50 Shades of Disappointment

It saddens me to even have to type that heading, I was and still am a very big fan of the BOOKS. The movie however was the biggest disappointment of my entire life! From the minute I picked up the first book (which was a E version on my iPad) I was hooked. So much so that I had copies on my MAC, iPad, iPhone and on my work PC, so that no matter were I was I could continue reading in stealth mode. Every spare minute I had between phone calls and emails, during cooking at home and even in the bath I spent reading pages of 50 Shades. The sex scenes were extremely detailed and reading at work was some what uncomfortable (I was the only female in a team of 10 guys) but the story behind it was so captivating and the Legend and the star of every woman's fantasy was born in the form of Mr Christian Grey himself!

Through out the build up to the movie every one was left speculating who would potentially play Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. When I found out Alexis Bledel was a very strong contender to play Miss Steele I was considering boycotting the entire movie, there was no way that mousy woman would play a good role as Anastasia. I also had my doubts when it was announced officially that Dakota Johnson got the role but after watching the movie however I don't think anyone else could have played that part she fit the character to a T.

Now when it came to Mr Grey himself I began to realize that no matter who the option was I would just not be happy. There were so many names floating around that it actually became a bit over whelming. I know at one stage it was said to be given to Ian Somerhalder but lets face it he is and always will be Damon Salvatore one half to the Vampire brothers of our dreams nothing more and nothing less. Then the announcement that shattered my dreams was made and the role was given to Jamie Dornan, even though some of his Calvin Klein ads were smoking hot he was no Christina grey. And every time I seen him on screen all I could see was Anton Yelchin and that is not someone one fantasizes about. Cant we all just take a second to admire potential number 5 why was this guy not a very strong contender slap some dark hair on him and that right there is Mr Grey inside and out! If we had him as our star role this would have been the movie of the year.

What disappointed me the most about the movie was the amount of detail that was left out, even with the extended version that I watched. I am not talking sex scenes but actual details and events that lead to certain big scenes. The fact that I read the books I sort of knew what was coming next but when it didn't happen I found myself repeatedly having to turn to my husband and explain why certain things were happening because it seemed to skip major parts in the book. Now I understand they needed to keep the movie to a standard time but for such a big movie I expected more, I mean even the Lord of the rings and the Hobbit were longer and they fit almost everything into those movies. Basically my point is to fully understand and appreciate 50 Shades of Grey I would say go out and get the books and read them before you decide to watch the movie.

Happy 2 Year Anniversary To Us!

Even though we hit our 10 year mark a couple of months ago, Gavin and I are officially married two years today! I can't believe how fast time is going it feels like just yesterday we were planning our wedding and then our trip to America. I am so thankful everyday that I get to call him my husband and my best friend. I have spent such a large part of my life with him that I cannot picture my life without him. Here's to 10 more years of marriage to my best friend, I love you more and more each day. You will forever be my always!

New Hair | Don't Care

I've been on the dark side for the last 4 to 5 years now and my hair has never been healthier. I would change my hair colour and style like I changed my underwear and after all the damaged Id done to it I just wanted to give it a break to let it go back to what it was. When I started going to Style bar last year I wanted to start going lighter right away, they did however tell me that it would be a process but doing it the right way would make me much happier in the end!  This past Sunday I decided to start the process and after about 5 or six hours I was left with this master piece. 

I am well aware of what the ombré hair style is but seen as I am already naturally dark I'm dubbing this the "upside down ombré" 

Light hair takes allot of getting used to for me but I must say I am enjoying it. I do however already miss the dark side and I can assure you I will be back.

Good by dark side! You still own my heart!

Shine bright like a diamond 

You can't sit with us! 

Thank you Style Bar you always do an amazing job, check them out!

M.A.C Limited Edition Collection Launches

Ok guys its officially official if that makes any sense but all four new Limited edition collections are now available in selected MAC store as of yesterday (12 March 2014)

I managed to grab all the nude lipsticks from each  collection and I must say all the packaging turned out amazing. Even the Cinderella collection which I was a little disappointed with when I saw it online, the packaging blew me away! Are you going to be getting anything from these four collections, let me know in the comments section.

