16 November 2010

Verdict: Blogger Replies

This is something I've wondered about since the very moment I started blogging. As bloggers, I'm almost certain that everyone loves getting comments, no matter what amount is written, it's the thought that counts! Taking the time to leave your thoughts on a post makes me feel like I'm writing for a reason.

However, for the few that leave a question, I'm at a bit of a loss. I began by answering in the comments section of their blog, but found this a long winded way around a simple task. I then began tracking down the individuals email, replying with a sentence max.
I rarely reply in my own comments simply because I personally forget to check back on others if I've left a question, so I never get an answer.



If I have you on Twitter, that's where I leave my responses at the moment, you get your answer easily and it generally fits in the 140 character limit. Simple.

The real question here is, what's the right way to respond to a reader's burning question?!

I want you to get the answers and I want you to get them without having to treasure hunt around the internet.
So Bloggers, how do you all reply to your readers? I need your tips!

I hope there are no questions in these comments...
Images lovingly swiped from various Weheartit accounts.

13 November 2010

Instant Radiance with No7

Winter is officially here, you can try and argue this point, but when your feet go numb from a ten minute walk, I'm thinking I might have the upper hand. With winter comes dull skin (or at least it does for me), there's none of that sunshine glow and getting up seems that much harder which is just why No7's Instant Radiance foundation is the perfect companion for winter skin.

The PR people over at N07 contacted me about their newest additions to the No7 line, and this gem was nestled among them. Not only is the formula brilliant for winter, but with the brush applicator, it means that you don't need to waste time pouring on the back of your hand or wasting any product, you simply gradually pump the product out and apply straight to the skin.
The downside of this applicator is the cleanliness factor. With the product being directly behind the brush, it means there is every chance of water getting into the product, however without regular cleans, the brush makes application streaky because of the synthetic bristles. This is the only issue with the applicator as it can be positioned to on/off to avoid it leaking in your back or coming out while washing.


In terms of coverage, it doesn't quite get to the blemishes, but will easily hide subtle dark circles, really brightening under the eyes, along with bringing a subtle glow to the entire face without suffering with glittery skin. From what I've noticed, it lasts well, my measure is always on a night out, if it can survive a hot club and a lot of dancing then it passes my test. This one lasted amazingly well, with the majority needing to be taken off when the night was done.

For those with a good complexion, looking for a bit of a skin boost in the dreary months to follow, I'd give this product a try. If you really can't work with the brush you can always squeeze the product out before applying with whatever your method of choice is!

It retails around the £12 mark, which is the perfect price point for a reliable foundation. No7 is definitely a trusted brand and I wouldn't shy away from paying a little more to get beautiful winter skin!

11 November 2010

Aussie Invade the Skies

No, Aussie haven't branched out into raining Aussome products, but they did manage to pack out the Sky Lounge at the City Inn last weekend, perfectly positioned to take on 360 views of Leeds' bonfire night fireworks displays.


This event was in order of the Take the Heat range, with the challenge of presenting our best heat styled 'do at the event. Somewhat ironically, I forgot to pack any form of heat defence for my nights stay, so went with the natural straight locks, not much to content with you can imagine.


The event itself was filled with faces new and old, an opportunity to see some newbies up North! The evening revolved around beautiful cocktails and champagne (as per!) mixed with dancers and the contest to see just who had the best heat treated locks.


My personal hair favourites from the night were Sinead, Kelly and Brogan, as that is exactly the kind of style I always try and fail to recreate. Aussie chose Jen, Katie and Catherine. With Katie coming out on top and winning herself a goodie bag packed with hair treats.

Another fantastic night, which could have carried on into the night, but unfortunately I was struck down by a cold and retired back to the hotel, followed by a loss of voice in the morning. Looks like all the chatting really took its toll!


I can't wait for the Aussie Market Stalls, who else will I be bumping into in Leeds?

9 November 2010

Wild Eyes

Apologies if I just got Total Eclipse of the Heart in your head, it seems Wild Eyes bears a similar sound to bright eyes, I'm humming along as I type.

The topic of conversation today is 17's newest mascara 'Wild Curls'. The Boots PR company contacted me a while back asking my opinions on the newest wonder product, so I agreed to share my opinions with you lovely bunch! You all know I love a good thickening mascara, this one is right up that alley. It goes on clean, with no clumps, with a great thickening effect, especially to the bottom of the lashes.

The tube is another plus, I absolutely love the leopard print, matching its title perfectly and making it stand out among the black tubes that litter my mascara collection.
I've never found a mascara that really does make a difference in terms of curling, this one is just the same. If you're going for a curl, then just use eyelash curlers before application as this won't give it to you alone.

It gives great length and a perfect thickened look, I'd definitely recommend this and for just £5.99 at Boots stores it's settled in a perfect price point. This is an absolute must buy for me, it's a strong contender with all time favourite Maybelline Colossal which is what all mascaras are measured against for me.
I've yet to see a negative review on this product, which shows just how good it is.


Have you got you had the opportunity to bring out your wild side?

7 November 2010

Verdict: Following the crowd

With the sheer amount of blogs out there (it still shocks me when I really think about how many bloggers there are), it's a certainty that there will be the same ideas coming from two heads, whether they know about each other or not.


Where similar ideas are concerned, I think it all gets blown out of proportion. So, maybe each blogger does know about the other and has genuinely 'stolen' the idea, but more often than not it's just the great minds think alike syndrome, or being inspired by someone else to do something on the same lines.
Call me naive, but I think it's very rare that a deliberate effort to do the exact same thing is on purpose.


If it just so goes that you have a brilliant idea, but someone else happens to publish it before you - it isn't half annoying, but that's life! - just credit it! Surely it's better to bring a bit of blogger love into this dog eat dog blogosphere than having another accidental rivalry on our hands?
What's the harm in linking to a fellow blogger? You'll probably reap the benefits in the future, what goes around comes around.


So now is the time to hand the discussion over to you lot -Any thoughts I should have included? Get the thoughts rollin'!

All images appropriately borrowed from weheartit.com

2 November 2010

An old fashioned NOTD

It's been absolutely ages since I've shared what I've been wearing on my nails in a traditional Nail Of The Day post. As I only bought a select few favourites along with me to University, you've probably seen them all before.
So when a buddy offers out her nail varnish, I take advantage.

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Excuse the broken nail incident.

This would be Barry M's Bright Purple and Silver Cascade. The Silver Cascade barely lasted a day before the gruelling process of taking it off - it's already chipped in the photo! - but I'm loving going back to the random nail another colour. How very Megan Fox.