Excited to try products from the UK Global Makeup Awards 2019

Hi Everyone, 

It's been a while since I've done a makeup post.  In fact the last one was on NARS cheek palette. There is absolutely nothing I love more than must-have makeup pieces.  In fact, the NARS cheek palette in my last post was from my sister on recommendation from a beauty specialist at SpaceNK and boy was she right with that palette.  It was just perfect.

It's hard to know what is great makeup to go for without spending an absolute arm and a leg - especially when you make mistakes.  I hate going for a foundation and then finding out I hate it.  Who wants a powder finish foundation?  Ummm... hello wrinkles!!?

So in the quest for finding out some cool must have beauty pieces I actually stumbled upon the UK Global Makeup Awards on twitter.  This is super exciting to me as it's nice to find out actually what is the best mascara compared to all of them and not having to try myself and get them wrong! 

I've been following the winners from the awards and the reason why I'm excited as I know about 25% off the brands and products and absolutely agree with them winning the awards.  That means the judges must know their salt... right? either that or we just have identical taste ha!  For example - one thing we have in common is a love for foreo.  I didn't realise other people had even heard of this brand - and here it is, my absolutely favourite Foreo UFO mini wining an award in the www.globalmakeupawards.com - so exciting!

Love FOREO! Anyone else tried out this gem - I thought I was the only one - but it turns out the Global Makeup Awards love it too :)

There are some brands which everyone has heard of in the awards like Shiseido and Dr Lipp.   Anyone else was addicted to Dr Lipp when they were 18?  I'm excited to see they're still out there and they're now brought out some funky natural toned shades to the range.  Very tempted to try them out!

Speaking of which -  I was really interested to see who the lip winners were.  I am always struggling to find a good lipstick or lipgloss brand.  Im really specific with colours - I only wear nude or fuschia.  Hilarious as they are very hard colours to pull off and I'm not even doing it to be showy - i just do not suit a red or a dark lip.  It makes my lips look small and my teeth not white. Ergh.  So I was really interested to see winners included (apart from Dr Lipp. ) brands such as Avon.  Very interesting - I thought you only got Avon from reps but I can see from the link you can buy online.  Their award winning lip tattoo looks awesome and its only cheap so I am thinking of buying it.  Have you guys tried it?  You line your lip and with the other end fill it in. It means you've got the perfect shade for both always.  How awesome!? and their fuschia (is that how you spell it, it looks wrong hmmmmm) looks awesome.  It's already in my basket so watch out for an upcoming review.

 Also some lesser well known brands but ones I love anyway like PHB which is a natural and vegan brand.  This is totally on trend at the moment so I predict PHB blowing up in the beauty sphere.  However, as I said- I only had heard of about 25% of the brands in the awards.  I think its amazing that it wasn't just high street names, but lesser known names.  It really has encouraged me to look more online for beauty. At the end of the day, I do it for cloths, so why not for my makeup? This made looking at who the winners were in this cosmetics more interesting to me for sure.  

Have you guys checked out the winners - maybe you know more than me?  Maybe my 25% is quite dire and everyone has heard of the brand names???? I am beyond curious.  Let me know in the comments what you think??

Lots of love and hugs

Fiocco xxx

Nars cheek palette (orgasm infatuation)

It is totally time for a makeup review, as this blog is first and foremost a beauty blogging site!  Also because this is a product I got for my birthday from my sister and absolutely has to be bragged about and shared with the world.  Incidentally, I didn't put this in my 'wish list', my sister just has a very very good idea of the sort of products I like!

I've always been a fan of Nars blushers, and have only ever had them before as a single colour from this company.  My first experience was I think 16 year old me feeling completely grown up and choosing from SpaceNK the famous Orgasm blush with my weekend earnings. I loved that blush, its matt packaging and the slight sparkle it had to the rose hue.

And somehow, along the away....it's been a very long time sine I've gone back to Nars blushes.  So to get a trio I was really very excited and my soul actually exploded when I opened the pack and saw it was the .....

The Orgasm Infatuation Palette!!

Now THAT is a name for a blush palette haha!

