Semi Permanent make up Cardiff, South Wales. Cosmetic tattooing

Hi hi!

So I've been mulling over the idea of getting my eyebrows tattooed for literally years. I over plucked as an idiot teen, not that I had much to play with anyway! I've spent the last few years powdering my brows in everyday as part of my morning routine only for them to disappear again at night. I was having HD brows for a few years and although it helped a lot it still wasn't enough. I just couldn't escape the fact I wanted something there when I took off my make up. 

It was my birthday a few days ago and I am off to Marbella next week. So I was thinking I need to look my best for somewhere with a glam reputation like Marbs. So decided to just go for it! Why the hell not?!

So this is me before, bare faced may I add.

Can I start off by saying a massive thank you to Jade at The Contour Clinic Cardiff. She managed to fit me in at really short notice, which was amazing! She was instantly warm and friendly and I felt at ease instantly. We chatted for a bit after I had filled in all the relevent forms and applied some numbing creme around my brows. We talked about my expectations and what I wanted to get out of the treatment. I showed her a few pictures and we decided to go for a fairly natural but slightly more dramatic hair stroke finish. 

I lay on the bed and it began with me having my brows drawn on into the desired shape. This took a little while as its obviously important its right. I was matched to a colour that was the same as my natural hair colour. Once we were both happy the tattooing began. Was it uncomfortable? Yes a little. I wont lie. Although no where near as bad as being threaded!!! It took a little while to finish them and I was more than delighted when I got to look in the mirror. 

I am totally happy with the results. I had them done a few days ago so I am still in the sexy slightly scabby stage at the moment, but i suffered no pain after, no swelling, no nothing! Amazing. I am healing really well and I can't wait to see them fully settled. 

I would recommend The Contour Clinic to anyone thinking of getting semi permanent cosmetics such as eyebrows, eye liner or lip liner. I love the fact I can save time in the morning because the brows are already there. Hells yeah!

Here is my after picture.

For lots lots more of The Contour Clinics before and afters and testimonials and prices etc visit the facebook here. 

If you are thinking about cosmetic tattooing or want any more information like how long they last and more click here. This is written alot better than I could put it.

I'll post healed pictures up very soon!

Lots of love

Aimie xxx

Festival Fashion. Do's and Don'ts

We may be well and truly stuck in the festival season now, what with Glastonbury already over for another year, but with plenty more festivals to choose from over the coming months, it’s not over yet. Whether you’re popping your festival cherry this year, or even if you’re a frequent attendee, tips and advice about what to do, and what not to do, when it comes to festival fashion, can help you to look and feel great all of the time – even when you’re stuck, knee deep, in a muddy field! Check out the do’s and don’ts below before you pack your camping bag and be safe in the knowledge that you’ll look amazing, from the opening act right through to the headliners.  

Do  

• Take plenty of hair bands. Scrape your hair back into a messy up-do to look super stylish, even on the last day of the festival when your hair has seen better days. Plaits are also a great way of making your hair look good when it hasn't been washed for longer than you care to remember.  
• Take cover-ups, even if the weather report says it’s going to be sunny throughout. You know what the English weather can be like, after all! Pick up a lightweight jacket or hoody from George at ASDA, or use oversized military shirts if you want to look effortlessly cool.  
• Wear a sun hat. The last thing you’ll want is sunstroke in the middle of a field. If you’re spending the day in the arena, where there’s little to no shade, a sun hat will be essential. It’s also a great way of hiding festival hair.  
• Consider short playsuits. They are easy, comfortable and look fab with a pair of wellies!  
• Stick with what you know. There’s no point donning styles that you've seen Kate Moss et al sporting at festivals when, for the rest of the year, your style doesn't resemble this at all. It’s essential that you feel comfortable at a festival, so take things that you’ll feel good in.  
• Relax. Sure, a festival is a great opportunity to let go, chill out and forget about the stresses of home, but if you spend the whole time boozing, dancing and passing out until lunchtime, you won’t come home being able to see you truly appreciate it. Yes, a festival is all about the atmosphere, but relaxing and enjoying the music on offer is a must, too. It’s not all about the party tents!  

