Emma The Doofus

Well, I don't know where the time has gone between my last post and now! 

I planned to do some posts for you guys on Thursday but was a little poorly thanks to Hove Pizza Hut, thankfully I was better by the time it came to meet Jenny one of my Best Friends. We visited our favourite pub in Brighton The Fountain Head I love this place it has such a nice atmosphere and tends to be filled with really creative quirky people.

My beautiful very See through top :)

 Jenny had some amazing news she just landed an amazing job for Debenhams as a PR Manager for Women's Clothing and Accessories. I am so proud of her she has had an awful 18 months and things are now falling into place for her.

I got a tad drunk and thought it would be a great idea to text the man friend, Totally the wrong move as anyone who has drunken texted before will know. I fear I have now scared him off :( but it's a learning thing: Emma must NOT have a phone when she is drinking!

Yesterday I felt a little sorry for myself so spent the day watching The A- Team in bed and painting my nails.

I have a few posts ready to go and some in the writing but bare with me this weekend is hectic, tonight I am out for George's Birthday and tomorrow I am in London for the day.

I hope you have all had an amazing week and enjoyed the sun!

Love

Ems The Doofus xo

Chill Day

Yesterday was chill day after all the excitement of the weekend date, the sister moving in and lots of emails I took the day off to chill out with my Sister Sarah and my Mum Kathy.

The day started how it usually does when Sarah and I spend time together with stupid pictures and the idea to wear the same outfit:

We are both wearing our Linkin Park Tour shirts, Black bottoms, Wayfarer's and Converse!

When we got  to Mums we had a package waiting and this is what was inside:

Our The Used Vulnerable album and our tickets to the meet and greet session in Kingston next month. Sarah was doubly excited because she had an extra package waiting from Disney and this is what she looks like, She is a weirdo so I wont get angry at anyone that's thinking it!

Once the excitement and jumping around was over we decided to watch One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest with Mum, I have never seen the film and oh my god what an amazing film it made me fall in love with Jack Nicholson even more!

Later in the evening I watched Requiem For A Dream with Jared Leto, It was very slow to start with and its one of those films that I really can't decide if I like it or hate it! I think I may have to watch it again because it may be that my brain was so preoccupied that I couldn't really focus on it.

Music: The New Used Album - Vulnerable

I have just purchased The Used's new album Vulnerable and I have to say I love it. Across the Internet world it has been received with mixed reviews, a lot of them from unintelligent people saying "They have changed I don't like them anymore" All I can say to those people is that a great band will change, grow and try new things, fine its not your cup of tea but they should be praised for trying these things because it shows they are not one trick ponies!

I get very passionate about music and I applaud any band that comes back from a 4 year break with a risky new sound. I am sat here listening to the album as I type and to me yes the style is a little different, a little softer on some songs but its still the same band I fell in love with 5 years ago.

Rant over!

Here is the Artwork and the track listing

The Used - Vulnerable (Deluxe CD/LP Track Listing)
1. I Come Alive
2. This Fire
3. Hands and Faces
4. Put Me Out
5. Shine
6. Now That You're Dead
7. Give Me Love
8. Moving On
9. Getting Over You
10. Kiss It Goodbye
11. Hurt No One
12. Together Burning Bright

Exclusive Bonus Tracks (only on the deluxe version of the album):
13 Machine
14. Disaster
15. Put Me Out (Acoustic)
16. I Come Alive (Acoustic)
17. Together Burning Bright (Acoustic)

You can pop along to iTunes, Hopeless Records and in the UK Banquet Records where you can buy the album and a ticket to the meet and greet and acoustic set in London on April 28th, I will be there and I can't wait.

Give it a listen and tell me what you think

Ems xo

Animal Testing

Most people are unaware that PETA keep an up to date list of companies that test and don't test on Animals, I thought I would do a post with the links so that all of my readers are up to date.

Companies that don't test on animals can be found here and Companies that do test can be found here

I do still use some products from some of the companies listed, so this is not a statement saying I don't use tested products but I did want my readers to have a source of up to date information about that subject.

I do favour products that have not been tested on animals and companies that don't test.

