Product Of The Week #4

I feel like I was writing one of these just yesterday, weeks seem to be flying by at the moment - it is March tomorrow, how did that happen?!

This week I've got some hair products that I have been loving! 

Three mini products in the Curl Friends collection from Umberto Giannini!

Now if you read my Boots sale hauls back Dec/Jan you would have seen these in the Curl Define Hair Kit gift set that I got at half price for just £5 - bargain!

I'm not normally one for miniatures but this set included some great separating clips which I thought would come in handy when styling my hair!

But this week I spotted these 3 and decided to give them a go! There is the Calm Curls Shampoo, Smooth Curls Conditioner & Flirty Curls Scrunching Jelly

My hair used to be alot curlier than it is now, I think years of styling and colouring my locks has diminished it slightly but if I put enough effort into it sometimes I can get those natural curls to come out a bit!

I hoped that these 3 would help do that ..... and they did! 

The shampoo and conditioner left my hair feel great (alot better than I was expecting as I thought there would be alot of build up) and just a bit of scrunching jelly and alot of scrunching left me with some half decent curls!

(awkward same dress as profile picture.... I do change I promise!) I definitely think it's about time I invested in the full sized products (especially as it's 3 for 2 at the moment in Boots!) for those days where I don't really want to put any effort into my hair!

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Dress Like Disney #2 : Ariel, Tiana & Snow White

I started these posts last week and had so much great feedback, comments and tweets about how much you guys liked it that I couldn't wait to get on with the next one!
This time I decided to take on the beautiful Ariel, Tiana & Snow White.

Ariel

Topshop Sequin Midi Skirt | Topshop Sequin Bralet | ASOS Shell Bag | Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick | Boohoo Point Toe Suedette Courts | Purple Pear Drop Earrings |  imPRESS Press On Manicure

Tiana

Topshop Green Dress | Barry M White Nail Paint | ASOS Heeled Sandals | New Look Clutch Bag | Rock n Rose Floral Crown | eBay Clutch Bag

Snow White
Apple Purse | Boohoo Yellow Midi Skirt | Topshop Blue Cami Top | Topshop Lipstick in Rio Rio | Red Alice Band | Sugarfree Blue Heels |  White Frill Socks

So there we go boys and girls - another 3 princesses given a 2014 modern make-over - I'm loving doing these (even though they take ALOT of time!), look out for more coming soon!

Check out Cinderella, Belle & Elsa's Make-overs here.

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Lee Stafford Fat 'n' Flexible Hold Hairspray Review

Hairspray can be a lifesaver. With the weather we've been having lately - the stuff is a god-send for keeping our hair the same as when we left the house. 

The only problem I have with the stuff is how heavy it can be. Crispy, hard hair is a dreaded fear of mine when using hairspray - but no longer do I need to worry because I've found this stuff : Lee Stafford's Fat 'n' Flexible Hold Hairspray.

 Hairspray isn't a product I have normally used regularly, in fact it is normally if I've curled it that I will spray it to keep it in place. But with the wind and rain being so horrific the last few months even my day-to-day up-do's have needed a little extra help!
Lee Stafford is my favourite hair brand - the amount of posts and mentions his products have had on this blog are countless - the scent, the packaging,  the promises they live up-to, - I love it all.
But just plain old hairspray was never a product I had tried from them before ... until now!

I  have been using this for the past week or so and have been so so happy with the results. It really does live upto what it says on the label!

Totally amazing hairspray, that you can hardly feel in your hair! 

I've been using this on a daily basis (which is so not like me), it is so light, totally non-sticky and keeps your hair feeling like it's natural self!

It really does give you total freedom with your hair and keeps it big and bouncy which is a bonus.... not to mention it has the great Lee Stafford scent - soooo much nicer than that normal hairspray smell we all know. 

Fat 'n' Flexible is a 200ml can, a great size that will last for ages, the £6.49 price tag is totally justified in my opinion!

Another fab product to add to my collection and keep my hair under control for both simple, casual daytime looks and glam nights out!

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(***Disclaimer : This product was kindly sent to me by the lovely people at Lee Stafford. All thoughts, opinions and ideas are always my own and I would never include an item or product on A Yellow Brick Blog that I didn't truly believe in.)

Empties #4

Once again I have 5 products that I have used up, loved and now want to share with you lovely lot!

 Like I've said before it does take alot for me to finish a product to the very end as I have an addiction to buying more - so I'm always dipping in and out of different things!

 I think being on a Spending Ban lately is definitely helping me get through the products I already own! Buying less is showing me what I already have to try out and what I have to use up still!
(Also... yay for a bit of sunshine in my photos!)

1. Lee Stafford My Big Fat Healthy Hair 

Having loads of shampoos and conditioners floating all around my flat I decided that before I bought any more to clutter up the place I needed to use up what  I had! This was one of the first I grabbed! We all know I love a bit of Lee Stafford and this is one of the many that I have of his. This left my hair feel soft, smooth and alot fuller than normal with a great bit of lift - one that I would 100% re-buy.

2. Joules Sensational Skin Body Wash Souffle

You may remember this being on A Yellow Brick Blog last year when I reviewed a lovely bath set from Joules for Christmas! I loved the whole set but this was my favourite product! A gorgeous souffle which felt like a skin conditioner - I've been obsessed with this for months and can't believe I used up the tub already, I haven't looked yet but I really hope Joules sell this all year round and not just at Christmas. (Original review)

3. Bath & Body Works Raspberry Pink Peony Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel

Yes, I am one of the anti-bac freaks! Total addicted. I love this scent of this - reminds me of being in LA & San Fran, I love when smells bring back memories.

4. Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Concealer - Fair :

I know I'm not the only who's ranted and raved about this! This has been a life-saver for those pesky ages under my eyes! Fab fab fab high coverage stuff - I already had another one ready for when this one was a goner!

5. Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil - Hazel :

The only eyebrow pencil I have used in years and years, I swear by this one! Total bargain at £2.99 - works perfectly with my brow shade and is great to use before my HD Brows palette!

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The Pretty Little Liars Tag

Hanna, Aria, Spencer, Emily and, of course, Alison - the Pretty Little Liars. 
If you haven't heard of these girls then ..... where have you been?!
I've been obsessed with PLL since I read the first book years ago and the TV show has me on the edge of my sofa every week - I love it!
After lots of twitter and whatsapp conversations with a few other lovely bloggers we have decided to be the ultimate fans and start a  Pretty Little Liars tag post!

Katie, Rebecca, Estelle, Gemma, Tanyia (make sure you click on those links and check out my girls!) and I decided to come up with one question each for everyone to answer about PLL and it's characters! So here we go - off to Rosewood....

1) Katie: Alison made her return to rosewood in her statement red coat. What is your wardrobe statement piece?
Now I would love to say I'm all glamorous like posh spice and my statement piece is a little black dress but alas... only in my dreams! I think the staple piece in my wardrobe has to be my high-waisted black skinny jeans from New Look.
 Whenever I have no idea what to wear or am in a rush, I near enough always chuck these on! I love that I can dress them down with a sweater and converse or dress them up and wear them on a night out with a cute blouse or crop top and heels - they are a life saver! Oh and my tartan scarf... I love that thing!

2) Kirstie (aka me!): If you could raid anyone's wardrobe who's would it be?
Asking a question to myself.. now that's strange!
 I think it would have to be Aria's! She is always looking so glam but cool at the same time and she always seems to have a total uniqueness about her style - who wears that to school seriously? I wish I could of pulled that of daily when I was 16/17! Her ensemble's are always on point, I love it!
High five to whoever pulls the outfits for Lucy Hale! 

3) Rebecca: Which cast member would you go to if you had a problem?
I would go to Emily. She seems really kind, caring and she always keeps a secret. 

4) Estelle: Which character's personality do you think you most relate to? 
I think all the girls are so different that I'd like to think I'm a little like all of them! Level headed and sensible like Spencer, girly, fun and a bit ditsy like Hanna, caring, kind and sensitive like Emily and a bit stylish (hopefully) like Aria!

5) Gem: Which of the character's makeup would you most like to wear? 
Hanna. She seems to change it up the most of out all the characters and I feel like I relate to her most aswell because she's the only blonde! 
Saying this.... someone please give me Lucy Hale's eyebrows - they are perfect.

6) Tanyia: Which of the cast would you feel safest with when stuck in an A situation?
I'm sure everyone is going to say the same here ... Spencer! She is smart, quick-thinking and always making sure everyone else is okay aswell! I think I'd trust her most to keep us safe and knowing how to handle the situation!

If you are a PLL fan like us then join in with tag and make sure you let us know if you do - weather it be on your blog, youtube, in the comments below or even on Twitter - we would love to see your answers!

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Time Bomb Cosmetics : Holiday In A Bottle Review

Has anyone seen the sun lately? Nope - me either! 

This winter has sucked and summer cannot come quick enough! At the moment it's still more rain, wind and hail than any form of vitamin D so what could we all need more than a bit of a holiday in a bottle. 

Which is exactly what this stuff is - Time Bomb Cosmetics : Holiday In A Bottle.

I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels a bit pants when pale. I've said it before but having a bit of colour and a glow has so many benefits - the biggest being looking healthier (for me anyway!)

With the weather we've been having the last few months I'm as white as a sheet and hating every minute of it - I could really do with any form of tan! 

This is where Time Bomb Cosmetics comes in!

This stuff isn't a fake tan or a stain - just a gorgeous liquid sunshine type product! A product to put on under your foundation (well that's when I've been putting it on anyway!), this stuff is a gorgeous instant complexion boost and that quick hit of sunshine we've all been dying for!

If you've read my blog before you know I'm all for a shimmer and a glow and this stuff really does the job!
Holiday in a bottle comes in two shades and the one I have been using is in the shade 'Sunkissed'.
The only ever product I have used that is similar to this stuff is Soap & Glory's Glow Job and that was a long, long time ago and I have to say I do prefer this version from Time Bomb.

When pumped out this product comes out a grey, silver-type colour - a bit like a highlighter. But as soon as you start to mix and blend the product the micro-pigments start to burst and it immediately turns into the glowing tan shade you imagine which helps enhance your natural complexion.

This stuff does need to be blended well especially into the neck and I've found it best to do it just with your hands, no make-up accessories needed.

Just one pump spread around the face seems to be enough for me - a little goes a long way. That is one of the features I really like - the pump action. I hate product that you have to try and judge yourself so the pump makes it alot easier to ration out this stuff (especially with the £28 price tag) 

This is great for all skin tones and gives a great subtle glowing base to start your make-up for the day with - or you could even just wear it on it's own!

This is the first product I have tried from Time Bomb Cosmetics and I've been really impressed I really want to try out more of their range - they have sooo many products from skincare to haircare to jewellery!

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(***Disclaimer : This product was kindly sent to me by the lovely people at Time Bomb Cosmetics. All thoughts, opinions and ideas are always my own and I would never include an item or product on A Yellow Brick Blog that I didn't truly believe in.)

Dress Like Disney #1 : Cinderella, Belle & Elsa

I'm such a Disney fanatic, although may already be aware of this! I love Disney, I love the princess', I just love it all and I always have done.

All girls dream of being a Disney Princess - their style, their hair, their... prince's, who wouldn't want to live in a fairytale?!
 So I thought I would do a bit of a different post and do some styling of my own! 
In these posts I'm going to give those Disney Princess's (and maybe a few other characters) a 2014 make-over!
 Transforming their iconic outfits and styling into modern looks from items on the highstreet! 
First up I've picked Cinderella, Belle & Elsa.

Cinderella

Jones & Jones Dress | ASOS Birthstone Earrings | Dorothy Perkins Blue Clutch | ASOS Pointed Heels | Models Own Nail Polish | Lauren' s Way Big Bun 

Belle

Pearl Earrings | ASOS Leather Clutch | Ted Baker Yellow Peep-Toes | ASOS Rose Bun Holder | Kate Moss Lipstick | River Island Dress 

Elsa

Needle & Thread Sequin Dress | Clip-in Fishtail Braid | Revlon ColorStay Eyeshadow Palette | ASOS Cross Body Bag | Essie Lot's Of Lux Polish | New Look White Open Toe Shoes 

I'm having so much fun making these! Can't wait to do the next 3 characters! 

What do you guys think? Which Princess would you want to be?

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Product Of The Week #3

It is Friday - happy weekend girls and boys! Another week has past (nearly) so here is another product of the week for you!
This week it is a slightly different item - a candle! 
Yup it's the Simply Home Yankee Candle in Sweet Pea. 

I love love love candles, I mean... who doesn't? I love having them burning at home - there's nothing better than a good smelling home.
This was a little surprise gift for Valentine's from my boyfriend. We don't normally do presents so this was really out of the blue - major boyf points to him!
I love the sweet pea scent - always have done. When I was in America I got so much Sweet Pea from Bath & Both Works, it is my favourite!

This sweet smelling beauty has been burning everyday since I got it! It has overtaken my previous fav yankee candle - black coconut ... sorry coconut - nothing personal!

What are your favourite candle scents? If you like sweet scents - check this badboy out!

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Throwback Thursday : Essex Memories

I love a bit of Throwback Thursday - weather it's on instagram, twitter, facebook or like today - herem I love looking at everyone's old photos (especially if they are some funny childhood photos!).

Reminiscing is so much fun = photos hold the best memories and a picture's really do say 1000 words!

Knowing that the all important TOWIE is coming back to our screens this weekend (wahoo) I thought this week I'd share some photos of when me and my friends made the crazy journey to Brentwood for a weekend!

This was over a year ago now - we went in Nov 2012 for my friend's 21st birthday! It was so much fun... although we had ALOT that didn't go to plan - which, luckily, we can seriously laugh about now!

I can't believe how much me and my friends have all changed in just over a year (my hair is so short!!) - crazy! I'd definitely go back to Essex - was a great couple of nights out!

Send me your #TBT photos on twitter or instagram - or link them below!

