OUTFIT & COMPETITION: LAS VEGAS GLAMOUR WITH QUIZ CLOTHING

Hi sweeties. I hope your week has been good and that your weekend will be even better. You have probably noticed the Quiz Clothing banner ad on my blog for the chance to win a trip for 2 to Vegas including return flights, limo ride transfers, 5 nights at a 5* hotel, 5 dresses for the winner and tickets to see Britney Spears. 

Feeling inspired by this fabulous prize I have created an 'Outfit Of The Night' post with two dress options. All pieces are from Quiz Clothing as they have some great items online.



If you can't do glamour when you are in Vegas when can you do it. This full length dress is elegantly stunning with a split to the front revealing just enough leg as you move.



For a less dramatic, but still sleek and sophisticated style this dress with it's diamond/harlequin print feature wouldn't look out of place in a casino. The print gives a very slimming effect too.

All accessories I have chosen I think would work well with both dresses so you are good for 2 nights :)



I did think about choosing something more glitzy for the feet, but I think the accessories I have chosen more than make up for that.



Well a girl has to put her winnings somewhere ;)





I don't usually go for matching jewellery, but for this sort of evening out I think it's almost a necessity. The square diamond style reminds me of the playing cards too.

So for your chance to win this fabulous prize click on the Quiz Clothing Vegas banner ad near the top of my blog and ensure to enter your email address.


Good luck to all who enter!



Love to you all



Vicky xx

BLOG BIRTHDAY

Hi everyone. Today's post is really just to say thank you for reading my blog, taking the time to comment on my posts, giving me inspiration to keep going when I have bloggers mind block.

Today is my blog's 3rd birthday. Beautiful Addictions started off as just a hobby for me. I found it very hard in the beginning deciding what to write about as I didn't know much about blogging and what others liked reading most. 

My photos were not terrible, but not fantastic either. I am not a pro photographer now, but I do think more about lighting, composition and trying to get the most true to life colours in my shots so that you know what you are seeing is real life. 

I think my posts are more structured and the look of my blog layout has changed from pink and spotty with bows to a more fresh style. I am however looking to change my blog's appearance a little more. Can anybody please advise that if I remove customisations on Blogger will I lose all changes I have made or just to the template layout? I am thinking of changing to a 2 column layout, but don't want to mess everything up.

Also I am in talks with a company currently which I will reveal more about very soon. I will be creating a vlog series around one product initially while introducing you to their brand. Vlogging is something I have wanted to venture into and although I keep saying I will I just never get round to it, but now there are no excuses so watch this space :) Any tips on vlogging please leave as I haven't got a clue.

Also let me know your thoughts on my style of blogging and blog layout? What posts do you like to read the most? What attracts you keep on viewing a blog? What types of videos would you like to see from me? 



Love to you all



Vicky xx

FLOWER GARLAND HEADBANDS FOR SUMMER & FESTIVALS

Hi sweeties. How rubbish is the weather right now. We are meant to be out of the April showers so what's going on?

Moving on to something much more pretty and fun is my flower garland headband haul :)



This fuchsia and white band has smaller flowers than the other bands, but they are still a good size. This comes with an elasticated band that looks silky on the outside, but not on the inside so it should stay easily in place. It also comes in a multi-pastel and white option.


I love the colours of these flowers which is why I bought them all :) They are attached to a plaited cord band which has a stretchy part at the back.

I think these are great accessories that are so easy to make any outfit more interesting. Great for summer parties, festivals, weddings or if you are like me any time anywhere :)

Let me know where you purchase your flower hair bands in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

DHC CLARIFYING PORE COVER BASE

Hi lovelies. I have another review post for you today of a skincare/make-up product that was sent to me for free to review.



This oil-free powdery gel-cream primer which blends clear is designed to keep your skin looking naturally matte for hours while minimising the appearance of pores. Targeting the T-zone (forehead and nose) as well as the U-zone (cheeks and chin) enabling your make-up to last longer while keeping your complexion shine-free and fresh. Suitable for all skin types.

Key ingredients:

 Liquorice to soothe the skin

Rosehip and artichoke leaf extracts to visibly tighten and minimise the appearance of pores

Vitamin E for its antioxidant and skin soothing properties

Olive leaf extract to help protect, firm and nourish

Apply over a clean, moisturised face, concentrating on the T-zone area before applying your foundation.

I absolutely love the feel of this product. It's very lightweight, blending into the skin easily while blurring imperfections. I don't have particularly large pores at the moment, but they were reduced to nothing.

