I wish this was for me but I actually bought it today for my friend's birthday and thought I would share it with you all as it makes such a nice present and at a really reasonable price- £13! I really would like to keep it for myself.
As you can see it comes in a really nice box and you slide out the underneath to reveal the contents:
The pack consists of:
♥ Time Reversal Face Mask- 'ultra collagen boosting treatment to help firm, plump and restore' ♥ Firming Youth Serum ♥ Stop The Clock Moisturiser with SPF15 ♥ Warming Microbrasion Polish- 'intense thermal polish to dramatically refine and smooth the skin' ♥ Lift and Brighten Eye Complex
You can also pull out another little 'underneath bit' (I can never describe these things!) and it gives you a step by step guide to carrying out the facial.
After looking on the website I can see that it's a new Sanctuary product and retails for £16. However it's currently £3 less at Boots!
This week's job profile is from Kate who I have been lucky enough to meet! Kate is lovely and is also recently married so congratulations again! You can visit her blog here.
What is your job title and where do you work?
I’m a designer, and I work in Surrey. I’d love to say I work in London, but I’m not sure I’d want to use the tube everyday so this suits me fine for now as I feel like I have the best of both worlds. Maybe one day - who knows what the future will bring.
How did you find the job? Did you have relevant experience which helped you get the position?
When I got made redundant from my job in Leeds, I started looking on the internet for companies I’d like to work for in Yorkshire and also London as my fiancé was able to transfer to the London branch of his company. I emailed them speculatively with my CV and work samples, and it turns out they were hiring! One phone interview later, and they offered me the job. I went down to meet them after a few weeks, and the rest as they say is history! I started there about seven weeks after the job offer.
I had approximately three years of experience within print design, and whilst they hired me in a digital design capacity, I guess I showed a good general grounding within the design industry so they were more than willing to spend the time teaching me new skills, which is fantastic for me as a designer.
How would you describe an average day in your job? What are your daily activities?
An average day would include working on website design (I’m currently managing a project for an architectural company who are having a complete overhaul of their existing site), and intranet sites (I work on a lot of these), which are internal and so never get to see the light of day. I also spend a lot of time creating basic animated banners and graphics, and email newsletters.
Are qualifications important for this role? What skills do you need?
Knowing how to use industry standard software is probably the most important thing. On a daily basis I use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Fireworks. Depending what you do, you might also encounter Dreamweaver and Flash. Qualifications wise, I have a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, but my colleague has taught herself everything she knows. She’s made design her hobby and her passion, and now she makes a lot of money from it. One of the first things a design agency will see is your portfolio, so as long as that is shit hot (can I say that?!), actual qualifications will probably take more of a back seat.
What do you enjoy most about the job?
I really enjoy getting my teeth into the some of the meaty, more unique projects we do - like the website for the architectural firm I mentioned earlier. It involves drawing scamps for layouts, and then mocking it all up in Photoshop to show the different pages, how they would look and feel and really bringing the clients ideas to life.
I also like the level of interaction we have as a team. Sure, sometimes we probably talk too much but overall I think it’s such a positive thing - nobody is afraid to ask others for their thoughts, or for help and it creates a great working atmosphere. As a side note, I love the company ethos; more than anyone I’ve worked for previously, these guys really go the extra mile to try and keep their employees happy. It counts for a lot.
And what do you enjoy least about the job?
A lot of what I work on is for a large global company, and consequently they have really strict rules about what can and can’t be done. It can get extremely frustrating trying to fulfil a brief to the extent that the client is happy, but also that it passes through the Visual Identity Checkpoint without any issues. It can be very tricky!
What would your advice be to other people hoping to work in your industry?
Like what you do. Sometimes you will have to work long hours to make sure a project hits deadlines, and if you like your job, it makes it all the easier. Don’t be precious about your design work - constructive criticism is good, and not only helps you grow as a designer but also helps you hone your skills. Design your CV. A bland, word processed version isn’t going to cut it. Show off your skills and prove you’ve got what it takes!
And on an unrelated note- what beauty product can't you live without?
