KISS Cosmetics Kisstick & Colour Switch Lipstick

Lip products, my ultimate weakness and what better than a product that can turn one lippy into well.... more than one lippy - that my friends is what the awesome people at Kiss cosmetics have created!

KISS Cosmetics Mini KISStick* & Colour Switch Lipstick*

Colour Switch is a new and original product and total innovative make-up saviour. Bored of the same colour? Keep on reading...

Colour Switch is a magic wand shade (Blanc) that can transform any of the KISStick shades into an entirely new colour - genius!

The white lipstick is used as a base; your lipstick is applied over the top and blended together creating a brand new colour. You can adjust the intensity as you like, doubling, tripling even quadrupling your current lippy collection.

 So easy and effective, this extends Kiss Cosmetics lip collection and makes them stand out from the cosmetics crowd.

Maybe you're bored of the one colour or it's a little too vibrant for you or for the look you are going for - the colour switch is all you need to transform it into something a little more subtle and pastel.

The KISStick shade features is 'Frisky Fuchsia' - a colour I would happily wear as it is or after the colour switch!

As you can see above the Colour Swtich is so easy to use and you can adjust it to whatever shade you fancy. From one layer to four, you can see how the colour transforms. (I haven't blended these though are you can see)

You can find the Colour Switch and everything else Kiss have to offer over at www.kisscosmetics.co.uk :)

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I'm Loving... #24

Inside Amy Schumer

Okay - this woman is bloody hilarious! I can't believe I had never watched this show before - it's now on Season 2 and it literally makes me lauhg out loud! Unfiltered, outrageous and ridculous comedy, it really is so up my street! I want to go out and party with this girl!

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical

I went to see this at the Mayflower this month with my parents as they had bought me a ticket for my birthday back in February! I LOVE musicals and this was amazing. For one... it had Duncan James in it - and he was in his pants about 30 seconds into it which was an added bonus! The music, the comedy, the drag - this made me smile from start to finish! I highly recommend!

MAC Give Me Sun Bronzer

I had totally forgotten about this little chestnut in my make-up collection until I dragged it out for Bestival! I got this years and years ago in New York but don't wear it that often anymore just because I'm never normally tanned enough! I had fake tanned for Besti so this was a perfect match - such a gorgeous shade.

Bleach London Pink Rose Shampoo & Conditioner

This shampoo and conditioner worked wonders in my hair this past month - even better than the dye itself! I left them both on for 5-10 minutes and it turned my hair into a fabulous shade of baby pink - winner wiiner!

My New Elsa mug

Opps, I may have gone to the Disneystore this month. This mug was half price so I couldn't not buy it, you know? Cute!

L'oreal Make-up Genius App

The clue is in the name - this is genius! Honestly just download it and give it a go, and if you fancy a laugh try it on your boyfriend/husband/dad!

Scream Queens

YES! Finally! I have been waiting for this show for so many months now and it is finally here - Yay!!!! This show is hilarious and the cast is just so on point - I love Emma Roberts and the fact Ariana has a guest role in it just makes it even better!

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

With the change in weather recently my lips have really been paying the price. Crusty, flaky, dry lips are just a no-no so I've been using this stuff a few times a week to try and keep my lips soft and smooth!

Zoeva Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush
I have used this brush everyday for over a year now - I feel like I haven't spoke about it a lot so I wanted to share my love for it in this post! I use this for my contouring, the angle makes it fab for my bronzer and then I use the other end/side for my highlight - I don't think I could live without it!

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Blogging Behind The Scenes : How I Make My Collages

This is a question I have been asked so many times over the last couple of years - 'how do you make those collages?"
I'm talking about my wishlists, my 'I'm Loving' posts, my 'Dress Like Disney' posts etc etc. It's always kind of hard to explain over Twitter or on Facebook so I thought what better than to do a quick and easy 'How To' blog post for you all!

First up I use picmonkey.com (my ultimate blogging weapon!). 
These posts normally don't take me too long as most of the time I get all my content prepped before I start making the collage itself.

