Kathcake Blogging has page ranking after 2 years!

I checked out my site on Google PageRank Checker tonight and couldn't believe it when I saw that my little blog had risen to the high stoops of level 2. Now considering the last time I checked this out maybe a year ago it was at 0 I think i've achieved a LOT in one year.

Here's to be even higher next year!!

If you've just started a new blog, here's a few tips:

• Submit interesting content often 
• Start competitions to get regular visitors
• Mention famous people once your page is indexed on Google, it will make people more likely to happen across your page!

Cosmetics A La Carte Brow Ink

I received this cute little product in one of my monthly Carmine beauty boxes. Its claim is to be a "semi-permanent" brow, eyeliner and body ink, a bit like a dye without the chemicals. I decided to test the product on my eyebrows as they are pretty thin and pale looking so a little extra colouring might make my eyes stand out more.

The shade I've received is a taupe colour which comes in a brown pencil with a handy lid so the product won't dry out. Inside the nib is a bit like a felt tip, and like a felt tip you have to be careful not to wear the colour out!

I applied the pen in very fine little strokes, colouring in like a kid with a crayon wouldn't make for a good look. Gradually I managed to fill my eyebrows in a bit more to make them a little bit more compact, and to give them more shape.

Whilst the colour is a dark brown when colouring onto my eyebrows it seemed to match in and made them almost a black colour (but it didn't look odd)

As for semi-permanent well I'm not sure I can agree with that. A day after applying the pen I can't say they're as filled in as they were yesterday but you can still see a bit of the marking. However the pen doesn't take very long to apply and is very easy to use so applying everyday shouldn't be too much of a problem.

A nice little product that helps to make your eyebrows the real feature of your face.

You can buy brow ink for £22 off Cosmetics A La Carte
                                                               Before

                                                                    After

Advantages

• This brow filler is cheaper then going for a eyebrow dye at a salon
• Easy to use
• Offers nice shape and colouring once used

Disadvantages

• Slightly pricey
• May dry out easily, especially if the lid is left off!

MyFace Spi"ce"y eyeshadow

MyFace are the brand with the crushed pearl pigments inside their vivacious eyeshadows.

As part of thee December Carmine box I was delighted to receive a Spi"ce"y version of their eyeshadows. Coming in a small compact eyeshadow the colour is a rich sparkly brown which quite easily creates a gorgeous smokey eye.

You can apply the eyeshadow with your fingers, adding a little for a subtle effect or a lot for a really noticable glam night look. Alternatively you can wet your finger and see the deeper colour the wetness gives the shadow.

I felt the colour was really rich and really made my eyes sparkle. The only downside is because the eyeshadow is heavily glitter focused over the period of a day a lot of it may end up around your eye. Not really a problem but it may ruin your perfectly set makeup!

MyFace is only really available in Boots shops or online

Advantages

• Really bright colours
• Leaves your eyes sparkling like a diamond
• Has crushed pearl extracts inside for extra colour va va voom

Disadvantages

• As the eyeshadow is heavily glitter focused a lot of it may settle under your eye over the period of a day

The real December Carmine box

I previously reported that I had received the December box, but as I had only just signed up it appears they sent me the November and the December box.

I received the December box today and I have to say what a lovely christmas present, Carmine boxes are really worth the money.

Inside was:

• A Japonesque brush - perfect for smudging your eyeshadow and creating the ultimate in smokey chic
• Weleda Pomegranate Creamy body wash - Fresh from the orchard this creamy body wash is packed with nutrients - perfect for revitalising your skin during a hot bath
• KMS California Freeshape quick blow dry - This product claims to reduce your blow drying time by up to 50% and it leaves your hair soft - what a product!
• Institut Esthederm Time Technology Cream - A lightly whipped moisturiser that is perfect for all ages. The time technology cream has light reflecting particles inside to give you a instant glow as well as providing deep moisturisation that one day your skin will thank you for!
• MyFace Cosmetics Blingtone Sp"ice"y eyeshadow - I love love love MyFace they have such vivid colours on their eyeshadows. This product alone would be around £10 in the shops (well Boots) and gives off really long lasting colour that will wow those around you. 