Reds Have More Fun - With A Little Help From My Friends

A lot of people ask how I get my hair the colour I do so below is the process

2. A great Hairdresser or in my case Hairdressers

Me, George and Ruby

The wonderful Ruby is responsible for the colour and has been maintaining it for over a year now. If you are lucky enough to be in the Brighton and Hove area you can book her here she will come to you and sort out your barnets. Mr George is responsible for cutting my hair and again if you are in the Brighton and Hove area you can find George here. You could say I am very lucky to have two best friends that are Hairdressers and you would be right

2. Affinage Hair Colour

Ruby uses a mixture of Affinage Red and Red Violet. Once she has coloured the whole head she redoes the roots every 6 weeks and then refreshes the whole head every 3-4 months.

3. Maintenance

Every 3 washes I apply a semi permanent colour from Crazy Colour in No.56 Fire

So there you have it my hair routine, yes it seems like a lot of work but I knew what I was getting in to. I do sometimes get a bit lazy and it does go a pinky orange but that is a rarity.

If any of you have any specific questions then let me know.

Ems xo

Follower Giveaway Sponsored by The Make-up Artist Boutique

I said when I reached 100 followers I would have a giveaway, well I have across GFC, Hellocotton and BlogLovin so here are the details:

One lucky follower will win Digitalis from the new Garden Collection SS12 and Pretty Boy, both items will be in the new OCC packaging. This is sponsored by The Make-up Artist Boutique

The Rules

• This is an international giveaway
• You must be a public follower by GFC
• If you are under 18 you will need parental permission to enter
• Leave a comment on this post with your GFC name and email address so I can contact you if you win.
• You can only comment on this post once
• Closing date 19th April

Extra Entries

• You can get 2 extra entries by following me on twitter and tweeting about the giveaway, be sure to add this to your comment with a link or your twitter name.
• If you put a link to my giveaway in your blog sidebar with a picture, and tell me about it in your comment, you will get 2 extra entries.
• You can get 3 extra entries by writing a blog post about my giveaway with a picture and leave a link to your post in your comment below.

Good Luck one and all :)

Review: Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara in Jet Black

I have had this Mascara for quite some time. It is one of my staple make-up bag items which I use every time I am going on a night out or want that added lash effect.

I have very unruly eyelashes on one side they curl just right but on the other they point straight out, most mascara's have problems curling the straight side but this is a genius!

What Smashbox say about the product: 

Long lashes not in your genes? Our revolutionary new scientifically-engineered mascara is packed with proteins and amino acids that bind to lashes for genetic defying length and strength. The unique double helix brush grabs each lash, no matter how small, for the ultimate fanned out effect. Dramatic jet black shade intensifies and defines. Defy genetics with Lash DNA Mascara. Revolutionary Double Helix Brush- Specially-engineered design lengthens, separates & defines each lash- Delivers intense, jet black lashes- Lashes instantly look bigger, bolder, longer &;more defined- Sweeps lashes up & out for a gorgeous, doe-eyed effect.

The pictures below really don't do this product justice

I love the unique brush because it does a great job of placing product at the roots to give the illusion of fullness and then creates that beautiful doe eyed look when you turn the brush vertically and fan the lashes out.

This is my number one mascara at the moment for dramatic no need for false lashes effect.

You can purchase Lash DNA for £18.00 from  Debenhams website and selected Debenhams stores Nationwide.

*PR sample all views are my own

Review: Pai Geranium & Thistle Organic Moisturizer

Last week Pai Geranium and Thistle Organic Moisturizer landed on my doormat, which I have been using everyday since it arrived.

What Pai say about their product:

Mild anti-bacterial formula helps prevent breakouts.

Non-comedogenic: free from pore-blocking ingredients, including beeswax.

Free from drying alcohols which cause oil imbalances.

Formulated for skin sensitive to chemicals or easily irritated.

Skin Type: Combination, Oily, Combination-Sensitive

Pai Geranium & Thistle Combination Skin Cream is formulated to clear and rebalance oily, T-zone skin, using only the cleanest organic ingredients.

This non-greasy moisturiser smoothes and hydrates combination skin to leave a bright, luminous complexion.

High levels of Essential Fatty Acids in organic Thistle and Borage oil help to calm unsettled skin and even out skin tone.

