EXTREME SHOES

                                                     
                                                               Why do we love shoes??
                                                              They express who we are.
                                                 They make us feel better when we are down.
                We might not be a perfect size 2, but we can wear the latest addition designer shoes.
                                                     The make us feel young, tall and sexy.            
            Face it: Women love shoes. The love affair starts young and heats up over the years - as a woman's shoe closet grows exponentially, it doesn't stop there. Shoe-love is only enhanced by the magical powers of a great pair of heels. Whether they're stilettos, chunkier stacked heels, sky-high wedges or something else, high heels give women a few added inches and a boost in mood.
            Women’s willingness to tolerate discomfort, even pain, in the service of fashion is often chalked up to the desire to attract a mate or to rise a step in the social hierarchy. But today’s extreme fashions may have more to do with expressing power and control — control over one’s own body, and the power to use one’s body to draw the gaze of others.
           But how far we women can go trying to express ourselves or to be different.
I was on a mission searching internet to find extreme shoes out there. Let’s see what I found:

I found these shoes, strange form, weird angle. You must be a ballerina to be able to keep balance in these shoes. If these shoes express one’s personality, what would you think it would be?? To me, these shoes are not very flattering and hardly practical, but you tell me, would you wear these?

                               Love these ones. Airy platform filled with rose petals, clear stripes with attached fresh flowers . Dreams and fairy tails…Clearly,  these are not for work in the office.

                                                               
Fish flip flops?? Look smelly and slippery:-))))))
But definitely – lots of creativity.
Not sure I would wear these flip flops. You?

Doggy boots? Extra-ordinary, but wait a minute, what is there, in the right corner?
Do you need to pick up after them as well?:-)))))

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Titanic? Building? Or just a shoe? Something deep inside makes me very happy knowing this is not a real shoe:-)
                                                 
                                                                                                                    
                                            

Sleepers that look like..........pair of dead rats...............They look cozy and incredibly scary. I guarantee there will be no rats around your house when you own a pair of these :-))))

And finally, the giraffe shoes. I wonder if anybody in a world will find these shoes attractive and actually buy them. Please let me know because I absolutely MUST see a picture of you wearing the giraffe shoes:-)
              On a serious note, what is ugly to me is not necessary ugly to someone else.

But between me and you: did you get a kick out of these extreme shoes? :-) If you want to read more of my  discoveries, follow my blog.

                                               
              Waiting for your feedbacks and comments. And if you have any question – Ask Erena!

One Year Blog Anniversary!

I want to say a huge THANK YOU to all my wonderful readers!

It was exactly one year ago that I decided to start my blog. After having read so many blogs,  I built up the courage to give it a go and start my own blog. I was a bit apprehensive to put myself out there because I didn't think that anyone would read it or that it would be good enough, but I am so happy I did.

I love sharing, reviewing and inspiring others, in the hope that I have made a difference to someone and put a smile on their face.

A few weeks after starting my blog, I ventured into the big wide world of YouTube and started my own beauty channel, which has also been very exciting.

I am learning so much and really enjoy it. I have worked with some great PR and marketing people that are so lovely and I am grateful for the opportunities they have given me.

Where to from here for DanniiBeauty? I am excited to see what happens next. I am looking forward to so many more opportunities. My passion is writing, sharing, beauty, fashion and inspiration. Ideally I'd love to be able to work from home and not have to go back to my public service job of thirteen years at the end of this year, but we will see how that goes.

For now I'd love to explore working more with brands, events, PR companies and venturing into freelance writing or media work, the list is endless. A girl can always dream!

One thing is for sure, the support and blogging community out there is beyond words. Its fantastic to see how so many inspirational and talented people can come together through a passion that we all share.

Thanks again for coming back to my blog and sharing this great journey with me, without YOU this journey wouldn't have been as fun or exciting as it has been. I love every interaction I have had with my readers, its great to be able to share information together.

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube or contact me by email.

I am celebrating by hosting five great giveaways over the next five days, so come back tomorrow to enter the first great giveaway!

I'd love to know: Is there anything you would like to see more of on DanniiBeauty? Reviews? How to's? Tips? Lifestyle? What keeps you coming back?

