Sunday 29 March 2015

Soap & Glory Make-up Review

Spoiler - it's a mixed bag!




A couple of weeks ago, I headed to Boots to replace my mascara. I had tried the Soap & Glory Thick & Fast mascara in a gift box I had for Christmas and loved it.  When it dried up (the downside to thicker mascaras, I've found this with more expensive alternatives too) I was happy to repurchase. I was  delighted to find that all Soap & Glory make-up was on a 3 for 2 offer, so I took full advantage and tried out some other talked about products....


Thick & Fast mascara




As I mentioned, this was a repurchase, and I haven't be disappointed. It's very similar to the Benefit mascaras, I'm a big fan of a thick brush and thick consistency, as I like a lot of volume to my lashes, but anything too lengthening makes my eyes look too dark and over done. It's a really great mascara, at a really reasonable price (£10) The packaging of all three items I bought is really great, much more than I would expect from this brand, and this mascara is better than the freebie I had in the first place. I'm really pleased I chose to buy this again, and I don't see any reason right now why I wouldn't buy it again. For such a thick mascara it doesn't clump, and it dries quickly enough not to smudge. I would recommend!

Sexy Mother Pucker Lipstick - Man Trap




I'm really impressed with this lipstick! For a start, the colour, 'Man Trap' is gorgeous. Red lipstick is a long time favourite of mine, and I very rarely stray from my trusty Mac Red, this however is more subtle. I've found its a great way of wearing a brighter colour for a more day-to-day look. I work in a fairly casual office, so heavy make up tends to look a little out of place, so it's great to find something I feel comfortable wearing but that still feels stylish. Its a really moisturising consistency, very "cremesheen" but it lasts really well. (I'm wearing this in the outfit photos on my "Denim Love" post.) £9 is a little more to pay for a drug store lipstick but this is definitely worth the few extra pounds. I will make sure I take a look at the other colours (although I don't think there are many) next time I'm looking for a new lipstick.


Anarchy brow tint & pencil


I was really keen to try this product as I'd heard a lot about it on other blogs. I have naturally very dark, thick eyebrows but they're a little untidy, so I find filling in helps to neaten them up. As they are so dark I usually need to use a pencil to match the shade but there' always a fine line between neat and too much! I thought this product could be the answer. One end is felt tip like, to draw individual hairs in, and the other end a soft pencil. I bought the colour 'Brownie Points' (they also do a blonde), however, I wouldn't say it was brown! It's very light, so looks totally out of place on me. Not only that but I feel like the felt tip was "running out", even though the box had been taped so I knew it hadn't been tested, you just don't get much product from it at all. On top of this, the pencil end is actually really hard. I had to press pretty hard on my skin to get any mark, and it was still not particularly great. I was really disappointed by this as I think it's a great idea for a product, to a achieve a bit more of a natural brow look, but it wasn't for me. I'd be interested to see if it works better for someone with lighter hair though?...





Have you tried any of the Soap & Glory make-up products? Which are your favourites and are there more I should try?


Jessica h x

Friday 27 March 2015

Trench Style







 Trench: H&M
Jeans: New Look
T-shirt: Topman
Shoes: Primark



I bought this trench coat...or mac around a year ago in H&M, it isn't stocked anymore but there are lots of similar ones out there such as these from Misguided and ASOS.

I have worn it once in the year I have had it, as I was unsure what to pair it with, and didn't have the confidence to pull it off!

 Since then, they seem to be everywhere and I have seen lots of these type of trench coats styled up, so I  have many more ideas for some outfits. I am feeling more confident to wear it.

The material is very thin so it is great for the spring time when it (hopefully) gets a bit warmer. It looks great with heels as I am not the tallest person, so pairing it with heels means I don't feel too drowned out in it. I am looking forward to pairing it with more outfits, so it will finally get it's wear!

By the way, I love these peep toe boots that the ASOS model has styled with her trench, need!



jessica d x

Tuesday 24 March 2015

L'oreal Color Riche Matte 228 'VIP'









This lipstick is my new favourite, it's the perfect coral-red matte colour that I have been looking for.

At £6.99 each, I think the L'oreal lipsticks are brilliant. Some people have commented on the smell of these lipsticks, as they have a very sweet smell. For me, it's not a scent I love- but it's not too offensive and the product itself is worth getting past the sherbet smell!

The texture on application is really creamy, an opaque effect with a strong, bold colour. I would like to find a lipliner that matched this lipstick, as it's so bold it can be tricky to apply perfectly. I prefer to have a lip liner with a lipstick as it just feels neater.

One thing I noticed was the amount transferring onto your teeth was really small. I find with some other lipsticks, that five minutes after application it's all over your teeth!

I applied this product at around 7am for work, and it stained my lips leaving the bright bold matte colour on all day. Admittedly, it did wear and by around 2pm it needed re-application as close up you could see it had worn away and left a stain. However this was after eating breakfast and lunch, so it was pretty impressive. 