The product itself is white, but when applied it becomes a part of your skin and the white disappears. 

I thought this might be quite drying for me due to my dry skin type, but it worked well. I had no dry patches appear throughout the day and no shine or greasiness, but my skin type is not oily.

I wouldn't say that my skin felt more protected, nourished or any firmer from using this product, but I would certainly recommend it for evening out the skin tone and blurring imperfections while reducing pore size.

It also felt like a great make-up base because my skin felt velvety and smooth. I did not really notice my make-up lasting any longer, but that's not to say it didn't. I just don't have greasy skin so my make-up base usually holds up pretty well anyway.

Have you tried this primer? If yes, let me know your thoughts on it in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

NIVEA SUN RANGE

Hey there beauties. I am so sorry that I was MIA last week, but I just got so busy. I wish I could blog full time, but those bills got to be paid until that dream comes true.

Anyway on to today's post. I was recently gifted with some Nivea products from their Sun Protect & Refresh Range as well as the Nivea Sun In-Shower Refreshing After Sun Lotion and asked to review them for you guys.


Before I start my review I just have to say how cute is my personalised travel bag with my name on :)


A non-sticky, ultra moisturising consistency. Enriched with menthol for a refreshing sensation on application. The silky powder and soothing oils nourish and protect against the sun. Water resistant with highly effective UVA/UVB filters.

I applied this to my face and neck. It absorbed very quickly, smelt gorgeous and was definitely not sticky or greasy. It is cooling and the menthol is definitely within the scent, but it's not like applying a heavy duty mouthwash.


A relaunched, much loved beauty must have with an improved formula. A cooling mist with a light, silky texture. No oiliness, stickiness or white residue and is quickly absorbed. With highly effective UVA and UVB protection. Water resistant.

I applied this clear liquid to my legs and feet. It absorbed quickly into the skin. The only thing I don't like is that it smells like hairspray on application, but you don't really notice it after a few minutes.

I did not try the factor 50 in this product as it's just a higher SPF and I was happy with using SPF 20.


The Beauty Editor's favourite gives an instant cooling sensation with this refreshing mist. With highly effective UVA/UVB filters and a continuous menthol spray action leaving a light even layer over the skin. No stickiness or white marks. Can be used at all angles. Water resistant.

I applied this to my arms, shoulders, hands, torso and back. This clear liquid absorbed very quickly also. This one also smelt a bit like hairspray, but again this was unnoticeable after a few minutes.

Again I did not try the factor 50 in this product as it's just a higher SPF and I was happy with using SPF 20.

Applying any lotion all over for me always seems like a chore whether it's just everyday moisturising or sun care. These products make light work of these rituals. For quickness I would use as a preference the spray or mist. 

They all absorb really quickly with no stickiness or excess residue left on the skin which ticks all the boxes for me. 

I am very pale and although I love to lie in the sun I am always fearful of burning. I had been laying in the sun from 3pm-5pm as it is advised that you avoid sun exposure between 11am-3pm. I noticed slight redness on my knees, face and arms after 2 hours so I was sensible and came out of the sun. These products protected my skin really well as although I had redness I did not burn.


The latest wonder product from Nivea offering intensive moisturising to help soothe skin. This water activating lotion is to be used in the shower to instantly cool and refresh the skin after sun exposure.

In the shower apply all of your usual products including your usual shower wash. While the skin is still wet apply this product all over. I applied it to my face also and it didn't do me any harm, but be careful if you have sensitive skin as I am not sure that it was meant for the face. Rinse off the lotion and you are free to get on with your day or night. No residue will be left on your towel.

This lotion absorbed quickly into the skin. The baby soft scent is amazing and the product formula is so moisturising. It feels like a layer of silk surrounds the skin after application. Even my face felt like a baby's bottom. Even if you don't use this after sun exposure I would say this is a great product for impatient people like myself who just hate body moisturising. It takes all the hassle out of it. No sticky feeling. No white residue. No need to stand around naked waiting for it to absorb before you can get dressed. I love it. 

I am very happy with all of these products. I will certainly be more likely to step out into the sun this summer :)

Please note that although the SPF factors I used suited my skin you should use the factors that you feel are best suited to your skin type and length of sun exposure as well as perhaps the time of day.

If you have tried any Nivea Sun Range products let me know your favourites with reasons why in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

BOOHOO BOUTIQUE WISH LIST

Hi sweeties. This is my last post of the day, but one that could not wait. I I have been browsing the Boohoo website and came across these fab items in the Boohoo Boutique section.







