Eltoria

Sunday 30 November 2014

Different Methods of Hair Removal

Ok so I've kept this all a little secret but, a couple of weeks ago I was asked to take part in a docuseries with Curveball Media with the lovely YouTuber Leanne Lim Walker. The whole aim of the documentary was to discover which forms of hair removal were the best, and also what type of methods were being sold on the market. So one Tuesday afternoon, a mini film crew came to my house to film me trying out all different types of methods (and boy, there were some that I had never heard of in my life). This video is great to discover new forms of hair removal which are much more affordable, durable, and painless. Yes ladies, keeping your shavers in the shower for weeks on end will soon be banished out of your life (horaah!). Enjoy the video, and watch me having to wax my legs live on camera. Yes it did hurt and I hated it (sticky out tongue emoji).

Which method did you think was the best?

Much Love

Eltoria x

New HTML: You can now find me on http://eltoria.com

LUSH Essentials

You all know that I absolutely love LUSH! After working there for 3 years, that overpowering abundance of fragrances (that hits you every time when you walk into any store) has become my ultimate addiction. And perhaps one of the reasons why I started this blog up. Not only do their products smell and look great, they are in fact incredibly good for you. Having not worked in LUSH for 9 months, I have admittedly ventured onto other products (for convenience and cost sake) but I have always come back to LUSH products. With their products being completely natural and cruelty free, they contain no harsh chemicals, parabens, or silicone which covers up damage rather help it. The products that you can see above are the items that I cannot live without! Check them out:

Northern Lights: http://allthingslushuk.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/northern-lights-ballistic_5.html

Luxury Lush Pudding Bath Bomb- this bath bomb is a Christmas favourite which only comes out once a year. It has the same scent as Twilight which is infused with French lavender and Ylang Ylang which is perfect for anxiety and stress.

Northern Lights Bath Bomb- Northern lights is the new kid on the block. New to the 2014 collection, this firecracker will offer your bath an explosion of colour and fragrance. This bath bomb smells like Ylang Ylang and jasmine.

A French Kiss Bubble Bar- This is my favourite bubble bath in the world! Whenever I feel sleepy, stressed, or under the weather, this lavender infused bubble bar will make me feel so much better.

Luxury Lush Pudding

Rose Jam Shower Gel: I think that I may have died and gone to heaven. 'Rose Jam' from LUSH Cosmetics is sweet, addictive and utterly luxurious from top to toe. I first fell in love with this scent from using 'Rose Jam Bubbleroon' and 'Ro's Argan Body Conditioner'- which are both other products from LUSH Cosmetics which smell exactly the same or similar. This pot of joy is the antidote for all things dry and sensitive, so indulging yourself with this pink beauty this winter will surely leave you feeling 'sweetly' hydrated.

Rehab Hair Shampoo- all things fresh and minty; you'll sure get this in 'rehab'. Rehab shampoo is perfect for anyone who has dry and damaged hair. The mint will help to stimulate hair growth whilst the lemon will help to tone and repair your sparse ends. This shampoo is silicone and paraben free making your hair fix not a bodged one.

Tee Tree Toner Water- toning your skin daily will remove dirt and grime from your pores. Tea Tree is particularly good as it is antibacterial and very cleansing; so perfect if you are prone to a spot or two. Top tip: to tighten pores, let the toner air dry.

Rose Jam Shower Gel

Do you have a number of favourite LUSH products?

Much Love

Eltoria x

New HTML: You can now find me on http://eltoria.com

Lyrical Phone Pranking

Whilst sat in my onesie one gloomy Sunday afternoon, I decided to lyrical phone prank a number of my friends and family (and most of them really did not go to plan). I even had the phone put down on me. So as a mid week treat for you all, watch me fail at quoting lyrics from Busted and Avril Lavigne! Just click on the image below to watch it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lop4_GkVQUo

Don't forget to link, like, and subscribe!
Much Love
Eltoria x

New HTML: You can now find me on http://eltoria.com

MAC Haul

I think that I've just proven point number 2 of my '15 Things We Do Leading Up To Christmas' to be correct: 'you start justifying big spends as a early Christmas present'. Face palm. As you can probably guess my big spend was in MAC, and goodness, I do not regret one thing about it. Shopaholic much? MAC products tend to last me absolutely ages; my last bronzer survived for a whole year (and I wore it everyday!). Whilst most makeup brands tend to sell high quality products, there's just something about MAC which makes them a little more lasting. Whilst Christmas shopping in Bath I decided to go for a mini makeover, and I wasn't shopping for myself either. Whilst getting a few bits and bobs for my friends, I too walked away with a number of 'Christmas' treats for myself. Naughty Eltoria.

1. MAC Cremesheen Lipstick Hang Up: £15.50 2. MAC Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation £25.00 3. Bronzing MAC Powder Refined Golden £21.00 4. MAC Eyebrow Pencil £13.50.

