Review: Miracle Bump Creme and Oil*

Miracle Bump contacted me a little while back and asked of I'd like to try their products and to be honest I jumped at the chance to try their products after looking into the company. Right from the beginning of my pregnancy I have being using products to avoid and minimise stretch marks so it was certainly something I wanted to be involved in! 

A few weeks later I was sent these two little beauties from Miracle Bump to try out and have been using them since. They were even featured in my recent faves post a while back here. They are designed with pregnant bellies in mind and claim to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

This picture was taken as soon as I got the parcel!

What they say:

'Our rich & velvety skin care range is designed to nourish and protect your skin during and post pregnancy. We have carefully designed the 'Miracle Bump Method' to ensure you know how to use our products to gain the best possible results. Our Mission is to Keep your body beautiful.'

The packaging of the samples I were sent are lovely and I couldn't wait to get started using them. I popped on the oil and balm immediately and was pleasantly surprised by the scent - white chocolate! - or at least that's what it smelt like to me anyway. I was in love at first smell! T

he consistency of the oil was divine, not too thick, or too thin and didn't leave a greasy film on my stomach either - in fact it felt almost dry oil like to me. I then slapped on the balm too and was immediately surprised by how thick and indulgent the consistency of the product was.

I have found that the balm worked best when warmed in the palm on my hand first and then applied in sweeping motions to the areas I wanted to. In the beginning I used both of these products mixed together and applied them to my thighs, hips, bump and boobs but since then I've changed to using the oil on my boobs only and the balm to my bump and hips and that's simply because I'm being stingy as its running out lol. 

The creme balm - you can see the ultra thick consistency here! Love..

The company ethics are to be admired and believe in only using the best ingredients possible and most importantly the purest. These products are fab for sensitive skins as they don't contain any nasties and therefore great for most pregnant woman as many will find their skin is more sensitive than usual. 

I have been known to suffer here and there with eczema and can say this didn't irritate it or worsen it, if anything I found it soothing and the balm worked well as a barrier cream between my skin and clothes too.

Did it work at preventing stretch marks I hear you ask? Well the honest answer is I don't know, I've used these and other products religiously from the beginning of my pregnancy so it would be hard to say what has worked and what hasn't however I would say I am impressed with the quality of the products, and purity of the products so would recommend them to any pregnant lady out there. The balm is thicker than any other cream I have used during pregnancy and a little really does go a long way. They are pricey products but you can't put a price on beautiful skin I guess lol.

The two products retail at:

Oil: £45 for 100mls 

Bump Creme: £50 200mls or £90 500mls

For a full list of their products please check their website out here 

Overall I think these are two fantastic products and if your looking to indulge in your pregnancy I would look no further.

 My friend has just found out that she is pregnant and I plan on buying her the creme and giving it to her at her baby shower, she is also a chocolate fanatic so I know she will love this! 

Has anyone else tried anything from Miracle Bump? What did you think of them? Or what did you use during your pregnancy? I'd love to hear...

Siobhan xxx

Read more

SHARE:

Winter Edit: Perfect A/W Flat Boots

Hiya Girlies, Hope your all well and starting to indulge in the Autumn weather!? Cosy knits and layers anyone!? I'm really excited about the weather turning colder as it was getting harder and harder to dress my bump - there was only so many maxi dresses I could wear!

Seeing as I can't indulge in the Autumn Winter styles I'd like since I'm pregnant - boo! So instead I have been obsessing over Boots! Mainly flat styles as I don't want to be wobbling all over with this extra weight in front of me. Oh yes its very glamorous being pregnant in Winter! Anyway here are a few of my favourite styles this season...

Topshop AUGUST Classic Chelsea Boots £60 - Here

These boots will look gorgeous this season with some skinny Jeans for everyday cool! Pair with this season's must have - The Pink Coat! You really cant go wrong with these little ankle boots.

Oasis Sophie Leather Riding Boot £85.00 - Here

I love the suede panelling on these boots - you can also get the same boots without the suede - they are so classic and would go with so many outfits. Very versatile and in my own opinion they look a lot more expensive than their £85.00 price tag.

Topshop ARRIVA Heavy Chealsea Boot £62.00 - Here

Love these boots! You can also get these boots in Black however I'm kind of in love with these Oxblood ones - perfect colour and can see myself wearing these loads if I was to get them. Want!

River Island Black Zip Trim Biker Boots £45.00 - Here

These Boots look fab on and at such an affordable price too. They will really add to any outfit and would look great with skinny jeans, leggings, skirts and dresses. These are definitely a good buy!

