Cosmopolitan Blog Awards 2013 With Next

Hi there my loves. I hope you have all had a great day. Today I am not going to beg, but I would fully appreciate your support if you would like to nominate me for this years Cosmopolitan Blog Awards 2013 With Next under the category of 'Best Established Beauty Blog'.

I am so pleased to still enjoy writing, reviewing and creating on my blog. Beautiful Addictions has been my baby for 2 years this month and it's been so much fun. I have tried and tested many products which has helped me to make new discoveries and had fun with make-up, especially at Halloween time. It has been great to get to know so many of you through the growth of my blog and I hope to meet more of you in person. I have attended a few PR events which have been interesting and fun too. Thank you once again for checking in on my blog. I hope you continue to enjoy my future posts. I want to expand Beautiful Addictions more and more so any thoughts or suggestions please leave in the comments below.

You can vote for me here 

Good luck to all bloggers and vloggers in every category and love to you all

Cosmopolitan Blog Awards 2012 With Next Shortlist

Hey loves. I hope you are all having a fab week. Time has been flying by so fast since I have been off work. I haven't actually travelled to work from my new home yet, but the journey isn't bad just one bus ride.

Today I just wanted to say congrats and good luck to all the Bloggers and Vloggers out there who have been shortlisted for the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards 2012 With Next. There are some Bloggers and Vloggers that I see on the shortlist that I have been following since before I even started my blog over a year ago. I am still quite a newbie in the blogosphere, continually inspired and motivated by the blogs I read and the videos I view. Keep up the good work beauties.

For those interested here is a link to those shortlisted, Link :)

If you have ever thought about writing your own blog just give it a go. It can be about anything that you are passionate about and want to share your thoughts on. I was so nervous when I started my blog thinking I would get loads of nasty comments or just no one reading it at all, but that hasn't been the case so far. I have had some lovely comments which still lift my day and I still find people reading my blog so I guess I'm doing okay.

I am always up for improving my blog though and keeping it interesting so if there are certain posts you would like to see then just let me know in the comments below and I will see what I can do.

Love to you all

 

March 2012 JolieBox

Hey, it's me again. I thought it was meant to be a horrible day of rain today, but the sun is out and I'm not complaining. My March JolieBox did not show up for ages after I was told it had been dispatched so they sent me out another one which is why I am a little late posting about this. So here are the products in this box which is named 'Put A Spring In Your Step'.

Left To Right:

Yardley Luxury Body Wash (English Lavender) ~ £3.50 For 200ml

Link :)

The Information:

A Luxury Body Wash containing Q10 that cleanses, nourishes and moisturises the skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth and delicately fragranced with English Lavender. Also available in two other fragrances: Royal English Daisy and Peony.

Application:

Use in the bath or shower to cleanse the body.

My Thoughts:

This is a full size product which is great. The scent reminds me of an aromatherapy massage oil. Very relaxing.

Davines Authentic Moisturising Face/Hair/Body Balm ~ £17.40

Link :)

The Information:

A natural, conditioning, moisturising, organic, Safflower Oil base balm with a treble action: make-up remover for the face, hair balm and body moisturiser. Contains ingredients such as jojoba and sesam oil.

Application:

Face – Apply a small amount to face with cotton wool, avoiding contacts with eyes. Rinse with warm water.

Hair – Apply to towel dried hair. Leave for two minutes, comb the hair and rinse well.

Body – Can be applied to dry or damp skin. Leave for two minutes and then rinse.

My thoughts:

This is full size also which is fab. If you know me you know that I like multi-tasking products. Products like this are great for people who travel. This product has a herbal scent. I am a bit confused that it's described as a body moisturiser yet you are meant to rinse it off?

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner (Emerald Green) ~ £9.50 / €10.00 / $14.00

Link :)

The Information:

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner Pencils for precise definition and intense colour. Line and define for long-lasting colour. The wax based, creamy formula allows for smooth application. Even when you sharpen the pencil to the smallest nub the silver handle remains for longer use. Available in six different shades.

