Email from the imposter....

Dear Muhsine,

I do not have the means to purchase beauty products and thought of a way to do so, some will call me an impostor, an opportunist, others, a very clever person.

You have been a blogger since 2008 and never asked these companies for products, which I think is YOUR fault, not mine. They were just waiting for you to ask and offer you anything you wanted but you didn't (so I think we both know deep down who the real idiot is).

Regarding these PR agents, your email address appears on your blog very clearly, and they've looked at your blog before sending me the products, it was their responsability to check that. They didn't do their job properly and would like to hyde their own incompetence and focus on my wrong doings instead, which is fine. But They should really asked themselves "I have been sold a lie" or "Have I BOUGHT a lie".

I must mention to you that I was offered baby products but refused (although I have friends with babies), out of respect for your newborn. So I do have a heart, a soul and certain principles & values. The fact that I'm trying to survive in this corrupted (without hurting anyone) doesn't make have less morals than you. We were all born in different circomstances, you more than me, you have great parents, family, friends, upbringing, education etc. I don't. For example, your baby is born in a very loving family, with both parents, wonderful grandparents and family, educated parents, British nationality, material comfort etc; Another baby somewhere in brazil might be born on the street struggling, suffering, going throught so much, without love. I don't think that the poor child should care much about the jugements of the slightly richer child, regarding his actions to survive. Therefore I do not care much about your opinion of me.

I do not live there so people at the address I gave are victims just like you and will be surprised & shocked just like you.

I have read your post and I would like to present you with my sincere apologies because it was wrong.

Best wishes,


This email was received shortly after I alerted my readers from the pretend email address. I wanted to reply to her on here instead and thought the rest of you should see too!!

OH MY GOD, yes what you did was wrong, and you are certainly not a clever person, you are an idiot. You have the nerve to call me an idiot? My manner does not allow me to respond to you in the way that I truly should. I did not approach those PR companies as I blog because I love blogging and it's an outlet for me, I have never blogged for free products and never will. let's get one thing straight, I do not come from a rich background and I shouldn't have to explain myself, I'm just an average person trying to make the best of things. I think you are extremely ungrateful, a thief and a liar. This country provides for people who are very unfortunate, so be grateful for what you have, it's obviously greed and stupidity that has taken over your mind. Don't preach about people in Brazil and expect me to feel sorry for you or honour the fact you refused baby products. I'm sure you are frightened and consider yourself clever for making up a lie about the address details, but nobody is buying that and it just shows you are incapable of telling the truth. The world wouldn't be as corrupt if it wasn't for people like YOU!

Fraud!

I just wanted to make my readers aware that there is someone out there that is pretending to be me to get free products for review. I mean how low can a person be? Then, they have been telling PR companies that their house was burgled while they were away and therefore they cannot review the products. Seriously, like burglars want shampoo and foundation? I tweeted the situation yesterday after one of the PR girls noticed something suspicious when the address provided didn't match the one they had on record. Since yesterday 2 more PR companies have come forward to verify emails.

Bubblegarm@hotmail.co.uk is NOT me!

I only ever use bubblegarm@london.com in conjunction with my blog.

If you are a PR company and have received an email from an impersonator please send me an email to bubblegarm@london.com so I can forward your details to the police. It's so sad that someone would actually do this, but come on, did they seriously think they wouldn't get found out? How clever that they provide address details etc. all I can say is IDIOT and you are not going to get away with stealing my identity.

And a piece of advice to bloggers, make it clear on your blog what email you use and all others should be ignored as I dread to think who else this has happened to, let's stop fraud now!

Update on my hair...

While I have a quick minute, and since I was testing my camera I thought I would let you know that I got my highlights redone, this time I had them all over instead of just the t section as the layers at the back just looked too dark and I wanted them to blend in.


For those wondering, I used the Canon 600d with a 5omm on the Auto Focus setting with no flash and captured this image from the mirror. I LOVE my new camera! :)

St Tropez Bronzing Mousse...

Yes I fake tan. But, I like it to look natural. I like a 'natural fake tan' and this product gives you exactly that, it will get people asking whether you have been on holiday.

I'm always experimenting with all different types and textures of self tan and have grown to love the St Tropez mousse form. However, I only got to use it a couple of times, as my husband kept stealing it from me as he loved it SO much, he said it's by far the best he has used. It ran out today and it left both of us in a bit of a panic! :)


How I apply: After cooling down from a shower and after exfoliating and shaving. I use a mitt and wait about 5 minutes before I get dressed usually a couple hours before I go to bed.