I head to PicMonkey and to get started I click edit, choose computer and find a previous collage I have done or a good sized photo.
Once the picture had uploaded I then go straight to 'Canvas Colour' and change it to plain white (colour code ffffff) to give me a fresh base to work on.

Once this is done I click the butterfly symbol tab on the side bar which is for overlays (pictures) and then go to the top option which is 'Your Own'.

Previous to this I normally have found all the pictures that I want to be included in the collage. Depending on what sort of post I am doing depends on where I get the pictures from but I near enough always go for a picture with a plain white background as it is easier to work with and well.... they look better!
I find the picture I want online (e.g. Stitch cushion) and save it to my computer.

Once I've found the image I want when I've clicked on 'Your Own' overlay I just double click and upload it to the picture.

I carry on doing this with all my pictures for the collage and then it's time for the fun part - to re-size, organise and make them into a pretty collage.

This part is normally pretty straight forward, sometimes I just need to eraser bits here and there if photos are laying on top of each other/blocking each other.
For this all I do is click on the photo in question and choose 'Eraser' - I usually whack my eraser size up to fairly large to make things quicker and  I just get rid of that white background from the picture that I don't need or that is in the way!

Another way I get around photos blocking each other is sending them to the front or back, which is when I send the photo chosen to be bought forward and lay on top of another photo or to be send behind.

After all the fiddling around and once I'm happy with the finished result I click combine all making the collage into one solid picture.

It's then time to save! I just hit the save button at the top which then gives you options as to how you would like to save your photo.
 ALWAYS save in PNG form, this ensures that the backdrop to your photo is bright white when uploading it to your blog, normally if you save it in JPG form it is a little grey and doesn't look as good.

And..... TA DA! Here's the finished project! (Everything pictured from the Disney Store UK)

I hope you guys found this helpful, let me know in the comments below and let me know if you'd like anymore 'How To' posts!

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New Lee Stafford Bleach Blondes & Arganoil Releases

I am all up for trying out new products and when it's from one of my favourite brands I'm all the more excited!
Lee Stafford is a brand/guy I have shouted from the rooftops about for years and years - I'm such a lover of his stuff and each new range he brings out just seems to get better and better.
I've used products from both of these ranges before, so too see new additions have me excited and intrigued!

Bleach Blondes GOLDen girl Oil*, Bleach Blondes Tone Correcting Conditioning Spray*, Arganoil Nourishing Miracle Mist*, Arganoil Night Repair Serum*

First up lets talk about the new products in the Bleach Blondes range.
 As you all know, I'm not a natural blonde (sorry for spoiling the illusion) and trying to maintain a good shade of pretty blonde whilst keeping my hair in good condition can take a few products. 
Because I have bleached hair I really do try to keep it healthy and strong especially at the ends and number one on list list is always - oils.
GOLDen girl OiL is an oil said to be a 'kiss of life for bleached hair' something I desperately need after a few blow dry and straightening sessions! Before I had my hair cut into a lob the ends were so thin and straggly and I really don't want my hair to be in that condition again this time round! 
This oil can be used on wet or dry hair and has a lovely weightless, non-greasy formula. The scent is the classic LS scent which I love and I've been using this when my hair is damp and then again once it has air-dryed from the mid-lengths to the ends.
GOLDen girl OiL hydrates thirst quenching hair, amplifies shine and helps to neutralise brassy tones - perfect for us blondies!

Next up is the Tone Correcting Conditioning Spray. This actually surprised me, I've seen sprays like this before and they are normally something you spray in your hair before showering but this stuff is for afterwards - not to be washed out.
Another violet toning product to help get rid of those brassy/copper tones but also a conditioning spray to keep your hair strong, soft and moistoursied. Genius!