Don’t  

• Don’t rely too much on denim. By all means, take your favorite cut-offs, but also take other items as well. If it rains heavily, denim takes an age to dry, so you’ll need something that is quick-drying in addition.  
• Don’t just drink booze. It won’t hydrate you. Always have a bottle of water with you.  
• Don’t forget the baby wipes – they’re a festival must-have and a great way of feeling a little clean, even after camping in a cramped field for four days.  

The Leeds and Reading weekends are just around the corner – whether you have tickets for one of these belters, or if you have another festival planned, pack some of your favorite outfits, treat yourself to something new from George and, most of all, don’t forget the dry shampoo! You’ll need it!  

Enjoy girlies

I know I certainly will!

Lots of Love Aimie xxx

Japonesque. Welcome to Cardiff!!!

So. As you all know I am a resident of the beautiful bay of Cardiff and was really excited when I was invited to the launch of Cardiff's newest beauty brand now in John Lewis. Welcome Japonesque. 

Who are Japonesque?? This is what they have to say.

Japonesque makeup brushes and tools are more than just accessories to beauty, they elevate the user's experience.

Founded over 20 years ago, Japonesque has earned the reputation of creating the most versatile, innovative and distinctive makeup brushes and beauty accessories in the industry. 

Favoured by celebrated makeup artists and beauty professionals worldwide, Japonesque products are crafted with precision in mind. Exceptional materials, superior craftsmanship and our uncompromising standards have allowed us to create some of the most desired beauty accessories in the world for our customers. 

Some of the industry's most successful brands, most respected retailers and the worlds finest spas have something in common: a desire to provide their clientele with the highest quality products. They put their trust in us. 

I was met and greeted with drinks and macaroons which were scrummy and was lucky to meet and have a mini master class by the wonderful Paul. 

He taught me some really good tips for achieving a great smoky eye which I will remember and definitely put into practise with the one million Christmas and birthday parties I have between now and Christmas. He talked me through some of the great products they have in their range. Japonesque have been long known in the states for their beauty tools so now they have a full range of cosmetics to go alongside is great. The quality and pigments in the products are more than enough to rival established brands such as NARS, Urban Decay and MAC. I was lucky enough to take home a finishing powder (something I can never live without as I love the matte finish) and a 150 degree eyeshadow brush. 

The finishing powder is gorgeous, it makes my skin look matted but radiant at the same time. Something I've never been able to achieve with MACs studio fix powder and Estée Lauders double wear powder. I will most definitely be repurchasing this! 

The eyeshadow brush makes application so easy as you can use it at all angles. Very simple. I need a new foundation brush as double wear has killed my current MAC brush. Sad face. 

As you can see by the top of the casing each lid is hand designed so each is individual. Mine will never be the same as yours. The products are all colour coded so you will always know what's what.

They have a large range of tools, cases and accessories perfect for the amateur and professional! 

Working as a lash and brow technician I am obviously very excited over the large range of lashes and tweezers (simple things haha) and will be seriously thinking of purchasing some new tweezers to work alongside my HD tweezers while HD'ing my gorgeous clients brows. 

Thanks guys for the fabulous time! 

Lots of love Aimie 

Bling and thrift!

Hi readers.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch of Japonesque last week. More to follow. 

What have I been up to? 

Bling!! 

My boyfriends toddler niece asked Father Christmas for princess dresses this year...however she has millions so me being me couldn't get her a forgettable gift, instead roll in crystallised converse!! 

I used real Swarovski elements stones in AB so the quality and sparkle is unbelievable! I have tried to capture it in this photo however nothing beats the real thing. 

I have gift wrapped them in a recycled glossy box. I think I put it to good use! 

What do you think? 

She is going to be the best dressed toddler in the world! And handmade by her loving auntie haha. 

Talking of recycling glossy boxes finally got round to turning mine into a larger cosmetics box. I was sick of them looking cluttered and busy!! 

I made the side parts more interesting by using washi tape which I had never discovered before. How?!?! It's so cheap and easy!! While I was at it, I also did my cupboard in my bathroom. 

I've been rather thrifty lately. Ill be composing a detailed post over the coming days of how to improve and decorate your rented home without pissing off the landlord and sticking to their rules and doing it cheaply! 