ZARA Flat Leather Boot £99.00 - Here

I ended up going to ZARA for some boots this season and while I was in there I then saw about a million that I then wanted too - typical! And these are on my want list. I love the deep chocolate colour and think they would look really lovely over Christmas - Sorry to say the C word but it's not actually that far away lol! There is also a gorgeous heeled pair of boots in ZARA that I've fallen for but think flats are the way to go for now. 

 

Tory Birch Kiernan Riding Boot £430 - Here

They might be pricey but these are so worth it. Perfection in a boot I'd say. They would no doubt see you through to future seasons and the quality is fantastic too. I have had Tory Birch boots and shoes in the past and I can say they are extremely comfy and the quality were second to none. These are on my want list for sure.

What style is your favourite? What boots have you picked up this year? Or what are you lusting after?

Thanks for reading and speak soon 

Love Siobhan xxx

Read more

SHARE:

London Fashion Week SS14: Burberry Prorsum

For me the Burberry Prosurm Show was the highlight of London Fashion Week Spring Summer 2014. The show was so very me and as extravagant as some of the pieces were I can completely see myself making them my own. A Burberry Trench has been on the top of my wishlist for a long time and so I look forward each year to see what twist has been put on the forever classic.

Christopher Bailey has gone all girly with the pretty pastels and cute details, yet the cuts ensure the looks are more grown up than little girl. Check out the detailing on the embroidered trench! What a beaut.

Cara and Jourdan showing their fun side in the beauty booth

Pastel Hues - Perfect for next season

I really need this bag

Ladylike chic with pencil skirts and polka dot shirts

Pretty in Pink - I just love this Blush hue!

A bit of FROW there for you

The Makeup Look



The inspiration behind the look was 'English Rose' which to me sums up the overall look of the girls brilliantly. Obviously Burberry Beauty was used to create the stunning looks.

Eyes - to recreate this look you need the new Pink Rose eye quad lightly washed over the lids and also below. Mac and Nars would also have complimentary eye shadows that would suit this look. I would also recommend Tom Ford and YSL.

Face - To get the youthful, glowing complexion Burberry Fresh Glow Golden Radiance was lightly applied to the models faces. Apply in areas that need more coverage and for an extra glow mix with a liquid highlighter. MAC Strobe Cream would also work perfectly for this look mixed with MAC face and body. Cheeks were flushed with Earthy Blush by Burberry - a suits all kind of shade. 

Lips - Lips were left in their natural state - if you like adding a subtle nude colour would set this look off perfectly. Something like MAC Freckletone would also work for this look. I would add a nude lip liner to blend the look together. 

To bring together the whole look ensure you add pastel coloured nails from pinks, yellows and violets. 

What did everyone else think of the show? What was your favourite show of LFW?

Love Siobhan xxx

Read more

SHARE:

Recent Favourites #5

Miracle bump oil and balm

*Sent for review*

Oh my goodness I adore these!! I'm currently doing a full review of these two beauts but so far so good! When I've finished them a full review will be available. But I'm really enjoying using these and the smell is out of this world!

L'oreal 3 in 1 purifying Micellar Solution

£4.99

I've been using this for a while now although I have gone through it quite quickly it has to be said and its really lovely. I prefer it to most of the other solutions I have used I only use these every now and again as no matter what people say they will never give you a proper deep clean like a 'proper' cleanser would. But I got this on offer in Superdrug for about £3 so you really can't complain for the price. If you fancy trying this just wait until it goes on offer as I always see it in Boots and Superdrug on some kind of offer.

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil

450mls £59.00 

This one I have had for ages but only just got round to using quite recently and to be honest I don't know what took me so long!? I am in love it's so quick and easy and I can't imagine not using it now. I pop on 2 pumps of oil all over my dry face and then ad water and hey presto make up free face. This one is a keeper and I would recommend for those of you who find removing make up a chore. I have the 'green one' which is good for most skin types and anyone looking for an anti-oxidant cleanser.

Neal's Yard Remedies Mothers Balm

£19.75

This is one thing I really love it's a little greasy but great for massage! I can imagine this will be a godsend when that itchy belly syndrome kicks in. The thick waxy consistency is really comforting on the bump, and I tend to slather this all over my thighs, bum, bump and boobs. I plan on doing a full review of this item shortly, maybe after pregnancy.