The clever non-cloy, non-clog formula absorbs instantly to leave a matte velvet finish, making a perfect base for make-up.

That's why it is the moisturiser of choice for professional make-up artists on film and fashion shoots! 

Our commitment to product purity means we never use synthetics, artificial fragrances, alcohol (denat.), parabens (including japanese honeysuckle), phenoxyethanol, propylene glycol, formaldehyde (including sodium hydroxymethylglycinate), sodium lauryl sulfate or other irritants.

The thing that excited me the most about this product was the fact it dries with a matte finish, my first thought about this statement was yeah right but, I will now eat my words it does in fact dry completely matte.

Look no shine (The sound of screens cracking all over the world haha)

The smell is beautiful some may find it a little overpowering but I actually find it very relaxing. Since starting to use it I have noticed that my pores have slightly reduced in size and although the cream is not for dry skin it does soften the dry areas I have.

I only use 2 pumps and that covers the whole face area. 

All of Pai's skincare products are organic, animal friendly and apart from the lip balm vegan. Pai are working hard to make their whole line vegan so in time the lip balm formula will change to accommodate this. The company have received a lot of praise from the press and rightly so.

Overall I absolutely love this product especially because it doesn't cause my eczema to flare up if anything it soothes it, that point alone gives it a huge thumbs up.

The Pai Geranium and Thistle Organic Moisturizer costs £24, a lot of you may think that this is very expensive but with all of the ingredients they use and the fact that a little goes a long way I personally think its worth the price tag.

Have you tried this product? What did you think?

*PR sample all views are my own

New Blog Design

I have been working all night on a new header and changed the layout so that it looks more crisp and easier to read.

What do you think? Do you like this one or prefer the old one?

Ems xo

New MAC Collections Arriving in April

One of the new MAC collections arriving in April
.

Extra Dimensions

MAC describe these as "A Liquid-Powder hybrid formula with prismatic reflections that instantly sculpts, highlights and models the face to the desired effect"

The collection includes two formulas Extra Dimension Skinfinish and Eye Shadow the texture of these products are described as "Cool, creamy, silky, near-fluid formula" which is said to create a well-defined finish. The products in this collection are as follows:

.
EXTRA DIMENSION SKINFINISH £21.50/ 28 Euro*

Whisper of Gilt - Light, soft white Gold with shimmery sheen

Superb - Soft Peachy nude with multi-dimensional shimmer

Glorify - Copper with Golden shimmer

EXTRA DIMENSION EYE SHADOW £16.50/ 20.50 Euro*

Warm Thunder - Dirty Silver Grey (Metallic)

Blue Orbit - Light iridescent Purple (Metallic)

Grand Galaxy - Dirty mid tone Violet (Metallic)

Lunar - Royal Blue (Metallic)

Havana - Dirty Copper Brown (Metallic)

Sweet Heat - Bright Peach Champagne (Metallic)

Modern Pewter - Dirty Olive Gold (Metallic)

Rich Core - Dirty Aubergine (Metallic)

Dark Dare - Charcoal Black (Glow)

Young Venus - Pale White Pink (Metallic)

BRUSHES*

128 Brush - Split Fibre Cheek Brush £26.00/ 34 Euro

234 Brush - Split Fibre Eye Blending Brush £16.00/ 22.50 Euro

*Limited Edition Items

What do you guys think of this new Collection?

Ems xo

OCC The Garden Collection SS12 On Sale Now

Today is the day that The Garden Collection SS12 goes on sale to the public

 L-R: CHLOROPHYLL, BELLADONNA, DIGITALIS

 L-R: OPHELIA, KAVA KAVA, PENNYROYAL

LIP TAR: ($14.00 USD/£8.99 GBP)

OPHELIA - True Rose Pink
BELLADONNA - Vivid Ultraviolet
CHLOROPHYLL - True Teal (match for Chlorophyll Nail Lacquer)
KAVA KAVA - True Peach Neutral
DIGITALIS - Pink-Tinged Lavender
PENNYROYAL - Tea Leaf Brown  

LOOSE COLOUR

ACACIA - Yellow with blue/green duochrome
DATURA Opalescent pink/lavender
FOXFIRE Silvery lime green
MIMOSA Orange with strong gold shimmer
TRIPTYCH Sleek, regal gold

COSMETIC GLITTER 

FAE - White with green and violet reflections

NAIL LACQUER

ARSENIC - Brilliant silver glitter
CHIMERA - Mint green metallic
CHLOROPHYLL - Vivid teal green
COPPERHEAD - Brilliant copper glitter
KAVA KAVA - Crème beige neutral
PHANTASM - Pastel blue metallic

You can grab your Lip Tars from The Make-up Artist Boutique for UK customers or OCC

My Other Love - Tattoo's

I thought I would share with you my other love and that is my Tattoo's.