I would have to say that MAC Cremesheen Lipstick, Hang Up, was my favourite purchase of the day; the colour is just to die for! As I have an orange filter on the image below (apologies) the colour of the lipstick looks slightly red. The colour is actually a browny/burgundy colour which I would say was my Autumn lip colour for 2014. The bronzer is lightly frosted which helps to give a natural sheer and tint to the skin. It also has shimmer particles in there which also acts as a highlighter (2-1 hey). This foundation is perfect for anyone who has slightly combination skin; it isn't exactly a matte nor is it a sheer foundation. As I don't wear foundation in the day, this foundation provides a perfect coverage for when I want to go a night out. Lastly, MAC Eyebrow Pencil is my regular buy, it is easy to fill in and shape my eyebrows. These products are just so gorgeous!

Instagram: http://instagram.com/eltoriasecrets

Will you be treating yourself to some MAC products this Christmas?

Much Love

Eltoria x

New HTML: You can now find me on http://eltoria.com

15 Things We Do Leading Up To Christmas

"Holidays are coming, holidays are coming"! Oh boy I am that excited my little cheek bones hurt. Now most of us human beings who love Christmas will know that the 'symptoms of xmas' tend to come extremely early (for me the buzz comes in November). So as a little guide to some of you Scrooges out there, if you are doing at least one of these, you my friend, are excited for Christmas. Let me know which ones you can cross off your check list!

1. We get excited over the Coca Cola advert

http://www.sentimentmetrics.com/blog/archive.php?tag=coke

2. You start justifying big spends as a 'early Christmas present'

http://www.fastcompany.com/57688/mac-cosmetics

3. You buy cosy Christmas pyjamas (usually from Primark)

4. You start buying the Festive Bake from Greggs

http://christmas.greggs.co.uk/voucher.php

5. You start buying your Christmas decorations

http://www.kuwans.com/tag/images-of-christmas-decorations-for-church/

6. Home Alone is always on the TV

7. You start Christmas baking

http://abhijit.snydle.com/christmas-baking.html

8. Jumping onto the scales is a no go

http://www.healthymargit.com/2013/06/dilemma-how-often-should-you-weigh.html

9. Going out in a ridiculous Christmas jumper becomes acceptable

http://www.whodathoughtit.com/past-events/worst-christmas-jumper-party/

10. The work Secret Santa email is sent around

http://muggleme.dreamwidth.org/

11. Glitter becomes the best thing ever (even if you hate it)

http://www.artglitter.com/new.htm

12. You're keen to judge who puts on the best Christmas advert

13. Christmas Yankee candles!

http://geekoid.co.uk/2012/11/lifestyle-geek-yankee-candles-winter-wonderland-christmas/

14. You start singing along to Christmas songs on the radio

http://merrychristmas-happynewyear.com/christmas-songs-list-1/

15. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY... YOU START TO FEEL LIKE A KID AGAIN! (Sorry I just love the lead up to Christmas)

http://www.smu.edu/News/2012/holiday-stories-nagging-children

Am I missing a few out?

Much Love

Eltoria x

New HTML: You can now find me on http://eltoria.com

Elf Highlighters

Christmas came early in the Eltoria household! On a chilly Autumn morning a surprise parcel from elf cosmetics perched on my doorstep (the elves at elf must be feeling ever so generous). Inside were two beautiful baked highlighters and they looked ever so pigmented and gorgeous. I have been using elf blushers for years and I feel that they are much better than some high end brands. If you put these highlighters next to Skin Finish by MAC, there isn't much difference at all. The only difference is the price; £3.95 to be exact! I love using Pink Diamonds on my cheeks and Blush Gems along my temples and cheek bones; Pink Diamonds is more of a pink blush and Blush Gems is more of a bronzed/pearl tone. They make such a difference so get defining with your very own elf Baked Highlighter.

Left: Blush Gems Right: Pink Diamonds

Left: Blush Gems Right: Pink Diamonds (look at that gorgeous pigment!)

"Create a radiant glow with this illuminating powder that highlights the skin with a sheer wash of shimmering colour. Infused with Vitamin E, Jojoba, Sunflower, Apricot and Grape to nourish and hydrate the skin, The long-lasting baked shimmering colour can be applied wet for a vibrant effect or dry for sheer pigmentation."

Take a peek at the elf highlighters by clicking here.

Let me know what you think!

Much Love

Eltoria x

New HTML: You can now find me on http://eltoria.com

Boys Do My Makeup

Well this is a bit of a collaboration treat for you all! I got the privilege to film with Chip Daddy and Ed Jones who made it into the finals on this years Britain's Got Talent with his dance group Cartel. You will definitely remember their semi final performance if you go ahead and refresh your memories on YouTube (their performance is just genius!). Chip also does some rather amazing parody's and collaborations with other YouTubers (including the amazing Joe Sugg) so be sure to check them both out. So this video pretty much confirmed that boys do not know anything about makeup, and their choice brush and product is questionable (I think Chip referred to mascara as 'eyescara'). Too funny. Please link, like, and subscribe, and I really hope you enjoy your Sunday treat!

Check out Chip's channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/ChipDaddyTV/videos

Check out Ed's channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/EdJonesOfficial/videos

We also filmed more videos on both Chip's and Ed's channels so go ahead and check them out! (YouTuber Whisperers & Ed & Chip Dance Off). You can also check out my YouTube channel by clicking here.

Let me know what you think!

Much Love

Eltoria x

New HTML: You can now find me on http://eltoria.com

Babyliss Curling Wand

Let's all just take a moment to appreciate my mug below. It's one of Sainsbury's finest and is so damn cute; nothing better than a 'cuppa' in front of the fire. Anywho, whilst this post is not about mugs and fires (sorry) I want to talk about one of my favourite birthday presents... the Babyliss Curling Wand Pro. Ok, I've been curling my hair for years (I think I got my first wand when I was like 10) and I have to say that hands down Babyliss make the best affordable ones. This wand goes up to 210 degrees and has a 'wrap control' which gently holds the hair around the barrel which helps to avoid kinks. Not only is this wand a beauty blogger's favourite but it is also a salon favourite too. Therefore instead of doing a written step by step, I have opted to show off this wand through a YouTube video. You can pick up some of my own tips when it comes to curling your hair and see how quick and easy this wand is to to use.

I also baby sat a very large bunny rabbit this week called Rocky; and let's be fair he is rather adorable! He is also my star guest in this video so be sure to give him a major thumbs up (the boy got rather bashful). At the moment you can pick up this want for £20.00 (reduced down from £25.00) at Boots, Superdrug, and the Babyliss website.

Enjoy the video (please link, like, and subscribe)

Much Love

Eltoria x

New HTML: You can now find me on http://eltoria.com

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HD Eyebrows Review

Only recently have I been getting HD eyebrows and boy do I love them! Although getting your eyebrows tinted and waxed give a good result, I feel that its lasting effect isn't that great. Rather than lasting 3-5 days, HD eyebrows last up to 5 weeks (what a major difference!). They are also the perfect solution to a better brow shape or to transform over plucked and sparse eyebrows. Yes in just one sitting your brows can significantly change. Now (although this may sound odd) my first tip before getting HD eyebrows is to do your research in the two following ways: number 1 is to choose what style you would like, and most importantly number 2 is to check out your salon's/stylist's portfolio. I have seen so many girls pay full price for HD eyebrows and they just look ridiculous; picture slugs for eyebrows or the hook end of a coat hanger. Being displeased will be the least of your problems. If you are from the Bath/Wiltshire area my own personal recommendation would be Escape Beauty Salon who are situated in Calne. Not only do you walk into a friendly and cosy atmosphere, but their staff are highly trained and ever so skilled. I was so chuffed with my new look and was pleasantly surprised at the difference it made to my face (thank you Sara you definitely deserve your Pro-Stylist status!).

Left: before Right: after. As you can see my eyebrows are much more defined and equal

Now what is so good about HD eyebrows? Rather than just getting a wax or a tweeze, you pretty much get the whole 'shabang' namely: tint, wax, tweeze, trim, and threading. Sounds a lot but this is to ensure the 'HD' effect. As previously mentioned this treatment is for all; if you hate the look of your eyebrows or want them to look more arched and thicker this can be done in just one sitting. Before you have the treatment you will be asked to take a skin patch test and will be advised to avoid a number of things, for example, the use of fake tan before your appointment as this can turn your brows green! #hulkeyebrows yuk! Most salons change around £30.00 for this treatment and although quite expensive, having celebrity fit eyebrows is enough to add an extra spring in your step. Treat yourself to an early Christmas present (winky emoji).

Have you ever had HD eyebrows before? Thinking about getting them?

Much Love

Eltoria x

New HTML: You can now find me on http://eltoria.com

Enter my £250 prize give-away by clicking here

Harry Potter World| Halloween Special

I think that Harry Potter World has to be one of the best places that I have ever visited! The place is honestly unreal. I wouldn't even consider myself to be a huge Harry Potter fan, but the whole creation behind it is simply genius. As said in my Sunday post, I did actually vlog the day but my IPad decided to delete all of the footage (massive sad face with tears). So I am pretty gutted that I can't upload a video this week! But nevertheless, I was able to recover some of the photos. I booked tickets to Harry Potter World for Beky Lou's birthday and the day did not disappoint. We went on their Halloween weekend so there were Death Eaters wondering around (scaring us all) and one of the snakes from the films! The whole place is just magical. So without further adieu, here are some snaps from the day (as they say a picture speaks a thousand words):