Nars Blusher in Luster

£21.50

I love all nars blushers so they can't put a foot wrong with me to be honest! But this is one on the blushers that I've been reaching for loads recently I usually layer it with an illamasqua blusher as it adds a gorgeous sheen. This is a versatile number and Im sure i'll continue to use this loads in the colder months to add some warmth to my cheeks.

MAC Amplified Lipstick in Up The Amp

£15.00

I'm a huge lipstick fan in general and find I have a lot of MAC Lipsticks. Up The Amp is a perfect Autumn shade and is a good shade for so many skintones, so if you're yet to dip your toes into the berry hues of lipstick then this is a good place to start.

Illamasqua Lipstick in Shard

£16.50

As I've said before I am a massive fan of Illamasqua and their products and this colour is just perfect for the season! Its so rich and pigmented, and can't think that anyone wouldn't love it! I find that Illamasqua lipsticks are very long lasting, most are a matte finish which may contribute to their longevity however they are not overly drying considering the finish. This colour is part of their 'sacred hour' collection also.

So there you have a few of my more recent faves! What have you been using lately? Any of these?

Hope everyone is doing well? I'm just enjoying a lazy day today before a full weekend of work... Oh the joy! But only 2 more weeks until I break up for my maternity leave, can't believe how quick its coming around. I'm also going to be popping up a pregnancy update soon too! 

Thanks for reading Dollies 

Love Siobhan xxx

Read more

SHARE:

New York Fashion Week SS14: Proenza Schouler

Again the wide legged trousers are making an appearance worn with height and a high waist these trousers are flattering. The collection was low key and low maintenance with pieces that would be easy to wear, the long lines and the flowing hems help keep this collection feminine in what could be boyish otherwise. 

I personally love the cut outs and crops and think if your brave enough to wear them go for it - just keep with the collections idea of longer bottoms and wear them loose.

Before the show the design duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez revealed that the Spring Summer 14 collection would be 'futuristic with experimental textiles' So did they deliver? With metallic crops and soft detailing I would say so indeed!

The make up for this collection was kept minimal in keeping with the show, in fact it is almost futuristic. As you make have noticed there is no definition to the brows at all - they have been toned down to give a no brow look. 

Face - To achieve a similar look you need a flawless base - I would suggest going for a medium to full coverage foundation for this look to get it just right. Add concealer to any areas needing extra coverage and also to brighten the eye area too. No dark circles in sight so keep this look as bright and flawless as possible.

Cheekbones were high (obviously!) so contouring is important for this look - apply highlighter in the liquid form as this gives a more dramatic look - to be extra daring add powder highlighter on top to get more definition!

Lips - effortless Lip colour - think barely there. Look for a colour very similar to your own - pinks, nudes even tinted lip balms will work. Apply with a lip brush to get a softer effect and then blot. Add a balm on top to ensure the colour is even more natural. Maybe give the liner a miss for this look unless you feel your lips are particularly undefined and cant go without.

Eyes - Eyes were kept neutral and simple (can you see a pattern emerging!? Lol) ensure eyes are primed with a neutral base something like illamasqua Hollow is perfect for this look and then add a natural eye shadow to the entire lid for a uniformed look. Skip the eye liner and only add one coat of mascara for a similar effect. 

Keep your hair unbrushed and your good to go for this look!

So what did you think of the collection? Did any looks catch your eye? Have you been following New York Fashion Week or London? 

Siobhan xxx

Read more

SHARE:

London Fashion Week SS14: Mulberry

London Fashion Week: Mulberry Spring Summer 2014 Collection

When Mulberry released their invitations there is no fashion lover out there that didn't wish that they were receiving a mini tea set. The invitations this year were designed and produced by legendary Wedgewood and let's face it they were stunning. I want a pink one - obviously. The collection was once again showcased at the iconic Claridge's hotel and it looked picturesque to say the least.

The collection for Spring Summer 2014 is described by Mulberry as;

'Spring Summer 2014 revisits the Mulberry defining attitude 'Le Style Anglais' with its laid-back interpretation of heritage luxury. For the new season Mulberry is both town and country; influenced by modernist overtones from Sixties London juxtaposed with the opulence of the quintessential English country house and gardens'

The collection is a mix of both old and new and brings a very British mix to the air. The colour palette was very much a garden tea party with neutrals, pastel pinks and blues an then the fiery red to mix things up a bit too. The 'Fab Floral' print was debuted along with the brand new 'it' bag for next season the Kensal. See here for my post on the exceptionally gorgeous bag.