Rimmel London Long Lasting 25 hour foundation review

My favourite makeup product is foundation. I am always on the search for a great foundation and like trying different ones. For the last few weeks, I have been using the Rimmel London Long Lasting 25 hours foundation and really like it.                                                                                              

It comes in a tube with a top that you screw off and then squeeze to get the product out. You get 30ml of product in the tube.

Rimmel says: Sweat, heat and humidity proof for up to 25 hours. Transfer resistant. Enriched with a revitalizing Mineral Complex and moisturizing Aqua Primer. Skin feels energized and hydrated all day.

The foundation texture is smooth and easy to apply. The coverage is medium, buildable to full. It evens out the skin tone really well and the finish it gives is a nice luminous natural look.

It feels great on the skin and hydrating enough to make your skin feel good as well. Its great that it has a primer in it which is what I would say is what makes the skin feel hydrated.

It takes a few seconds to dry. It claims to last 25 hours, although I haven't tried it for that long, it definitely lasted 12 hours for me. It doesn't transfer either which is great for a affordable foundation.

The shade range is the only setback with this foundation as there are only six shades to choose from which may make it hard trying to match to all skin tones.

Overall a great foundation for anyone looking for an affordable, long lasting and natural finish. It retails for $17.95 aud and you can buy it from department stores or supermarkets.

What foundation are you using at the moment?

Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Splash Away Foaming Cleanser review

About six years ago, I started using the Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Splash Away Foaming Cleanser and fell in love with it. This cleanser does everything my skin wants it to do.

It is the first high end product I bought. This is what Estee Lauder says:
Deliciously refreshing foam gently yet thoroughly cleans and rebalances skin. Splashes away with no soapy film, no trace of impurities. Lightly hydrates and conditions as it cleanses. Gently manages oily zones while soothing dry areas. Leaves skin feeling renewed, comfortable, healthy.

This Perfectly Clean range is for normal/combination skin. If you have dry skin there is the Soft Clean range that has a cleanser.

I have combination skin. This cleanser is easy to use, you only need the smallest amount and it foams up really well. It feels smooth and soft on the skin whilst removing all makeup and impurities at the same time. This is a 125ml tube that lasts about four to five months. It really does leave your skin luxuriously clean. I use this as my evening cleanser followed by a serum and moisturiser.

As this is a high end product and retails for $52 aud, I don't use it all year round. I alternate using other cleansers that are affordable.  I usually will purchase this when Estee Lauder have gift with purchase offers only. 

This cleanser is great if you feel like you really want your skin to be cleansed well and can afford this.

What is your all time favourite cleanser?

Fashion Talk: Scarves

I love accessories. Its my fashion obsession to wear some kind of accessory with my outfits. I have talked about jewellery that I like, and today it is all about scarves. As it is approaching winter here in Australia, I am really loving wearing scarves even more. They really add a pop of colour or style to any outfit. Here are a few different style scarves that I like.

They are from Sussan and Witchery stores.

Above: The first one is a great winter soft black scarf that can be worn with anything. The second one has a gorgeous leopard looking print great with browns, creams and white clothing. The third one is a beautiful two tone- blue and white - scarf that would look good with a jacket. The last one is a lovely textured orange scarf that gives a nice pop of colour to an outfit.

Above: The first one is a open weave endless scarf which I love because it feels really nice around the neck and this can be worn as a more casual scarf. The second one is a hand knit chuncky scarf, great for winter with a jacket. The third one is a open weave scarf great for spring or autumn as it is comfortable and great plain tops or cardigans.

Scarves are so versatile, comfortable and can give you a sense of confidence. A scarf  is a fashion accessory that adds that soft touch to any outfit. They come in various fabrics, designs and shapes such as triangle, rectangle and square, and how you wear it depends on its size and shape.

Do you wear scarves?

Winner of the Tron Legacy DVD is..........

Thanks to everyone who entered the Tron Legacy DVD giveaway. It was great to see all of your responses.

The winner has been chosen and is:

Di from Max The Unicorn

Congratulations! Please email me your profile name, full name and mailing address to danniibeauty@hotmail.com ASAP.

Walt Disney will be sending out your prize, it may take a few weeks.

Stay tuned for more giveaways soon  - The first week of May is my one year blogaversary and I will have five days of giveaways!  

