Have a Chubby New Year!!

Today is New Year’s Eve, the very last day of the year, the end of 2011.

Hopefully all of you had a wonderful, peaceful Christmas and like me, are looking forward to whatever 2012 may bring.

It’s also possible, that like me, you may have over indulged somewhat this past week and may be left feeling somewhat, chubby?

Don’t worry about it, it’s obligatory at Christmas and who ever said that ‘chubby’ was a bad thing?

Clinique certainly don’t think it is!

(Did you like my link!?)

 

Allow me to introduce you to Clinique Chubby Sticks, a collection of 8 super nourishing lip balms with a pretty, sheer hint of a tint to make your lips look gorgeous this winter.

During these cold months it’s easy for lips to become dry and chapped, meaning that lipsticks alone wont quite cut it. That’s where Chubby Sticks come in to their own.

 

Containing nourishing mango and shea butter, they moisturise your lips leaving them plump and soft as well as leaving a subtle hint of colour behind to brighten up the darkest days!

Woppin’ Watermelon is my personal favourite, with its a gorgeous pinky sheen! The balms glide onto your lips, are non sticky and last for ages.

Top- Bottom : Mega Melon, Woppin' Watermelon, Whole Lotta Honey, Super Strawberry

Chubby sticks are £15 each and as a new year’s gift you to, you can win all of the chubby sticks pictured in this post!

THE COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED

To enter just do the following;

Follow my blog on Google Friends Connect & leave a comment with your contact details below.

Follow I Am Fabulicious on Facebook here

&

Retweet the following on Twitter.

"#WIN clinique chubby sticks from @sarah_berryman1 here, http://tinyurl.com/6whc3zx RT to enter!’’

The competition is open internationally and closes on January 31^st 2012

Goodluck & Happy New Year!

x

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Battles Wrinkles

They say that you should start using anti ageing products when in your 20’s (that means me then) to experience their full effect. After all, prevention is better than cure no?

The reality is that most women, or men, don’t start thinking about anti ageing products until like me, you catch a photo of yourself displaying a very impressive pair of crows feet.

For someone who is always on the hunt for the best new anti ageing products out there (I want to be like Peter Pan you see) I was extremely excited to hear about Vichy’s latest launch, a product called LiftActiv Serum 10.

LiftActiv Serum 10 is a powerful anti-ageing serum with 10% concentration of the breakthrough anti-ageing  ingredient  Rhamnose combined with Vichy Thermal Spa Water, rich in soothing and regenerating minerals. 

Hyaluronic acid within the serum helps hydrate and plump your skin whilst a ceramide based texture  helps accelerate the penetration  of the active ingredients, meaning all the good stuff gets into your skin quicker!

90% of the 180 women who trialled the product said that they loved the texture, and two thirds said that they would buy it.

It’s easy to use, simply smooth a few drops over your face morning and evening under your moisturiser, its paraben free and its even suitable for sensitive skin.

You can get your LiftActiv 10 exclusively from Boots for £29.50

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post

Laduree to launch a Cosmetics Line

 

Just a quick news blast as I thought you’d want to know this!

Heard of Laduree anyone?

Fans of Gossip Girl will certainly have!

Laduree, the exquisite French patisserie make the world famous  macarons of course and as of next year they will be venturing into the world of cosmetics!

It has been said that the collection will comprise of 20 different blush colours in the form of cameos, liquid foundations and lip colours.  

 (Theyre not giving much away!)

Merveilleuses de Ladurée (or The Wonders of Ladurée for those of us that don’t speak French) are set to launch in Japan in February before coming over to Europe later in the year.

If their make up is anything like their delicious macarons, I think we are all going to be in for a real treat!

Speaking of treats, head down to Harrods to try them for yourself and to see what all the fuss is about!

Sally Hansen Salon Effect Real Nail Polish Strips

Nail wraps have been a big deal for a while now and while I love them I just can’t get the hang of them.

First there were the ones which required you to use a hair dryer to heat them and seal them. Well that sounded far too much like hard work to me.

Then there are the ones that don’t stick to your nails properly. Completely infuriating.

And then there were the ones that no matter what, just didnt fit my nails, meaning that I had to try and cut them to size myself, resulting in what can only be described as total and utter nail wrap carnage.

Humph.

So I had yet to experience the pleasure and delight of parading about with gorgeous, intricate, funky and pretty designs on my nails, until last week that was.

Last Monday I was introduced to a different type of nail wrap. One that not just looked gorgeous. 

Oh no. 

One that was really easy to use (for un-delicate fat fingered people like me) made from real nail polish and that actually lasted!

Say hello to Sally Hansen Salon Effect Real Nail Polish Strips.

Made with real nail polish (I know, don’t as me how!) they are easy to use, malleable, last for up to 10 days and can be removed with your normal nail varnish remover!

 How to use:

Use the cuticle stick to push back any overgrown cuticles and lightly buff the surface of your nail to create a matte surface for the strip (it makes it stick better)

Peel back the top, clear layer of the wrap and lift the grey tap from the backing paper.

 The strip comes away really easily, ready for you to apply it to your nail. 

Once lined up to your liking against your nail, press firmly to secure. 

 

Now, you can use the emery board provided to file away the over hanging strip, or do as I did and simply score along the edge of the nail and voila, the left over strip just comes away.

Easy peasy!

Currently available in 2 gorgeous designs for £7.95 each at Asda, even the most un-patient people will find these a doddle, so enjoy!

Have you tried any nail wraps before? Do you find them easy to use? What do you make of these real nail polish strips?

Philosophise with Philosophy this Christmas

Picture this.

It’s a bitterly cold, winter night. Outside the window the sky is blacker than black and the sound of the biting wind whistles eerily through the house. 

Inside the bathroom your bare feet move quickly across the floor, jumping  each time they make contact with the freezing tiles.

 You turn the bath taps on and steam rises from the tub, as if an invisible witch were concocting some magical spell.

 You reach over and pick up the bottle of pure happiness and pour its golden contents into the warm, brewing waters below.

 You watch as the bubbles rise up, enticing you into their warm, frothy arms.

You slide in, surrounded by warm liquid happiness and deeply breathe in the comforting aroma before slipping off into a wonderful world full of warmth, relaxation, sweetness and bliss.

This is not just any bath. Oh no, this is a Philosophy bath

(and Philosophy is not just a really hard subject you know) 

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of Philosophy’s Christmas products! Beautifully encased within fabulous boxes and packages that look like they need not even be wrapped, are a huge range of wondrous, sumptuous and delectable goodies.

It is impossible to choose my favourite items, but I really must implore you to try these!

 Egg Nog shampoo, shower gel  & bubble bath- I know I always say this, but multi use products are such a god send- you can wash your hair with this, use it In the shower or run into a hot bath to create a Christmassy bath to float away in. And it really does smell like egg nog! Warm, vanilla-esq with just a hint of spices. 

Delicious

(I strongly encourage you to resist the urge to eat it though)

Marshmallows for Toasting is another delicious scented bath, shower and hair treat. This sweet smelling product smells good enough to eat!

 To inject some real Christmas aromas into your house, try their Gingerbread Man & Gingerbread Girl  bath, shower and shampoo. 

Infused with the spicy scents of Christmas and with a warm scent of ginger, indulge in this yummy item. Try the Gingerbread Girl variant which contains a pretty sparkle within it too.

 

Available at Selfridges and Boots now, its not too late to treat someone, or yourself, to a yummy Christmas gift!

L'Occitane has Christmas Boxed Up

It’s 10 days to go until Christmas, have you bought all your presents yet?

No, me either, but fear not as L’Occitane have come to the rescue with a gorgeous selection of gift sets for you to treat your favourite people with.

Perfect for mums, grans, sisters, in laws, colleagues and friends alike, the gift sets come in several  price ranges to suit a variety of different budgets.

Allow me to suggest 3 of my favourites

Hand Trio Collection (£20)

A fab stocking filler gift comprising of three of L’Occitane’s international best selling shea butter hand creams, two of which are exclusive seasonal fragrances. 

Nourishing SheaButter Collection (£39)

L’Occitanes shea butter range is jam packed with nourishing and protecting properties, perfect for the cold winter months. This collection includes everything you will need to get your skin through the harsh winter, leaving it beautifully smooth and moisturised. The collection includes a hand cream, foot cream, hand and body wash, soap and body lotion.

Delicate CherryBlossom Collection (£46)

A gorgeous collection including an eau de toilette, shower gel, body lotion, soap and hand cream all from the delicately fragrant cherry blossom range.

Packaged so beautifully in their colourful boxes, these gift sets actually work out to be a HUGE bargain. Their hand creams are £7.50 each, so ordinarily three would cost you £22.50. The exclusive set is only £20 so you are actually saving money and getting a gorgeous box too!

You still have time to get your hands on these sets, head over to L’Occitane’s website now before you really have left it too late!

Whilst your there, if you fancy bagging yourself a little L’Occitane goodie why not enter their special Christmas competition to decorate your own L’Occitane tree. 

Just by entering you will receive a complimentary bottle of Fleur Cherie Body Lotion and by sharing your decorated tree on Twitter and Facebook  you could win 1 of 5 star gifts.

Get your friends to vote for your tree and the top 5 rated trees will receive some gorgeous L’Occitane goodies! 

So, go pamper others and win the chance to pamper yourself too!

Cheers L’Occitane!

Urban Decay Midnight Emergency Kit

Urban Decay is one of my favourite beauty brands. Famed for their incredible eyeshadow’s and collections, I decided to take a look at one of their newest kits, the Midnight Emergency Kit.

Based on their best-selling, cult-favorite Midnight Cowboy line of products, this one stop shop, lifesaving kit contains everything you need to get gorgeous for a night out this Christmas party season!

 

  Encased like precious jewels within a gorgeous metallic case, you will find a host of treats!

The shadows included in the kit are the famed Midnight Cowboy, Midnight Rodeo, Midnight Sin & AC/DC

(My personal favourite)

 

Also included is a travel-sized eyeshadow brush and a full-sized Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Midnight Cowboy, which not only looks divine but smells it too.

As you can see from the shadow swatches, your in for a gorgeous, sumptuous and stunning treat.

L - R Midnight Cowboy, Midnight Rodeo, Midnight Sin & AC/DC

Midnight Cowboy, Midnight Rodeo and Midnight Sin each have a unique take on the eternally popular champagne shades, while AC/DC is just simply a stunning, metallic purple.

Urban Decay’s Midnight Emergency Kit is available from House of Fraser and at the moment it can be bought for the bargain price of £25.20 at Debenhams. (Usual price £28)

The Handbag.com Best Beauty Blog Awards goes to.... I Am Fabulicious!

 O.M.G. I won!

As I mentioned last month, I Am Fabulicious was short listed in the Handbag.com Beauty Awards 2011.

To be nominated, let alone short listed was a huge feat in itself, but when I saw the other blogs in my category, I resigned myself to the fact that I very clearly didn’t stand a chance and I was ok with that, after all, they are some of the biggest, bestest and my most favouritist blogs!  

Today, the results are out and I Am Fabulicious won in its category and I can proudly say that it has been announced as ‘The Best Beauty Blog 2011’ by Handbag.com. 

While I think it is impossible to say that any one blog is ‘The Best’ or indeed better than another’s (especially mine!) it means that someone, somewhere thought enough of my blog to vote for it.

For that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, you have completely and utterly made my year. 

Thank you sooooo much for all of your support, I hope you continue to enjoy my blog into 2012.

For now, head over to Handbag.com to take a look at what other products and brands that won in their categories! 

Sarah xxx

Clinique Lid Smoothies

Let it be known, that I, Sarah, am completely and utterly in love with this product.

I love the product, I love the packaging, I love the squeezy tube, I love the application tip, and I really love their name. 

What are they? Clinique Lid Smoothies.

Top-Bottom: Currant Affair, Cashew Later, Born Freesia, Seventh Heather & Cute Cumber

  

These pretty little tubes of pure gorgeousness contain creamy, crease-resistant eye colour which lasts for 8 hours. 

Available in 12 stunning shades, the eye colour instantly cools thanks to its unique applicator. 

Top-Bottom: Currant Affair, Cashew Later, Born Freesia, Seventh Heather & Cute Cumber

The nourishing ingredients blanket the lid in smoothing goodness while the antioxidants help to protect the delicate skin around the eye-area.

My favourite shade is Born Freesia, a pretty violet shade which can built up to create whatever look you wish.

  A small amount of product goes a long way and creates a pretty, subtle, muted tone, yet built up it becomes a stunning shade of violet.

 Tip: While it is the unique application tip that creates the ‘cooling’ sensation on your eyes (which feels divine by the way) I found it easier to squeeze a little bit of product onto a brush (or fingers) and apply to the eyelid and blend that way. 

Clinique Lid Smoothies are available at various department stores and from Clinique online for £17 each.

The Creme de la Creme of Blushers!

Blusher is one of my staple beauty products. 

If I’m feeling ill or looking pasty and pale, a dab of blush on my cheeks brings colour back to my face and makes me look alive again 

(even if I feel like death)

Given that we are now in winter and at the height of the ‘cold and flu’ season, I decided to road test some of the crème de la crème of blushers to see which could work their magic the best and what better products to test than some of the ones which have been short listed in the Best Blusher category of the Handbag.com beauty Awards 2011!

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Pale Pink (£18)

This is my favourite blusher! It is highly pigmented, and has a thick (but is also highly blendable) formulation which glides onto your cheeks and lasts all day. 

When applied to the lips it is creamy and gives a gorgeous hint of colour. I love dual use products, especially in a recession!

Illamasqua Blusher  in Dixie (£16.50)

I personally didn’t really love this product as much as I thought I might. While it had great colour and I loved the packaging, I found the formulation a little oily for my skin and consequently it created a little too much shine on the balls of my cheeks. 

 That said, for a subtle, glow it works wonders.

Daniel Sandler Watercolour Crème Rouge Blusher in Soft Pink (£15.50)

 I haven’t used any Daniel Sandler products before, but rest assured I will do now! I loved this gorgeous little pot of blusher joy.

Its long lasting, rich texture created a gorgeous glow which lasted all day.

NARS the Multiple in Orgasm (£29)

While I am more a fan of matte blushers, I can certainly see the appeal of this blush.  Another fab multi purpose product, which can be used on your eyes, cheeks lips and body to create sheer colour and to delicatately highlight all skin tones.   

I much prefer this product as a highlighter than a blush, but a gorgeous offering from NARS none the less. 

So there you have it, who will you be voting for? 

(To vote click HERE)

What’s your favourite blush at the moment and are you more of a crème or powder girl?

Fearne Cotton Does Make Up

Fearne Cotton is a very busy lady these days.

When she’s not doing her Radio 1 show she’s a team captain on Celebrity Juice.

When she not having a giggle with Keith Lemmon et al you can find her presenting a host of amazing programmes and gigs on TV.

Fearne also has her own clothing line along with her bestie Holly Willoughby at Very.co.uk

 As if all that wasn’t enough, Fearne also has her own cosmetics line, aptly named Fearne, which is exclusive to Boots. 

This Christmas see’s Fearne’s brand new Christmas Beauty Gift Collection go on sale, so I caught up with the lady herself to talk make up!

What made you decide to create a make up brand?

It seemed like a natural follow on from my Very clothing line. I’ve always been a make up junkie!

 How involved were you in creating and designing the range?

I’m there from the start, right from the designing of the packaging through to picking the colours and the textures of the make up itself.

  

What is your favourite item from the collection?

I love the nail art and have been wearing it loads.

Fearne’s exclusive Christmas beauty gift range is available online at boots.com and in store at Boots nationwide now

What does your bessie mate Holly Willoughby think of your range? Does she use any of your products?

She loves it! She’ll definitely be getting some for Christmas this year. I gave her a hat box full of it all last year!

Please can you show us what’s in your make up bag today?

There’s sooo much. About 5 mascaras, 5 lip glosses, powder, blusher, glitter eye liner, brushes etc… IT’S HUGE!

When do you feel most beautiful?

When I’ve had a good night’s sleep.

 Has your perception of ‘beauty’ changed since becoming a celebrity?

No but it has by getting older. You learn to love what you have the older you get.

 What other brands (apart from your own, obviously) do you love?

Givenchy and Murad are both great.

 Do you have a beauty Icon?

 Marilyn Monroe = perfection.

Do you ever feel comfortable to be seen out completely bare faced and make up free?

Yes, I don’t wear make up to radio one much as I’d rather spend longer in bed!

Have you ever had a make up/ beauty disaster?

Loads – lippie on teeth and fake eyelashes stuck to my cheek are two classics.

 What was the best beauty advice you have ever been given?

Always make the most of your best feature. Don’t try and look like someone else, go with your strong points.

So there you have it, head over to Boots now to grab your Fearne goodies now!