I really can't praise this palette enough.  For me, it is also more of a contouring palette.  As the dark brown colour is perfect for defining the cheek bones.  I also use the colour under my jaw at the sides and also in the side corners of my forehead.  The colour is dark with a little bit of shimmer, and I adore how it isn't matt.  It gives a sunkissed glow, rather than that scary contour colour you can normally see.  With a big fluffy brush, this dark hue is also perfect for all over bronzing if you don't fancy or you are not a contour person.

This dark shade is called Laguna, and I also believe it is a best selling colour in the NARS bronzing range.  So you know you are off to a winner with this palette with it already having Orgasm and Laguna.

I already mentioned to you how much I have always like the shade Orgasm.  And as Nars has named the palette after this colour, you can see it is their trophy amongst their blusher shades.  It looks very dark for a blush, but actually gives the perfect tint pf pink without being too heavy.  I think this shade is actually a very good colour for most people of most skin types.  It is also important to put a little blush on if you use foundation as though foundation clears your blemishes, it also erases any natural rosy hue you might have.  Orgasm gives you that pinched cheek pink colour back.  I really hope this colour gets nominated in the Global Makeup Awards as it really deserves to be recognised as a great blusher.

The third colour is great and I'm relieved to say that.  Often, when makeup brands put the highlighter, it is a moonlit silver that doesn't look natural, or is white which is so hard to work with.  This third colour, is called Orgasm highlighting blush.  This highlighter has a lovely peach tone to it so stays away from that harsh, icy silver tone you see so often.

Price tag - I have good news for you ladies.  This product is typically £35.00 (still a great price for three full sized blush and bronzers.  BUT is currently reduced to £24.50 from SpaceNK.  Winning!

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New Nouveau lashes enhance mascara for eyelash extensions review

The New Nouveau Lashes mascara review

Hey!

As you know I've been using the brand nouveau lashes for a while and really enjoyed their lash growth serum for longer lashes.  But recently I decided to treat myself to their Enhance mascara.

Enhance Mascara by Nouveau Lashes

The reason I purchased this mascara was because I had false eyelash extensions and was warned that not all mascara was good for extensions or could make them fall out quicker. This mascara, however, was made precisely for those who want to enhance their eyelash extensions.

Maybe one of the reasons it works is that is just comes away easily with warm water in the shower.  So you don't have to rub your delicate eyelashes with cleanser.  It also is developed so it doesn't affect the adhesive bond.

I also used this mascara for a holiday in Puglia which involved a lot of swimming, and and general damage and yet the lashes stayed in place.  For £19.00 for this mascara I think it's a great price if you are someone who wears false lashes or extensions.  You can of course use it when you're not wearing false lashes as well as it works great as a gentle normal mascara. I would personally recommend it for your makeup bag.

As a mascara I thought it was good for lengthening.  It does also volumise but I didn't use that much as I already had false extensions in .  I more just wanted to enhance the extensions and this Enhance Mascara by Nouveau lashes does just the job.

There is also one more special thing to say about this mascara and it's the double edged wand.  I can't believe more mascaras don't do this.  I love a fluffier look so really adore the side with many bristles.  Such a great idea depending on what look you want, or maybe you might use one side for the bottom lashes.

5/5, a truly awesome mascara for lash extensions xxx

#LashGang

What a whirlwind 2018

It's been a whirlwind 2018.... and I'm back and ready to blog!!!

It's been filled with incredible highs, lows and has been an all round roller coaster.  Sorry I've been away from the blogging game for a while.  I had been completely overwhelmed and distracted by work, but now, 2019 is time to take a breather, and go back to what I love.  Which is blogging, eating, makeup, beauty, fashion and entrepreneurialism!

In March 2018, I was proposed to by the love of my life in New York on top of the Rockefeller Centre from the Rainbow lounge.  With breathtaking views of the skyscrapers across New York, I have to admit it caught me completely unaware and became the happiest day of my life.

Getting engaged at Rainbow Lounge / Bar 65 at the Rockefeller Centre in New York

Sorry for the hazy photo.  Iphone's front taking camera in the dark has never been its strongest selling point.  But there are plenty more photos coming up of our amazing trip to New York.  Would you guys be interested in my top recommendations for attractions?