How to not look tired?

We all know that sleep is important for our general well being. An adult should have at least eight hours sleep. However this doesn't always happen so let's talk about a few things we can do in the beauty department to look like we have had sleep - even though we haven't! ( Links are to products I have reviewed)

Eyes

Using a concealer to cover and conceal the under eye area is going to help brighten up the under eye area. Be sure to apply the concealer under the eye and bring it down in a triangle shape on top of the cheek as well. Blend it all well and then set it with a powder.

Use neutral colours for eyeshadow to keep the eye look simple. If you have a shimmer eyeshadow thats even better as it will add sparkle to your eyes. Mascara is great to make your eyes look open and awake.

Face

Blush is definitely great to give your face some colour and warmth. Go for a peachy or pinky colour as a lighter colour will give your face a glowy look.

Lips

Definitely a great lip colour will help give your face a overall great look. You can either use a lipstick or lipgloss, to give your face some colour and gloss ( if using a lipgloss) and the look of freshness.

Fashion

Adding jewellery to your outfit will definitely brighten up your whole outfit. Necklaces and/or earrings that are bold and colourful will look great.

When choosing your clothes, don't just go for dark colour clothing, but rather add some bright colours to your outfit. Perhaps black pants, red top and a brown jacket. You can also add a scarf (if your not wearing a necklace).

Having your hair up in a ponytail or in a half up do hairstyle will give your face a lift. Having a 'up' style will give your face a open, clean look.

Do you get told you 'look tired'? What do you do to look awake?

YELLOW - THE COLOR OF THE SEASON

                    How wonderful yellow is. It stands for the sun. -Vincent Van Gogh                           
                                   Put some yellow in your life when you want:                                                      
                                              • clarity for decision-making
                               • relief from 'burnout', panic, nervousness, exhaustion
                                          • sharper memory and concentration skills
                             • protection from lethargy and depression during dull weather
                                                          • increase the metabolism
                                         Wear yellow to present a cheery, uplifting effect.
Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow will advance from surrounding colors and instill optimism and energy, as well as spark creative thoughts.

                                                              this look is so classy and chic

                                                 blue and yellow - my favorite combination

                                                  pink and yellow - is soft, tender and girly look

                                                            black and yellow look fabulous,
                                                            so in love with this diva dress and shoes!

                 Look how friendly yellow is. It looks great combined with any of these colors!

                These imazing jeweled shoes make a lot of statement and will look great with a simple dress

                                                   

                           it is always great to match your yellow shoes with yellow hand bag.

                           dont forget about your guy:-) yellow will look great on him as well!

                                                                         oh, how cute:-)))))


                                    So, my dear friends - WEAR YELLOW AND BE HAPPY!
              Waiting for your feedbacks and comments and if you have any questions - ASK ERENA!

Manicare Precision Blending Sponge review

A few of my viewers on my you tube channel requested that I do a review of the Manicare Precision Blending Sponge, so I wanted to show you the review here on my blog too.

I have never really liked applying my foundation with my fingers, so I have always used a foundation brush. However I find it hard to blend my foundation with a foundation brush and find that it takes longer to apply foundation. When I'm in a rush I usually use a compact foundation, but I really like the finished look of a liquid foundation. So I am really enjoying using the Manicare Precision Blending Sponge as it is quick to use and it blends the foundation really well.



If you find it hard to apply your foundation, definitely check out the Manicare Precision Blending Sponge, it retails for $7.95 aud in Priceline or department stores.

How do you apply your foundation?

Ten things I love about winter

I love winter, it is my favourite season. As winter is fast approaching here in Australia, I wanted to reflect on ten things I like about winter.

I love winter accessories such as gloves, woollen scarfes, and beanies

My favourite winter fashion piece is jackets

Love fireplaces, so warm and watching the fire is a relaxing

Hot chocolates to keep me warm

Love my mocossans

Bring out the doonas and snuggle up

Wearing hoodies

Hot chips and gravy

Bring out the boots, so comfortable

Going to the snow, I love the mountain scenery

What do you love about winter?

$5000 worth of Stubbies schoolwear giveaway

Stubbies have a fantastic range of schoolwear that are comfortable, durable and loved by many children.