My first tattoo was a D behind my left ear, for my Father in Law David who lost his fight to Cancer, for my friend Danny who was murdered 10 years ago and for my Dad. Those three men have had such an impact on my life in the way I am as a person, so when David died I decided to take the plunge and make this my first piece. I didn't know back then that this would be the first of many!

Second was twelve stars on my right arm, which are there to remind me that I lost 12 years and to never repeat the same mistake again.

Number three is 'Without you is how I disappear', which are lyrics from My Chemical Romance's This Is How I Disappear from The Black Parade Album. The reason for these lyrics are because I had a mini breakdown due to not grieving for the death of David.The support of three friends at that time and music also helped me through, so the lyrics seemed pretty apt.

Next up is my amazing back piece 'Keep the Faith', inspired by My Chemical Romance's Guitarist Frank Iero's tattoo and his inspiring speeches always ending them with 'Keep the Faith'. Those three words can have so many different meanings for different people, but for me they mean Keep the faith, things will get better (and they have).

Now we have my funny little Funn Ghoul logo. This tattoo has the least meaning out of all of them. I got him purely because, as you can already tell I love My Chemical Romance and Frank Iero. When they bought out Danger Days this little man was Franks Killjoy symbol, so I wanted him and where better than my hand. Every time I look at this tattoo I grin, so even though it doesn't really have a meaning, it keeps a huge smile on my face and it really is a conversation starter.

Finally, we have my unfinished anchor on my left arm. I had this tattoo done on the anniversary of Dan's death and a close friend at the time chose it as well as its placement. I need to have a rope and colour added then it will be done.

So, there you have it a look into my tattoo's and my obvious love for My Chemical Romance and I know for sure there will be at least one more MCR related tattoo to come later this year. Anyone that knows the band and the fans, will hear a lot of the fans say they saved my life etc. They certainly helped me change my life through their music and inspirational interviews and now I refuse to conform and live how I want to live regardless of what people think of me!

All of my tattoo's were done at Sideshow Tattoo's in Hove the last three by the Amazing Micheal Fathers the shop owner.

National No Make-up Day FOTD

I stole George's Gaga glasses yesterday to give you guys some rather dorky pictures! I am rocking No Foundation, Pai Geranium & Thistle Combination Moisturiser,A giant spot on my chin and bags under my eyes! Who else embraced National No Make-up Day?

National No Make-up Day

For those of you that aren't aware today is National No Make-up Day and I am proud to say I am doing very well with not a stitch of make-up on my face. However My best friends Ruby and George are failing miserably, George is rocking some MAC NW25 and some beautiful penciled brows and Ruby is rocking bare skin, No7 Mascara and MAC eyeliner.

It's been such a lovely day so we have spent the day gossiping in the sun, finally being able to wear my Rayban Sunglasses. Normal postage will resume later tonight where I will have to break no make-up day, so until then I hope you all have a wonderful day. Ems xo

MAC Chenman Love and Water Collection

Today MAC Launched the Chenman Love and Water Limited Edition Collection.

Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo (£16.50)

• Pink Union Half taupe, lavender, brown melange/half solid dark violet (Frost)
• Love Cycle Half light blue, white, dark blue melange/half solid dark royal blue (Frost)

Beauty Powder (£20.50)

• Play It Proper Pastel soft pink with sparkles

Reflects Glitter (£15.50)

• Reflects Blue Sparkling blue

Pigment (£15.50)

• Naval Blue smoky blue

 Lipglass (£13)

• Force of Love Vivid honeysuckle pink
• Budding Love Pale lavender

Lipstick (£13.50)

• Force of Love Vivid honeysuckle pink
• Budding Love Pale lavender

Nail Lacquer (£9)

• Breezy Blue Dark blue (Cream)

• Pinkly Fresh Mid-tone blue pink (Cream) 

I have only listed the limited edition items

Illamasqua Human Fundamentalism

As we all know the new Illamasqua SS12 Human Fundamentalism Collection is now available across all Illamasqua stores in the UK and the Illamasqua website.