Application:

Use light strokes close to the lash line for everyday definition.  Hold pencil on its side for thicker lines and a dramatic look.

My Thoughts:

I think this should have come with cardboard packaging as it did when I received one of these pencils in my January 2012 GlossyBox: The Valentine's Day Edition. You can see that post here. I could not see the name of this shade on the pencil. Maybe I missed it, but I would describe it as an emerald green. When I checked the website that is what it is called. This is a full size product also.

This is a gorgeous shade that I think will make my eyes pop. So pretty.

LCN Nail Polish From The Free Your Mind 2012 Collection ~ £5.50 For 8ml

Link :)

The Information:

Discover the new Free Your Mind Collection by LCN! Fast drying nail polishes available in four dreamy, shimmery, on-trend pastel shades. No.330 Free Spirit (8ml), No.331 Free Your Mind (8ml), No. 332 Sky High (8ml) & No.333 Dreamcatcher (8ml).

Application:

For best results use a base coat followed by two coats of your favourite colour and finish with a top coat.

My Thoughts:

I could not see a shade name on the bottle so I'm not sure which one I have. I can not look now as I am not writing this post while at home, but I will check to see if any of the numbers above are on my bottle. If anyone knows please tell me :)

I would describe this as a beautiful golden, creamy caramel with pink, purple and orange shimmers. This is a full size product as well.

JolieBox Mirror

The Information:

A dainty compact mirror that will fit perfectly in your make-up bag.

My Thoughts:

It's always nice to get little extras in life. I think this mirror will fit snugly into my purse for on the go glances.

To top it all off JolieBox have also added the JOLIEMAG to their boxes.

The magazine includes information on products, spring releases, interviews, a manicure step-by-step guide, a www.loveheartsandcrosses.co.uk discount code and information about the JolieBox team, including one of my most favourite Vloggers/Bloggers Anna. You can find Anna's blog and YouTube channel on her Twitter profile @ViviannaMakeup

So overall I like my March JolieBox. I will definitely use all of the products. I love the eyeliner and nail polish shades. 

If you are interested in finding out more about JolieBox please see this Link :) 

What products did you receive in your March JolieBox? Did you like them? Did your box arrive late? 

Love to you all

Company/Cosmopolitan Blogger/Vlogger MaxFactor September/October Features

Hi there my darlings. I am feeling a bit sorry for myself at the moment as I have a terrible cold (sniff sniff). To distract myself from it I wanted to do this post on some great Bloggers/Vloggers that have featured in Max Factor's promotions through Company and Cosmopolitan Magazines. I have the September and October issues to show you as my September magazines did not arrive until just before I received my October issues.

 

Company September 

 

The 'Candy Colours' Max Factor feature inside

Look No 1, Smudge & Stroke: Natalya from filthygorgeousmakeup.blogspot.com has a cool blog, but I am especially looking forward to checking out her YouTube videos. This look really did accentuate the feline shape of Natalya's eyes as it says in this feature.

Look No 2, Line & Define: Gemma from gemsmaquillage.com is one of my most favourite Vloggers. Gemma always comes across as very honest. Somehow she manages to make it feel like she is really talking to you. Gemma's eyes look fantastic in this look. Very sultry and sexy.

Look No 3, Luxe Your Lashes: Ree from reallyree.com has a lovely blog and YouTube channel that show you the press events you know you want to be at as well as some fabulous reviews. Ree's lashes look very defined in this look. The eyes are still smokey, but in a classy way.

Cosmopolitan September

The 'Eye Candy' Max Factor feature inside

This is basically the same feature as in Company Magazine, but with different photos. The feature is called 'Eye Candy' instead of 'Candy Colours'. The looks have different names also. In Cosmopolitan Magazine Look No 1 is called 'Smokin' Hot', Look No 2 is called 'Liquid Effect' and Look No 3 is called 'Sexy End'. I am so jealous of how pretty Natalya looks in this feature.