THE GOOD:

• Easy to apply as it's not messy, the mousse doesn't go flying anywhere like a liquid would.
• Tinted, you can see exactly where you have applied so you don't get any streaks. The guide colour is pretty good too, you can go about your day still looking normal and naturally tanned.
• Beautiful bronze colour that develops nicely by morning, that's not orange or pink toned.
• Doesn't smell offensive, infact it smells 'clean'. However, there is a slight fake tan scent which develops after about 8 hours but it's still pretty good for such a strong colour.
  

THE BAD:

• If you sweat while you sleep it transfers on to your bed sheets if you apply just before you go to bed. However, once you have washed the guide colour off, it doesn't.
• Not cheap. (Price: £30.64 240ml)

Overall the good points outweigh the bad and it's a fantastic self tanner that I would recommend and will definitely repurchase. My husband informs me that he got about 16 uses out of it which I think is brilliant!

I have also used 'St Moriz' a while back which is the budget option for this, I loved it initially but I much prefer this one, the St Moriz was good for a few uses, but the bottle got SO messy I ended up chucking it in the bin as application really is key.

For more info on the St Tropez bronzing mousse click HERE.

Esra Aaliyah at 3 months...

Esra is 13 and a half weeks and she is very squishable, she did some major giggling for me today for the first time ever and I can't tell you how happy I am. Here are a few photos I took of her yesterday...

'Everyday' Make Up Storage...

Another storage post!

I was bored of my previous style of storage after going strong for 6 months, now my priorities have changed and when I apply my make up I have to be quick, super quick so I need everything at easy access and don't have time to rummage through baskets looking for a particular product.

I have been sticking to roughly the same products apart from the odd occasion when I decide to be adventurous, so I have decided to just keep my 'everyday' makeup on show.


I have used a rectangular basket to store my shizzle.


I now have space on my shelf for candles, yeyy! (Little things make me happy!) Although I prefer the shelf empty, so I put the candles away once I have stopped burning them. Not that you wanted to know, but I just HAD to tell you! :)



The foundations in the basket are Mac 'Face & Body', 'Studio Sculpt', Bobbi Brown 'Moisture Rich' and 'Extra Repair' which are my current favourites at the moment. A couple of bronzers one blush (Mac 'Well Dressed') and Mac 'Rose Quartz' msf for a highlight. I have included a few brushes and some pencils, concealers etc for good measure.


A few lipsticks my favourites at the moment being 'Hue' and 'Innocence Beware'.


And of course, all of my eyeshadow palettes, I have to have all of my palettes out 'just in case'!


The rest of my makeup is now stored in the acrylic Muji drawers inside my side table so everything is still close by and I can easily get to it if need be. I'm actually preferring this way at the moment as it means I actually get to use up what I have, A few things are almost running out, and normally I would alternate with a different products so I would have half finished pots of everything, now this wont be the case!

Do you have an everyday basket/box for your essential items?

Review: Bioderma Crealine H2O

Could it be the best make up remover?

Yes, I think so!


I have had the Bioderma makeup remover on my wish list for AGES ever since Lisa Eldridge mentioned it in her skin care video When my parents told me they were going to Paris for a couple of days, I asked them to bring me back a couple of bottles as it's really hard to get hold of in the UK so that I could put it to the test.


Product Features:

• Soothing and emollient, thanks to cucumber extract.
• No Perfume
• Enables dirt to be emulsified and surface hydrolipidic film to be reconstituted.
• Non detergent, non foaming, neutral pH.
• Soap free.
• Make-up remover and cleansing solution.

In my opinion yes, this IS the best makeup remover, and I have tried plenty! It removes every single trace of makeup without irritating it or leaving any residue. It feels like water on my skin yet it's very effective in removing dirt. My eyes are incredibly sensitive, so I have to be extremely careful about what I use and this perfect as it's very gentle. The Bioderma surprised me in actually how quick it removed eye make up, usually I am there for ages swiping away and using plenty of cotton rounds, with this I only needed 2 and did it in half the time. When I look in the mirror the next morning I have zero eye makeup lurking beneath my eyes, and usually I would detect a little bit. It works out great value for money too as 2 bottles of 500ml are approx £15. So, £7.50 for a bottle is fantastic and a little goes a long way and on that note I give this product a 10/10 and would definitely recommend.


Ingredients: WATER (AQUA), PEG-6 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) FRUIT EXTRACT, MANNITOL, XYLITOL, RHAMNOSE, FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES, DISODIUM EDTA, CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE.

