Katy Perry - Firework

"Firework" is quite an old song now - you could say it has lost its spark, but not for me! Peaking at number 3 in the charts, Katy Perry said it was her favourite track on Teenage Dream. She said:

"People are coming back and almost adopting it as their own anthem, and it's hard, I think, to write an anthem that's not cheesy," she explained. "And I hope that this could be something in that category. I hope this could be one of those things where it's like, 'Yeah, I want to put my fist up and feel proud and feel strong."
(source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1649047/katy-perry-tweets-about-sparkling-new-music-video.jhtml)

The thing I like most about Firework is its ability to inspire. I felt empowered when I listened to it for the first time on The X Factor. When I watched the video, I had to hold back the tears - it was so sad, but lovely at the same time. I thought it was wonderful. I've been going through a rough patch lately, especially with regards to my career direction. I haven't got much of an idea, but Firework says to me: you CAN do anything you want to do! I found the following lyrics particularly inspiring:

"Maybe the reason why all the doors are closed/
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road"

I'll leave you with the video - tell me what you think!

17 Starry Eyes Glitter Liners

I picked up three glitter liners at Boots yesterday, made by the 17 brand. They were 3 for the price of 2, which I think is an absolute bargain! How could I resist?



I decided to buy Moon Rock (Purple), Supernova (black), Northern Star (Silver). I'm hoping to pick up Stardust (Gold) at some point, too.

First of all, I wasn't convinced: it didn't show up very well. But I figure the trick is to go over it a couple of times. Below I have gone over my original line twice, so I reckon if I tried to build it up it'd look even better!




The brush is not that bad - it's easy enough to see what you're doing. Other eyeliners I have tried have really tiny brushes and it's impossible to create the look you want if you haven't had a lot of practise with the brush. This one however is pretty easy to get used to. It is both soft and firm so depending on what kind of look you want I'd say it was a good choice of liner to use, especially if you're a newbie to using a liner brush. It certainly takes some practise at getting the right sort of line but it shouldn't be too hard!

The thing I like most about these eyeliners ... it doesn't move! I smudged some of my mascara and was worried I'd end up smudging the glitter liner off, but it stays put. It is also easy to build up, although it does feel weird on your eyelids at first. I would say these are more suitable for the party/evening looks, but I can definitely see myself jazzing up my eyes with a bit of Supernova during the day.

I think I'll be experimenting with these for a while, and I will definitely be trying the Starry Eyes eyeshadows. It's lovely to find a glitter liner that is actually really cheap! At £3.99 (and it is currently 3 for the price of 2 at Boots right now) you'd be mad not to try them.

Available at the bargain price of £3.99 at Boots

Eliza Doolittle "Skinny Genes"

Skinny Genes was Eliza Doolittle's debut single, but she's re-releasing it on 26th December 2010. I like the new and improved video - it's quirky, sexy, more up-to-date. It looks like a whole lot of fun!

After the disappointment of Rollerblades not making it to the top 40, I think Eliza deserves a bit of success with this video. It still has another week before it is officially released but I've heard it on the radio and seen it played on the music channels quite a bit - it's certainly getting a lot of attention. I think that's why Rollerblades wasn't so successful; there just wasn't enough promotion for it.

Anyway, watch the video and let me know what you think of the new and improved version! ;-)

Hocus Focus

Hocus Focus, £12

This is a fairly new addition to the Soap & Glory skincare range. It claims to soften your flaws instantly!

An INSTANT visual flaw-softening lotion with long-wearing LIGHTSCRAMBLE™ lumisphere technology that mixes mica light-diffusing powders with high-tech encapsulated soft focus pearls and leaves the wearer looking ‘candle lit’ and ready to glow!

Its specially blended luxury skin smoothing emollient complex gives a beautiful silky sensual feel and sheer look to the skin, whilst helping to lock moisture in too. It softens, smoothes and illuminates the skin, just where you need a little soft focus.

The product comes in a glass pump bottle which is handy. The only problem with it is pumping out too much! The product itself is of a foundation consistency... You just put it on your face. It is a shimmery pale pink colour, but goes onto the skin pretty much transparent. It also has a nice scent but this could be a problem if you're allergic to perfumed products - have a look at the ingredients and check before you buy, as £12 is a lot to waste if you can't use the product.