Can I have two?! I’m loving Eye Bright from Benefit which was the magazine freebie from a couple of months back, and I will definitely repurchase it (if this one ever runs out!). It genuinely makes me look more alert and bright-eyed so it does what it says on the tin. Also Maybelline Pure Mineral Foundation which is my first loose powder foundation, and I have to say, I’m a total convert!
My No 7 tinted moisturiser is coming to an end and so I'm saving it to use on my holiday in October. In the meantime I decided to try another foundation and went for the Rimmel Recover Illuminating Anti Fatigue Foundation (bit of a mouthful!). When I was in Leeds I noticed that my lovely friend Flora was using it and she always has gorgeous looking skin so that persuaded me!
It cost approx £6 and although the bottle seems quite small there is more than you think in the bottle. Flora also told me that you can just cut off the top (much like the UDPP bottle) to get a lot more of the product.
I'm really liking this foundation for the end of summer. It's a light-medium coverage that is easily buildable and it has a lovely illuminating effect. I wore it this weekend and had comments about how well I looked. I was a bit worried about the shimmer as on my hand it did seem quite shimmery- but on my face it's absolutely fine. I will probably use another foundation for winter though when the glow might be too much!
(An idea of the coverage and the illuminating effect)
What foundation are you enjoying this summer?
I will be posting my weekend update tomorrow! I realised I'd forgotten to do it last week but I'll be back on track soon!
Firstly- sorry for the lack of posts over the past week! Work has been busy and time has flown!
Just a quick post this evening to show you what I wore out this weekend. I spent the weekend in Leeds seeing friends and it was so much fun. Last night we went to lots of bars in Leeds and had a really girly evening.
The photo isn't great quality as has been cropped from an iPhone photo but you get the idea!
The top is just a basic black vest from H&M- I love these. They're so flattering and for about £5 (I think they're less actually) you can't go wrong!
The skirt was a bargain from Karen Millen. I paid a visit to Gun Wharf in Portsmouth and this was in their outlet store for £20! It was originally £80. It took me a bit of time to get used to as it's very much a bubble skirt but I love it now.
You can't see my heels but they were simple patent black Mary Jane ones from New Look.
I went shopping today and bought a few things from Boots (and far too much from Primark). Although I have tried and tried to stop picking/biting my nails it's just not working out and after hearing a lot of recommendations for the Kiss Press On Nails I thought I'd give them a go.
I chose the petite french nails which are fab as I always find the regular sizes far too big for my hands. These fit perfectly and come with a handy little tab to apply them.
I think these are great and am really impressed- they're a good length and don't feel like they're going to drop off at any moment!
I think this could be the start of a fake nail addiction!
It's an extra special job profile today as Sarah got in touch to see if I was interested in posting about the magazine internships she's been involved in. I know that lots of people who read this will be wanting to make it in the magazine industry so thought it was a great idea. I would also recommend following Sarah's blog as she posts regularly about her experiences and is going to write an internship guide soon.
Hi Sarah! Please could you give a brief run down of all of the internships you've undertaken?
Sure, firstly, I worked at lad’s magazine ZOO, which was crazy but damn right fun – I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many boobs! I then went on to intern at Hair magazine a few days a week over a couple of months, where I got to divulge in all the latest hair care and beauty products you could imagine. After that I was very lucky and landed a weeks placement at The Times fashion department, where I actually lived in the fashion closet surrounded by the most stunning clothes! And recently, this summer I completed work experience at another lad’s mag Loaded, and I’ve literally just finished interning at Stylist magazine, which is a women’s fashion magazine handed out for free across all the major cities (think Grazia).
And how did you get into the internships?
As much as my Magazine Publishing degree will help me on the path to perfect career, I decided I needed the experience, simply to get my foot in the door, making contacts and looking wonders on my CV! And gladly, I’ve come to realise – there’s only so much you can learn from a textbook, actually getting the experience on board has taught me so much more than I could have ever of learnt in the class room.
In order to land my placements I wrote a long list of magazines, and I literally emailed, emailed and emailed. I wrote and posted letters to all departments, features, beauty and fashion, anything to start with. And eventually after a few weeks I got one or two replies which I replied back to asap.