Now.... onto those Arganoil newbies!
The Nourishing Miracle Mist has slowly become my favourite new hair product in my routine! It reminds me a bit of the Ubuntu Oils Repairing Mist which is used daily when I had extensions, it's light and not greasy in the slightest! It has transformed my dry, processed ends into softer and more mangeable locks. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Last but not least is the Arganoil Night Repair Serum. I love a product which can get to work while I'm getting my beauty sleep - no leaving on for 15 minutes and then rinsing out, this stuff you can pop on and just head to bed - lovely jubley!
This overnight miracle treatment is a moisture infused lotion you pop on your mid-lengths to ends before bed - but don't worry this stuff is easy peasy and absorbs quickly so won't leave a nasty mark on your pillow! In fact.... I'm about to comb some through my hair right now!
Leaving your hair feeling protected and regenerated this is the perfect weekly beauty treat.


Well there's another 4 Lee Stafford products to add to my ever-growing collection - you can find them all on boots.com and in store now :)

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My ASOS Saved Items #1

I don't think there has been a day in the last month that I haven't visited ASOS.com.
I honestly think I may have an addiction.

The variety it has, the constant new stock.... that god damn sale! I love this website and with it's next day delivery on every order with my ASOS Premier sometimes it's hard not to go ahead and order stuff! I am constantly adding things to my 'saved items' and I'm sure you guys are the same, so I thought I would share today a few things I have added recently..... hurry up payday!!!

Wildfox Plaid Pyjama Set | ASOS Suede Biker Jacket With Fringe | ASOS Over The Knee Boots | Teen Witch Slogan Jumper | ASOS Floral Mini Dress | Missguided Lace Up Pointed Heels | ASOS Swing Red In Star Print | ASOS Dinosaur Print Pyjamas | River Island Double Pom Beanie Hat  | ASOS Lace High Neck Tunic | Love Quote Sign | River Island Leather Look Skirt | Grey Vans Sweater | ASOS Chunky Knit Ribbed Jumper | Baby Doll Shift Dress | Drama Queen T-Shirt | Olivia Burton Watch

Shop my Saved Items :

Please let me know if you've enjoyed this quick post, I love seeing what everyone else has their eye on when it comes to fashion and style! 

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Little Ondine Natural Nail Polish Review

When it comes to me and nail products..... it never really works out overly well! My nails are pretty cr*p and I struggle to find polishes that last more than a day and/or don't make my nails more brittle than they already are!

Fast forward to September 2015 and a brand new natural beauty brand that has come into my life and I may have just found something worth shouting about!

Little Ondine Nail Polishes - Nivarna & Second Wish*

Little Ondine are a fairly new brand on the block and after hearing all about their products and being offered to try a couple I thought it sounded like a fab idea. 

From what I was told these polishes sounded almost too good to be true and I couldn't wait to give them a go.

 To start they only have 3 ingredients! 3! 
Water, natural resin and organic colourants. Just 3 little things make up these unique polishes and what's best about that? It means they are odourless - fantastic for when your painting in public especially AND quick drying - something everyone wants in a polish!

The packaging (shown above) is fabulous too, great fold-up cardboard containers which then unfold to reveal all the information you need about the polishes and how to use them #genius!

After shaking the bottle well and washing and drying my hands as instructed I sat down ready and raring to transform my short, stumpy boring nails.
The consistency of the polishes are fairly 'gloopy' which worried me at first but the style of the brush makes it so easy to sweep the product on. (Even on my tiny little nails!)
As promised the product is totally odour free (so no moans from the boyfriend who was sat next to me!) and after a few coats and just a few minutes they were totally opaque and dry - I couldn't believe it.

The instructions also mention to keep your hands dry for the first hour after painting.... I can't remember whether I did or not to be honest (I'm a bit of a serial hand washer I'm afraid) but I'm going to remember this for the future. 

I couldn't believe how brilliant this polish looked. So even that it looked like it could be shellac or gellish, I was paranoid that I was going to chip it and ruin my fabulous work BUT I have to say this lasted probably ten times longer than any high street polish I've used in the past on my nails. (like I said before I never have much luck, but this really did work!)

