January music favourites

#1. Mumford & Sons - I will wait

#2. Coldplay & Rihanna - Princess of China

#3. The Lumineers - Ho Hey

#4. Imagine Dragons - It's time

Lip Smackers in SA!

I cannot emphasize enough how crazy I am about the fact that so many international brands are making their way to South Africa! I feel so hopeless when I see international bloggers raving about products that we don't get here *insert distraught face here*. Don't get me wrong, there are many SA brands that surpass international ones but we are curious beings and we have a fear of missing out.

I am jumping up and down with excitement to tell you that Lipsmackers are in SA! If you're not sure what they are, they are very original and awesomely flavoured lip balm sticks (known as 'chap stick' in the USA).

 Vanilla Coke Lipsmacker

CocaCola Lipsmacker

One thing that I think is so overrated when it comes to being a 'grown up', personally, is swapping out our awesome verjaarsday partytjie koeldrank for cocktails, ciders and beer. If I was out socialising and had a choice between a strawberry daiquiri and a can of cream soda, I would totes take the can of cream soda if I knew no one would judge me, but they do so I moping-ly reach for the daiquiri. *Self image issues*

What is my point? With these really awesome Lipsmackers, you can have the best of both worlds!

Fanta Orange Lipsmacker

Fanta Strawberry Lipsmacker

I purchased the Vanilla Coke flavour for myself and the Fanta Orange for my boyfriend this past weekend. They smell just like the real deal!

The Fanta Orange has the infamous bubbly orange scent and leaves a very sweet taste on your taste buds. The Vanilla Coke Lipsmacker reminds me more of a coke float because you usually use vanilla ice cream in coke floats and seeing as I haven't had a vanilla coke in years, this is the best description I could come up with.

One of my pet peeves is when you have such an amazing scented lip balm or lip gloss but when you lick your lips or accidently get some in your mouth, you just want to puke because it tastes like the medicine your mom used to force down your throat when you were a kid. These very smart Lipsmacker peeps have made the actual taste of the balm very sweet. It doesn't taste the same as the scent but it is rather enjoyable!

Sprite Lipsmcaker

I just love the packaging on each lip balm, especially the vitamin water balm sticks because they look just like the bottles of vitamin water you buy in stores. I want the entire collection to put on display! 

I am also a huge fan of the SPF 15 in each stick!

Fruit Punch Vitamin Water Lipsmacker

Lemonade Vitamin Water Lipsmacker

Triple Berry Vitamin Water Lipsmacker

If you are more of a Lip gloss girl than a lip balm girl then Lipsmackers has something for you too! Cherry Coke (with shimmer) and original CocaCola flavoured lip gloss tins :)

CocaCola Lipsmcaker Lip gloss tin

Cherry Coke Lipsmcaker Lip gloss tin

I cannot wait till we get access to amazing flavours like candy floss, watermelon, all the skittles flavours, m&m flavours, coffee & hot chocolate and the cute 7up inspired bottles with lip balm in!

You can find Lipsmackers exclusively in Clicks stores. The lip balm stick are currently on special for R35.99 each and the lip gloss tins are R45.99 each!

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook so we can chat about which flavour you have and love the most. You can also subscribe to my newsletters in the box on the top right of this page.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

YouTube Favourites: Simple Little Pleasures

Simple little pleasures on YouTube is my water marble nail art guru. She has over 80 video's on water marbling and has tips on how you can achieve the perfect marble look :)

Here are a few of my favourite water marbling video's from Simple Little Pleasures.

 Valentine hearts

Devil and Angels

Poolside Neon

Four Leaf Clover

Subscribe to her channel here. Don't forget to check out some of my water marble nail art designs by clicking this link.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

My Birthday Wishlist

So seeing as my birthday is in exactly a month's time from today, I decided to do a wishlist for my B-day, instead of my usual (June) favourites posts. Here are a few things on my birthday wishlist!

What is currently on your wishlist?

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

May Favourites

Here are my favourites for May

1) Elizabeth Arden's 8 hour skin protectant - I received this in my Elizabeth Arden goodie bag at their beauty school in the beginning of the month. I use this as a lip balm and have benefited a lot! my lips have been so soft and dont crack nearly as much as they used to. This is a huge jar so it will last me a few years if I keep using it soley for my lips. I have read that other ladies put a dab of the skin protectant in their ordinary moisturiser and that helps their skin feel extra healthy. Great tip!

2) Bloom Lip Balm (Scrumptious lips) - I won this lip balm on Brand Avenues in their weekly giveaway! It has such a great creamy texture and stays on my lips for up to two hours at a time. I have enjoyed using it and I am glad I have it in my lip balm collection. Visit Bloom's website to find out more about their products.

3) Catrice's Alluring night nail polish - I did a video review for this nail polish, Check it out :)

4) Greys Anatomy - I am currently watching season 4 and really enjoy the twists, drama and excitement of all the characters! #Addicted

5) Placecol Vitamin E Serum - "This luxuriously rich, yet remarkably light serum contains high levels of vitamin E, a powerful anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger that’s widely recognised for its moisturising quality" Source. My skin has felt a lot more healthy and plump since using this serum. Love it!

