Mela Loves London - Ruffled Owl Dress

I have a dress with owls all over it! It was from New Look on sale for £7. Its actually a Large. I'm surprised how it looked nicer than a Small. 

I love owls :)

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream

BB creams are set to explode into the European market, thanks to Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector. I've tried it and admit it's good. Fair coverage, pleasing glowy finish and it does'nt feel like you're wearing anything.

If you're on the discovery of BB creams, why not try an original from Korea, home of an original?

If you're patient with mail orders, I recommend buying the Perfect Cover BB cream from a reputable seller on Ebay. My 20ml tube was £6 including shipping from Korea. It's marginally pricer than Garnier but I prefer the Missha version because of the packaging and the coverage is better.

Firstly I must say that I don't think BB creams are anything more than thick pigmented moisturisers with minerals. They make your skin look luminous but it's a cosmetic effect. However I can use it daily as opposed to slapping on foundation. This BB cream feels light and non-sticky.

The packaging is sleek and hygienic to dispense. A narrow nozzle for the 20ml tube and a pump for the 50ml.

You don't need to use alot. The colour #34 Natural Beige looks a little ashy out of the tube but provided I don't use more than half a pea size, it blends in well with my skintone. The harder to find shade #27 Honey Beige matches my skin better and I could only find it from the US website. (I suggest signing up to their lists as they have some good deals every now and then for BB cream.)

This BB cream provides fair coverage for acne scars and dark eye circles. It has a slightly matt finish and sinks right in. Impressive how it turns my drab skin to more even toned and glowing. Blemishes and pores are less noticeable too.

A brilliant product, a HG!

Lazy Manicure Post - Love & Beauty Unique

Just installed the Blogger iPhone app and taking it for a test drive.

More Crackle Nail Polish

Models Own Wah Nails Smash Up Crackle Polish

I'm not big on the crackle trend but I got this free with purchase of two Models Own polishes. They also have crackles in silver, purple and hot pink. I chose black too keep things simple.

The consistency is thinner than a normal nail polish. Instructions say a thin coat gives the best result. If too it's thick, there is little or no crackle effect. However if it's too thin, it looks scratchy and inconsistent.

The crackle pulls away from the base within seconds. If you paint over it again, it drags off the effect so an even application is required with each stroke.

The crackle dries matt so it looks more "polished" (ha ha, sorry) after a top coat. In this picture I used ELF Light Red as a base. Despite what the instructions say, you don't need to use it over a Model's Own nail polish.

The combination is a little too dark for my skin tone. Still, it's fun and attention grabbing. Lazy nail art I reakon. Will post more combos soon!

Miu Miu Matalasse Malva Handbag

I went into Selfridges for a cup of tea but there was a long queue at the cafe.

So I stopped by Miu Miu on my way out and fell in love with this bag. The leather is gorgeous and the Matalasse quilting stands out from the other bags. Malva is a well pigmented raspberry pink colour. It smells luscious!!!

Although it's a small shoulder bag, it holds alot for it's size. I managed to fit my purse, lipgloss, eyedrops, iPhone, earphones, hand cream and cardigan.

I convinced myself to get it for two reasons:

1) "Value" for money: The small Mulberry Alexa was £545, which holds just as much. This bag is £295.

2) I carry alot so I'm going to distribute the weight over a tote bag and this bag. I'm sick of getting my hair snagged under a heavy handbag strap.

It's my only luxury buy of the year, I've decided. I only went into Selfridges for a cup of tea!

Vintage Silver Bracelets

After having a coffee at my favorite cafe, I wondered around the Hampstead Indoor Market and spotted these in a £2 basket. They were from a vintage jewellery stall where I usually oogle at their timeless pieces.

The chunkier bracelet is intricately engraved and hinged. The thinner one is delicate and goes with any outfit. Both so pretty and best of all, they fit my bony wrists. I love vintage jewellery and these were a bargain. Best Sunday morning ever.