What would your advice be to other people hoping to get one?
It can be so disappointing to send off what feels like thousands emails, and to get only the one reply. But you have to keep on it, magazine writers are awfully busy and they will simply not have the time to respond to your email, you have really persevere, carry on and not get disheartened. When I emailed The Times, I didn’t get a response for months until they called me out of the blue with a slot, where as I emailed the editor of Loaded and he sent me a reply within 5 minutes. Show that your determined, but don’t harass them! And try the smaller titles, they are mostly likely to get back to you.
Have all of the internships been unpaid?
Sadly yes, but the skills I have learnt and contacts I have made in the industry make it all worth it. Most magazines pay travel expenses and some cover lunch, but it all depends on what magazine it is. There are other perks, like beauty sales where all make-up goes for a silly small prices or when I was at Stylist, I was working on an after-noon tea feature and the Mandeville Hotel sent in lots of cakes for me to try! I also got a bunch of goodies from Hair magazine, including two pairs of straighteners!
What tasks do you generally undertake as an intern?
This again can vary from magazine to magazine, I’ve done photocopying, I’ve called up Bolivia looking for a interview with a glamour model, I’ve touched and folded dresses and shoes worth more than the average family car, I’ve researched up coming features, I’ve been on the phone to every PR company possible, I’ve had to go to Selfriges to buy a £200 gift card, I’ve transcribed interviews of Jessica Biel and even been out on Oxford St. asking women what their best sex tip is…
But of course there are the typical intern duties like sorting out the post, sending out back issues, photo-copying, sorting out the closet, running around London picking up parcels and making sure there’s milk in the fridge!
Which tasks are the best and which have been the worst? Is there much tea-making involved?!
The best tasks are mainly the exciting ones, the ones that really put you outside of your comfort zone! Like when I was at ZOO last October, they needed fireworks for a shoot. On day one, I was sent out with a credit card in central London and sent to buy the most impossible thing. Firstly I had to find a shop that actually sold them, get there, remember not to lose this credit card, then cart these massive rockets on the tube without looking like a suspected bomber. I eventually found some tiny shop in north, north London, I didn’t lose the card or blow any one up. Those are the challenges that really are the most fun (and scary!) Oh, and getting to look and touch designer clothes and shoes is always a bonus.
The worst I would have to say is sorting out the post, it takes forever to learn everyone’s name in the office and they receive masses of stuff! Luckily, I have no tea making, just being sent out for milk – phew!
What has been your favourite place to work? Which has been the most rewarding placement?
My favourite and most rewarding placement is my last internship at Stylist magazine. The team were so close knit, it was like one big stylish family – so not Devil Wears Prada! I got to get stuck right in and really put my stamp on the magazine, not just working in the back ground. I researched ideas and features and got a feel for everything going on in the magazine. They were so thankful and kind, even offering for me to come back anytime I like. Plus nothing beats seeing your name in print, total fuzzy moment where you feel totally proud.
What would your advice be to people starting work as an intern?
Be determined, even if it is a week of photo-copying, it will show potential employers you have that drive.
The phone is your friend, use it and don’t be afraid.
Never be afraid to ask questions.
Enjoy yourself, your there to learn and gain experience- don’t be afraid to have a natter with everyone, you want to stand out and be remembered.
If you would like to talk about your job please email me at cupcakeswithcherries@gmail.com or comment below with your email address.
When I find products that I like, I tend to wear them every single day and have the same make-up routine for a long time. The following products are what I've been using for the past few months and I love each and every one of them (making this a sort-of August favourites). I always like to see people's daily make-up products as they are often the most telling.
You can definitely tell by the packaging that these products have been well-used!
Face
I cannot rave enough about the No 7 tinted moisturiser. It's so perfect for summer when you have more colour and want a lighter base. I used my Revlon colourstay the other day and it was just too cakey (and too light a colour) for summer. I need to buy another tube of this soon as it's quickly running out!
I use the Benefit Erase Paste and boi-ing to conceal. I really rate Benefit for their concealers. I apply both with an ELF concealer brush.