When you're ready to change these polishes removing it couldn't be easier - you literally just peel it off! 
No nail polish removers or acetone required! Something else which always makes my nails even worst and with Little Ondine I can avoid it! 
When I came to take it off I did have a few nails lifting ready to be peeled already so it couldn't have been easier, plus I didn't feel like I was damaging my nails at all.
Since using these two shades my nails have grown and actually feel a little stronger, which is something I was not expecting at all!

I was surprised by how many shades are in the Little Ondine collection - over 60 (all found here) - there is literally something for everyone, every season and every event!

Please let me know if you try them out and what you think - I can't wait to invest in some more shades, at £9.20 each they are a little more expensive than your usual Barry M the for the quality and the fact they are all natural I'll happily pay a little more.

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Blogging Behind The Scenes : How I Take My Blog Photos

Photography is a huge part of blogging. No matter what anyone else says - photography can make or break a blog in my opinion.

I've been very conscious of my blog photos since starting A Yellow Brick Blog and I'm sure I'm not the only person who has felt this way.
Looking at other bloggers, their amazing set-ups (crisp white, gorgeous lighting, pretty flower arrangements... you know the drill) and their awesome camera skills I've not felt great about my own work alot of the time! (Silly I know but comparison just comes naturally to me!)

It's only been the last few months or so that I've started to feel 'okay' about my photos and that's all down to my new little set up I've put together.

A few people who I know in 'real life' have said to me "your flat looks so lovely, so white and pretty" - to this I cannot help but laugh. It is incredible how much influence one photo can give.... as you can see above all it is is a cheeky bit of thick white card.

That's right - it cost me £5 and has lasted me for MONTHS! All I do is pop this onto my ottoman in my lounge, push it up against the wall and - Bobs your uncle, the perfect backdrop to pop anything onto!

I use a soft box light alongside this as lighting truly is key when it comes to blog photography - it really does transform a picture. 

Normally the light is facing the wall not to the side as the photo above shows. (I just wanted to show you it all in one photo)

 This light was from Amazon but I actually bought it off of a lovely blogger who had two but really only needed one - so it was a total bargain and has totally changed the way I do my photos! One of the best things now is that I don't have to wait for daylight - I can take photos whenever I want - which is great as I am at work 5 days a week adn evenings most of the time are more practical! 

With this plain backdrop I really can transform it into anything - I've used everything from books to candles to hairbands to help create an aesthetically pleasing backdrop for the products (or whatever it may be) that I am photographing and I really do try to mix it up!

The camera I use is the Canon 700D which is a DSLR and I LOVE it! One of the best investments I've ever made, I'm still learning constantly with it though as I'm no professional ha!

A few of my photos with my new set up....

So there we have it, there's your sneak peek into my blog photos and what goes into making them..... I'm sorry if the illusion has been ruined for some of you!

Let me know what you thought of this post - I'd love to do some more 'behind the scenes' type posts!

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Current Beauty Favourites

YAY! Beauty talk once more here on AYBB - I've missed it!
Time to chat all about my current go-to's in my crazy stash of beauty goodies (I really need another clearout ya know!). These are my current favourite products, everything from primers to perfumes, so sit back, relax, maybe even grab a cup of tea and settle down to my ramblings!

First up - my ultimate perfume pick of the moment! Yes I've spoken about this a couple of times already so I won't chat for too long, it's Estee Lauder Modern Muse Le Rouge. 
I'm in love with this stuff and I'm already sad about the thought of it running out!
I've been getting so many compliments on it and even a few of my friends have popped it on their christmas lists already! 
Next up Rimmel's Good To Glow highlighter. This is such a bargain and gives the perfect shimmery glow under or over foundation! If you like a good shimmer this is the stuff for you, you only need a tiny bit aswell which helps it last for ages. I've had this for months and months and I don't even think I'm half way through yet.

2 Products from theBalm now. The Nude'tude eyeshadow palette and the Bahama Mama bronzer - two of my most used products of the moment.
The bronzer has been in my daily routine since the day it dropped into my lap, it's such a gorgeous matte shade and I've found it perfect for contouring - plus... cute packaging right?
The eyeshadow palette is also a delight to the eyeballs isn't it! I love all the cute names and the netural colours are perfect for me and my un-adventurous eye make-up style!
Another Rimmel product I have been using daily is the Lasting Finish concealer. I pop this in a triangle under my eyes, around my nose and on a couple of blemishes to help cover all those dark and red areas! I love this just as much as my Seveteen Phowarr Paint I used for so long, it really does cover and last.