I like Hocus Focus; it makes my face look brighter and fresher. It's great if you want to rock the 'natural' look but don't want to use heavier foundation products. I'd say it was suitable for most skin types as well. I've tried mixing it with my foundation but I haven't noticed much of a difference, it works better for me when used on its own, but what works for me won't necessarily work for you - give it a try and see what you think!

Have an opinion or a question about the product I've reviewed? Please post your thoughts!

The Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser

The Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser, £9

I've been asked to write a review of this product, and I'm only too happy to oblige!

I really like this product. I don't have the cloth any more though - my mother thought it would make a good dishcloth. *Facepalm* I've tried both The Fab Pore (peel) and this, and I do prefer this one as it's something you can use more often.

This is the description of the product:

It cleans, it smoothes, it melts away makeup. A 3-in-1 concentrated deep purifying formula with a natural blend of revitalising aromatic essential oils for an all round Fab Pore™ complexion.

Suitable for all skin types – especially those seeking natural alternatives for their skincare regime.

The product is white, and comes in a handy squeezy tube. The Fab Pore (peel) annoys me because of the pot - I find the squeezy tubes are more convenient. I normally just rub a small amount on my cheeks, chin and nose, and on my forehead if I feel it needs some good stuff. I leave it for a minute or two then wash it off with warm water. It does make your face feel noticeably softer! I find myself sometimes stroking my cheek without realising. I've tried washing it off with cold water too, but it doesn't work as well and I don't get the soft face feeling. More like sticky face feeling. I've never personally tried to remove my makeup with it either (and I always avoid the eye area after my mishap with Clean Mary), but I should think it would work well.

Would I recommend The Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser? Of course! I didn't think the cloth made that much of a difference personally, as flannels seem to do the job just as well. I think the cloth is softer and less harsh, but don't quote me on that. I find my face looks brighter after using it and of course, it's much softer! The tube is convenient and it's also easy to slip into a washbag or something if you're going away, so there's no excuse for not having a "Fab" complexion!

Katy Perry "Purr"

I'm really picky when it comes to perfumes, so I was really glad when they had a small spray sized version of the scent. It fits perfectly into my handbag! I'll never have to worry about my perfume fading on a night out again.

The description of the scent (as posted on the Superdrug.com website)

The fragrance is a rich eau de parfum which opens with a fresh citrus accord of peach nectar and forbidden apple to awaken the senses. It develops into a delicate floral bouquet supported by notes of jasmine blossom and pink freesia and dries down into a rich, luxurious scent rich with vanilla orchid and sandalwood.

I think it is a wonderful smell - incredibly girly and quite strong, but definitely not overpowering. It isn't like anything I've had before, which is nice. I think this will definitely be a hit with perfume junkies.

The bottle itself is a deep purple colour. Although it looks a bit like a lipstick, it is actually much bigger! The box is very shiny and has a cute cat face on the front. It came at the price of £14.99 which does seem quite expensive for a small spray bottle but... It's worth it! I will definitely get the 50ml version for £29.99, available at Superdrug.

Some Like It Hot

Here's a review to warm you up. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling really cold today!


Some Like It Hot, £7.75

I feel that this is quite a novelty product: to activate the 'heat' of the scrub you need to shake the tube. It then heats up as it touches your skin. The sensation only lasts a few seconds but it's both fantastic and strange at the same time...

The consistency, in my opinion, is quite runny. And it feels like sandpaper when I scrub myself with it. Despite this, I like that it heats me up. It's a good thing to use if your shower water is cold (remember: shower responsibly. Use the 2 minute rinse method)!

The effectiveness of the scrub is good. It works just like any other. I still prefer the other Soap & Glory scrubs though, but this is a good substitute if you want something different, or as I said earlier, if you're feeling a bit cold!

The only problem with this product is that it dries your skin out quite quickly (because of the heating action, I presume!) so be sure to have a moisturiser on hand afterwards.

What do you think of this product? It'd be interesting to hear some other views!