Tame and Shine Spray - Heat Defence


I love the smell of this product, and i love the fact that it always protects my hair when i blow dry, curl
or straighten it too. Its cheap as chips and does a great job of protecting my hair before i get the hair tools out and also as a finishing spray to give an extra shine to my hair. It even keeps flyaway hairs in place too... this is a bloody miracle product and its only a few quid!

What are your favourite products to use in your hair? Are you a blonde who knows of any other goodies that i don't know about? Let me know as i love to try new products.

Thanks for reading.

xoxoxoxox
MichelleAnnaLoves
xoxoxoxox




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Seventeen Quicker Slicker Colour Nail Polish

I have used so many different brands of nail polish over the years, high street to high end. 

There are pros and cons with them all; price point, longevity, quick drying etc. But I recently wanted to put a lower costing nail polish to the test. 

I had never used Seventeen polishes previously so I was totally open minded to the performance of them. 

I picked up 3 colours; a bright magenta pink 'Holiday Romance', a pastel pink 'Fairy Cake' and a glitter 'Pink Glitter'. 

I applied Fairy Cake on my toes. It's pretty, girly, not too overpowering and nice for summer. I put this on and it dried within the '50 seconds' that the bottle had advised it would. I applied two coats and it was shiny and covered well. I applied the polish 3 weeks ago and only this week I started to see any signs of chipping. 

Considering I hadn't used any base or top coat, the longevity of this polish is brilliant. I spend a lot of time on the beach, and sand is a nightmare for nail polish usually, but this has come up trumps in its lasting coverage, dare i say as good as a gel polish? 

I just painted my toes this evening with 'Holiday Romance' and 'Pink Glitter', I am hoping for the same long-lasting results with these colours. 

I have nothing bad to say about this polish, it's a great product for a great price! 

I would love to know what drugstore nail polishes you recommend, I'd love to add more to my collection! 

Thanks for reading lovelies 

MichelleAnnaLoves xoxoxo 

Being the Coeliac, the Gluten-Free one...

Around 8 weeks ago I was diagnosed as being Coeliac. 


To most people who have heard of this disease, will presume that you have a gluten allergy. They will presume that you just have to avoid gluten and that if you eat it you will have an allergic reaction and then you will be ok. To some people its just a 'fad' or a 'craze' that you have decided to jump on the bandwagon with.


Well, here's how it really is: The Real Deal 


Around 6 months ago I started to feel terribly depressed and anxious, I kept having upset stomach and feeling unwell. I would be so exhausted when I woke up in the mornings I felt like I could have gone back to bed for a week, and that was on a full nights sleep.
I couldn't work out what was wrong with me, so I just put up with all the symptoms and presumed it was just something that would pass eventually.


In April, after feeling pretty much drained of energy since before Christmas, I decided to research some of my symptoms (not the wisest thing to do)  but after watching a you tube video of a Coeliac sufferer, whom had been unwell with similar symptoms I decided to make an appointment with the GP to have a coeliac blood test.

2 weeks later.... I had my results, I was in fact diagnosed with Coeliac Disease. I made my nest appointment with the doctor and was told that for the rest of my life I must not consume gluten, as what I have isn't an allergy but a auto immune disease.
I walked out of the GPs with an A4 print out of what Coeliac Disease was and was told to remove gluten from my diet for the rest of my life. There was no support from the NHS or healthcare providers from that moment.


After cutting gluten out of my diet, I began to feel well again and the brain fog, the low mood, and the stomach pains that I had been suffering with for months, had lifted.


My reason for this post, is to reach out to other Coeliac sufferers. I would like to know how you cope in your day to day lives, knowing that the majority of shops and restaurants provide a very small, in comparison to gluten containing foods, selection of gluten free foods. I feel embarrassed each time I go out for a coffee and have to enquire whether there is gluten containing ingredients, and the same when having our dinners out.


I feel there should be more options to make it easier for Coeliac sufferers to obtain tasty and normal foods in any place they choose to go without gluten containing ingredients.


I really hope that my forthcoming blog posts that will include my journey on the gluten free diet will help others. I hope to upload recipes that I trial and give my honest feedback on each one.


Thank you for reading, chat soon,
MichelleAnnaLoves

My Signature Perfume Collection

I think that you will realise from my posts that I love anything pretty. Whether that be pretty to look at, listen too, or in this case, smell pretty. 

My perfume collection is not far from this, whether it be the bottle looking all beautiful on the dressing table or the fragrance itself.

My favourite scent is Paco Rabanne Olympea. I wore this scent on my wedding day and it is beautiful. Not only do I love how the rose gold bottle catches the sunlight in the mornings on my dresser but how pretty and long lasting the scent is. It reminds me of summer, with its salty vanilla scent along with some uplifting floral notes. My absolute signature smelly.

Following the floral note, my Sarah Jessica Parker 'Lovely' makes a good imprint in my fragrance wardrobe. Its pretty but very simple bottle makes it appealing to the eye, and its light, flowery yet grown up and its slightly innocent scent makes it perfect for Summer. Its easy to wear and not too intrusive to others when its worn. I love this scent so much and its only a recent find, after a friend recommended it.

Finally, an old faithful for me, Paco Rabanne Lady Million. I know a plenty of people who also love this, but I notice that it always smells a little different on each one of them, always puzzling me.

I am not a fan of the way this is packaged but I do love that this has slightly heavier floral notes and a fragrance that lasts all day. This scent is one I can rely on throughout the day. As the day progresses the perfume warms up and becomes more and more beautiful and wearable. I just love this!