So if you're still not convinced Carmine is amazing value tune in next month for the next installment :)

Revlon Custom Eyes Masacra

I bought this mascara under the recommendation of a friend, in the end I bought the wrong one but it looked good so I thought why not try it. The mascara comes in a small tube and has a quite large plastic brush which gives the impression it covers all lashes.

Now what marks this mascara out as different from the others on the shelf is its claim to give two different mascara options: 1. - Add length and drama, and 2 - Add length and definition.

I quite eagerly tried both options but I could not see any change happening with the mascara at all. When you twist the nozzle the wand stayed the same shape and consistency so I don't quite understand how they can claim any difference in overall effect.

The result is pretty average, my lashes were covered quite well with both options but there was no wow affect. On the plus side the mascara doesn't clump and your lashes are left feeling pretty individualised.
                                                          Before

    Option 1 - Length and Drama                                                               Option 2 - Length and Definition

Advantages

• No clumping
• Good definition on lashes
• Long wand so minimal reapplying

Disadvantages

• I don't feel it lives up to its claim to have two different application options
• No wow factor - quite a average mascara 

You can buy this mascara for £4.45 from Ebay

New Id I-Pout Scarlet Lipstick

As part of my first Carmine box I received the lovely New Id I-pout lipstick in Scarlet. The lipstick comes in quite a attractive white case, and its most attractive feature is its inbuilt light - perfect for dark nightclubs and bars!

On the side of the lipstick is a a reasonably sized mirror so when team with your light you'll be the envy of all your girl mates!

The colour is a lovely bright red which is perfect for the Christmas season and really brightens up those pale complexions. It smells absolutely gorgeous which is perfect for cheeky kisses under the mistletoe and it glides on like a dream - no stickiness like some lipsticks.

I can't really find anything negative to say about this lipstick, other then the fact that it doesn't last that long. However with its endearing features you won't have any qualms in applying it again and again!
                                                                         Before

                                                                        After

Advantages

• Gorgeous smell unheard of in a lipstick - perfect for kissing
• Lovely scarlet colour
• A inbuilt light so you can apply in dark places!
• Has a mirror as well

Disadvantages

• The only one I can think of - it doesn't last that long!

I'm going to be in Shout!

Recently Shout were asking for beauty panellists so I thought I'd apply, as I love testing makeup and free hair and beauty products are even better!

My blog link will be included, and my top secret review product will be revealed, so keep your eyes out. I will post when I know further details!

17 Magnetized Nail Polish

If you've ever wondered what a magnet does to wet nail varnish this gives you the answer.

Having seen the results on my friends nails I really wanted to give this a try, as it looked so cool.

As they're quite new the nail varnish is still quite pricey compared to normal polishes. I got mine for about £5.99 from the 17 brand in Boots.

I applied the Blue shade to my nailsin the normal way and then came the magic. Whilst my nail was still wet I held the magnet over the top and it creates a ripple effect that changes the colour of the polish.

Your result is a two toned nail varnish which you would find very hard to create normally.

Now the magnetic nail varnish is quite a difficult art to master as whilst my right hand came out lovely, the left didn't..

We all have a hand that is a lot harder to paint and this was it, so maybe the best idea would be to do that one first.

However I was impressed with the result and will be buying more colours in future!

Advantages

• Brand new!
• Creates a effect unseen before
• You will wow all your friends with the results (unless they've already got it that is!)
• Saves on buying nail transfers for crazy patterns

Disadvantages

• Quite pricey compared to normal nail varnishes
• Easily goes wrong

My December 2011 Carmine Box

I recently signed up to Carmine as I loved the thought of recieving beauty goodies every month, and today my December box came.

* * * Drum Roll * * *

The box was very securely wrapped with a box in a box and the inner box is stuck down very firmly!

You have to rifle through the shredded red paper before you find your beauty goodies; in December's box I got:

• :Lulu's Time Bomb Flashback Night Cream
• Neom Organic Body Lotion
• Dainty Doll eyeliner by Nicola Roberts
• A la Carte Cosmetics Eyeliner 
• NewId lipstick with a light (Review coming tomorrow!)

The products are very generous samples, wth several like the eyeliners and New Id lipstick being full sized so I'm very impressed as you'd probably pay £10 apiece for those.

So why not check it out for yourself at Carmine Prices start at £12 per month including postage.

Nail Art pens for under half price!

If you love your nails then creating wacky and beautiful designs on top of your nail varnish is the perfect thing to impress your friends.

The nail art pen set comes with four extra fine tip precission nail art pens in blue, yellow, pink and purple.

Don't leave your nails looking plain, give them that va va voom with this pen set. Half Price Perfumes are selling the set which is worth £18 for only £7.99

Check it out here

Sign up to Carmine - great a free beauty box in the post EVERY MONTH!

Like most girls I live and breathe beauty, I'm always buying the latest lipstick, mascara or eyeshadow. So when entering competitions one evening I came across Carmin, I dedcided to have a closer look.

The website links up with various beauty brands over the month and sends out generously sized samples for you to trial as you wish. Now unlike most samples that are under the size of a postcard and don't have much in them, these are virtually real products for testing - by you.

This is an example of November's box. Click to enlarge.

You can start by paying monthly for £10 or go for the whole year for £110 and get one month free. I'll post a update when I get my first box and show you all the treats inside!

Check it out at Carmine 

Kathy's Top Tip of the Day!

Recently I decided to have a make up switch around as I felt my concealer wasn't doing me justice. Originally I was applying it on top of my foundation and just before powder. Now I apply concealer first then foundation and finally powder.

The results I have to say are fantastic. The concealer doesn't appear so bright or obvious and settles on the skin a lot more. So if you are in doubt of why your makeup isn't working for you test alternatives and see if a different combination will work better for you.

Check out the results below:
                                                      Before

                                         
                                                        After

 Can you spot a difference? Drop me a line

Fabulous Bingo Calvin Klein giveaway

Are you a gambler who loves make up?

Fabulous Bingo have got a fantastic offer on at the moment where all new registrations get a free Calvin Klein lip gloss worth over £15.. How's that for a bargain?!

When you deposit £10 you get £30 to play with, and if you're lucky that could be Christmas paid for!

To get started go to Fabulous Bingo

Do drop me a comment if you win big or you want to tell me what you think of your lip gloss, i'd love to hear from you!

2True Colordrench Lip Gloss

This lovely little lipgloss dropped through my letter box the other day. The lipgloss comes in average packaging and can easily be fitted into a makeup bag or handbag. The colour I had recieved was only identified as 6 so I'd have to be n the shop to see what tone it is. From looking I can see it is a dark pink berry colour and the lip gloss aims to be a intense colour, high shine lip gloss.

The gloss is very easy to use, on opening it has a little brush which you can apply the gloss. The product has a lovely vanilla smell which you'll just want to eat!

After applying I could see that the gloss had left quite a nice shine on my lips but I can't say there was any increase in colour. Perhaps with a darker shade the colour change may have been more evident.

Overall a very nice ,cute little lip gloss that half lives up to what it claims to. But at a couple of quid you're hardly going to complain are you!?

Advantages

• Gorgeous vanilla smell
• Leaves a sultry gloss
• Very cheap product 
• A little goes a long way, product will probably last quite a while

Disadvantages

• The lipgloss only half lives up to its claim as I didn't feel there was any increase in colour
• The 2True range is quite limited and only available in certain outlets

Buy 2True lip gloss and others on this Ebay site

Christmas presents pick and mix!

If you're christmas shopping but have no idea what to get your friends and family why not try a little present pick and mix?

Halfpriceperfumes have started a present scheme that is very similar to Boots and Superdrug where you buy 3 presents and get 2 free. With most items under £5 this will be one very cheap christmas. But don't tell them that!