Anyway, going back to the location.  I had only chosen the Rainbow bar as it seemed like an Iconic New York skybar to hang out in.  It is dripping with glamour, and the waiting staff who make the cocktails are dressed like they should be serving at a Great Gatsby party.  With a menu full of champagne cocktails it is truly a place to remember for ever.  If you are planning a trip to New York I cannot recommend enough.  Be sure to book though otherwise you can only stand and a place like this definitely gets packed out on a Friday night.

Rainbow Lounge / Bar 65 at the Rockefeller Centre in New York

I actually got the photo above from their website and it definitely doesn't do the views justice.  The windows are  al round making it feel like you have a true 360 panoramic view of New York.  This is just what I was after as a Londoner.  I was completely consumed with taking photos that my other half actually had quite the struggle trying to get the proposal in.... oops!

I have so much to say about 2018, but this was really the starting point for me.  A trip to New York with the love of my life, exploring, enjoying and then ending up engaged too. After 7 years together it wasn't something that I was waiting for in that expect moment and absolutely took my breath away.  The months that followed were some of the busiest.  I hope you enjoy reading about the crazy year I had in the next posts as well as a few intermittent posts on my favourite places to explore in London.

Review of Park Plaza Westminster Bridge 4* hotel

Hello Chicas!

Over the weekend I stayed at the incredible Park Plaza Westminster bridge hotel and felt compelled to leave a review.

I know a lot of my readers come from overseas and I absolutely think this is THE hotel if you are coming for a London visit, long or short.

Location-wise, it's hands down the most most central you can find with the msot stunning views of all the land marks.  Placed in front of the London Eye and Big Ben, you truly see and feel the magic of London with these iconic views stretched in front of you.  Also, it means you can just walk to these sites, or even walk to Oxford Street too for shopping.  It is also just a 4 minute walk from the Westminster tube station or Padington.

At night you can really see the delight of the London Eye ad Big Ben illuminated

Cheeky Big Ben in the background!

What a view to wake up to!

On to the hotel itself:  I thought the restaruant and the bar on the first floor were really exceptional.  They are fabulous if you don't have time to leave the hotel as they boast the same famous views, as well as having a great glamorous feel to the bar (which is entry only on proof that you are staying at the hotel making it all the more exclusive.)  With a great cocktail list, or even just for a coffee in the morning I can't  recommend enough.

The restaurant Brasserie Joel was also excellent - a great selection of French cuisine to suit most tastes and fabulous for a steak.  We were a party of 12 and they had no problems with serving us all an excellent meal together which other restaurants would struggle  with.  I can't remember the name of the red wine we had, but it was exceptional too and made the meal.  All in all, for a restaurant within a hotel it was very good as I do not normally except a great quality from a restaurant based within a hotel!

Sorry for the stock photo of the rooms - I was too busy taking pictures of my views of London to remember  the room!"  The bed was super soft, extra large and one of the most comfortable I have ever slept in .  With a modern bathroom, small living room and huge windows with iconic views, it really is the best place to stay.  I have stayed  in so many London hotels but this is now top of my list and will be returned too for sure.

If you have the chance make sure to pay the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel a visit

Lot of Love xx

OH gosh Summer's coming - time for the Summer body salad plan

Hey Guys!

Wow - I am finally back after what seems like a 6 months haitus.  Being a freelance beauty professional has really been taking up a lot of my time recently, so much so I haven't even had time for my lovely blog!  

Not just that, I haven't been eating right, I've been working long hours and rewarding myself with chocolate pastries each morning and 2 cappuccinos.  It's really easy to think that you can make yourself feel better with chocolate and treats, but the reality is it only lasts for the moment that your eating it and then after  you see the unkind results!

So now - in a determination to get ready for Summer it is time for a healthy eating kick.  No no that doesnt mean any kind of diet, just really trying to cut out all those croissants for breakfast with fruit, and trying to incorporate more salads into the meals.

Burrata with roasted peppers - Con Gusto style

Healthy beetroot salad

These are two of my favorite salads - the first one is beetroot salad with pea shoots and smoked pecorino.  It is the simplest salad ever and makes a great change to a boring iceberg lettuce and tomato salad (which incidentally is being to restricted to just three per person in the shops due to a poor harvest).  The flavour bursts in this healthy salad and is great topped with some maldon salt and a little drizzle of expensive extra virgin olive oil.

Burrata with roasted peppers

Another favourite salad I have been making is buratta ( a creamy Italian cheese from Puglia) with mixed roasted peppers on some toasted bread with taggiasca olives.  It feels richly indulgent without feeling  like a salad.  I think cutting down on meat is really important as it is so easy to eat it twice a day.  When in fact just eating a few more veggie salads like this are way more exciting, great for the body in the run up to summer and taste delicious.

As for the gym membership which hasn't been used for 4 months  (eeek!) I will give you an update as soon as I get back in the swing haha!  We can't perfect eh??

In the meantime I hope you enjoyed these yummy veggy salad dishes

xxx

Wow I've been featured in an article!!

Hey lovlies

This is SOOO exciting I had to share it with you all.  As you know I went to the Polo in Windsor the other  day and I was proudly wearing on of my friends Louis Mariette's creations.  (He is a famous milliner who creates hats for the likes of Lady GaGa, Kate Moss and even Harrods front windows!).

And a picture of me wearing one of his fabulous creations was featured in LemonTrend!

http://lemontrend.com/lifestyle/british-calendar-2016/

Read the article above to see pics and read more :)

Have you guys ever thought about, or have, a fancy hat?? Share pics below of some of your favs!

Have a great day!

Fiocco x

Moschino Milano beach wear

Hello my lovelies!

Did I tell you I went to Barcelona last week!?

Things have been hectic the last few weeks travelwise as I have been to Italy, Spain and off to Denmark in a couple of weeks too!

Because of all these summer trips, I treated myself to some goodies from my favourite brand.  No these aren't press samples (I wish haha!) - I actually chose my towel to match my bikini.  A new low, or a new level of cool.  I think somewhere between!

I am soooo in love with the fuschia and yellow mix.  Actually, the bikini has a deep blue and lime green tie on the back which breaks it up a little.  Here is a link to the yellow Moschino bikini and it is actually now on sale too!  Not the most flattering of pictures below but this is the one which has the towel in it too.

Actually, the towel deserves a blog post to itself too! It is exttra large and so so thick. It looks great in reverse too witch fuschia pink as the dominant colour and with moschino in yellow. Here is a link to the moschino yellow beach towel,  as who else wants to match their bikini and towel haha!  It's a shame as these are from two different online retailers - I chose them in the shop so could tell they actually matched and went together.  I feel a tiny bit guilty for this splurge but I think it was totally worth it.  These ridiculous things make me happy!

I will try and find more snaps of this great Beach OOTD!

Enjoy!!

Lots of love, Fiocco xx

Louis Mariette Hat to see the Queen

Wow! Things have been crazy!

Yesterday I went to Ascot to see the Bentley Motors Royal Windsor Club Final for the Guards Polo club.  Being held in Windsor Great Park it was the perfect setting for a glorious day.

I had never seen Polo before, and so this was a first time and totally doing it in style! Invited by my lovely friend and photographer GemRey, who took this great picture, it was definitely an exciting time to go!

At these events, fashion is everything, so I had to think long and hard what to wear for this formal summer wear occasion.

I choose to wear a burnt orange dress by the Italian brand Blugirl with some cute nude stiletto heeled sandals.  But truly the masterpiece was the gorgeous bespoke hat made by Milliner Louis Mariette who went with me to the polo.  A fantastic friend and so full of warmth and bubbling personality, it was a pleasure to wear one of his creations.

The hat I am wearing in the picture is called Clematis - blush. (RRP £730) and perfect for watching the polo.  This gorgeous side hat has an edgy feel to it with its golden spikes, but softened with its roses and swaroski.  I felt the part at the Polo and it was all down to the hat! And as Louis' site says: 'intensively attractive and stylish compliment to any outfit'.

Louis Mariette hat Clematis Blush

The whole day was incredible but got made even better by seeing the queen!  She attended to give the prizes and I LOVE the first photo as it is me taking a selfie getting the queen in the background (not in shot - how annoying!!)

I hope you enjoyed this post as it really was a truly special day

xxx Fiocco

OOTD Asos Black Mesh insert Maxi dress

Hey Dolls, 

I don't often post formal OOTDs on here but here's a goody.  It's called Black mesh insert maxi dress. It is a stunning dress perfect for formal occasions and was an absolute bargain from Asos.