Company October

The 'Sixties Revival' Max Factor feature inside

Look No 1, Shimmer & Shine: Fleur from fleurdeforce.blogspot.com has a very fresh looking blog with large, clear photos. Her YouTube videos are always fun to watch with some fab tutorials. I think Fleur is the perfect candidate for this Twiggy inspired look.

Look No 2, Line & Define: Carly from glitterdollz7.co.uk has a really well laid out blog, but I have to say it's the tutorials on YouTube that Carly does that I find amazing. I become transfixed whenever watching them as I don't want to miss anything. Carly's look here is quite wearable, but with a definite sixties edge. Carly now has a new blog beautysauce.com so check that out too.

Look No 3, Max Your Lashes: Louise from makeuploveer.blogspot.com has a blog that's always a great read. Louise's blog always has great photos, honest reviews and gorgeous make-up looks. Her YouTube channel also has fantastic make-up tutorials. Louise looks amazing in this photo. If I were imitating the sixties/Twiggy trend then this is how I would want it to look.

 Cosmopolitan October

The 'Retro Revival' Max factor feature inside

Again in Cosmopolitan Magazine the feature is named 'Retro Revival' instead of 'Sixties Revival' as in Company Magazine. The looks are the same as Company Magazine, but again named differently. Look No 1 is called 'Shimmer Fuel', Look No 2 is called 'Graphic Eyes' and Look No 3 is called 'Loud Lashes'. Fleur looks beautiful in this photo.

I think these Max Factor promotions are a great idea as they show you different make-up looks for a trend so that you can choose the one that's right for you. It's also really nice to see some great Bloggers/Vloggers getting some media attention which I think is very well deserved. Congratulations ladies. I think it helps others discover some fabulous blogs/YouTube channels too. I can't wait to see what looks will feature in the November issues of Company and Cosmopolitan.

What do you think of these Max Factor promotions? Do you like any of the Bloggers/Vloggers featured? If so, what do you like about them?

Love to you all

Get your Freak on! 15 Weird Facts Tag

Hello there my loves. It's now the weekend for me and I am so thankful. I am so tired, but I have no idea why? I was too tired to take pictures tonight so I thought what a great opportunity to write this tag post. I was tagged into this 'Get your Freak on! 15 Weird Facts' by the gorgeous Sandra D who has a fabulous blog so go check her out lovelies :) So onto the 15 weird facts about me.

1. What is a nickname that only your family calls you?

My real name is Victoria, but I'm usually called Vicky which I prefer. Sometimes I get called Vic or just V.

2. What's a weird habit of yours?

Sometimes I do things in even numbers. I find odd numbers unsettling. OCD I know.

3. Do you have any weird phobias?

Spiders because for some reason they always come near me and they run so bloody fast.

4. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast & belt out when you're alone?

Sarah Whatmore - When I Lost You

5. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?
 

People that are fake and/or two faced.

6. What's one of your nervous habits?

I chew the insides of my cheeks, but not to the point of hurting them.

7. What side of the bed do you sleep on?

Whatever side is closest to the door as I am always up before my boyfriend.

8. What was your first stuffed animal & it's name?

I honestly don't remember, but I still have the Roland Rat stuffed toy that my uncle Garry got me.

9. What's the drink you ALWAYS order at Starbucks?

I have only been to a Starbucks once in my life and I know it had chocolate in it and it was topped with whipped cream. The mug was huge, but I drank it all and loved it.

10. What's the beauty rule you preach.. but never ACTUALLY practice?

I should always remove my make-up, but sometimes I'm too lazy. It's no excuse though.

11. Which way do you face in the shower?
 

Both ways.

12. Do you have any 'weird' body 'skills'?

My thumbs really arch backwards and I can touch my wrists with them no problem.

13. What's your favourite 'comfort food'/food that's 'bad' but you love to eat it anyways?

Cheese, bread, sauces, spaghetti bolognese, pizza, burgers and chips. I am losing weight at the moment so none of these are in my diet.