Check out the range at Halfpriceperfumes

Modelling YummyMe clothes

These fantastic clothes were sent to me by the wonderful YummyMe University a fun clothing site based in America

Bourjois Illuminating touch

It's Christmas and that means party season!

Now that you've got the gorgeous sparkly dress you need the makeup to go with it. I recently bought Bourjois Illuminating touch as part of a 3 for 2 offer in Superdrug. The product aims to give you a sparkling shimmer to the apples of your cheeks and your temples.

The pink pot it comes in is really dinky and you even get a free brush to apply the powder with. It comes in a hard block like blusher and you just apply it where you want it. I applied it along the apples of my cheek and slightly up to my temples and found it did give off quite a subtle sparkle. However I think you would need to apply quite a lot to get a real effect. In the light you get the impress that you've got a real shimmer.

The product does last the test of time but as mentioned earlier it doesn't really show up that much so if someone didn't know you were wearing it they probably wouldn't notice. Unless you trowel it on. But if all you want is a little glint under the disco ball this season then go and snap it up now.
            Before applying                                                                                      After applying

                                                                    Close up



Advantages

• Cute little pot which can easily be snuck into your bag
• With every product bought money goes to charity
• Gives off a cute little sparkle

Disadvantages

• Not a huge shimmering effect
• Whilst it does last it doesn't really show after a few hours

You can buy Bourjois Illuminating effect for £7.49 on Superdrug

Eyeliner masterclass!

Applying eyeliner can sometimes be like venturing into the Amazon - if you don't know what you're supposed to do you might get bitten, or end up with eyeliner everywhere!

In this masterclass you will learn three techniques in which you can apply your eyeliner to suit your mood or the situation i.e. going to work or getting glam for a party. For a steady line you will need a handheld mirror and a steady hand. If you're worried you'll smudge your liner rest your arm on a steady surface like a table.

Technique 1 - A simple but effective line
This technique is best for going about your day to day business, going to work, looking after the kids etc. To apply it get your eyeliner and slowly go from one corner of your lashes to the next and stop at the last lash. You will end up with a look that will make your eyes stand out more that is not too dramatic.

Technique 2 - The line with a flick 
The second look is perfect if you've got a important meeting where you really want to impress or a hot date. It's very much like technique no1 but with this flick you can add more of a accent to your eyes. I've made my flick quite small but you can make it as long as you wish! Start off by moving the liner from the inner corner of your lashes to the outer corner but then slowly draw upwards to create what is almost like a rotated tick.

Technique 3 - Cats eyes
There is nothing more glamorous then having a real block effect to your liner. It gives a real cats eye effect to your eyes and in my opinion makes them stand out. Instead of applying liner like you would in the two steps above go straight to the corner of your eye and create a outer arrow effect with block liner on both top and bottom lash corners and a exaggerated flick at the end. If you can't understand what I mean the picture will explain all. For extra emphasism make the lines quite thick.

If you haven't already got any eyeliner I would suggest the product I use Colorsport 24 Hour eyeliner. It's perfect as its designed to last all day and rarely smudges so its perfect in case you feel teary or wipe your eyes a lot. Colorsport also manufacture 24 hour mascara and eyebrow dye solutions. You can find the product for £5.99 at the Retail Supermarket

Competition Time - Win a EcoTan bottle from Su-do Professional

With Christmas coming we're all expecting a few goodies or too, but why not speed the wait up and try to win yourself some fantastic beauty goodies.

This Eco-Tan exofliating gel prepares your skin for even self tanning so when you go to get brown for your christmas parties you won't end up with streaky skin. Leave the streaks for the bacon you'll be eating the next morning!

Su-do is a supplier of beauty equipment and solutions including airbrush tanning, skin graphics, makeup, hair, body and nail art.

To take part in the competition all you have to do is comment on any other post in the blog archive on the side and like me on Google Friends Connect. You will also need to tell me what would make you more likely to visit my site. Anyone who doesn't do the above will NOT be entered.

Please put your answers to my question in the comments below this post.