I recently stumbled back across a few Benefit minis I had stashed away from Christmas and I thought it was about time I put the to good use. The Porefessional primer is my ultimate favourite primer (like ever), using this for Bestival was a life saver (I tend to save it for when I'm wearing a full face of slap) - it really does makes an incredible base to pop everything onto and helps to keep it on alot longer than others I've tried!
The Stay Don't Stray primer is also something I have been using alot! Years ago I never used to bother with eyeshadow primers but they really do make a world of difference, this tiny pot has lasted me for weeks now so I can imagine the full-size woud go a long, long way.

Another primer (yes another one guys!) which I have been using daily is the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. This is what I have been using for everyday work days and it is a beaut. It's very creamy which is great for this weather change we are having as my skin has been getting really dry, it helps to keep it hydrated! My dry skin and make-up is never a good mix.

Mascara now and I'm going to link you directly to my review on this one - here!
 After a month of using the L'oreal Volume Million Lashes Feline I am still a fan and I think I might actually repurchase this one (which when it comes to mascaras is almost unheard of with me!).

Last but not least my favourite lip liner (a god send in pencil form). Whirl from MAC is incredible - that is all you need to know.
 I pair this with Velvet Teddy for the ultimate nude lip to suit any skintone, hands down one of the best purchases I've ever made from MAC.

What have been your favourite beauty products lately? 

Got a blog post request? Let me know!!!

Shop The Post :

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Disney Wishlist : September

Beauty & The Beast Pyjamas | Lion King Pants | Elsa & Hans Mug | Ariel Tumblr | Hamm Piggy Bank | The most incredible castle (Kind of out of my price range.....) | Lava Limited Edition Lithograph Collection | Vans Princess Trucker Hat

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Losing My Blogging Mojo

For the last month or so I feel like I have started every single post with the same sort of statement - "Sorry I've been so MIA" "I'll be back doing lots of blog posts soon" etc etc and believe me, I have tried. I really, really have tried.

You've probably noticed if you've followed my blog for a while that I've slowly been posting less and less, which I have been so sad about! I've stopped and had a sit down when I've a free hour or so alot recently and have tried to get into my usual little blogging groove that I've had for the past 2 and a half years but my mind has just been so completely empty.

No original thoughts popping up, no drive to form any sort of content.... I've just been struggling, really struggling and to be honest I never thought I'd see the day.

Since starting A Yellow Brick Blog up 'properly' in 2013 my passion for blogging and the community has just grown and grown and I really have loved every second! I've always had a real motivation and dedication for making my posts fresh, frequent and fun, so this new feeling was very alien to me and I haven't liked it one bit!

Yes, I know you're all going to say that we all need a break sometimes and if it doesn't feel right then just take a step back and have a breather - which is totally what I've done.... BUT the pressure of not getting certain jobs done or replying to certain e-mails has had me so stressed and that has totally sucked!

Over the last couple of weeks or so I've suddenly had the horrible feeling that this stuff maybe just isn't for me anymore - what is the point? where is it going? Do I even enjoy it anymore? Is it all worth it the time and effort?
Jesus... a bit serious right? haha - and not me at all, I'm not one to get all down in the dumps too often!
Blogging started off as a fun hobby for me to do whilst looking for a job a few years ago and this little thing has grown into something that I couldn't of ever imagined (even though in the grand scheme of things it is still teeny tiny!) but I can't deny how much I LOVE it and how great it feels to have made this little spot online out of nothing!

After a fun-filled weekend letting my hair down at Bestival and not having to think about blogging at all, I feel totally refreshed I really feel ready to get back into blogging, in fact.... I think I've got my mojo back! 

So fingers crossed this is the old blogging Kirstie back, ready and raring to go!