14. What's a phrase or exclamation you always say?
 

I call people Hun a lot.

15. Time to sleep- what are you ACTUALLY wearing

It varies, but definitely PJ's from either Primark or La Senza in the Winter.

The lovely Bloggers/Vloggers I am tagging into this post are:

Alexa

Dollie

Gem

Gaelle

Hannah

Vivianna

Rachel

I hope you enjoyed this post. If you do this tag please give me a shout so I can check out your answers.

Love to you all

My Magazine Subscriptions/Blogger/Vlogger Max Factor Promotion

Hey there lovelies. In this post I wanted to show you which magazines I am subscribed to and why. First up is Company. Retailing at £2 per issue.

I love it for the affordable fashion which shows also what the public are wearing. Great for inspiration! There is a 'back to mine' section where you get to see the interiors of someones home. I'm dead nosey. This is a monthly magazine. In this August issue there are Bloggers/Vloggers featured such as Lina from Make Up to Make Out, Nicola from Nicola VC86 and May from May Loves Makeup. They are trying out various looks in the 'Festival Fever Max Factor' promotion. They all look gorgeous I think you'll agree.

Next up is monthly magazine Cosmopolitan. Retailing at £3.50 per issue. I have been reading  this magazine ever since I can remember. It has great beauty and fashion features/tips, some fantastic pin ups :) and in this August issue it again features the same Bloggers/Vloggers as in Company magazine for the same feature, but the article is shown in a different way. See below photos. 

Rihanna is such a babe

Now I do love Glamour magazine. Retailing at £2 per issue. This is another monthly. I think the fashion, make-up and beauty features in this magazine are all fantastic. I have to praise Glamour especially for the fact that if you subscribe they do not stop you from receiving any free gift that would usually come with the magazine. Company and Cosmopolitan penalise you for having a subscription and do not send you the free gift. I think that's pretty mean since as a subscriber I always renew for at least a year. 

Let me move on to my weekly magazines. First up is Closer. Retailing at £1.40 per issue. Affordable fashion/make-up, puzzles (I'm a geek), TV guide, healthy recipes and shocking stories. What's not to love :)

Last, but by no means least is my other weekly, Look magazine. Retailing at £1.70 per issue. Apart from the fabulous fashion features which have prices to suit all Look always has fantastic make-up/hair ideas. They are so inspiring.

I love reading my magazines, especially at lunch time at work. I always find a topic to discuss with the girls. I think they are also great for giving me ideas for blogging, informing me of special offers, discounts, events and in general inspiring me. I am definitely inspired today, haa haa :)

I always search the Internet for the cheapest subscription when mine needs to be renewed so i won't recommend any particular one to you. Be aware that the company you do subscribe to may have the same subscription on their online site for a cheaper price. This is why I always check online before reordering as some reminder letters sometimes charge you more. I think it is definitely worth subscribing though as it may not seem a lot when you pick up a magazine for say £2 per week, but if you can save money and get it delivered to your door then why not?

So to clarify if you by these magazines every month not on subscription this is what it costs you:

Company x 12 issues = £24 per year

Cosmopolitan x 12 issues = £42 per year

Glamour x 12 issues = £24 per year

Now on to the weeklies:

Closer x 51 issues (as at Christmas time there is usually a double issue) = £71.40 per year

Look x 51 issues (again at Christmas another double issue) = £86.70 

Sometimes there are offers for 3, 6, 12 or 24 months. Obviously the longer you subscribe you save more in the long run. There are direct debit and one off payment schemes. Keep your eyes peeled if you think you might benefit from subscribing and do your research. I sometimes ask for subscriptions at Christmas time. It's an easy present for someone to buy me and it's the present that keeps on giving. I love getting things in the post, even if it is just a magazine. I still buy them as gifts for family myself at Christmas. Sometimes if you buy two it's cheaper as well, which is always helpful if there's one I like :)

Which magazines do you read? Are you subscribed to them? Why do you like them?

Love to you all