I have a new one for my collection soon... Marc Jacobs Decadence. This is one I will review as soon as it turns up with the postman.

What are you're signature scents? Do you have more than one too?

Thanks for popping by, chat soon.

MichelleAnnaLoves

My Makeup Base for Summer - 2016

I love looking in other peoples make up bags, discovering new products that they trust to give them their flawless face.

Today I will give you a look into my makeup bag and show you the products I am currently using to create my 'Makeup Base for Summer'. I use all of these products currently, when I have enough time to do a full face of makeup, as having a little one can somewhat distract me from being able to use it all everyday.

Primer

Currently I use MAC Prep & Prime Fix + before applying my foundation. I spritz my face twice and let it soak in, this leaves a nice fresh primed face for the next step. A lot of people I speak to use the MAC Fix + after they have completed their makeup look, but I find it works so well beforehand.

Foundation

When I want a full coverage foundation I reach for the MAC Prolongwear Foundation in NC20. I suffer quite badly with shiny skin and this foundation stays put on my skin all day, even on the hottest days. It has great coverage for me and I can rely on it being able to hold out through a long day, whether that be chasing round after a toddler or working in a busy office.

Concealer

My fail safe concealer has been Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. It covers my dark circles well and stays put all day. It has a creamy consistency and has great coverage.

Powder

As referred to in my previous post of 'Go To' products, I love Rimmel London Stay Matte Powder in Translucent. I use this around my nose and anywhere that may let me down and shine shine shine, when not necessary.

I also use MAC Mineralised Skin Finish Powder in Medium if I want to add a little more colour to my face after using my foundation.

Both of these products are reliable but they do have different price points.

Highlighter

MAC Mineralised Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle is a massive favourite of mine. A little goes a long way and gives a beautiful glow to the skin.

Contour

SLEEK Face Form in Light is a product that I have used for over a year, and it is a great contour colour for me. I use this on the hollows of my cheeks, under my chin (to hide the double chin) and also at the temples on my forehead. I like to put a small amount down the sides of my nose to give the illusion of a narrowing and this also helps make my face look a little more defined.

Blush

I use MAC Sheertone Blush in Gingerly, it leaves a beautiful colour and finish on the skin.

Bronzer

Kiko Rebel Romantic Perfecting Bronzer (this product is no longer available) Lightly dusted over my foundation gives a good glow and not cakey. Has a slight shimmer so perfect for summer.

So that's it for my Summer Base Makeup. Love to hear what you use throughout the summer.

Chat soon,

MichelleAnnaLoves

10 Facts About Me - 2016

Although these facts are not the most interesting, it will give you an insight into who I am and what makes me tick.

Fact 1

I'm a mummy of one.

Fact 2

I love flowers and all things pretty.

Fact 3

If I hear the word 'make-up' my ears prick up and I get a bit excited - I love make-up in all its forms from the bargain high street brands to high end.

Fact 4

I am an Instagram Addict.

Fact 5

I take a lot of Selfies.

Fact 6

I speak my mind (sorry not sorry).

Fact 7

I love coffee ... at least 10 cups a day!


Fact 8

I am a morning person (most of the time).

Fact 9

I am Coeliac and also suffer with Anxiety and Post Natal Depression.

Fact 10

My happy place is the beach.

Thanks for reading!

MichelleAnnaLoves XOXO



My 'Go To' Products

My current 'Go To' products have not changed in the last 12 months and I thought sharing these would be a good way to start my journey back into blogging.

Firm favourites of other people always catch my eye, so these are mine.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

This is the best product my face has ever experienced. Its a simple and quick concept, a pump of cleanser rubbed all over your face (removes stubborn mascara and lipstick) and taken off with a hot muslin cloth.

Reasons I love this, 1) its quick 2) its effective 3) I always get comments referring to my healthy glow/skin.

I follow this with the Liz Earle Toner and Liz Earle Moisturiser for Normal/Combination skin.

Garnier Micellar Water

When I am in a hurry, and I want to sort out a makeup mistake, (we all have those dodgy eyeliner days) this stuff works wonders and quickly. Its kind to eyes and mine are very sensitive at times as I suffer with allergies, and I can't get enough of it. I use this alongside my Liz Earle daily face routine.

Dove Deodorant Stick

When it comes to deodorant, I need something that feels like its working. As a mummy, I am always on the go and need something to keep me feeling fresh. This works a dream and has been a 'Go To' for me for over 5 years.

Bourjois 123 CC Cream

Another product that I can put on quickly and go. It blends into the skin easily, gives great coverage, (medium) and leaves my skin looking even and well finished. Covers up my rosy cheeks fantastically.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - Translucent

This product doesn't need much introducing, as it is a firm favourite of many bloggers and beauty guru's, but it just works a dream. I suffer from shiny skin and this keeps it under control for me for hours. If I had a choice between this and a high end powder, this would most likely win the battle.

Fake Bake 5 Minute Mousse

After having a baby, I realised that my 'me time' was reduced significantly. I was a keen fake tanner before baby and still needed to continue my obsession once I became a mum, as my skin is very fair and white, especially my blue-white legs.

When I was introduced to the Fake Bake 5 Minute Mousse, I was over the moon. Not only can you apply this streak free, you can walk out the door in 5 minutes after you have applied it. It gives a good colour guide so you can see where it has been applied and is fool proof, even for the not so confident self tanner. I apply this once a week, and every week I walk out the door confident that my tan looks great. It develops over the day (as a normal self tan) and any excess will shower off the next day.

 Beautiful product.

That's it for now but please let me know what your 'Go To' products are in the comments. I love to be nosey.

MichelleAnna Loves