FYI: 2x 500ml bottles cost 18Euros from a pharmacy in Paris, I found it online HERE for UK & US customers, I think they ship to Europe too. I have never ordered from their site so cannot vouch for customer service or shipping info.

Have you tried the Bioderma Crealine H2O?

Happy New Year!

A new year, a new start. I hope 2012 brings everyone happiness and love, and that it is a healthy and good year for all of us around the world.

Yesterday I had some errands to run so left the house in the afternoon with this makeup and didn't have time to touch up and add some glitter *Sigh* but, I thought I would share the look with you anyway as it's still a lot nicer than my everyday look even though it was rushed.


EYES:Mac Constructivist paintpot as a base, (All Mac eye shadows) - 'Vex' on the lid, 'Coppering' in the crease and lower lashline, and 'Carbon' to add a little bit of depth on the outer V, and 'Ricepaper' to highlight. L'oreal super liner 'Black Crystals' on upper lash line, L'oreal Voluminous mascara and Max Factor liquid effect pencil on waterline.

On the brows I used the wax from Sleeks brow kit in Light and a little bit of clear Mac brow gel.


FACE: Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich foundation + creamy concealer. Keromask translucent white powder on t-zone.

CHEEKS: Benefit Hoola to contour, and Nars Super Orgasm illuminator on my cheek bones.

LIPS: Nothing, I hadn't got around to it for the photos, but later on I applied 'Creme Cup' lipstick by Mac.

*Oh how irritating is that piece of hair floating on my face*

I'm yet to use my new camera, I'm still waiting on a few bits and doing some reading! Speak soon! xXx

3 Tomorrow...

First, the date above is wrong, blogger is being weird. it should say Wednesday 28/12/2011

Tomorrow is Bubblegarm's birthday, I can't believe it's been 3 years since I first started blogging. I just want to say a HUGE thank you to all of you, I'm still as excited and happy to blog since the first day I started. The past year things have been a bit slow due to pregnancy and having a baby, but I assure you things will be better for Bubblegarm, thank you for sticking with me & for your support. :)

Image of cupcakes - google

To celebrate my blog birthday I have treated myself to a new camera. So expect some amazing shots for the new year.


On a bad note, it was a very bad experience and a case of bad customer service from Jessops.
Here’s what happened...
We went to Jessops (Islington) yesterday and decided on the camera I wanted (Canon 600D + 18-55mm lens) the store price is higher so we reserved online to pick up in store. I obviously needed accessories with it but I had done my research beforehand so I knew price ranges and what to get from where. I informed the sales assistant I didn’t want a tripod from Jessops as I had found one online for £15 from Amazon, he advised me that the tripod was rubbish and spent AGES talking me into buying a Manfrotto carbon fibre tripod as it was on offer for half price for £50, so I agreed to buy it along with a 50mm lens.
Now come to the till and everything was getting put through the team manager informed us that the Manfrotto tripod was NOT on sale for half price and that his colleague had made a mistake and that it had the wrong code on it and that I had to pay full price. I refused and was obviously angry after spending 2 hours in the shop to be convinced to buy something and then be told they can’t do nothing about it. I told them they should honour it as it was their mistake not mine, it’s only £50 instead of losing a customer. After a lot of talking/arguing later the store manager called the area manager and informed us that the area manager refused to honour it. So, we came home empty handed.
This morning we decided to go to another Jessops branch in Wood Green, this time to buy the camera only. We tried to do the same thing by ordering online and collecting in store, we was told the online price had gone up. We said that can’t be, but anyway we still had our reservation at the Islington branch for a cheaper price (they send a text to confirm) which was held until the 30th. The store manager ‘Colvin’ told us he would call them to check, so he did with a attitude problem and then after his telephone conversation informed us that our reservation was wrong and he had cancelled it. By this point we were at boiling point, we had spent over an hour and were still getting nowhere. Colvin insisted we buy the camera at the new higher price, customers were seeing our frustration and curious as to what’s going on, my husband informed them that the customer service was ridiculous and then another member of staff Dina told him to “shut up” and not talk to the customers which was incredibly rude, what kind of a way is that to talk to the customer, haven’t they ever heard of the saying “the customer is always right”? Anyway, we then we almost walked out and asked for a leaflet which explained about a £50 cashback offer exclusive to Canon cameras, we was told they couldn’t give us one without a purchase. Wrong.
Straight after we was on the phone to head office, after the explanation of the situation everything was sorted thanks to Rob the area manager, we got the camera for the price we reserved it for and the tripod for half the price like we was informed and a heap of leaflets. He was apologetic and informed us that infact yesterday he told the store manager in Islington to honour the tripod for the price we was told as it was their mistake. I can’t believe that the store manager in Islington lied to us, she probably felt bad and didn’t want to go back on her word that “head office won’t do anything”. Oh how wrong they were, at the end of it we paid for everything in Wood Green but had to pick up the items from Islington as it was out of stock. You had to see their faces when they saw the receipt. PRICELESS! However, I am extremely upset with the level of customer service, it’s not everyday you get lied to and told to shut up from sales staff, I do hope Jessops train their staff properly from now on and I don’t have to waste my time writing about my experiences.