Stubbies school uniforms are at the highest quality for best value. You can trust and count on Stubbies to provide the best school uniform solutions. They have a great selection of pants, jackets, skivvies, shirts and much more!

Stubbies wants to outfit your kids in their winter school uniforms. Stubbies are giving away $5,000 worth of Stubbies Schoolwear. Keep your kids warm with a great selection of Stubbies winter woollies.

All you have to do to enter this great giveaway is click here and follow the instructions.

The giveaway open to australian residents only ends 29th of April 2011 at 6pm AEST. So be quick, be a part of this great giveaway!

Neutrogena Healthy Defence daily moisturiser SPF 30+ review

I've been using the Neutrogena Healthy Defence daily moisturiser SPF 30+ and I really like it, I have just bought my second bottle. I always look for a moisturiser that has SPF in it because we all know that protecting your skin from sun damage is a must all year round!

The Neutrogena Healthy Defence SPF 30+ day moisturiser is lightweight, absorbs quickly into the skin, and is non greasy. It also contains vitamins E, A and C which is great for hydrating your skin.  It contains spf 30 and helioplex technology which is a sunscreen complex that helps to prevent daily sun damage.

The packaging is compact and easy to use. Once you unscrew the top it has a tip. You only need to squeeze a little amount to cover your whole face. It feels soft, light and fresh on the skin. This is great for under makeup just wait a few minutes before applying your foundation on top so that it is completely absorbed into the skin. The moisturiser has a pretty light fragrance which is nice.

The Neutrogena Healthy Defence daily moisturiser SPF 30+ comes in a normal/combination moisturiser or combination/oily moisturiser. Great for any skin type. I have combination skin that tends to get oily rather than dry so I use the combination/oily moisturiser.

The Neutrogena Healthy Defence daily moisturiser retails for $16.00 aud from department stores or supermarkets.

This is a great day moisturiser that will protect your skin from the sun all year round and at the same time provide hydration for your skin that you need.

Do you use a day moisturiser? Do you look for SPF in your moisturiser?
 

St Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Face Wash Blemish & Blackhead Control review

I have been using the St Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Face Wash Blemish & Blackhead Control for a few weeks now and really enjoy it. I have used other St Ives products that I like, they work really well with my combination skin type.

I bought the St Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Face Wash Blemish & Blackhead Control  as it says it 'Deeply cleans and helps care for blemish prone skin'.  I have skin breakouts quite a bit around my chin area.

This is what St Ives says about the apricot in this face wash: Apricots are known to contain one of the highest levels of carotenoids (think vitamin A) and supper-effective antioxidants. All of this natural power might seem, well, too powerful, but they are actually quite gentle and nourishing and they help make fresher, more nourished skin beautifully possible.

This product comes in a pump bottle( 192ml) which I like, easy to use. The texture of the wash is a thick, creamy liquid with dark orange grains through it. It is oil free and has 2% salicylic acid - great to treat blemishes.

When I apply this to my face I massage it around and it feels like my skin is being cleaned, it leaves a fresh, cool feeling on the face. I like the way this feels on my face when I have breakouts, it feels like it is gently removing the dirt, whilst not aggrevating them. The grains are very scarce and not harsh at all.

This will not remove makeup so you have to remove your makeup first before using this. It is also recommended to use this three to four times a week. This does not prevent blemishes but rather treats them by washing and cleansing your face. This smells so nice - like apricots and strawberries mixed together, love the smell.

I use this especially when my face is breaking out, I find it is really gentle on my skin, giving me great results. When my skin is normal I will use a normal cleanser.

If you feel that you need a face wash to clean away dirt and leave your skin feeling soft, clean and smooth, whilst also treating your blemishes, this may be the one to try.

The St Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Face Wash Blemish & Blackhead Control retails for $9.99aud from department stores or supermarkets.

What cleanser are you using at the moment?

I LOVE MY DOGS:-)

                                                         Please meet Max & Julie:-)

                                                            Max is a JET's fan:-)

                                                           Julie is just a princess:-)

They are computer savy:-)

                                                                  and 2 lazy bones:-)

my painting of them:-)

                                                         not my dog:-)))))))))))))))))))

                                                          I LOVE MY DACHSHUNDS!