Toledo Collection

Cinderella Collection

Bao Bao Wan Collection 

Julie Petit

WISHING WEDNESDAY | SAINT & SUMMER

I am just a little obsessed with the Saint & Summer Darling sandal in black. It has the cutest little bows in the centre and are just so cute and girly! They also come in beige and white and retail for R399. I want all three colours, can you picture these with a cute little summer dress or tight skinny jeans?

Check out some of their other sandals here let me know if you have any of their sandals and what you think.

Retail Box | Secret Box 10

I can't believe we are on the 10th Secret Box already, when it was first announced I was a little sceptical that it would be allot like a sample box subscription but its completely different and actually an amazing idea (hey I am all for good ideas). Being a beauty blogger and always wanting to try out new brands and items it becomes a little hard and expensive at the end of the day. Something that can give more value for my money is always welcome. How does Retailbox differ you might be asking? Well the secret box isn't a subscription service, each month a limited amount of boxes get released for purchase so you can choose to buy it or not. Each box has a theme or is aimed at a specific hair concern. The box contains a couple of full sized premium hair care products and accessories and is usually sold at a third of the price if bought individually.

The Secret Box 10 (which is currently available for purchase) is aimed at fine and thinning hair. It contains the Nioxin System 3 trial kit which consists of the Nioxin system 3 cleanser shampoo 150ml, Nioxin system 3 scalp revitaliser conditioner 150ml and the Nioxin system 3 scalp treatment 50ml. As well as the amazing Nioxin paddle brush. Ive only just started using this hair care products so I cant give you a full review just yet but I will add some product information instead.

The Nioxin three part regime system is designed to help revitalise and volumes limp thinning hair. Designed to help revitalise hair texture, provide moisture balance and refresh the scalp. The Nioxin Hair system kit 3 for fine, chemically treated hair is a unique system of complementary products that work in unison to achieve resilient, thicker looking hair and a refreshed scalp.

The recommended retail price for the Nioxin system 3 kit is R536,00, throw in the amazing Nioxin paddle brush and your box is valued at well over R600 but if you grab the secret box 10 you can have all that for R199,00.

Have you bought any of the previous secret boxes? Let me know what you think!

I've Been Nominated For A Liebster Award

I just want to thank Nisa from Belle BluSHH for nominating me for a Liebster Award, if you don't know what this is you can read all about the rules and information here. Thank you again Nisa for shining some love on my blog.

Here are the questions Nisa had for me:

1.  How did you discover the world of beauty and what fascinates you most about it?

Ive pretty much always been into beauty but I grew up with two older brothers and makeup was just not something that was important. I had a small makeup collection but I never used any of it until a few years ago when it became more of a hobby and learning how everything works and what they do helped me want to discover more and more. Now unfortunately its become some what of an obsession!

2.  What is your ultimate favourite makeup/skincare brand and why?

I think this will probably come as no surprise to hear that my all time favourite brand is Chanel. There is something about the black and white packaging that is so obsessive and gorgeous and the fact that both the packaging and product inside is equally luxurious that always gets me. Chanel is one thing I never feel guilty splurging on. 

3.  Who is your celebrity crush?

International - Gabriel Macht AKA Harvey Specter that smile and that dimples and not to mention that damn hair gets me every time. Local - Jonathan Boyton Lee, there is something about a unshaved guy with tattoos. And have you seen this guy with out a shirt on do I even have to say more??

4.  If you could only paint your nails the same colour for the rest of your life, what colour would you choose. 

Black today, black tomorrow, black forever! If I was a colour I would be black it matches my heart.

5.  What is the most helpful tip you've ever received with regards to your blog?

I have met some amazing bloggers along the way and I get some amazing advice from them on a daily basis but the best I have ever received is to be myself. Its easy to loose yourself and blend in but what makes you stand out is being yourself. We weren't born a copy we are not meant to blend in. 

6.  What is your favourite scent for a candle?

I am actually not a candle person I have plenty of them in my house but I never tend to burn them. If I had to choose a cent though I would go for vanilla and cinnamon or musk do you even get musk candles??

