The Wedding Part one

Mrs Polly Agbodo......

I have always day dreamed about who I would marry ... it's still surreal when I receive post with 'Agbodo' on it, or when I got my business cards in work. What an amazing feeling. 

Before I get into everything we did to create our dream glam, I have to admit- it still all feels like a dream.

When we booked our date at the amazing Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, I would lie in bed at night & try & visualize what I would be doing the night before? Would I be nervous, emotional or would I be excited. I couldn't quite grasp that it was really happening... but here I am, Wife to Jason & mother to Sophia- happiness really is the new rich. 

So on to the good part... the beauty regime.

A few months before the wedding I had a AWFUL breakout. I panicked, every selfie I took I could see my lumpy bumpy skin- it was horrible. 

So I booked into the secret day spa on the Belmont road in Belfast for a facial. I have always trusted these girls, they know what they are talking about when it comes to your skin.  I opted for the "active pureness rebalancing" facial, which was absolute heaven for my skin. It is meant to purify and rebalance problematic skin and give your pores a deep cleanse. My skin felt unbelievable never mind nearly snoozing while I was getting it done- after this I then bought most of the 'Dermalogica' products that were used throughout the facial. I won't lie - I definitely saw my skin get worse before it got better, (which was terrifying) but within 10 days my skin was pretty much back to normal. I was worried to get another facial too close to the big day in case it brought any toxins to the surface - so I religiously used the step by step guide to keep my skin in the best condition possible. 

"Your hair is your crown"

I couldn't agree with this statement more. I don't know about you girls but when your hair is on point - you feel invincible. 

I have always been obsessed with hair extensions, I hate being without them & I am so particular with who I choose to do them. 

After a lot of research (and stalking social media) I found the weave queen of my dreams - "Wonderweaves". Not only is this lady so talented and creates Disney princess style hair, she is also beautiful inside out. I went for the 22inch double drawn super thick weave. In total the whole installation took just short of 2 hours. Originally you go for a consultation, and she checks whether your natural hair can withstand the amount you want in- you fill out a form and she gives you a full tutorial on aftercare after you have them fitted. Coleen is so professional and knowledgable in her craft, and she does an amazing job. I have had my hair in now for 5 months and they are still shiny and thick from root to tip- WIN! They are known to last up to and over a year with the correct care- and boy are they worth it. Head over to her Instagram @wonderweaves76 to see all her creations.

In regards to hair styling- I had been recommended by so many people Ryan Ebbitt. He is based on the Woodstock road in a salon called Kevin Michaels international and is a dreamboat. I have never seen someone so groomed and literally immaculate. I loved him immediately. My maid of honour sarah and I went for our trial and came away so pleased. Typical pols, I changed my mind a few weeks before the wedding as to what I wanted, and he rose to the challenge. 

I went for an old Hollywood style wave with side parting & I chose a modern roll for the girls due to the high neckline of their dresses & of course my beautiful flower girl we went for a ballerina bun. Sophia I must say adored him- hand on his leg the whole time & a big cuddle when she saw her final look she gave him the biggest hug ever. 

Makeup 

This was an easy choice for me... it was actually the first thing I booked after I finalised my date- the one and only- Rebecca Saulters. This lady is BOMB. Not only is she a lady boss, mother of 3, wife and friend she is so so talented. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my face for the biggest day of my life. & she did not disappoint. We were originally going for my signature glowy skin & smoked eye, but last minute on the morning of... I changed my mind. Let's just say, I'm pretty sure she was nervous as she knows what I like & this was going off on a tangent we had never tried before- but she WERKed it. We kept the glowy skin, Lots of highlight (obv) and went for a champagne/ pearlescent inner eye with a smokey crease. It was perfect. I felt beautiful even though I was riddled with anxiety and self doubt. As a bride to be, you put so much pressure on yourself to be the most beautiful you have ever been, and every time this lady listens to me, and executes it. I LOVE HER. 