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ghd air Hairdryer Review & Party Look

The hairdryer. Something I expected 99% of us own and use but something that I never really put much thought into. (tut tut!)
 A dryer that dries my hair and isn't the ugliest thing on the market - that is always what I've gone for. 
Over the last 12 months I have cut back alot on using a hairdryer and heat in general in a desperate effort to grow my hair and - yes it does work!
But no hairdryer often leads to a frizzy, unmanageable mane or just shoving my hair up when it is wet - not always the best look, especially for work. 

So when I was contacted recently to try out the ghd air Hairdryer I jumped at the chance.

I had be hearing so much about this hairdryer - and all amazing things. 
It promised alot - a salon finish, less heat, a quicker dry, locked in moisture - how could I not want to try this?
My previously hairdryer, even though it was a fairly okay brand and worked (what I thought was) well, it took good while to dry my whole head after a hair wash and with seriously seriously HOT air which I always knew was NOT good for it. It left my hair feeling dry and damaged.

ghd are a brand I have been using for years - I have literally had the same pair of straighteners for TEN years (and they are still going strong!). 
So I know that their products are brilliant quality which really do work and really do last. So I had high high hopes for the ghd air. 

Receiving the parcel was like Christmas and my Birthday all over again, I was so so excited to see the beauty and put it to the test!
First of all lets talk about the look. The ghd air's look reflects the promise it gives - so sleek and professional. Simple black with metallic features this hairdryer looks salon perfect and of course matches my classic black straighteners.

Now a few facts - this hairdryer comes with a handy 3m cable (fab for us girls who are doing 10 things at once and need the flexibility), it is 2100w and comes with not only variable controls for temperature and power but also a great, easy to reach, cool shot button.

It comes with 2 different concentrator nozzles and I was also lucky enough to receive a separate diffuser. 
Having a professional-strength motor makes this hairdryer super quick at drying and it's advanced technology reduces frizz and flyaways (hallelujah) as helps to lock in moisture - so that's half the regular drying time and a salon result. Perfecto.

So here's what I think of the ghd air.... Wow.
Never did I really think that a different higher-end hairdryer would have such different effect on my hair.
This hairdryer has so many benefits I don't know where to start.
First of all this thing is so much quieter than a regular hairdryer. Even my boyfriend came in and commented on it - which is a major bonus when you want to listen to music whilst you glam yourself up.
The time it took to dry my hair was, like it promised, halved and with what felt like hardly any heat or force at all - another bonus right there!

My hair afterwards felt smooth, soft and sleek (and NOT frizzy....it's a miracle!) just a salon blow-dry. 
My hair felt alot less dry than it ever does with my usual hairdryer and the fact it was so smooth and sleek meant that it only need a tiny bit of styling afterwards - which meant even less heat being used on my hair, top marks ghd!
At £99 yes it is a little pricier than other dryers out there on the high street but I can honestly say that for me, this feels so so much better and works a whole lot better than a regular hairdryer! 
Really it is an investment, just like a pair of straighteners and with my experience with ghd products will last a long, long time.
I definitely think I'm going to be using a hairdryer alot more often now - this beauty is so much better for my hair and seems to use alot less heat which is perfect for me while I'm trying to grow my hair out still!

After looking through the hairstyles on ghdhair.com and falling in love with some of the masterpieces so thought I would give a party look a go myself with the aid of my air!

Normally when I go out I like to wear my hair down with extensions, but after seeing some of the gorgeous up-do's on the ghd website  I thought I'd try something a little different and see what I could come up with!
All I used for this look was my ghd air, a heat protectant spray, a round brush, kirby grips and a touch of hairspray to finish.
This was simple and easy - how I like my hair to be!
 I just half-dried my hair upside-down (helps to keep volume) and then separated it into 2 sections. I then used my round brush with the hairdryer to create a beehive type lift on the top section and dried the bottom section as normal.
Then after just a tiny bit of backcombing at the top I gripped my beehive section and then simply gripped the bottom section up into a small bun.

So the only heat used for this look was with my GHD air - it is sleek, smooth and free from more or less all fly-aways with basically no heat applied! This hairdryer is a total game changer!
I definitely want to wear my hair out like this out on a night-out soon - I feel very 'The Help/Hairspray' ... both amazing movies right?! What do you girls think?

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(***Disclaimer : This product was kindly sent to me by the lovely people at ghd.. All thoughts, opinions and ideas are always my own and I would never include an item or product on A Yellow Brick Blog that I didn't truly believe in.)

Wishlist : Forever 21

Forever 21 is a website I am always browsing, there is so much choice on there and so many cool and individual bits that are so my style!
After browsing the site the other day and adding lots to my 'wishlist' online I thought why not share of few bits from the list with you beauties! 
I love looking at what everyone else is lusting after so here are a few bits that I am lusting after from Forever 21.

1. Barbie Girl Sweatshirt

2. Hollywood Phone Case

3. Posh Almond Pumps - Red

4. Retro Faux Stone Necklace

5. Flower Power Boxy Tee

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