7.  What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you relating to beauty?

At first I thought I didn't have any but I actually do! I dyed my hair two tone once, platinum blond at the top and jet black at the bottom, I actually sported it for about a year. Just before I needed to attend a wedding I decided to freshen up the black and touch up my blond roots. They did not have my usual black so I had to take another brand I did not know. I dyed it and when I rinsed it all out the black stained the blond and the top went a bright neon BLUE! This would have been ok if it happened now you know that Kylie Jenner has made blue awesome but back then it was not. Also to top it off I had to take public transport to get to a hair dresser to beg them to help me fix it. Lesson learn right haha

8.  Name 3 high-end products you regret buying and why?

I know the Chanel Gods are going to curse me for this but I will have to say the Le Blanc illuminating base primer that thing just does nothing for me. Also the MAC blot pressed powder, it doesn't set or blot much unfortunately. And lastly the YSL Rouge Volute shine lipstick, which is honestly nothing more than a tinted lip balm. 

9.  Who is your favourite blogger and why?

Even though all these bloggers are Youtube beauty bloggers I am totally obsessed with Jaclyn Hill, I watch her videos over and over she is absolutely amazing at doing makeup. She is closely followed by Nicole Guerriero, Lusterlux and Coffee break with Dani.

10. What is your best feature?

I would have to say my eyes, I love my eyes. They are green but tend to change colour with my mood. Also I have full long lashes which I am so thankful for. 

11. What do you value most in life?

My family and friends, beauty fades and fashion comes and goes. People change and walk in and out of your life on a daily basis but family is what remains. And yes I regard my closest friends as family!

Now I know I am supposed to tag or nominate a few other bloggers but Ill have to break the rules a little. If you want to do the tag then tag your it, anyone is welcome please send me a link and I would love to read your answers.

Chanel Sublimage La Creme Texture Fine - Review

About a year or two ago I discovered Chanel's SUBLIMAGE ultimate anti-aging skincare range and my skin has never been the same. When I was younger (I am closer to 30 than I am to 20 so yes I am allowed to say that) I always thought that because I had good skin I didn't need to look after it but the truth is the earlier you start the better your skin will look when your older (AND I REFUSE TO GET OLD). Allot of people think a easy fix for skin problems is to just cover it up with makeup but think about it if you don't have a good foundation no matter how much product your going to throw on it your problem will still be there.

About the Sublimage Range
The active ingredient in the Sublimage range is Enriched Planifolia PFA, which is the fusion of the fruit and flower of the Madagascar Vanilla plant which has the power to regenerate. This powerful ingredient in the Sublimage range targets all of the skin's vital factors to reveal its natural beauty. The combination of the Vanilla Planifolia helps intensively and deeply revitalize and fight all signs of aging and targets radiance and luminosity, eye contour wrinkles, evenness of complexion, adds moisture as well as target even tone and firmness.

My major concern when I hit my 20's was that I started getting break outs, dark spots, pigmentation scaring left behind as a result of those break outs and uneven skin tone. I know my main cause is that I have combination oily skin but I also know its because I press my breakouts, Yes I know I shouldn't but I just cant help myself so moving on. I've tried so many brands to help target the uneven skin tone and pigmentation but none seemed to help until I decided to finally give all the Sublimage samples I had that was stacking up a try. With in the first week of using it I notice a very visible improvement, my pigmentation was fading and my skin started becoming one even tone. Although they say it doesn't help with breakouts I have notice that I now have less breakouts and my overall appearance of my skin is just clearer. My skin has a radiant glow to it that just makes it look younger. I honestly cant say much about it helping firm and improve wrinkles because I just don't have problems with it yet but I could believe that it is helping keep that at bay. The Le Creme is quite a rich moisturizer and is quite thick so I have found using it as a night cream works much better for me because it does leave my skin feeling a bit oily so it just doesn't work under my makeup.  However at the end of the day once I have removed all my makeup and cleansed my skin it is quite luxurious to lather all the luxurious creamy moisturizer all over and give my skin some much needed love.

The Sublimage range has been dubbed the Royals Royce of skin care and I can really understand why, it is amazing in every way even the sweet vanilla scent it has has won me over. The Le Creme Texture Fine is very much on the pricey side retailing for R4500,00 for a 50ml tub and I get that the range is quite expensive and it might not be for everyone. I would really love to add the Le Fluid to my skin care range next, a girl can dream though right? Also I believe the La Lotion will be coming out soon in South Africa and I cannot wait to try that out!

PRODUCT ALERT - Le Volume De Chanel Waterproof Mascara

Le Volume mascara now comes in a waterproof, smudge free formula! Umm YES PLEASE!! Probably one of Chanel's best mascaras for the perfect (natural) dramatic lash has now been made that much better. Some how the world sees a little better now to right? I cannot wait for this one to be released here in South Africa!

All the volume of the beloved original mascara, now in a versatile

 new waterproof, smudge free formula.

March Test Box - Win A 3 Month Test Box Subscription | CLOSED

March is finally here, not only is it my wedding anniversary this month but it also marks the launch of the Test box subscription service (if you don't know what this is you can read all about it here) I received the first of a two part box last week and I have to say I am pretty impressed! The box contained a 100ml Joico Shampoo and Conditioner and a Double Dip Detangler hair comb.  

Double Dip Detangler - R45,00 Beyond being the best named product this is one of the test boxes baby loves not only is it super cute looking but it is an amazing wide tooth comb which we use to combat teasing. Rapunzel type ladies and also with our younger ladies who just don't like bushing will love this. This is the done time double dipping is ok.

I honestly love this combo, I agree with the fact that it looks super cute and I love the colours. I also feel the dipped ends help keep the combo smoother there for making it way more comfortable to use. I am not one that brushes my hair much, once my hair has been washed and styled I normally don't brush it until the next wash again mainly because of the fact that it causes major static and breakage. If you live in Cape Town you will know what a nightmare the wind can be if you have long hair. I keep it in my bag to finely combo out all those small sticky knots caused by the wind at the bottom and it is a total dream!

KPAK Shampoo 100ml - R120,00 A gentle, rich cleansing shampoo that restores weak and depleted hair to its optimal strength and condition. Joico K-Pak shampoo to repair damage replenishes amino acids and fills in damaged areas of the cuticle while hydrating and protecting with aloe and antioxidant vitamin E. Your hair will become stronger and more resilient to external damage. Plus, because whats been missing is being replenished, your hair will be more responsive to styling. 

KPAK Conditioner 100ml - R125,00 This daily conditioner delivers the precise amount of daily conditioning that damaged, chemically treated hair needs. Joico K-Pak conditioner to repair damage, reconstructs and smooths hair with K-Paks Bio-Advanced Peptide and Keratin Silicone complexes. Your hair will be moisturized and stronger with increased silkiness, shine, movement and bounce - all without tangles and static. 

This is the first time I've used the Joico hair care range and I have to say I am pretty impressed. Ive been using it for the last 4 days and I must say I would be more than willing to switch from my usual brand. Like most things the first thing I was totally obsessed with was the scent it has a really sweet refreshing scent. If you are really picky with hair care products you will know what I mean when I say it left my hair feeling really clean and bouncy. I didnt feel like any product was left behind. My hair also look really shiny considering I am in need of a fresh dye job. I loved how it left my hair feeling. 

If you have already subscribed to the service you will be receiving your boxes this week and when you sign up for the April box you will have a chance to add part one to your subscription as well. If you are not a subscriber very limited stock will be available to purchase but you need to hurry. 

The Test Box was kind enough to give me a 3 months subscription to give away, you have until Saturday the 7th of March to enter and the winner will be chosen on Sunday the 8th of March and announced here on my blog. All you have to do to enter is have a look at the Test Box website here and comment below what you would like to see in future boxes, please leave your email address so that I can contact you if you are the winner. 

P.S this is for South African residents only

Currently On Repeat On My iPod - AronChupa I'm An Albatraoz