Most of my long-lasting lipsticks are by MAC, so I am really pleased to have found a more affordable range of lipsticks that I love. 

I purchased this lipstick in Boots, I can't seem to find it anywhere online at all. However, it was part of their new range so it may not be online yet- it is definitely available in store!

I also purchased some other shades, so I am looking forward to reviewing those next!

jessica d x

Sunday 22 March 2015

Denim Love




As a true child of the 90's, I've always loved a full-on denim look (and posing apparently!) so the high street offering of every style and colour right now has got me pretty excited. I've never been one to shy away from a double denim look (or triple...) and whilst it might not be an every day look, but it's one I'd really love to wear a little more often. 


These courts are new from Dorothy Perkins and I adore them. They're pretty comfortable and I love the style of them. The denim just gives a bit of edge to a pretty formal pair of heels. You can find them here, currently just £18.90.

I've styled up a couple of outfits below to share my denim lovin'.

I'm a big fan of over-ripped boyfriend jeans with high heels, I love the laid back look, especially with a baggy shirt too. I really wish I was brave enough to pull off this look for an evening out, so watch this space! Mixing different tones stops the look from being too "put together. Minimal accessories also helps, which is pretty much against every other rule I have! Let me know in the comments what you think, I'd love to have a good occasion to wear something like this.



Shirt- Next (similar here)
Ripped Jeans- Asos (similar here)

As you might have seen me mention in my previous "Things I'm loving right now" post, I adore the 70's trend, and I've been on the hunt for the perfect pair of flares. I'm pretty sure I've found them! These  are from H&M and they're just what I looking for- super high waisted and perfect mid blue denim. You can probably find them in your local store, I can't see them on the website yet! (Some other great alternatives are Asos and Next.) Mixing denim of the same colour is a bit risky, a bit too B*Witched, but I quite like it in this outfit, it adds the vintage look, especially teamed with a vintage denim jacket, a good one can be found in pretty much any charity shop- or if vintage isn't your thing, the high street has some cheap alternatives too. Also, teaming up denim with Breton stripes always looks cool as!




Unfortunately, this isn't the end of my denim wishlist. I'd love a denim shift dress for the Spring Summer season- I love this Topshop one (£38);

I'm also lusting after this Asos jumpsuit (£50);

And finally, there is a coat shaped hole in my over flowing wardrobe right now, I'm really feeling the need to fill it with a denim duster coat, like this one from Monki (£60);


Let me know if you liked this post, I'd love to do some more outfit posts now that it's not too chilly outside and I'm feeling more inspired! Which is your favourite look, and how do you wear your denim?

jessica h x

Sunday 15 March 2015

A little about us...

We have been blogging away lately about clothes, make-up and home inspo- when we realised we haven't told you that much about ourselves. Whimsy By Whillis kindly nominated us for the Liebster award, this is an opportunity for new bloggers with 1000 followers or less to be nominated to answer the questions below.

So here it goes, if you have any extra questions for us, please let us know as we would be happy to answer!


1. How did you decide on the title for your blog?

JD & JH: It took us weeks, we felt like we couldn't start our blog until we had a name. We went back and forth with all sorts of strange names, until the idea just clicked- 'why not jessicajessica?' For us it's simple, strong and has a clear identity!

2. Why did you start blogging?

JD: I started blogging when I was around 20 years old. I started a Youtube channel about being a vegetarian for my university coursework. From there I discovered beauty videos and started making them myself. I also had a blog alongside it. Unfortunately the time I prioritised for my blog and Youtube channel started to fizzle and eventually I stopped. I always felt sad about this, so I am thrilled to be blogging again with jess h. It means the enthusiasm can't die down, because we can both keep each other going and produce fresh ideas with each other.

JH: I've blogged a little in the past but it never really caught on, but blogging together means we have more to blog about, and more determination to keep it going. I love sharing my thoughts and inspiration, and it's great to be doing it with my bestie! Plus it's a good excuse to immerse myself in other blogs and youtube channels, I love being part of the network!


3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

JD: I have always felt strange with this type of question, as I just don't have the burning desire to visit certain places as others seem to do! Don't get me wrong, I love holidays and visiting new places as much as anyone else! For me it's usually who I'm standing there sharing the moment with. I went to Barcelona with my family last summer and it was just special because I saw some beautiful sights with them! However I would love to go to the town in Ireland where my family are from, as I can imagine it to feel really heart-warming! 

JH: For me it would have to be America! I have been to New York (In fact, we both went on a college trip together back in 2007!) and I can't explain now much I loved it, I've also been to Orlando twice when I was younger, and I'm going again this May, but I'd love to travel further- San Fransico, LA and Las Vegas are high on my list, I'd love to see all the sights you grow up watching in movies.


4. What is your favourite food?

JD: Myself and jess h have pretty similar taste in food! My favourite foods are pasta and pizza! I also love indian food, ooh and anything mushroom based!

JH: Ditto! I adore Italian food, and mushrooms! My other weakness is cheese, Brie is my absolute favourite! I have a pretty sweet tooth as well, I'm a sucker for old school sweets.