Lots of love Aimie xxxx

Introducing my new favourite haircare brand EVO.

Yes.

That's exactly it. 

Now the Moroccan oil repair products have been a firm fave since seriously damaging my magnificent mane back in the new year leaving it shorter, sadder and generally in a depressing state. 

So while getting my hair done today in the salon I was told I needed a bit more help. I've been recommended EVOs Mane Prescription protein treatment to help repair my hair on the inside. It is recommended for colour treated weak and brittle hair. I've already had 1 treatment and so far my hair feels amazing. I can run my fingers through it with ease and it's generally a lot less frizzy.  

So my prescription works like antibiotics for the hair, treating it until it is healed. I've been told to use it for 7 washes and then see how it is. So obviously a follow up review will follow in a few weeks when I've finished my "prescription". 

EVO is a brilliant and quirky brand.  Here is what they say about themselves :

"fresh from the primordial gene pool, the best cutters, designers and lab rats in the business have created evo : the most luxurious, innovative and yet sensible hair care range that has ever existed. born from a desire to produce a high quality salon range (and not sell it as the answer to life, love and other woes), evo steps outside the normal realm of truth-stretching invention, to help people think a little and look good, all at the same time. evo ... sweet revenge against an industry of over-inflated truths."

In all fairness I couldn't describe it better!!
Here are a few of their other cheeky products that will bring a smile to any ones face. 

For my welsh readers you can purchase it here @ Hair and Nail Lounge Cardiff
For everyone else the official EVO site.
Enjoy. 
Lots of love
Aimie xxx

Lush beauty blogger event in Cardiff.

Firstly let me apologise for my disappearance over the past few weeks. Me and the Carlos have moved home, it took him quite some time to set up my pc. Phew what effort it has been so far, and it isn't finished yet. My poor little Clio has been run ragged over the last two weeks moving things two and fro and trips to Ikea. Not the stuff dreams are made of but we are pretty much settled in our new place in Cardiff Bay and loving it! Might put up a little interior post for you all to have a little guided tour soon!

So just before I moved I happily attended the Lush bloggers event in Cardiff. If you read my blog you will be well aware I have an intense love for Lush and I adore almost everything. I went with fellow beauty blogger Hannah from Awaken Beauty (why not give her a visit? maybe a cheeky follow too?)

So we were greeted by some yummy non-alcoholic cocktails. One a refreshing and light fruity mix and the other a rose blend that you would drink if you took a little visit to one of their Lush spas. 

Pretty much everyone there ran for the upstairs first leaving us nosing downstairs. Downstairs we got the fun task of making our own "Angels on bare faces" cleansers. It was like being in nursery and being encouraged to make a mess so much fun!

Upstairs there was lots to see and do like trying the face masks, cleansers, moisturisers and make up etc. Rather than bore you with chit chat, here are a few more pics.

Everything we tried left our skin feeling just lush....Personal favourites include moisturiser "Gorgeous", "9-5" cleanser, "Dusk till dawn" massage bar and "Ro's Argan body conditioner". For me nothing beats Gorgeous and Whoosh shower jelly. Absolute nom!!!

In time I will do a few reviews on my favourite products but for now I shall keep this short and sweet. Thank you to the Lush staff for having us, always so friendly and caring. It was also great meeting everyone! All in all a great evening!

Lots of love

Aimie xxx

OPI nail polishes hit Superdrug stores!

Hi there!

Firstly let me say sorry for the recent disappearance, severe lack of imagination. So I'm back and ready to go!!!

Secondly, yes you read the title correctly OPI nail polishes have hit Superdrug stores! 

In the next few days Superdrug will be selling Nicole by OPI polishes in a wide range of colours and glitters. I know for a fact the Cardiff store has them and they will be selling for a mere £7.99, so head on down and grab yours now!

I've been after a lime green for a little while and yesssss they had one and yesssss it is gorgeous. I blame Jessie J for this one. 

I have a few Nicole by OPI polishes and they have the same great quality as the original OPI brand (which are my favorite). 

I know I'll be buying some more! Any one else going to grab some while they can?

Drop me a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!

Lots of Love Aimie xxx