I do try and steer away from black in the summer, but it somehow always creeps in :) I think these dresses are all beautiful pieces perfect for this season.

Let me know your BOOHOO BOUTIQUE favourites in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

LORRAINE'S HIGH STREET FASHION AWARDS 2014


Hi loves I'm back again with another post. Tomorrow (19th May) at midday is the deadline for your votes in the 'Lorraine's High Street Fashion Awards 2014'. It takes just a few minutes so why not cast your views on your favourite retailers and get voting now!




Love to you all



Vicky xx

GLOSSYBOX: SUMMER BEAUTY EDIT WITH SUPERDRUG

Hi lovelies and happy summery Sunday. It's just so beautiful outside that it's almost tempting not to blog, but have no fear I promise I will. Today I have my May GlossyBox first impressions to share with you. This box is the 'Summer Beauty Edit' in collaboration with Superdrug to celebrate their 50th birthday! Superdrug is one of my go to beauty essentials stores so I knew this would be an exciting box.



SOLAIT ILLUMINATING FACIAL BRONZING CREAM ~ £2.99 FOR 100ML

With light reflecting particles to give a healthy, luminous glow as well as ingredients to hydrate and soften the skin.

Exfoliate before use. Apply to a clean, dry face with a tanning mitt or your hands. Blend at the hairline and eyebrows. Wash hands immediately after use.

This product is meant to develop within 2-4 hours. The scent in the tub is very much defined by the sweet almond oil. It looks like a medium thickness cream.


For maxed-up lashes this wand has a multitude of bristles to separate and give a fanned out lash effect. This mascara has a built in wiper system taking off excess product when you pull the wand from the tube. There will be a pop sound to ensure it's working.

Coat evenly root to tip, turning as you reach the end to accentuate the curve and prevent clumping.

I have never tried this mascara so I will see just how volumised it can make my lashes.


This foot mask will hydrate for up to 24 hours working while you sleep to give you beautifully soft feet when you wake.

Massage onto clean, dry feet before bed. No rinsing required.

I tried a tiny bit on my hand and it absorbs into the skin instantly which is great as I hate having sticky cream on me when getting dressed let alone going to bed. I would like to soften my heels for summertime so this will definitely be given a go.


A non-sticky or greasy body moisturiser.

Spray evenly over the desired area for long lasting, locked in moisture.

I am a really big fan of spray body moisturisers. It saves scraping or squeezing the product out and makes application a much quicker and easier process. This cocoa butter scent is gorgeous too. I really like the twist lid that clicks into place. No lost lids. I sprayed some on my legs and it has absorbed unbelievably quickly meaning getting dress straight after application is not a problem.



A full coverage lipstick that leaves a soft sheen on the lips.

Sweep on as required.

This is a very pretty lipstick that is very natural and I think would suit all skin tones. It has a lovely sheen which reflects beautifully in the sunlight. A great everyday shade for summer. I do have one negative though and that is the packaging. The lid is very secure and clicks shut, but the lipstick tube feels quite un-sturdy.

Now following on from all of those full size products are the bonus items.


Enhanced with 4 oils for softer, smoother, silkier skin. Non-greasy and non-sticky. For dry skin.

Apply to clean, dry skin. Not for the face.

This sample of body moisturiser is a new product for me to try and will hopefully do the job.


An intoxicating and addictive fruity-floral fragrance.

The fruity top notes are the first thing I notice about this scent. It quickly settles though into it's floral woody base. This musky scent is very sensual. Perfect for summer days and nights.

Well what can I say. I am very impressed by this box indeed. I think this was a great collaboration and I wish Superdrug a very Happy Birthday!!

For more information on GlossyBox UK click this LINK and for GlossyBox US click this LINK.

What products are your favourites so far in this month's GlossyBox? Let me know in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

SARA C WISH LIST

Hi again everyone. I have a wish list post for you this evening introducing handmade in Britain eco-friendly garments from the environmental designs of Sara C. The simple silhouette of each piece is there as a canvas for each exquisite print inspired by nature.









As you can see I have picked these two prints as my favourites. These garments are gorgeous choices for summer and will add interest to any outfit.

Let me know your SARA C favourites in the comments below.

Images not my own.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

THE ANTI-AGEING HEALTH & BEAUTY SHOW

Hey lovelies and happy Sunday. I had a great day yesterday experiencing my first time at The Anti-Ageing Health & Beauty Show. There was so much to see and experience so I want to share some of it with you. I truly believe there is something for everyone at the show. It's a perfect day out to discover new products and brands as well as health and beauty experiences you never knew existed.