Moving on....

I have finally taken the plunge to start a baby blog called BUBBAGARM, I have accumulated so many things and a whole bunch of knowledge that I need to pass it on. I'm always trying to create and make space so expect baby storage tips, reviews on products and toys, hauls, Baby OOTD and how to be a yummy mummy!
Check out my first review on the blog for Freddie the Firefly.


Hope you are keeping well, my next post will be a new years eve look! x X x

'Me' Time...

I decided to treat myself to one of my all time favourite foundations and concealers, those being Bobbi Brown moisture rich foundation and Bobbi Brown creamy concealer which are perfect to use in the cold weather if you have dry skin. I got them both in the shade "natural". I haven't used these in a while, but those who have followed me from the beginning of my blog will remember me going on and on and on about it.

I got myself a wool brown coat and navy suede clutch from Asos as a birthday present to myself. Yep it's my birthday today, (well, yesterday it's past 12am) I'm officially 27!

My husband also surprised me with this wool jacket for my birthday from All Saints which I am in love with. I have been lucky this year with jackets and coats as my dad also said he's getting me a leather jacket (along with a bag) in the middle of January which I can't wait for!! Don't forget dad! :)

I had some lovely gifts and cards, but the best card was this one from Esra, thank you to my hubby for being so thoughtful, and to my mum for still treating me like her little girl by spoiling me with songs, cakes and a whole lot more!



I hope those who celebrate Christmas had a lovely day!!!

I may try to snap myself some bargains tomorrow if I can drag myself out, are you going 'sale' shopping? Actually thinking about it, I might just do it online instead!

December Treat Boxes...

This month I received a couple of treat boxes as I like to call them... One was from 'GlossyBox' who had a red glossy box for the festive month and the other from 'JolieBox' who had a matte black which looks much more chic in my opinion.

Moving on, let's take a look inside!


First let's talk about 'GlossyBox'.


Here's what was inside mine:

• Blink+Go Hi-Definition mascara
• Cargo Cosmetics Classic Lip Gloss
• Deborah Lipmann Nail Varnish (Razzle Dazzle) & stripper sachet
  
• MeMeMe Seventh Heaven Moisturising Face Base
• Rituals Foaming Shower Gel

Here's what I think:

When I saw the Deborah Lipmann nail polish which is the perfect shade for this time of the year I was overly excited, the lipgloss & showergel are pleasent to use and I am yet to try the mascara. The MeMeMe face base left me a little confused as it isn't high end to be honest I'm not even excited to try it. I can see from the website that some people got eyeshadows, again it would be nice if we either all got the same thing or had a choice.


Now let's talk about 'JolieBox' who has joined forces with Boudoir Prive.


Here's what was inside mine:

• OPI Gold Shatter
  
• Mitchell & Peach Shower Gel
• Cid - igloss 'Baby Doll'
  
• Jane Iredale 24 Karat Gold Dust
• YON-KA Vital Defence Cream
• Kusmi Detox Tea
• JolieBox Concealer Brush
  

Here's what I think:

The star of this box is no doubt the OPI gold shatter, the lip gloss is a nice shade and the brush looks good too, the shower gel will get used up as I just love trying new shower gels for some reason. The Jane Iredale Gold Dust is nice but causes a bit of a mess when trying to use it, the Kusmi tea smells great and I like the tin! The sachet of cream will be interesting to try as I have never heard of the brand Yon-Ka.


OVERALL THOUGHTS

Both boxes hold an array of treats for a £10 monthly subscription, however, this months winner for me has to be the JolieBox as I don't really have anything negative to say about it. There are more subscription boxes creeping into the UK market and due to higher levels of competition they are all out there to impress so, we the consumer can highly benefit at the moment as we are getting a good deal for our ££'s! FYI: GlossyBox have even launched a GlossyBox for men!!!
One thing that I am glad both companies picked up on this month is the perfume samples, the ones I got in the past were not very nice to say the least and I am glad they have been excluded this month. I am actually rather excited about JolieBox as they have teamed up with some great French brands and I can't wait to see what will be included next.
These monthly subscriptions can be a hit one month and a miss the next. If you are prepared to take the risk then these treat boxes might be the thing for you.

