Getting Ready For Summer With Hot Miami Shades

Can you believe it's June already? Half a year is just done and dusted and my god hasn't it been eventful (see my last post what i've been up to). I just feel like the days are just slipping away from me, soon enough I'll be old, grey and in a care home.

Anyway, enough waffling, I just thought I'd do a post updating you on my latest collab. A few weeks ago, Hot Miami Shades got in contact with me to see if I was interested in becoming an affiliate for their brand, I mean as a sucker for warm weather and summer, for the 6-7 days England actually gets it, I couldn't say no.

Hot Miami Shades are an American brand that have beem bringing "the hottest shades of Miami" since 2015. Personally, I have never come across them before however I am British, of course it would be difficult to know about it. If you don't already know, I just love brands, online retailers that aren't necessarily as commercial and popular as the likes of Boohoo, Missguided etc. but I think that stems from the fact I love to be a little different with my style.  Yes, I follow trends but if a denim jacket for example, has a slightly different vibe, I'm all for it because I just get really uptight if I see someone else wearing the same items as me just because they are easily accessible. Smaller companies help me out majorly with that whilst at the same time I'm helping promote them, so win win situation really and Hot Miami Shades were no exception.

On their website they have a variety of 72 sunglasses to choose from, ranging from different styles and colours to suit everybody. Initially, hence the brand name, that was where I did a B-Line to and I purchased a gorgeous round pair but it wasn't until after I realised they sell clothing, jewellery and accessories aswell so you can be well and truly prepared for summer in one stop. Of course, their prices are in US Dollars but I always think that's more exciting for me because in UK Pounds it converts cheaper (just me..?) however it's not too expensive, some may say it's pricey for some items but the quality of the product is actually really impressive.

In terms of delivery, it's very realistic. As a British girl it took about 2 weeks to arrive which for FREE shipping I can't complain, although I must have gone through 7 different weather changes in the mean time I didn't know if I needed sunglasses or bloody wellies! It comes in a cute branded box and includes a pouch, a cloth to clean the lenses, and a mini tool which if i'm honest I don't know what is for, maybe tightening them? But I love the fact they have thought about these details.

All in all, Hot Miami Shades have really impressed me. I absolutely adore my sunglasses, they're oversized, stylish and comfortable to wear which is a must for me, as a regular glasses wearer, I can't stand when they rub your nose or feel like they suffocate your face. (although as usual they do rip your hair out if you put them on top of your head!) Obviously, I stayed a little safe and true to my style but as I said, there will be a style that suits you whether you're more daring or like to keep it subtle.

If you're interested in purchasing any product from Hot Miami Shades, here's a little cheeky discount from me to you to save you some pennies: POOK20 

MY SHADES: https://hotmiamishades.com/collections/sunglasses/products/nolita

OPINION: Naj Oleari Make-up *FAIL*

I am always looking for new make-up to try and test out because I just can't stick to one brand for anything, I believe there's always a better one around the corner whether it's foundation, concealer, lipsticks, I just have to try them all. 

Last week I was having a little browse through Fragrance Direct, which is amazing btw, drugstore and big name brands for a fraction of the price! And I came across a brand I genuinely have never seen before; Naj Oleari. Whilst looking through their products it was evident you'd be saving at least £3-£10 purchasing on the site so it much be a bigger well established brand than I thought so I did some digging and bought a few products to try. Turns out they are an Italian fashion brand that create clothing, accessories, homeware, umbrellas and more. Looking through their website their products have such a Cath Kidston vibe about them using fruity and floral prints to make it very cutesy. 

Anyway back to make-up. Let's start with the product I was most hesitant about; The "Perfect Look Kit". This includes a foundation and concealer stick but on the website there was no type of hint as to what shade the foundation was which was worrying, I even asked Customer Service and tried to Google it but it was nowhere to be seen, suspicious. but still, I decided to try it out as I can't really complain at the £2.49 price tag can i?

I had EVERY right to be concerned, just look at the colour! This was horrific. The most depressing thing was that the coverage and foundation itself was so nice against my skin and really easy to blend, but unfortunately, I don't work for Willy Wonka so the colour was a complete disaster and ultimately this is where it ended up.

So, that hasn't given me much faith in the rest of the products I bought! Next was the eyeliner and although I'm not the biggest fan of thicker applicators the precision and outcome was surprisingly good for a gal who can't get her flicks on fleek! This Easy Eyeliner retails for around £6.99 and Fragrance Direct sell it for £2.99, amazing.

So things are starting to look up for this brand. Last but not least were their lipsticks which I had high hopes for because I'm a sucker for a lippy. This one is the Deep Rouge 8hr Totally Matte Lipstick in the shade Orchidea which is a lovely dark dusty pink colour.

What I loved about this too is the packaging. The top and the box it comes in is matte so of course there's no confusion and the lipstick was so lovely to apply it wasn't dry against your lips or sticky and it felt and looks very luxurious. The retail price for the lipstick is £9.95 where I got it for £2.99, what an absolute bargain!

The final product I tested was the Affinity Lipstick which is creamy as opposed to matte which I got in this lovely deep plum shade. The colour looks a little different to the picture on the website but nonetheless I loved it. This is probably my favourite product of Naj Oleari which is different as I love matte lip colours but something about this I really loved! Again, retailing for £9.95 I saved £6.96 paying only £2.99 which is really inexpensive for such a good lipstick. Definitely comparable to MAC I think.

So all in all, not a complete disaster despite the foundation fiasco that I was not happy about, my hairline still has a orange tinge to it! Other than the Affinty Lipstick, I don't think I'd pay full price for any of this personally. The eyeliner you can easily get a cheaper dupe and the matte lipstick was good but didn't have everything to add up to the original price.

If you are interested in purchasing any of the products I'll leave a direct link down below.

Hope you have a lovely day! 

Katie x

Deep Rouge 8HR Totally Matte Lipstick £2.99 RRP £9.95
Affinity Lipstick £2.99 RRP £9.95
Easy Eyeliner £2.99 RRP £6.99