BEAUTY DRINK

Containing water with vitamins, fruit extracts, minerals and collagen in 8 different flavours: 

Bright (pear, green tea and coconut water)

Ready for the day (raspberry, blueberry and acai)

Strong fortify hair and nails (lychee and white tea)

Young and free (hibiscus, acai and grape)

Renewed (cucumber, lemon and aloe vera)

Focused (tangerine, acerola, guarana and orange)

Happy (nectarine and red tea)

Balanced (mulberry, passion fruit, lemon and lemongrass)

I sampled one of these which I believe to be 'Young and free'. It tasted amazing. Sweet, but refreshing. I'm not kidding when I say that it felt like I had a natural buzz from just a sample. I think the packaging of these looks very appealing. I really like the concept of drinking my beauty in. I love the variety within this range too.


BEAUTY BAR

Organic cereal cubes with added vitamins, collagen and golden linseed in 4 flavours:

Balanced (apple, raisins, cashews and honey)

Young and free (red berries and acai and honey)

Strong fortify hair and nails (banana, apple, cinnamon and honey)

Ready for the day (coconut, almonds and honey)

Being the official sponsor of London Fashion Week I was able to sample the 'Young and free' beauty bar from my London Fashion Weekend goodie bag. It was okay, but it had a glaze which doesn't really appeal to me. I prefer my cereal bars crunchy and dry if you know what I mean.


BEAUTY TEA

Traditional teas with added collagen and vitamins in 4 flavours:

Bright (white tea and pear)

Balanced (red tea, apple and honey)

Young and free (yellow tea and peach)

Renewed (green tea and green grape)

I love trying out new teas. I usually prefer herbal rather than fruit teas as fruit teas are never sweet like I want them to be.


BEAUTY CANDY

Delicious candies with added collagen and vitamins in 4 flavours:

Ready for the day (lemon)

Strong fortify hair and nails (raspberry)

Young and free (vitamin E, folic acid, pantothenic acid and collagen)

Bright (orange)

These are easy to carry around with you or leave in your car and who doesn't like sweets :)

BeautyIn products are made with no added sugar, preservatives or trans fats. In a self-assessment survey 100% of volunteers confirmed their skin became firmer and less wrinkled from consuming the beauty drinks and candies.

I am very intrigued by the BeautyIn brand. I feel like I need another shot of Beauty Drink ;)

I did try other beauty drinks at the show from brands such as BioCorrex who have a very interesting beauty range.


I was recommended this Forever Aloe Vera Gel to aid me with my IBS and digestion troubles. You actually drink it. It seems weird to call it a gel, but I am advised that it just tastes like orange juice.



Check out the Forever range in this link!


This is the first ever BB Cream I tried and you can read my full review here. This is a beautiful product that I would call a beauty/make-up essential. For good coverage and a healthy glow I would certainly recommend.


I have been very kindly gifted with samples of the Exfoliating Marvel Gel so I will be reviewing that for you.


To view the full Ginvera range see this link!



We can cleanse our faces and our bodies from within, but what about our teeth? Well now there is a new product to refresh your mouth in flavours such as Sicilian Lemon, Garden Mint, English Peppermint and Brazilian Lime. So if you are keen to try something new for your teeth and move on from your usual toothpaste then this Dawood & Tanner range could be right up your street. Find out more in this link!


This type of product I have seen spoken about a little, but not too much. This 540 needles version has non-sharp needles. I was informed that it does not feel painful and you won't end up with blood running from your pores. Apparently it's good for stretch marks and to open up the skin so that any skincare products you apply will be absorbed deeply. Find out more about the vast Skin Pep range in this link!



Arbonne cover lots of healthy and beauty needs. With a range including skincare, haircare, sun protection, bath & body, make-up, fragrance and nutrition. I know I will be looking through their website to find out more.

Tropic Skincare were there too. I loved their Face Smooth Brightening Polish which you can see my review of here. I swatched some make-up from their collection and fell in love with the high pigmentation of their mineral eye shadows, especially Blue Steel.

Green People have a massive range of products including some great make-up which looked amazing on the girl I spoke with. The city grey anti-age pencil eyeliner was swatched for me. It looked so smooth on application. Perfect for lining, shading and as a shadow base. The powders and shadows looked great too. I really like how particular products are suggested for certain skin tones and eye colours.