Sooo drumroll on the price.... Just £17!  Can you believe it!?  Reduced from £25.99 and available here.

It's hard when youv'e got a formal occasion but you need a new dress.  I have several lovely formal dresses - did you see the melon coloured Alberta Ferretti dress?  But if you are with the same crowd it is often hard to repeat the same dress.  So, I had a little search on ASOS through their floor lengths and ended up getting two very similar ones.

I love the elegance of this racer neck dress and it has a stunning back which is a bit of a T style.  The material isn't the most expensive, but hey, what do you expect for £17!  It also has a thigh length split and looks perfect with heels in any colour.  It has a thin mesh see-through panel under the bust which I just love.

But I also bought a second dress which I didn't wear....and I love it more but it's a tad too short and was also another bargain at £25. (ps I'm 5 foot 10 so a floor length dress is a little tricky).  This one was a Club L racer front dress - but it is just too short and unforgiving because of its mermaid bottom.  I didn't have the heart to turn it back though....perhaps I'll wear it one day with no heels?

Love my LBD from ASOS

What do you think?  I think it was a fabulous buy for such a good price and a great way to wear a new outfit perfect for the occasion without breaking the bank!

Fiocco xxx

Spa LONDON - His and Hers massages

Hey Guys!

I was lucky enough to try out a 'his and hers' massage with Spa LONDON.  I cannot tell you how excited I was about this - the whole week before I couldn't stop thinking about it!

Based in the gorgeous village of Wimbledon (but still within the centrality of London) we went to Spa London, booked in for for some extremely delicious treatments.  I was booked in for their brand new signature treatment - La Sultane de Saba Shea Butter full body scrub and massage, and my other half was booked in for La Sultane de Saba Malaysian bamboo full Body Massage and Scrub.

After a long week of work, we were both really looking forward to some down-time to relax and be pampered and Spa LONDON didn't disappoint!

After being given our robes, slippers and towels, we were greeted with a glass of bubbly, fresh berries and time to relax in their stunning relaxation lounge.  Already the ambience was being to relax us and we were beginning to unwind.

The friendly massage therapists then invited us to the massage rooms and started to begin their treatments.  She began with a body scrub which combined with light massage was so refreshing and immediately made my skin so much smoother.  Then, after quickly showering off the scrub, the real treatment began which was the Sultane de Saba Shea Butter full body massage.

I had never had a full body massage before and it was so incredible to be literally massaged from head to toe.  You never realise how much tension you have in your arms, legs and even fingers until you go for a full body massage!  The smell of the gorgeous La Sultane de Saba was so mesmerizing and really added to the whole experience.  I felt completely spoiled and so relaxed after this treatment.

His Treatment

I was so excited to bring my other half, as he is a chef  and always on his feet with little time for relaxation.  He was booked in for Spa London's La Sultane de Saba Malaysian bamboo full Body Massage and Scrub which is where a the trained masseuse uses a small piece of bamboo like a rolling pin to gently massage the whole body.  She also used deep massage working on all the pressure points.  My boyfriend was so happy with the treatment and is definitely looking to go back for more!

After the massage, we went to the centerpiece of Spa LONDON, the Thermal Spa Experience.  This was a great way to unwind and to finish off the full experience.  Enjoying the Aroma Steam Room, Sauna, Ice Fountain, Hamman benches with foot spas, hydrotherapy pool, monsoon shower, bucket shower and of course relaxation lounge. The relaxation lounge - in the  picture above, really is exquisite and an island of calm.  As you can see I was enjoying myself greatly!

The hydroptherapy pool was also a delight and was a superb way to continue to feel pampered after the massage. We had an absolutely fabulous evening at Spa LONDON and would absolutely go there again.  

*Treatment for consideration and review

A Weekend in Venice

Last weekend I was back in Italy and we went for a road trip to one of my favourite places in the world - Venice! Staying for the weekend was marvelous, though the April weather was hit and miss.

The best way to reach Venice isn't by car as there are no roads there, but by catching a ferry across to the main island.  I think this is the perfect way to begin a trip in Venice as you can see it from afar and really creates that romantic ambiance.  It also only costs £15 and is just a 20 minute trip taking you to the heart of the city.