My MAC MSF natural is a total staple- as you can see, I've nearly hit pan. I've had this for so long though- it must be over a year and a half. I like to apply this with a big kabuki. This is in medium plus so perhaps an edge too dark so next time I'll probably get medium.
Cheeks
At the moment I'm alternating between the gorgeously scented Benefit's Coralista and the ever-pretty MAC Well Dressed blush. My sister and I both own the Well Dressed blush but she went on holiday and sneakily swapped it so that I was left with her almost finished one! And she didn't think I'd notice too!
Eyes
Probably the messy products of the bunch! MAC eyeshadows are what I generally wear and at the moment I'm loving All That Glitters (bottom right of the quad) on the lid with Mulch in the crease. Patina and Satin Taupe (top two of the quad) are also used regularly. I like to use the Benefit Eye Bright for the corners of my eyes and sometimes alternative it with Phloof! (bottom left of the quad).
For eyeliner it's always liquid/gel. I swap between the Sleek gel eyeliner in dynamite and the L'Oreal superliner in noir.
Favourite mascara at the moment is the L'Oreal Telescopic although this is definitely coming to the end of it's life-span as is starting to dry up. Booo! Any recommendations for a new one? (I have a million in my draw but I always want new mascaras!)
Lips
For my lipstick I generally pick up MAC's Hue or Blankety. Both pinky-nudes that are very suitable for work. I find them so flattering and always make my lips look more plump! Throughout the day I apply the By Terry Baume De Rose as it's so moisturising.
I was contacted last week to see if I was interested in featuring a guest post from MoneySupermarket. I definitely was! I really like the site (I like any site which lets me save money and sources good deals) and was especially interested to read about the Odeon deal in the guest post- will be taking advantage of that!
Save Money Shopping- music to my ears! Rhian Gillam
I love to shop but I hate opening the bank and credit card statement afterwards. New shoes and a new bag may be amazing but that minimum payment is not. This does not always have to be the case though as there are several ways to get the best deals on your purchases, the main being shopping around. You will often find that shops will try to out do each others offers and discounts so shopping around is a great way to find the best deal. This can however, be time consuming- this is where the internet can be invaluable. The internet will allow you to quickly check the latest offers and deals in minutes to get the best deal available.
Another way to get the best deals is by using vouchers. Many stores, brands and restaurants now offer money off vouchers and discount codes that can be used to save money on your final bill. Always check before shopping, ordering or deciding where to eat what discounts are available to save your money. Moneysupermarket.com has now also launched an iPhone application for finding the latest vouchers and discounts in real time. The technology uses geolocation meaning that it will find the best discounts in your area. Alternatively you can put in a postcode or area and the application will find the best deals and vouchers to be used in that area. This will allow you to make last minute savings in no time at all when you are out and about.
Here is a selection of some of the current discounts available:
Eating out is one of my favourite things to do and have found that many restaurants now offer you discount vouchers and codes for money off your final bill.Zizzi Vouchers are currently offering two main courses for £12 and with over 100 restaurants nationwide chances are there will be a branch near you.
I really enjoy going to the cinema as I believe that you cannot beat seeing a film on the big screen with the atmosphere that it creates, however it can be really expensive! Well, Odeon voucherswith 40% off are currently avaliable, great stuff now I can afford the ticket, popcorn and drink without having to worry (too much).
Days out to the zoo, waterparks and themeparks can be expensive but many offer discount vouchers such asBlackpool Pleasure Beach vouchersoffering 3 for 2 on wristbands. With the illuminations having just been turned on in Blackpool it may be a good time to make the most of this discount.
Gap is also currently offering free delivery on online orders with these Gap Vouchers
Remember when printing a voucher to always check the expiry date, if the voucher is for eating out or a family day out and it ends the day before you are due to go it is not going to be much help. You will find that outlets are continually renewing, updating or changing the offers available so if the voucher expires before you go don’t despair check again and there may be another available.
I bought my shiny iPhone4 last weekend and have been quite obsessed with it ever since. I've had an iPod Touch (now in the Angry Birds playing hands of my brother) for the past year or so, but I am just loving having phone, text, music, camera and video in one shiny little package. And not to mention of all of the apps. I know that there have been lots of reported problems with it but apart from slightly less signal, mine has been working a treat.
I thought I'd list 10 of my favourite apps (that I've found so far). I won't include the usuals like gmail, facebook and twitter as they're the obvious ones- but here are some that I really recommend. I'd love for other people to recommend their favourites too!
In no particular order:
1. The Guardian. This costs a couple of pounds but is oh so worth it (if you read The Guardian of course). You can customise your homepage with all of the sections you like to read and there's really easy access to columnists like Charlie Brooker. It's far preferable than buying a huge paper for the train!
2. DoodleJump. I love Bejewelled but this has to be my favourite game for the iPhone. I downloaded it and didn't think much of it, until I found myself wanting to play it again and again. It's a simple concept but hopelessly addictive.
3.eBay. This is such a great app for when you want to bid and you're not near a computer, and also to see the bids on items that you're selling. It's so easy to navigate.
4. AroundMe. This is so handy for when you're visiting a new place. It automatically locates you (as the iPhone always does) and brings up everything that is nearby. If you want to find a nearby restaurant you can click on the category and a list will come up- click on the restaurant that you'd like to visit and it will locate it on the map. So useful! (especially for things like parking)
5. pic2shop. This is only a recent download but it's so genius! You use your camera to scan an item's bar code (I think it's mainly restricted to CDs and DVDs) and it will bring up a list of other places it can be bought- and the prices.
6. vouchercloud. Vouchercloud will locate where you are and bring up a list of vouchers that can be used in the nearby area. You then simply validate the voucher and use it by showing it on your phone at the selected place!
7. Shopping list. I believe it's called Shopping List but it's just as it says. You add items to a list and as you go round the supermarket you cross them off- so easy to see what's left that you have to buy!
8. To Do. I think of myself as very organised (even though I lose something every day) and so some sort of 'to do' list app is an essential. This one is really good- you add a task, prioritise it and then tick it off when done!
9. FatBooth. Just because it's so funny.
10. Met Office. I don't trust the iPhone's weather app so this one is a must for me. Always seems to be accurate!
I used to buy Elle Magazine every month but as I started buying more and more magazines I had to start limiting my glossy mag purchases. I couldn't refuse this issue though- the cover is beautiful. I love Kate Hudson and her make-up in the cover shot is gorgeous. There are four other covers featuring Coco Rocha, Helena Christensen, Naomi Campbell and John Galliano.
The issue is also full of great articles and photoshoots including a feature on the famous plastic surgeon, Dr Sebagh and a huge special featuring model Coco Rocha who showcases the 25 key pieces of all time.
It's definitely an issue worth buying! The magazine is also doing an amazing subscription deal- £6 for 6 issues and £41 of Elizabeth Arden products- I am very tempted!
What is your job title and where do you work? I am an Assistant Irish Dance Teacher & Show Dancer. I work as a dance academy in Calgary, and the dance troupe that the owner of the studio started. How did you find the job? Did you have relevant experience which helped you get the position? I started out by dancing at the school. My two younger sisters were in the class before mine, so sometimes I would watch them and help out. Eventually, I got offered a job assistant teaching the dance classes in our North Studio. To get the position in the dance troupe, I was asked and went through a little audition. The only relevant experience I had was really just being an Irish dancer. The amazing thing is that I had only been dancing for a year before I was asked to teach! So I really just had to put my mind to it. How would you describe an average day in your job? What are your daily activities? I don’t work everyday, but when I do work I usually spend a few hours going through e-mails from parents, Feis registration, making sure our costumes are getting made, stuff like that. It’s not very exciting, but there’s a lot of it! After that, we usually work on some new choreography for either the kids or the troupe, and then help teach about 8 classes per week- each class is an hour. Then we have rehearsals for the troupe, and I still dance competitively, so I take 3 classes per week as well! While this isn’t a daily activity, as a show dancer (if you have ever seen Riverdance, it’s that kind of dance) we do shows quite a lot as well, so we have a lot more flexible hours. It definitely isn’t a 9-5. Are qualifications important for this role? What skills do you need? I have no “official” qualifications for teaching Irish Dance, because I’m only an assistant at the moment. But in order to become a full fledged teacher, you need to be a certified Teastas Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha, or T.C.R.G. The main skills you need are the ability to learn, a great attitude, and some basic Irish Dance experience. As I’ve said, I was only dancing for year before I got this job, so you don’t need extensive experience. The only other qualification I’ve needed is a first-aid certificate because I am working “with children in a high-risk sport.” What do you enjoy most about the job? Just getting to do what I love! While most of my friends slog away at fast food chains, I get to make money dancing and teaching other people about what I love. It’s absolutely amazing! The kids I teach are also unbelievably sweet. And what do you enjoy least about the job? Definitely answering all the e-mails. It’s doubly frustrating because 9 times out of 10, the information is on our website, but people just don’t bother to look! So it is really wasted time for everyone- ugh.