5. What is your thing to do with your spare time?

JD: In the past couple of years my idea of having fun in my spare time has really adjusted. I prefer the simple things! I love having the time to read, I find it really relaxing. I also love spending time with my family, now that I don't live at home, I really value that time with them. I like walks in the park, picnics and going for food and gossip with friends! Don't get me wrong, I still love shopping! 

JH: I'm still a shopping addict! I love a wander around the shops and stopping for a coffee. Luckily, my Mum shares the same enthusiasm for it, so it's always quality time spent with her, which I love. At home I'm also a big reader, as well as watching a lot of movies. I love to cuddle up in the evenings with a new film, it really helps me switch off from the day.

6. Where is your dream vacation spot?

JD: I love Italy, a mix of the food, culture and beautiful sights to see. I would love to go back to Sorrento or try somewhere I haven't been like Tuscany. 

JH: I'd love to visit Italy too, I've never been! I like to sunbathe on holiday, so anywhere hot would suit me. Relaxing holidays to me mean lying with a good book by a pool all day long!

7. Beach or the mountains?

JD: I love visiting the beach, but mountain views are usually breathtaking. I would love to have a warm, sunny spot on a mountainside with a view over a lake. 

JH: Beach please!!!

8. Are you a dog or a cat person?

JD: I would say I am more of a cat person as we have always had a family cat. When I was little I was petrified of dogs, so that has stayed in the back of my mind. I can cope with calm dogs but if they start barking or jumping up me I get a bit nervous!

JH: Definitely a cat person! I'v always had cats growing up, and I'm also a little scared of dogs. We often share crazy cat lady stories!

8. A long lost relative gives you a large sum of money, what would you do with it?

JD: At this stage in my life I would probably invest it in property, then make sure my parents had their dream property. Then I would go on an amazing holiday!

JH: I'd like to think I'd be pretty sensible with it too, but I might have to treat myself to some Louboutins!

9. Where do you see your blog going in the next year?

JD: I would love for myself & jess h to just continue blogging about what we love. I would just like to continue to improve everyday, with better content, better photography. I want our blog to be established and a place that people check in to every week to see if we have a new post up!

JH: I'm looking forward to getting really stuck into it! I've got lots of ideas for more posts so I'd like to see our ideas and our content flow, so watch this space! There's always more to come...

10. Where does your blog inspiration come from?

JD: My main inspiration is just my passion to write, I studied journalism at university so I always have a craving to write about anything and everything. I think as we have so many platforms to gather inspiration from now, that it's easy to feel creative. I suppose I gather inspiration from every day life, things I spot and think 'I must remember to blog about that.' From magazines, Instagram, Pintrest, other bloggers! I think blogging is a great place to go for some instant inspiration!


JH: As you might have gathered- I'm a bit of a shopaholic! So I love to see trends emerging on the high street and seeing how I can adapt them to my own style- so I love blogging about that. I'm also a BIG lover of Pintrest and I'm really inspired by a lot of the things I find on there. I'm also pretty inspired by the people around me, I love to see what other people are buying, using and wearing, so I always have something I wanna write about!


We have been friends for over 6 years, so we have dug out some old photos.. just so you can get a little picture of our friendship!...










Wednesday 11 March 2015

Sixth Sense Salon: Launch night












Last Friday night (yeah, I sang that Katy Perry style in my head)... I attended the launch of Sixth Sense Salon. A brand new, ultra-glam hair and beauty salon in my home town of Sutton Coldfield.

Owned by the fabulous Dean Vining, the salon promises to make clients feel special from the minute they book their appointment, throughout the service and remain in contact with them between appointments.

The salon offers a unique experience, Dean claims to know exactly what your hair will look like before you sit in the chair, seeing potential and delivering exactly what you wanted but didn't expect.

Set in a beautiful grade 2 listed building in the old town of Sutton Coldfield, the glam salon has a bold orange and green design throughout. With the latest technology- including tablets on the walls, the salon has a great range of products and a welcoming atmosphere.

The launch night kicked of with a celeb style red carpet, complete with security and champagne reception. Guests were treated to live music, hair and beauty demonstrations, bubbly and canapes.

Celeb guest Samia Ghadi (Coronation Street's Maria Connor) cut the ribbon as she told guests that 'Audrey would be proud!' Samia took time to chat to guests and take photos throughout the evening, she was really friendly and it was great to see her supporting the salon.

Guests walked away with lots of information and we got to take home some of the products stocked in the salon to try out. Sixth Sense Salon supports Wella, so they only stock Wella products on their shelves. It was interesting to hear about the products and how they work in the salon, along with the difference between them and how they suit different hair types.

As well as demonstrating some spring hair trends, Dean covered their Instamatic pastel ombre service, with the model sporting a lilac pastel colour through her hair. Their beautician Gina also offers an array of services from spray tans to shellac.

New clients can take advantage of 50% off their first cut and finish, they even throw in a free follow up blow dry. You can find the offer here.

jessica d x