Emma Hill's last show for Mulberry

A bit of Sixties pattern for the show

Love this image of the dress and clutch 

The updated striped bayswater ready for the new season - seen with Lizzie heels.

Even the Willow has been given the stripey makeover

Next season couldn't be more me with all this Pink!

Flower Power

I love the white quilted dress! This is me all over and I will no doubt be rocking a similar look come spring summer 2014, so watch this space. The lightweight collarless coats make moving from the colder March into a warmer May-June time much easier, I can already see Zara recreating this look for the high street. So if your budget doesn't stretch quite as far as a Mulberry don't despair.

All models wore the 'Lizzie' platform sandals, you may have noticed that Fashion Month so far as been full of chunky heels and platform sandals. Definitely one to watch next season - I for one will be keeping a beady eye on the high street for their own versions. 

The show was kicked off by Cara of course, wearing the most delightful floral printed coat and shorts, with a gorgeous floral pastel shirt. Wide legged shorts have been popular this season in both London and New York so I expect to see more of them in the future shows too. It's such a classic look that no doubt make it an investment outfit if you like? If you ever needed that justification that is! The collection was full of soft flowing lines and easy to wear shift dresses, hemlines were conservative and certainly ladylike. In fact they would all be perfectly fitting in an English garden party I think?

I also expect to see more of stripes as seen here in other collections across Fashion Month - I love the sheer detailing in this collection and yet still very wearable.

The make up look was edgy with strong eyes - a nod to the Sixties perhaps? - and of course strong brows! The hair was light and wispy with a slight dewy look it it, all had sweeping partings with hair falling around creating the perfect frame for the make up. Make up was courtesy of Marthias Van Hooff and hair was Sam McKnight.

Source of catwalk pictures

Face - Dewy and lit from within skin, completely flawless with no harsh blush lines here. To re create this make up look its all in the prep! Ensure skin is smooth with a brightening moisturiser and prime the skin before Foundation, look for a smoothing primer something that will even skin texture. Smashbox orginal primer is a good place to start if you are unsure. For the base i would suggest using something with light diffusing pigments to give that glowing look without it looking oily, apply with fingers for a natual effect or a stippling brush for a lighter coverage. Some good Foundations for this look would include YSL Touche clart Foundation, Lancome Teint Miricle, or L'oreal Lumi Magique. For added coverage apply concealer to areas needed - this look is a flawless base so ensuring any blemishes are covered is a must.

Keep blush an bronzer to a minimum - only use for slight contouring and definition where needed - to give you supermodel cheekbones (we can all dream!) apply a matte very slightly darker than your colouring blush or bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, bringing the colour round onto your forehead. Subtle highlighting can be added if you feel necessary, maybe go for a cream based highlighter and lightly add to areas needed. Don't forget to add a little powder to set the make up to give that polished look.

Lips - Lips were a blushed shade of rose. Think just bitten lips and you've got it! It almost looks as if there is nothing on the lips in fact. So key to the lip look is less is more! look for a soft rose liner and very lightly line the lips with no harsh lines - follow your natural lip-line. Add a similar colour lipstick to complete the look and don't forget to blot! 

Eyes - They say the eyes are the window to the soul and Mulberry definitely played on this in the presentation - all models eye make up was vampy and mysterious. Think smudged and smoky and your there! I love how the make up contrasts with the pretty pastels of the garments! for this eye look start off by defining your brows - the bigger the better so don't be afraid of the brow product. Keep your brows a similar shade to natural or just a shade or two darker - scouse brows have no place here! Finish them with a brush of eyebrow gel to set them into place. Prime the entire lid to get rid of any discolouration and to ensure the colours pop. Apply a light colour over the entire lid followed by a metallic brown, look for glossy effects in browns, charcoal, deep burgundy and to add definition shades of black. The black should be used to add definition and not over the entire lid. Emphasis is on the outer lid so don't apply too dark of a colour too far into the socket. Thickly line the upper lash line and waterline with the blackest black you can find. Lashings of mascara should be added to both top and bottom lashes and for extra va va voom subtle lashes will give this look a real edge. 

I have to say I was very impressed with the collection which happens to be Emma Hill's last for the house before she moves on from the company and personally I think she's gone out with a bang creating some timeless pieces that will no doubt stay with the brand for years to come.

So what did you think of the collection? Did you watch the live stream? What looks can you see yourself wearing next season? Is anyone else sadly looking at their bank account wondering if they can buy everything? Lol.... I'd love to know what you think...

Siobhan xxx

Read more

SHARE: