Pink Haired Princess

Post contains affiliate links (which can earn the blog a small commission on purchases made). No gifted PR products in this post. I have the final part of my beauty advent calendars of 2021 for you. You can find the first part here and my previous post here . 

Post contains affiliate links (which can earn the blog a small commission on purchases made). No gifted PR products in this post. Here's my second part of the advent calendar reveals (you can find Part 1 here ), days 9-16 for Paul & Joe and as I'm opening the Barry M one every second day (it's a 12 day advent), days 5-8. We'll begin with the Paul & Joe Makeup Collection 2021 , Day 9 , which were these adorable cat shaped hair clips. They have Paul & Joe written on one side and cat whiskers on the other. I was really excited to get these as it's quite a unique item, something that isn't sold separately here.

Post contains affiliate links (which can earn the blog a small commission on purchases made). No gifted PR products in this post. I said I would probably keep you updated on the Paul & Joe Makeup Collection 2021 (or advent calendar) as I opened it.  So here's my first part, days 1-8, I'm super impressed already.  Much like the last one I bought in 2019, there's been a mix of their makeup and skincare so far and something utterly adorable!  I also bought another beauty advent during Cyber Monday.  After including it in my list of 20 beauty advent calendars on the blog, back in October, I've been thinking I'd rather like it.  So read on for that too.   

Post contains affiliate links (which can earn the blog a small commission on purchases made). No gifted PR products in this post, all stock images from individual brand/retailer. For Christmas 2021, beauty advent calendars are back! During the pandemic last year, for many reasons I would assume, a lot of brands didn't launch calendars for Christmas. Between shop closures, restricted numbers in stores, shipping delays and likely just the general mood (though to be honest, I could've done with some extra sparkle), we missed out, but I've put together a list of 20 beauty advents that I think need your attention, starting with "the big one" launching today!

Today in the UK, it's Mother's Day.  I usually have to rely on my sister to find a card for me as my Mum is really into card making and makes them for me to give to friends, etc.  Obviously I can't ask her to make her own (!) and I'd be with her when shopping, so can't pick one up then either.  The past two years though, I haven't been near a shop, so I had to buy my gifts and card online.  My sister had been unwell, so I didn't want to hassle her to go searching for a card for me.  It's Mum's birthday in a couple of weeks too, so I decided to get both at once.  I was organised with a present, but left the card until the last minute!

Last month I shared with you what was inside my travel bag, after I'd spent the weekend away. If you'd like to familiarise yourself with that post, click here (it'll open in a new window). That post included the skincare items I took and I'll be showing you the makeup in this one. Like I said before, I wanted to pack light, but didn't want to find myself without a necessary item. The annoying thing about your beauty bag is you need the same amount of stuff whether you're staying one night or two weeks! A lipstick is a lipstick, whether you apply it once or a hundred times, it'll stay the same size, so it wasn't as easy as my skincare edit where I packed almost entirely 'mini' items. I've tried where possible to choose lighter and smaller pieces and did a sneaky little multi-task trick that I'll tell you about later. Before I let you know exactly what was inside, here's a close-up of the bag itself. This photo (above) is f...

After my swatch request last month, I had another from Lissa Jaye  this time, regarding a YSL lipstick. I immediately came up with some comparisons, but finding the time to write it up has taken longer than I expected, so I apologise for that. I do love getting these requests though (and would kinda like to make it a regular feature) and will respond but it might take some time to fit it in around everything else. Hint-hint if they're lipsticks or pencils or something really easy to swatch then I'm likely to respond quicker : ) So Lissa wanted to know if I knew of any dupes for YSL Rouge Pur in 126 Cashmere Pink/Rose Cachemire. If it's because this line is now discontinued then the perfect dupe is YSL Rouge Pur Couture in 09 Rose Stiletto, the 'newer' version if you like. It's a really good match in colour. However if you're looking for a cheaper alternative then I have some close but not perfect dupes. My product photos aren't that hot (my c...

Finally getting this post done and by the looks of things the images have remained the same size , wonders will never cease! This week was a bit of a tricky one because it involved a lip colour that I knew I didn't have and also because the eye and lip were practically the same shade and let me tell you, that can be hard to work! The doll in question is Frankie from Gloom Beach, who I forgot I owned until I found her (opened but) in a box in my room before I sorted out my doll storage. I then questioned why I'd even bought her as she isn't really a 'must-have' for me considering I don't religiously collect all the Frankie dolls (actually it turns out I have (or did have) more of her than Clawdeen who I do consider myself a collector of). Anyway, she already has green skin but decided to go all out with a pretty green lip and eye! In the end I'd say this turned out to be one of my better MHM's as it really captured the look of the doll (minus bolts...

Happy Halloween! 'Tis a very important day for my kind (!) I actually very nearly cast a spell on a delivery man today, who had the audacity to take the mickey out of my hair, for the second time (kinda creepy that he remembered me from last time). I gave him the 'Gemma death stare' instead which we all know is far superior to any wicked spell as it's been used for at least 20 years and most definitely puts the fear in any man! Haha! Or muahahaha, I should say! Anyway, he brought me sparkly shoes, so I'll let it go this time. What are you all doing for Halloween? I don't have any parties ( not because of my death stare), but I wanted to get into the spirit (haha) with some fun, freaky nail art. I sat during X-Factor on Saturday with a pile of different colours and nail pens and just did it all free-hand. I wasn't even particularly sure of what I was going to do, but it all worked out wonderfully in the end. I was really impressed that I man...

I'm really enjoying my Lipstick Challenge . Not only is it forcing me into using neglected lipsticks and helping (a tiny bit) to use up some lippies, I'm experimenting much more with layering. I've become very used to applying lipsticks straight out of the tube and maybe adding a little gloss at times. Now I'm trying to really change the look of the lipstick so I don't get bored throughout the week with the same shade. I tried out a new combo last week and ended up wearing it every day after that because I liked it so much! My lipstick was E.L.F. Matte Lip Color in Natural which is a dirty, reasonably deep pink. I'd wanted to lighten it, so put Barry M Lip Paint in 101 Marshmallow underneath. This is practically white on me (like sunblock!), with the Matte lippie on top it became a lightish, peachy pink. I didn't bother with lipliner as both lipsticks are quite 'dry' and don't feather on me. Then I added Clarins Instant Light Natur...