Love you guys, thank you for baring with me :)

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Autumn/Winter Fashion Wishlist 2015

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I'm Loving... #23

As I decided not to put up a monthly favourites this month because I felt like it was alot of the same stuff I'd previously posted, I thought I'd just carry on with my "I'm loving" posts here and there!

MTV Ex On The Beach

Oh my good god, how on earth have I never watched this show before? It is literally so bad it's good! I cannot believe how some of these people talk, it is outrageous and I can't help but find it hilarious! Cami and Kirk's entrance argument has to be the highlight so far - could not stop laughing! 

Travalo Milano

I spoke about this last week on here. This brand new Travalo is bloomin' marvellous - the new design is slick, luxorious and the new spray action is incredible- read more about it here.

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Eye Primer

I stumbled back across this the other day when doing my eye make-up and searching through my primer draw! I only have the mini size as I got in in the Benefit advent calendar last year! This is brilliant and has been my go-to primer when doing a full face of make-up, I think I'm going to have to invest in a full-size!

theBalm Nude'Tude Palette

Even though I own countless palettes I always seem to float between the original Naked palette and this little beauty! theBalm is one of best new brands I've stumbled across since I started blogging and their products are securely placed into my daily routine, this is a fab investment!

WAGs on E!

Yes...... I have been drawn in to yet another trashy American reality show about nobody's. But... I just love them okay! This is all about US WAGs, I'm loving the glam and drama so much already, it's on E! on Tuesdays, check it out!

Little Mix - Hair

My favourite song at the moment! I loveeeee Little Mix and cannot wait for their album to be released later this year.

St. Moriz Fake Tan Mousse - Dark

With Bestival starting (today) I have been desperately trying to glam myself up a little after a summer of working indoors! This is my go-to tan and I'm hoping I'll have a slight glow (that isn't white based) for the weekend!

Rimmel Lasting Finish Concealer

This has been my number one concealer for the past few months, with the amount of early morning shifts I've had recently I've had to have something half decent to cover those big bad bags under my eyes! This works a charm, so so good for the price tag!

UnReal

Another TV show I have been obsessed with is UnReal.  On Lifetime this is a show about the behind of scenes of a show called 'Everlasting' (basically The Bachelor) and it shows the producers manipulating the cast and all the drama that unfolds, it has just finished it's first season but if you get the chance to watch it I highly recommend. It really makes you wonder what really happens on these real 'reality' TV dating shows.......

Mac Lipliner - Whirl

This has got to be my favourite lip liner that I own. I pair it with Velvet Teddy for that awesome KJ look, soooo worth the money  as I know it's going to last months and months. This is a must for the perfect nude lip.

What have YOU been loving recently?

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I Love... Cleansing Hand Gel Collection

As we all probably know by now - I'm a bit of an anti-bac addict.
I couldn't tell you how many I have lying around or have used in the past but it is literally countless!
I always have one in my bag and am forever trying to find new ones to try so too see a new collection being released had me very excited!

You probably all recognise the 'I love...' brand - they have a huge collection out and I always seem to end up with at least one of their Christmas gifts from someone each year!
When I heard they were releasing a new range of hand gels I was over the moon - 1. because I'm a germophobe and 2. because their products always smell incredible!

Cleansing Hand Gels in : Raspberry & Blackberry*, Mango & Papaya*, Coconut & Cream*, Strawberries & Cream*.

As I had suspected - these hand gels smell incredible! My favourites have to be coconut & cream and strawberries and cream, I love a sweet scent and the smell really lasts.

Online it does state that these are an anti-bacterial sanitizer but on the packaging it doesn't, for me this is a little disappointing as I think you'd like to know it is anti-bac when you pick it up and read it. I'd normally only ever pick up a hand gel if it said 'kills 99.9%' of germs - like most do.

With the jojoba beads in the formula these leave your hands really hydrated and soft (and most importantly clean!) making these the perfect handbag accessory!

At only £1.25 for a 65ml these are a total steal so it's totally reasonable to buy the whole collection! 

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