What would your advice be to other people hoping to work in your industry? That it is never, ever too late to start. One of the other show dancers started when she was 21, and we have dancers who are in their 30’s! Which isn’t really old, but it is for dancing. Also, try to get some basic Irish Dance experience. And wanting to learn is key- I learn all the time! New steps, choreography tricks, games for the kinds, costume design, etc. It’s all about learning! And on an unrelated note - what beauty product can't you live without? There is this Annabelle blush in Rose Fawn-44 that livens up my face like nothing you have ever seen, which is fantastic! It’s a go-to product for when I don’t have a lot of time and don’t want to do a full face.
If you would like to talk about your job please email me at cupcakeswithcherries@gmail.com or comment below with your email address.
Liz Earle Naturally Active Haircare- Botanical Shine Shampoo (for all hair types) and Botanical Shine Conditioner (for dry/damaged hair)
Price
£7.50 each These products were sent to me for review.
What does it claim to do?
"Just like our multi award-winning Cleanse & Polish, which works on all skin types, we've kept things simple by creating one shampoo which works on all hair types. With West African shea butter, natural source vitamin E and naturally derived cleansers, this high performance, botanically based shampoo gently cleans without stripping to leave hair soft, shiny and smooth. Apple and orange extracts restore natural shine, while eight essential oils leave your hair smelling clean and fresh. Contains no sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate."
"Specially formulated with shea butter and yangu oil, our ultra-rich colour safe conditioner leaves dry or damaged hair hydrated, under control, soft and smooth." - Liz Earle
What do I think?
I LOVE these hair products! Really love them. So prepare yourself for a bit of a rave.
As I mentioned in this post here, with 'natural' shampoos I've always found that they make my hair slightly dull and so was expecting this to be the same. I haven't found this to be a problem at all. Firstly- the scent is divine. I'm not good at explaining scents but it's a very 'woody' smell with earthy tones! It feels very luxurious to apply and the conditioner feels lovely too- I can always tell when a conditioner will be good as it makes me hair feel so smooth and knot-free straight away. The shampoo has less of a lather than other shampoos.
After drying my hair I could immediately tell that it had made a real difference to the condition of my hair. It looked blonder and had so much more volume- it also smelt gorgeous. I really am so impressed and have used it a few times now with the same results.
Everyone else in my family has used the range too and they all love it. My brother said yesterday how he really liked his hair after using one of my shampoos (I have a million) and it was the Liz Earle range. My Dad is also a fan- I could tell when I jumped in the car one day and was greeted with a lovely scent radiating from him! I think it's a great one for guys and girls because it's not too feminine a smell.
Would I repurchase?
Yes! I think the prices are really reasonable for the quality of the product and it's definitely produced great results for my hair! I'm hoping that Liz Earle will develop a range for blonde hair next- hint hint!
My name is Daisy and I'm 26 years old. I live in London and work at a fantastic charity in corporate fundraising. This blog is a mix of beauty, life and general ramblings. Enjoy!
I wish this was for me but I actually bought it today for my friend's birthday and thought I would share it with you all as it makes such a nice present and at a really reasonable price- £13! I really would like to keep it for myself. 
The pack consists of:
After looking on the website I can see that it's a new Sanctuary product and retails for £16. However it's currently £3 less at Boots! 