Part of the experience for me (apart from the gorgeous shops of Murano glass) are the stunning bridges and walk ways across the canales.  There are so many side streets like this one where there are no tourists and you get to see a real part of Venice where people live and work.  I was lucky enough in the photo below to find a sunny 5 minutes as soon the heavens opened!

 I love my cheeky dark blue silk shirt with a bow collar - I wore it with jeans and a half-length cream lambskin leather jacket.

There is constant water traffic along the main canals - there is really so much life and vibrancy. Apart from exploring the side alleys, we went for an Apperativo in St Marks Square.  Apperativo is an original classic from the region of Venice, so they know how to do it properly!

A fabulous weekend and I can't wait to go back xxx

Makeup of the day and hair of the day

Hey Dolls, 

I haven't done a makeup or hair of the day in forever!

I have been loving this eye of horus mascara in black - this is a little gem of a makeup brand and I have been using their liquid eyeliner a lot too including in the below pictures.  The mascara retails for £18.00, which I think is a good price to pay for a decent mascara.  It separates and lengthens without leaving lashes clumpy. I also love having makeup in my makeup bag that not everyone has!!

So I went pretty natural on the face - I was using B50 foundation from YSL in the Teint Touche and followed by Hula bronzer from Benefit.  The look as all about the lashes so I wanted to keep my skin as natural as possible and also finished with a super nude Chanel lipstick.

I have been obsessed lately with Chanel's Rouge Coco moisturising lipsticks.  They leave a little shine on lips which looks great and is comfortable to wear. I am using Colour 400 Louise

To finish thhe Makeup of the Day is of course Hair of the  day!  I have been using:

 Kérastase Chronologiste Revitalizing Shampoo, Care Conditioner And Balm Treatment Trio

This fabulous revitliasing hair trio is currently discounted on Lookfantastic by £25 - so make sure you don't miss out. The third step - the hair mask is my absolute favorite of the three.  My hair was so glossy and shiny after using it when usually I have very dull and dry hair.  My brush went straight through without too much problems on tangles which makes it an absolute winner for me and has become a firm favourite!!  It is definitely worth the money in my opinion and a must-have for those with long hair prone to splitting.

So there we go! My hair and makeup favourites for the day!

Stay tunes for more as I have been discovering some beauties this month!

xxxxx

Nouveau Extend - eyelash extension review

Hey there!

As a proud brand ambassador part of my #Lashgang project I was invited to try out a Nouveau Extend treatment which is for eyelash extensions.

I LOVE wearing false eyelashes, and normally use the strip lashes, so I was really interested to try something which lasts longer.  The Nouveau Extend treatment is estimated to last 8 weeks so I can't wait to have a month of stunning lashes.

Yesterday I popped along to the Chelsea Day Spa to have my treatment done.  After a consultation with the Ultimate Lash Technician on the type of look I wanted (just a bit more than natural with a curve and more at the outer edges) it was time for the treatment.  You can't feel a thing, and the beautician applies each lash carefully one by one in what is an hour long treatment.  Lying with your eyes closed and with the gentle spa music in the background it almost sends you to sleep!

I have to say my before and after pictures are INCREDIBLE.  I think the pictures speak for themselves - longer lashes, more lashes and with an incredible curve.  I almost cried when I looked in the mirror to see those long sweeping princess lashes.  You also can't see there they've been applied as they magically look like part of your own lash.

The best part  is, despite them being long, thick and volumnous, it doesn't look like false eyelashes, they just look like you have naturally pretty insane lashes!  As you can tell I am over the moon with this treatment and would definitely go back there again.  I think this treatment is great for all year round as it mean you don't need o much makeup as you are already made up.  Personally I would love this look every day of the week January -December.  As it happens I'm off on holiday next week and love the idea of waking up with lashes like these every day.

Below are pictures before the Nouveau Extend treatment and immediately after.

The picture below was taken the day after and as you can see the lashes still look fabulous, long and natural

#NouveauExtend

All I can say is that this was a 10/10 treatment and I am in love with the results.  I don't know why but having amazing long lashes is such a confidence boost and makes you feel great walking out the door.