The promo images and videos showcase the brilliant bright colours that have been used to create this collection. What Illamasqua say about this collection "Human Fundamentalism is an explosion of your alter ego. It's becoming who you are and not who you are told to be, because beauty isn't conformity, but the fundamental human desire to express your inner self on the outside"

That statement alone really draws me in because I know what its like to conform to what you think you should do/say/wear and I think everyone, customers or non customers, should pay attention to that statement because it doesnt just apply to beauty, it applies to everyday life! Be who you are not who people tell you to be!

With that I will leave you with their inspiring images and video.

Coming This Week...

The last few days I have been a little slack with posts because I have been painting my flat ready for my beautiful sister to move in next week, plus I don't have any interwebs at home until Saturday Grrrr!

Anyway this week expect some new FOTD's, I have so much inspiration right now I cant wait to show you, and a few product reviews including Smashbox Mascara's and Pai Skincare.

Are there particular brands/products or looks you would like me to post? if so feel free to comment or to drop me an email: promakeupblog@hotmail.co.uk

I hope you are all having a great week so far I will leave you with my favourite picture of me right now ha ha!

Ems xo

NOTD - Leighton Denny Honey Trap

As you are already aware I got this nail colour with my Harrods Limited Edition GlossyBox a few days ago and I was really excited to try the colour as its beautiful.

Yes Honey Trap is a beautiful colour but I am not a lover of Leighton Denny's polish! 

The consistency is what you would expect from a cheap brand not from a brand that charges £11 per bottle. I applied two coats on the second attempt.

I am hoping that OPI Sweet Heart is a close enough dupe as I have this on the way.

Harrods Limited Edition GlossyBox

My GlossyBox has arrived and I am not ashamed to admit that I did squeal.

The first thing you notice when opening the box is the obvious Harrods logo ad I instantly thought luxury and then even more so when I removed the lid to see the black wrapping paper with the signature Harrods ribbon and sticker.

 My Box contained:

Vanitas Versace Eau De Parfum - This fragrance is beautiful and makes me think of summer its a fresh scent containing tiare flower, lime and freesia. The fragrance is not overpowering in the slightest.

Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Body Butter - I have only tested this on my had but its a luxurious thick cream and it smells divine. I will test this thoroughly on my dry legs and give you my verdict in a week.

Revive Intensite Creme Lustre SPF30 - This would be something I would have sent to an older lady not a nearly 30 year old. I am not suffering from wrinkles or sagging skin so, I wouldn't have chose this for myself.

Leighton Denny High Performance Nail Colour in Honey Trap - This a beautiful beige colour which I am very much looking forward to using in an upcoming NOTD.

Finally Clarins Extra Firming Cream - Like the Revive cream I wouldn't have picked this for myself.

Overall for my first box I am very happy obviously you are not always going to like everything in your box so 3 out of 5 is pretty good in my book.

Have you had the Harrods box? What did you think?

Ems xo

Amitee Blogger Network‏

 

So, this has been a very busy week lots of email lots of products to review and in amongst all of that an invitation to be part of the Amitee Blogger Network!

If you are not already sure who Amitee are they are the newest Beauty Box Subscription company. Their first boxes get sent out at the end of this month,  there is more information in Part Two of The Subscription Box post about Amitee's Box.

If you are a fellow blogger they are still looking for bloggers to join the network so, if you are interested then contact the lovely Joy using this email address: press@amiteeuk.com

NOTD - OPI Double Up

Kiss Me on My Tulips and Pedal Faster Suzi! From the OPI Dutch Treats - Holland Mini Collection

I applied two coats of  Kiss Me on My Tulips and one coat of Pedal Faster Suzi! on top.

My beautiful ring was a Christmas gift from my Best Friend Jenny she got it from The Earring Boutique