Tuesday, 31 March 2009

{Beauty Tuesday}: Makeup Giveaway inc. Chanel ...

As a beauty junkie, I am constantly attracted to the new products out in the shops and often switch to a impulse buy mode, ending up with lovely things that I don't need. Since the time of spring cleaning is upon us, I have decided to host a makeup giveaway to my lovely readers: Chanel Nail Colour in Vendetta, the new Max Factor False Lash Effect Macara & Shimmer Waves from the Body Shop, plus some mini size Body Shop goodies + Cosmetic Bag. All Brand New products, worth more than £50/$75!!

If you wear minimal makeup, these may be all you need

Since there is a weekly giveaway also, this post will be excluded from the weekly giveaway. This Giveaway is open to followers and link friends of {Luphia loves...} ONLY, i.e. you can only enter if you are a follower or/and have {Luphia loves...} on your blog links.

To Enter: Give a comment below stating whether you're a follower or link friend, or both. Being both gives you two entries, hence doubling the chances of winning. Hope all these make sense, please ask anything that's unclear :)

Deadline: this Saturday (3rd April) at 8am GMT.

On another subject, I was going through my old photos and found these of my dressing table when I lived at home about 4 years ago... sorry about my arm appearing in both photos!


Can you see the Cinderella Jewellery Box in the back? I fell in love with it when I visited Disneyland Paris & carried it in my hand all the way back to make sure it won't break in the luggage!! :)

xx

Monday, 30 March 2009

Jewels, Jewels, Jewels!!!

Mondays are rarely my favorite day of the week, so to brighten the day, I am going to inject some proper glamour into the week with these stunning jewellery images. Messy yet romantic?



Not enough glamour? Would these help?

{all from net-a-porter}

I am so so in love with the peach Miu Miu bow necklace! It's not impossible to find some much cheaper highstreet versions either

{Large Yellow Beads Necklace - Topshop, Gold Ring - Miss Selfridge, Other - Accessorize}


I'm a little, ok a lot behind on replying to tags but will try to do it this week. Starting with the sexy blogger award from the lovely The Magic Risotto Diaries., with it I have to list 5 sexy things about myself, which is so hard!! I don't think I'm sexy at all, maybe a little of the cute type but certainly not sexy! I will try...

1. I am really short, no I meant petite, and sometimes that can be sexy as I can wear 4 inch heels and still be shorter than most men...
2. I almost never smile showing my teeth, hence creating a little mystery?
3. I don't go with any trend just because it's popular, only when I like it too
4. I don't "play games" when it comes to possible relationships, I don't play hard to get but I am really fussy also, good looks alone never impresses me
5. I would be happy being single, I don't feel like I have to have a boyfriend

Pretty random answers but this is the best I can do!! :) I'm tagging all you girls reading these! xx

(photos by Katja Halvarsson via Swedish Elle & stated sources)

Saturday, 28 March 2009

{Weekly Giveaway}: tree & kimball

Hello Dear Readers! As usual I have another Weekly Giveaway here to kick start the weekend, given by the talented duo at tree & kimball. Their lovely lace pieces are so delicate and sweet, and you know how I love vintage touches right? Also check out their beautiful lace headband range.

The prize is any necklace from their Etsy shop, although it won't be easy to choose as they're all so pretty!

If you're new to this Weekly Giveaway, here is more information:

How to Enter? Anyone who leaves a comment on any post during the next 7 days is automatically entered in the draw, starting with this post and ending Saturday the 4th of April at 8am GMT. The winner will be revealed later that day.

Rules: only leave one comment per post please, meaningless comments will also be discarded. To pick the winner, I will first use randome.org to generate a number between 1 to 7 (7 posts a week) and then pick a randome comment within that post. So to maximise your chances you can reply to every post, don't want to miss a post? follow this blog via Blogger, Reader or Bloglovin & these technology will remind you!

Now to last week's winner...

Sorry no video to show this week as I'm home at my parents and forgot to take my camera connection wire with me!! But using the method described above, the winner is post 1, comment 42, that's Diana!!! Congratulations, I will contact you shortly for delivery address.

xx

Thursday, 26 March 2009

Hooked on: A Room with a View

When you have a place with stunning ocean views like these, why spend much on decor? You have a perfect focal point right there outside, these gorgeous rooms are the perfect example. A simple clean interior with a stunning view, I certainly would not say no to this place, would you?