Thank you to Nouveau Lashes for this incredible semi permanent eyelash extension - I am in love with the Nouveau Extend treatment! xx
Fiocco

Beach Walk OOTD

Hello lovelies

On this mini vacation to Italy I've gone to the gorgeous riverside town of Cattolica near San Marino.

Yesterday I went for a gorgeous beach walk along the pier of Cattolica, and the sky was looking stunning at sunset. I'd spent a great day walking through the town enjoying lots of shopping.  They have fantastic makeup stores there and I purchased a few Chanel & YSL lipsticks in dark shades of brown which I'll be featuring on the blog soon.  I can't tell if I love or hate them on me - they are all the craze now since Kylie Jenner's new lip kip range so had wanted to try it out for a while!

 It's still a bit chilly in the spring air, so had to wrap up warm for this beach front walk and so chose a  Zara leather coat,  Guess Jeans and H&M khaki shirt.  A really simple outfit which is perfect for casual and dining out.

There is nothing more relaxing than a riverfront walk to clear the mind and awaken the body.

Looking forward to being back in the UK tomorrow!

Fiocco xxx

Budget bikini or designer? Primark vs Moschino

Wassup ladies.

So it's coming up to that time of year where things are warming up and perhaps you're looking at fabulous holiday destinations for the summer!!

I know that's what I'm doing - anyone who follows my blog knows that I am constantly dreaming of Italy or any other warm European country with sea, sand and incredible food!!

But - I've been considering bikini options.  Don't get me wrong - I have Moschino bikinis galore *guilty pleasure* but I thought I'd try out some budget bikinis too last summer to mix it up.  And the results were surprising  ........

The above blue and white bikini is....????????

Primark!  I think it cost under £5.00 in total.  What. A. Bargain.  I chose it because I'd packed my suitcase full of bikinis then 1 hour before my flight realised I had backed all bandeaux and needed a triangle bikini to sort out the tan lines.  After popping into Primark I found this stunner of a bikini.

I loved the nautical blue and white colour and thought I would just try it out to see.  I ended up wearing this stunner for most of the holiday - it lasted well and washed great.  It wasn't lined with nice soft lining like the Moschino below and the material didn't have a silky finish....but it dried quickly, was comfortable and looked great.

Below is a Moschino polka dot bikini.  The finish is much better, it has a silky touch and delicate gold clips to remove the neck tie.  But, it doesn't come cheap costing approx £120.  (oops, don't judge me!!)  I would say you can get a similar effect with a £5 bikini and really you enjoy yourself more in a cheaper one.  In the polka dot one below I am always worried about ruining it, sand getting into it and generally it is more high maintenance which isn't the best when on holiday.

So what is your personal choice?  Cheap or designer???  

I think Primark beat Moschino this time!

Kissesss

Fiocco xxxxx

Cute little outfit and cheap mascara - scandal eyes

Hey Lovely ladies, 

Sometimes a favourite highstreet mascara doesnt change.

I've been using Maybelline Scandal Eyes for two years now (obviously re-purchasing it!!) and it is a firm favourite for me that I use the whole time.  It is so black, plumping and volumising that the resutls are as good as the top brands - I would say very similar to Benefit Bad Gal Lash in consistency and blackness....if blackness is a real word.

This mascara is an absolute bargain at £6.99 - http://www.boots.com/en/Rimmel-Scandaleyes-Mascara_1238021/

 No excuse not to have this gem in your makeup bag.  Especially if you don't want to 'waste' your more expensive brands on every day use, but still want to have those Scandal Eyes! Haha - I thought the name was so tacky at the beginning, but the mascara actually does the job so well I will let it have that little name :)

Most of my followers are in the USA - so I am genuinely curious if you have Maybelline over there?  Or is it like cadbury dairy milk chocolate where you absolute expect it to be everywhere then it turns out it's just a UK thing.....

I wore it recently with this cute little outfit - a black Zara leather jacket, warehouse white shirt with gem collar and Zara jeans.  I'm also showing off my favourite Moschino clutch - so guilty for a bag binge! Pops!

The makeup is light with a good foundation and lashings of mascara - a fab look for going out for dinner

What do you think??

Big smoochies

Fiocco

OOTD and scandal eyes mascara by Maybelline