Learn more about GlossyBox HERE and JolieBox HERE.

Disclaimer: Both boxes were provided for consideration for review, I was not paid for this post and I'm not affiliated with them, this is my honest opinion as always!!

Are you subscribed to a monthly beauty box?

Mac 130 brush and a travel tip!

The 130 brush from Mac is one of my most used brushes!!! It's a short duo fibre brush and almost like a mini version of the 187. In my opinion it's best suited for applying cream products including blush, bronzer, concealer and foundation.



Here's what it looks like compared to the 187 so you can see how small the head is.


I mainly use the 130 to apply my cream bronzer!!

My 130 brush is best friends with my Soliel Tan De Chanel, they get on so well together!
The 130 is the perfect size for your cheekbones and temples. It always pick up the right amount of product and hardly ever sheds.



TRAVEL TIP!

My problem with the Chanel bronzer is that it is NOT travel friendly, it's HUGE and would take up so much space. To fix this problem I decanted (scraped) some of the product into a small travel pot that I got as part of a set from Boots which fits the 130 beautifully.


Perfect in my makeup bag on the go!


Do you own the 130 brush? If so, what do you use it for? And, do you have any travel tips when handling make up?

My little cutie pie...

Hi girls, hope you are all well! I can't believe December is going so fast, I honestly don't know where the hours in the day fly to. I currently have the flu, like my life isn't hectic enough but am on the mend. A few more hot tea's, chocolate and some warm clothes later I hope to be back in tip top condition!

Enough of me, I look and feel awful. Let's talk about my cutie pie! I thought I would update you on what Esra wore today, she looks like a little cupcake! She is overly girly as we had a 'mevlit' for her and it was beautiful. A mevlit is a tradition Turks/Muslims do when a baby is born or when someone passes away and even for other special moments in life like a new home. Friends and family gathered to make prayer and enjoy some lovely food.

Here's the outfit....

Leggins with tutu/skirt - Baby Gap
Brown onesie - H&M (I added the crochet flowers)
Headband - I made it.
Booties - Baby Gap

Yum, yum I just want to eat her, but I shall resist. She is now 11 weeks! The headband is massive and looks like a cauliflower on her head but I love it like that! :)

Mwaah!

Hope you are having a fabulous evening!

Salon Review - Gielly Green

I have been groomed!!


This afternoon we switched roles with the hubby as I set off to get my hair done and review the Gielly Green boutique salon just off Marylebone High Street in London. Now... I have been using their haircare and absolutely love it as mentioned in my November favourites so had high hopes for the hair experience I was about to get. Needles to say I wasn't disappointed!


The boutique salon is absolutely beautiful, it oozes luxury and is very sleek yet welcoming with its muted tones of earthy colours used throughout the decor, it's a one stop shop for all things feminine. They do hair treatments, brows by Shavata, facials, body treatments, tanning, hair removal, manicures and pedicures (they use Essie polish) and they also have their own product line as mentioned before.

On to my experience...

Here's what my hair looked like before! A bit of *cough cough* a mess. I hadn't had a proper colour or cut in months, the home box dyes and DIY trimming obviously doesn't count!


I had a nice conversation with the colourist 'Tanya' and 'Fred Gielly' the art director and one of the owners of the salon about the colour I wanted. We decided on subtle sun kissed highlights along the T-Section with an overall cooler brown base. Tanya also corrected the results of my DIY home dying as the colour wasn't consistent and a bit too warm toned.



The results of the T-section highlights are beautiful and natural, in the past I have always had a half or full head of highlights which has been too overwhelming.


I had a trim and yes Fred actually did what I asked him too, some hairdressers get carried away and chop off more than you bargained for. The results are luscious long layers and I just love it!



The T section highlights cost £65 with Tanya a junior colourist and the wash/cut & blowdry with Fred (artistic director) costs £115. This for me is on the pricy side, but it's worth it if it makes you feel fabulous, and yes ladies I feel fabulous with my new hair!


A much needed treat for a new mummy as I have been feeling far from fabulous the past few weeks, I'm lucky if my hair gets a brushing, but hopefully my new hair will inspire me to make the extra effort in my daily routine! :)

In case you hadn't realised, I didn't pay for this experience as I was lucky enough to review it for the blog, this has NOT affected my opinion, if I hated it and came out crying you still would have known about it!

Apparently December is the busiest month for getting your hair done, Are you getting your hair done for the festive season?