You are welcome follow me on the tweet machine @MsClairaBella and like my Facebook Page.
Don't forget to subscribe by email (Top right hand side of this page) to make sure you don't miss out on posts in the future.

Miss Claire-Bella

Xoxo

April Favourites

My April Favourites

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit facewash - I received this in a prize i won through Dischem Pharmacies (Blog post coming soon) and have done a review on Beauty Bulletin. Click here so check it out (Please give it a thumbs up if you liked it). You can buy your own at any retailer for R60 - R70.

Home made coffee milkshake - I have had a lot of late nights studying and got sick of having normal coffee (I'm not a 'warm beverage' person) so decided to make coffee milkshakes instead. Vanilla ice-cream and instant coffee, measured with the eye, mixed together in a blender. If the ice-cream is too solid/tough then add milk. If you're worried about the calories then use fat free/low fat ice-cream. Super easy and really delicious!

Black Boots (No name brand) - I bought these boots about 3 years ago at Shoeperama for R250 and haven't really worn them a lot because i don't wear heels that often. I decided to wear them a few days in April and found them surprisingly comfortable! I'm happy i have them because black boots are a winter must have and it doesn't hurt to give your 'Bum' a lil' lift! Planning on wearing them throughout winter.

Baybliss Pro2000 Hairdryer - My boyfriend bought this for me as a birthday present last year and I LOVE using it! It comes with two heat settings as well two speed controls which makes styling my hair simple. It also has a Iconic/Ceramic combination which eliminates static electricity and frizz and leaves tame, shiny, manageable hair. You can find Baybliss at any Clicks stores.

Octopus Flash Drive - Another thing my boyfriend got me (...I just realized i'm quite spoiled...) was an insanely cute Octopus flash drive. Its an 8GB flash drive that is waterproof and has a protective casing (the body) so if you drop it, it will just bounce instead of damage the flash stick. The most common reaction i have gotten from people when they see it is "Awww, Cute pig"...So please let me know if you think it looks more like a pig or an Octopus because it has been bugging me.
It has a magnet on its mouth so you can stick it to your fridge or side of your PC. You also get them in blue, so if you have a pair, you can put the magnets together and it looks like they're kissing. LOVE IT!!

"Smooch"

You can buy your own at www.prophecy.co.za, they have a 4GB and an 8GB! It also comes with a lifetime warranty #BONUS!

I hope you enjoyed reading about my favourites. You are welcome follow me on twitter @MsClairaBella and like my Facebook Page. Don't forget to subscribe by email (Top right hand side of this page) to make sure you don't miss out on posts in the future.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

March Favorites

1) Tip Top Nails, Melting Marshmallow (R39.99) - I absolutely love this colour. Click here for my post on Obsession - Tip top's Melting Marshmallow.

2) Bones - Bones is an American crime drama television series on the Fox Network. The show is based on forensic anthropology and forensic archaeology, with each episode focusing on an FBI case file concerning the mystery behind human remains brought by FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) to the forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan (Emily Deschanel).

My boyfriend and i started watching Bones from season 1 at the beginning of the year and we're currently on season 6 (Season 7 is being filmed now). Its so interesting how they solve murders and how all the friendships and relationships evolve. Its a great watch! Source

3) Dove go fresh anti-perspirant deodorant (Cool cucumber & green tea scent) (R18.99) - I absolutely love this deodorant. It smells really fresh and leaves my skin smooth. The weather has still been hot and I have used Dove go fresh anti-perspirant deodorant everyday. *Love it*

4) Sorbet's Hydrating body lotion (R30) - Sorbet has seventeen exciting products from four ranges including firming, cleansing, hydrating and smoothing. I bought their Hydratung body lotion with Tangerine, Calendula Oil Shea Butter and Vitamin E and I love it. My skin has benefited from using this moisturizer. I love that it stays on your skin for long and doesn't just sink in and then you feel like your skin is dry again. Its the perfect moisturizer for winter.

5) Pieter Toerien's Funny Business at Monte Casino (R160pp) - This was such a great show! I haven't laughed so much in a long time. The actors were fantastic and improvised really well when even they could keep their laughter in. They made the audience feel apart of the show and interacted with a few people during the show. Definitely a must see!!! (Show ends on the 29th of April)

Story Line:
When Ferris (Committie) agrees to look after his sister`s seedy hotel during her temporary absence, he does not anticipate the arrival of a notorious journalist who writes a critical column for a Sunday newspaper. Or, that this arrival will coincide with a visit to the hotel from an assortment of guests who all have guilty secrets they do not wish to have divulged.
As a result, Ferris is caught up in a dizzy round of lies, misunderstanding, verbal sparring, physical hi-jinx and baffling subterfuge as he tries to protect the hotel`s reputation in the eyes of the visiting journalist - a task made far more difficult by the fact that he does not know which of the guests IS the journalist!!
Book your tickets

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Obesession - Tip Top's Melting Marshmallow

I won this fantastic nail polish hamper from Tip Top Nails which had their Melting Marshmallow nail colour in. At first, looking at the bottle is thought "Oh, its just another pink to add to my already large pink collection", but then when I put 2 coats of the polish on my nails and sealed it off with a Tip Top topcoat, I FELL IN LOVE!!