The dream of owning a place like this is a distant dream for me, so for the time being I will settle for a holiday similar to this in a gorgeous hotel, how about the Canaves Oia Hotel in Santorini? I'll leave you to enjoy the views...




Breakfast on terrace? Yes please! Happy Friday! Hope you'll have a relaxing weekend :)

xx

(images from gaelle le boulicaut & SLH, check out what others are hooked on this Friday here)

The Adventure of a Girl In Blue

If I was good with words, I would write a beautiful little adventure story of this girl in a blue dress. Since that's not going to happen, I invite you all to imagine your own story :)

Feel free if you want to share with me your lovely story too :)

Most of you have probably already seen the new collection of computer wallpapers on Kindred, just in case you haven't, here's a couple of my favorites, by the talented FIFI LAPIN & HEATHER of Creature Comforts:


I would definitely switch if I wasn't using my own wallpaper, even though it's no way near as good as these, but becasue I made it myself I'm kinda attached to it, you know the feeling? :)

Just in case you're interested, you can get this one here on 1024X768 1280X1024 1600X1200.

Sorry if this is a bit of a random post, I've just got a few blog awards which I'd like to pass on.

The Lemonade Award, PROXIMITY award, Honest Award from the lovely Through The Looking Glass..., my so called fabulous life..., las pamelas and Sugar and Blush goes to:

{ With Love..., Rougemarie, Static Electri-city, Life In Technicolor., CarrieCan, The Red Otter Shop, Ambiguous Alliterative Abomination, mademoissele chic, Chic Heroin, Song of Style & ...love Maegan}

I also have to tell 10 honest things for the Honest Award, here goes:

1. I am a Maths student and will be graduating this summer
2. I am a little scared of balloons (scared they might suddenly pop!)
3. I have lived in Saudi Arabia (for 6 months when I was 13)
4. I am a bit obsessed with Seagulls (a family lives on my roof)
5. I prefer ice cream to chocolates (except when it's freezing cold!)
6. My favorite colour is blue

7. I am 5ft2
8. I had braces
9. I have worn glasses since I was 11
10. I do my money budgeting on Excel spreadsheets

xx

(images from Denise Grunstein, Kindred, me & .Surya. )

Wednesday, 25 March 2009

Modern Opulence {Interior}

What would you have in mind if I mention white walls & floors? Modern all white interiors maybe? Now picture the word opulence & white together, and these gorgeours rooms is what you get...

Just shows how different white interiors can be and what a difference furniture makes!

If you're new here - hello :), just to let you know by commenting on any posts this week, you'll be automatically entered into the Weekly Giveaway. xx

Also, I'm going to enable comment moderation after receiving 10 "mature" content junk comments from this ed (watch out for his horrible comments!), think I will report to Blogger too...

(images from Trine Thorsen)

Tuesday, 24 March 2009

{Beauty Tuesday}: Beauty Interview with Vicki


Good morning everyone! I am back with another Beauty Interview today, with the lovely Vicki behind the absolutely gorgeous & "french chic" blog FRENCH ESSENCE.

Q:Could you give us a summary of your experience with beauty products?

Like all women I think I search for products that are beneficial, show results and are easy to use. I follow a routine when it comes to skin care; I may change products or mix brands but I never miss cleansing, toning and moisturizing my skin. It doesn’t matter what hour of the day or night – I would not be able to sleep if I hadn’t removed my make-up. There are three things that I think are the most important when it comes to caring for the skin: I avoid the sun, smoking and too much alcohol, I drink 2 litres of water every day and I try to sleep soundly. When I was younger I could go without sleep, party on and drink as much as I liked and still walk out the door the next morning looking reasonably ok. Now, I am not so lucky…

Q:What is your skin type and what do you look for in skincare products?

I have a dry and sensitive skin – partly due to age and party due to the climate I live in. The products I preferare those that are derived mostly from natural ingredients and those that are rich in emollients.

Q:What is your top beauty secret or product?

I always add olive oil to my bath water.

I run the bath, add the scent that I prefer – usually lavender or rose – and then pour in a few drops of olive oil; it leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. As a special treatment in the winter, I will exfoliate and then apply the oil directly onto my skin.

Q:Name 3 other favorite skincare products and why?

Right now I am using Jurlique’s Moisture Replenishing Day Creme. It is a rich crème that hydrates and moisturizesthe skin and is particularly good for sensitive skin.

As the temperatures warm up I prefer to use a lighter moisturizer and will change to Dr Hauschka’s Rose Day Cream. In the heat of summer I will alternate between the Rose Day Crème and the Quince Day crème, a lighter alternative.

My other favourite at the moment is La Mer hand creme –this handcreme was given to me as a birthday gift – sheer bliss. Not sticky or tacky and quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving any slippery residue. The scent is soft and fresh and not overpowering at all.

Q:If you wear makeup, what are your top 3 favorite products?

Laura Mercier tinted Mouisturizer SPF 20 in Nude – I nevergo without this, day or night, and find the sheer texture and light coverage perfect for me. I don’t like wearing heavy make up and this provides a good base without that ‘made-up’ feeling.

Laura Mercier Cheek colour in Crushed Hazelnut – this is a light powder that is easy to apply and blends well on the skin. Again it is a natural colour and works well as a blush to wear when you don’t want to look like your wearing a blush.

And the lips:I love a lipstick and seem to be favouring MAC at themoment. For day – Cremesheen, ‘Shy Girl’ and for night– Cremesheen, ‘Spice is Nice’ Topped off with a dab of C-Thru A78 gloss.

Q: (optional) Are there any other products that you love but have not mentioned above?

Chanel – Le Crayon Khol Intense Eye Pencil in graphite –so easy to use for day and night.

The latest nail varnishes from Chanel. The rainbow brightsin pink and purple are just fabulous.

Thanks so much Vicki for joining us today and sharing your beauty secrets! I completely agree with your beauty routine & will definitely try the olive oil too, it sounds so simple yet amazing!

(images from here & corresponding links)

Monday, 23 March 2009

Balloons in the Air

{by the talented Yvette Inufio }






I love how cute these photos are, looks super fun too don't you think? I love the summer dresses teamed with ankle boots look, whether it's the peach coloured dress, navy dress or even the check number, great for the early spring we're going through now (adds a jacket too maybe :)

Here is some highstreet finds...


{Topshop Dress & Shoes, Accessorize Necklace, Forever21 Dress, Miss Selfridge Dress, Office Boots}


Some designer lovelies:



{Fendi Dress, Balmain Boots, Miu Miu Brooch, Diane von Furstenberg Dress, See by Chloé Dress, Stella McCartney Mesh Shoes - all from net-a-porter)

Another fresh week ahead, hope you're all having a good Monday, xx

(balloons photos by Petro Gabriel, other images from stated source)

Saturday, 21 March 2009

{Weekly Giveaway} Melbajulep Designs

Hello everyone, it is yet another beautiful day here in Bath (yeah!) so I've got up earlier than usual to make the most of the day. First task of the day: post the new Weekly Giveaway! This week the lovely Melbajulep Designs is giving away any one pair of earring, that's right, you get to choose again!

I just simply love the earthy feel of these lovely jewellery


If you're new to this Weekly Giveaway, here is more information:

How to Enter? Anyone who leaves a comment on any post during the next 7 days is automatically entered in the draw, starting with this post and ending Saturday the 28th at 8am GMT. The winner will be revealed later that day.

Rules: only leave one comment per post please, meaningless comments will also be discarded. To pick the winner, I will first use randome.org to generate a number between 1 to 7 (7 posts a week) and then pick a randome comment within that post. So to maximise your chances you can reply to every post, don't want to miss a post? follow this blog via Blogger, Reader or Bloglovin & these technology will remind you!

Now to last week's winner...

Congratulations Zeolla.! I will contact you shortly for delivery address.

My topshop package arrived yesterday so I'm going to try some on now & take some photos for tomorow's {Styling Luphia}, xx

Friday, 20 March 2009

{Vintage Friday}: Dresses from Daughters of Dawn

I love discovering new vintage shops, and that is exactly what I found this morning on Ebay, Daughters of Dawn has such a beautiful collection of vintage dresses, I can barely contain my excitement while writing this post! :)







Can't these dresses just so perfect? I also want the shoes too, and the model's gorgeous hair & legs!

It's also the last chance to enter the Weekly Giveaway (or again, just leave a comment below), the winner & a new giveaway will be revealed tomorow! Happy weekend my lovely readers :)

xx

(images from stated source link)