Studio 10 Beauty had make-up artist Chrissie Huntley demonstrate the contour, blush and highlight palette on me. The visible lift definer kit has a cream blush and the one used on me was a powder so I guess it may have been updated. The contour really sculpted my cheeks. The blush gave me that healthy, youthful glow and the highlight accentuated where needed.

I was so lucky to meet with Studio 10 founder Grace Fodor who told me exactly what Studio 10 make-up was there to accomplish. Grace explained that the make-up is produced to sculpt and define the face. Contouring, highlighting and emphasising areas for a healthy, more youthful looking appearance. The age reverse perfecting liner was one of the products we spoke about which was meant to be in my goodie bag, but sadly was not :(

Airbase Make-Up have the airbrush kits within their collection which can be used at home for real make-up enthusiasts. I thought the concealer palette looked appealing with it's smooth formula. The eye shadow palettes also excited me a lot with one of satin and one of pearl shades. Both with bright and more smokey tones.

I spoke with Lynne Sanders about the a la carte london make-up collection. There were so many products to see that made my eyes light up.

Su-Man is the leading celebrity facialist turned skincare pioneer. With fans such as Kylie and Sienna who wouldn't want to know more about Su-Man's expertise and product range. With a mixture Asian and Western influence along with that Su-Man touch for a facial experience in your own home. The natural and scientific blend of Su-Man formulations sounds amazing to send you on a skincare journey to look and feel re-born.

I tried the Teapigs match tea served cold with apple juice. It was lovely and refreshing and my first experience of this brand.

The Chris James Cleanse was also being promoted at the show along with some stand alone products. I had a great chat with Chris who teaches yoga and meditation as well as assisting others in better health and well being for a better body and mind.

So what is the 12 day cleanse? More than just your average detox this programme consists of dietary guidance, mouth-watering recipes and high quality cleansers to leave you noticeably more toned, radiantly alive and glowing with confidence. There are also new products such as 'Hello Aloe' for dry and damaged skin as well as 'Super Absorb' for removing waste matter from your digestive system to return your body to a balanced state. The cleanse comes with a 12 day menu guide that is gluten free.

I love discovering new beauty and health products, but I think there is definitely something in the fact that when you truly look after your body and mind they will thank you for it and it shows. Like when someone loses excess weight or returns from a relaxed holiday. You can see their skin glowing and eyes sparkling and they seem to be smiling more.

I have always had problems with bloating and a sluggish digestive system since I was born so a cleanse is something I have been thinking about doing for a while. There are so many shake diets, juice detoxes and goodness knows what else on the market these days that it's hard to know which ones are the best value and right for your needs. Chris James' 12 day cleanse seems to me to be one that aims to show you a way of living and maintaining well being not just a quick fix or a DIET (urgh hate that word).

This cleanse really has me thinking that it could be right up my street as like with most of us a little guidance is all that is needed to put us on the right track. The cleanse is £120, but as it's for 12 days that's just £10 a day that I know I could easily spend on other rubbish.

There were lots of great people that I got to speak with yesterday, but I fear this post may never end so instead I will link the exhibitors list here for you :)

If you attended The Anti-Ageing Health & Beauty Show this weekend how was it for you? Did you discover any great products, treatments or brands? Let me know in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

MISS REBEL MONOCHROME WISH LIST

Hey there sweethearts. Today I have some fabulous fashion to show you.

Miss Rebel have a great competition where bloggers that create a wish list of their favourite products are entered for the chance to win a £500 voucher to spend on the Miss Rebel website.



This bag would go with so many of my outfits due to it's cream shade. The tassle's and studs have a tribal/cowgirl feel which I love for summer.



This classic blouse would be perfect to pair with jeans, trousers and skirts. I would wear a bandeau underneath, but it would still maintain a sexy edge.



We have all seen the #SELFIE tops floating about, but I haven't picked one up as yet. I love the neckline and sleeve length of this tee. I would wear this tucked into a high waisted skirt or with denim dungaree shorts.



Now I contradict myself by picking this black slouch bag. It's a great size for work when I take my lunch and other essentials and for events so I can stash my camera away. I have also been into the quilted trend for quite some time.



A great throw on slouchy investment for those lazy days. Paired with over the knee socks, plims and a beanie this is so me.

Any time of year is monochrome love for me as you can see.

Let me know your Miss Rebel wish list favourites in the comments below along with how you would style them up.

Also if you do enter this fantastic Miss Rebel competition please leave links to your blog entries below so I can have a look :)

Entries close at 5pm on Monday 26th May!



Love to you all



Vicky xx