I had been wearing strong colours for a while and when I put Melting Marshmallow on my nails I couldn't stop staring! Such a fresh, soft and carefree colour.

So this is my official confession......I am Obsessed with this colour!!!

Tip Top Nails is a brand that i was skeptical about at first but I am loving it now. Its super affordable (R39.99) and can be bought at any Clicks store. Since I started wearing Tip Top polishes I have only taken the polish off because my nails started growing out and not because the polish peeled or chipped like my other polishes. A great price for the quality in the bottle :)

I have read great reviews on Tip Top's crackle nail polish and I am dying to try out! I will report back as soon as I try it.

They have soo many Great colours and Nail care products.

Tip Top Nails has really surprised me and you're only losing out if you don't give it a try. 

You can check out their website for all their colours and other nail treatment products. You can follow them on twitter @TipTopNailsSA and they also have a very interactive Fabcebook Page where you can win some fantastic prizes.

Cute Marshmallow Kitten

Which Tip Top Nail polish is your favorite?

Please don't forget to like my Facebook Page and follow me on twitter @MsClairaBella.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Autumn is upon us :)

The Seasons are changing! The sun is starting to rise much later and there is a certain chill in the air (well at least it is in Gauteng). We have all had some niggling coughs and snuffly noses to welcome the "wish-I-could-stay-in-bed-all-day" weather.

When I say Autumn is upon us, what exactly does that mean for your skin? Its rather important to follow routines when it comes to skincare and this necessity becomes even more important in the Autumn and Winter months. Below are some of my best tips on keeping your skin moisturised and looking really healthy even though the dry air and cold weather are plotting against you.

#1 Drink lots of water

The intake of fluids is really important during Autumn & Winter because your skin gets dehydrated faster than you think. Drinking water, teas and fruit juices will also flush out all the toxins that your body really doesn't need! Get in the habit of drinking at least 6 glasses of fluids per day.

#2 Don't forget your Sunblock!

A lot of people think that just because its cooling down, the sun isn't harsh anymore and you can't get sunburt. This is completely false! Some of the the worst sunburn you get is when it is overcast and cold. A friend of mine burnt blisters, first day of matric vac, because it was overcast and we were bikini-ying on the beach. (Oh the good old days!). You still need to put sunscreen on during Autumn & Winter, especially if you plan to be outside for most of the day. Maybe not a SPF50 but definitely nothing less than SPF15.

#3 Moisturise

A no brainer! There's nothing worse than dry, flaky, chapped and just plain unhealthy skin during Autumn & Winter. Besides the above tips, you need to MOISTURISE your skin at least once a day (preferably twice a day). Lip balm for your lips is also an absolute must during winter!

Image: Google

Ladies...instead of freaking out in the beginning of summer about how dry your skin is in your bikini, and then try to do '911' skin treatments to get a healthy glow again, just take care of your skin NOW and during Winter! You already have to stress about the added kg's from winter's comfort food, don't add skin issues to the list!

AND guys...you also need to take care of yourselves during Winter! Its horrible seeing a man that doesn't take care of himself. I definitely dont want to hold hands with "the crusty claw of doom". Nivea has a great men's range, go check it out here.

If you have any major concerns about your skin please do not hesitate to see a dermatologist. You'll feel a lot better once its taken care of :) I have!

Below are a few traditional favorites that I use/eat/drink every winter.

Any winter survival tips? Leave a comment below.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

February Favorites

1) The Body shop's Born Lippy (R35) - This has helped me so much now that the seasons are starting to change and my skin is getting that tiny bit dryer. The Strawberry smell is delicious and it gives your lips a little pop of colour. Love it!

2) Bic Pen - I know this is an unusual favorite but i have been having a few late nights studying and making notes for my exams coming up in May. My Bic Pen has been awesome. It doesn't cramp my hand because its easy to hold and it writes so nicely...I actually enjoy making my study notes. (Mine is silver and not yellow as shown in the picture above)

3) KFC Variety Feast (R99.90) - My boyfriend spoiled me by getting us KFC a few weeks ago. While looking at the drive through menu, we were looking for something that we don't usually get and we spotted the Variety Feast. WOW, its was soooo good! Its so worth the R100! You can also add in a Chocolate Brownie Avalanche to finish the meal off like i did! Yummylicious!

4) Schwarzkopf Gliss Conditioning Spray (R29.99 at clicks - On special) -My hair has been uncontrollable lately and this spray has been my life saver in calming things down. It also has nourishing oils and a heat defense ingredient that helps prevent split ends and other harmful effects that heat gives your hair.

5) Letters to Cleo, I want you to want me - This has been my absolute favorite song for February! Its such a cool song that makes you want to sing a long. It has been my 'Pick-me-up' on the days that i felt unmotivated and under the weather.

Thanks for reading my February Favorites. Leave a comment on what your favorites were for February!

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo