love this chick- Taylor Tomasi Hill

Sparkle with Sleek

As you all know I am a big fan of Sleek palettes, so when their newest creation popped through my letter box I couldn't wait to start swatching away!

From the chilly packaging I was expecting lots of the usual winter colours with a frosted finish (greys, blacks, silvers, blues) however this palette is so much more versatile than that with its great range of colours bursting with sparkle!

Aren't they pretty! 

As with all sleek shadows these are lovely and pigmented, and as the above swatches show, just one (albeit generous) swipe with no base provides a great intensity of colour. The gold and the silver have a smooth frosty finish, while the black in the top row is matte, which will be great for balancing crease work or a smokey eye. The rest of the colours are bursting with glitter. Though I wouldn't say the glitter was 'chunky' in the same way as some Urban Decay shadows (think midnight cowboy), it is definitely glitter as opposed to shimmer or a hint of sparkle. This can mean that these shadows have some visible fall out, so be sure to apply your eye makeup first before concealer/ foundation, use a sticky base (even eyeliner will help) and pat rather than sweep them on to the eyelid.

Just to perform some quality control and make sure that the glitter ran all the way through the shadow I had a good dig down to the pan, and yes it's just as sparkly at the bottom ;). So many brands have been bringing out products with a glittery over-spray that rubs off after a few uses, so I was impressed to see that Sleek didn't follow the trend.

I really do think these are absolutely gorgeous, even if you are afraid of sparkle these can be used subtly to accent the eye, and what better time than the Christmas season! If Dannii Minogue is anyone to go by she has shown us all that you can wear glitter, even at 39, and look spectacular ;).

At £5.99 for 12 shadows I'm sure these won't be around for long so I would encourage haste if you don't want to miss out! Sleek Makeup can be found in your local Superdrug or online here.

Have you tried any Sleek palettes? Which are your favourites and will you be eyeing the Sparkle palette up for a stocking filler or a pre-xmas party treat for yourself? xxx

FOTD: Easy Pop of Colour Eyes

Hi Beauties,

I wanted to do something easy and fun yesterday with my makeup. A little pop of colour is always so much fun and easy to do.

My inspiration: Leona Lewis

Eyes:

Painterly Paint pot

MAC Brule allover

MAC Soba on the crease buffed out for dimension

Loreal HIP cream eyeliner in black

Urban Decay Blue Liner in Flipside

MAC Too dolly eyeshadow (to set the blue liner)***LE, you can use any blue eyeshadow

Cheecks:

MAC Blush in PeachyKeen

NARS Deep Throat Blush (its too sheer for me so I layer)

Lips:

A dot of Anime OCC lip tar for a stain of color

Face:

Makeup Forvever Velvet Matte Foundation

MAC Studio Concealer

XOXO,

Awilda

Style Crush: Frankie Sandford

She's the spunkier member of girl band The Saturdays and sometimes her fashion choices can verge on the risque side but for the most part, I really like Frankie's overall look.  Something I didn't know about her is that she (and bandmate, Rochelle) used to be members of S Club Juniors! This is a fact that will only be relevant to my fellow UK bloggers...

I really like Frankie's hairstyle with the exaggerated side fringe.  I've always wanted something like that but deep down I know it would annoy the crap out of me, having to brush it out of my eyes all the time.  Frankie has a rather enviable collection of massive bags.  I especially love the black studded one...drool!  Also loving the camel coloured coat...

I never wear shorts really but she makes me want to try out that look with tights and boots for the winter.  I guess I'm always worried that shorts won't be flattering on me but I think it's probably a case of getting the right style and fit to suit your shape.

I love all the shoe boots she wears to toughen up her outfit and I now have a desperate need for a cropped black leather jacket!  I am not one for chucking on loads and loads of accessories because alot of the time, outfits look better when they are fuss-free.

I was listening to Fearne Cotton on Radio1 the other day and she played Adele's new song 'Rolling In The Deep'.  I have to say that I love her voice ('Make You Feel My Love' being one of my faves) and she certainly hasn't disappointed with this new tune.  When I've watched her singing live, her voice is always so soulful and flawless.  I also like the fact that she doesn't seem to care what people think of her.  I really respect that trait in people when they have the confidence and conviction to stay true to who they are.

Last Day in Milan, Duomo + Fashion, What else?!!

The grand front view of Duomo!
The 3rd largest church in the world next to Vatican and the one in Spain.

Euro 0.8 a candle. We did three!!



Mosaic widow paved w/ stories about Catholic.

kids love climbing stairs since they are very young.... since they are only 8 months old for my 3 children. This is our last stop in Milan and in Italy that by no means, all of us climb to the top of the roof. Considering the Duomo we climbed in Firenze, this is easy cheesy, a piece of cake! ^^

More steps to the top 






The roof level 

Copper-plated Saint Maria statue on top

After seeing the landmark in Milan, thus the fashion!! ^O^ Strolling down those high fashion shops, I found this cute chocolate/candy store, "Conti Confetteria" which is perfect for souvenirs,or  favors for my gals back home!!

On me: Missoni 10' collar, M Missoni sweater w/ ruffle front, Valentino For Gap Jacket n' cargo pants, Boss gray scarf, Chanel 10A Marron tote, Ethic shearling-lined boots. 



Chocolate heels/purses. 






Perfect wedding favors....anyone? ^O^









For favors, you can choose your own colored ribbon!



Those are the ones I picked for my gals!! ^^




If you are wondering how crazy that people love "GAP" or "Valentino For GAP" in Milan, here is the proof... lol. 
I find it is amused to see that the guard has to regulate people to wait in line and go shopping in GAP store. 
I wonder do we Americans ever so crazy about GAP? 



One of my favorite brands "Sonia Rykiel"!



Sonia Rykiel: Pony, shearling, suede clog boots. 



Are you looking for perfect Taupe bag? Here, Sonia Rykiel!


This is the ONE...a huge doctor framed bag in Taupe/Dark brown. (Euro 1800) There are tiny Swarovski crystal and embossed Sonia Rykiel!


The same size in cameral brown in the back ground is Euro 790. Both can be carried across the body!

The back view!

You know I wouldn't miss Chanel boutique in Milan. I have couple more friends' requests of classic flaps and here is my aka their last hope! lol 

Chanel boutique in Milan has more Classic style in stock compared to its boutique in Firenze, such as beige w/ silver chain caviar classic, reissue 226, 227 matte black in silver/gold HW, maxi in gold/silver HW,  ...AND... HERE...

2011 Cruise collection Borsa Classica Con Patta mini Noir flap w/ gold HW. Euro 1450
(They also have coral red/Rouge in stock.)



The last request for my gal....Chanel 11' Cruise pearl brooch in both dark silver and light gold!!!


We are going back to San Francisco tomorrow...... See you in December!! ^O^
xoxo Rachel