Spray tan

Next on my list is of course my spray tan. This is difficult. My skin is a nightmare, sometimes it takes, sometime it doesn't. I was so nervous. But Chantel McCaughley- she was the whole package. She came to my house to spray 5 giddy girls the night before the wedding. Fizz was flowing, Chantelle's bubbly personality had us all at ease- and boom 💥... within an hour we looked like we had been laying out in the Caribbean for a month- FLAWLESS. She uses LA tan , and it sprays on with an almost red undertone, which can be scary when you first see yourself afterwards, even the next morning- but after a shower, I kid you not, it is literally the most amazing shade of brown. So natural and smooth. I was elated. Since then I have been sprayed a few times and it wasn't a one off. Definitely recommend her for not only a good spray but a good time❤️ 

The entire bridal party got their nails done by the amazing duo Laura and Gemma who are based in Newtownards. I have been going to these girls for a few years now & they slay at a French mani- my go to every month. Between them they have years of experience & they can do anything from nail art, extensions, bio sculpture and much more. Check out their Facebook page "Laura's nails and beauty Newtownards with Gemma Donly" and get booked in girls.

And voila... that was it. The glam squad came through for the Agbodo wedding. ❤️💁🏽

I know this was a long one girls, but stay tuned for part 2- the venue & styling. 

Thanks for reading and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to message me. 

All my love,

P.A. 

Xo 

Lusso Tan

Lusso Tan....Remember the name.

I literally CANNOT contain my excitement about this product. I just cant cope.
Let me explain...

The girls at Secret day spa have formulated an exclusive tanning range called Lusso Tan. It is replicated from the application of makeup so you can understand that for all our make up girls out there, this is like music to our ears.

I heard about this product originally from the blog "Shes got the look" Blog who is actually one of the creators of this fabulous tan. The girls own the Secret day spa on the Belmont road and have been in the beauty industry for years so they know their stuff.

I was so lucky to be sent the range to review and I literally couldn't wait to get home and try it out after seeing one of my favourite local MUA's Rebecca Saulters (her makeup inspo is off the charts & is my favorite makeup fairy on the planet!! Check her out girls and get booked in) raving about it on  her Instagram.

Just like when you apply your makeup this tanning ritual starts with a primer, tan and then highlighter, and can I just say the highlighter is HEAVEN.

Step one: Primer
The primer is a spray that you put onto your body before you put your tan on. It Is fast drying and plumps and moisturises the skin to create the perfect base for a flawless finish.

Step two: Tan time
For the tan I went for the Dark tan as I love being really really tanned, especially with my dark hair- without fake tan I can look like a ghost, so to me its really important. I usually use a mousse so I was sceptical about the liquid, but it worked just as well I found it harder to stay on the mitt though, so there was a few spillages but beauty is pain right? The other attractive thing about this product is that it is fragrance free, parabens free and completely organic. Perfect.

Step three: Hightlighter
OMG!!! I have no words.. it is literally heaven. Its so pigmented and beautiful on the skin and it will be fabulous when I go to Marbella and Jamacia this year. It is literally so gorgeous I cant recommend it enough.

So all in all - FAB-U-LOUS!
Everything I hoped and imagined it to be as well as being Orgainic and good for your skin.
Available to purchase at The secret day spa, Belmont road or www.lussotan.com.

Enjoy my soon to be bronzed beauties..

P x

Noir Caviar Hair Care

Hi Girls,

Hope you all had an amazing Easter weekend, and relaxed with your time off.
Thank you to everyone who entered the competition we posted with Sarah Alexandra Boutique - Well done to Lisa McMullan, we hope you enjoy your voucher.

Anyway, Back on topic...

Noir Caviar Hair Care sent me some products & the reason I have waited to post this review is because I really wanted to use the products a few times and compare them to my usual shampoo and hair care products.

On first impressions, the packaging is really fabulous & modern, definitely something I wouldn't mind having out in my shower. I usually use Herbal Essences dazzling shine shampoo and I have always been really impressed by it and it gave my hair an amazing glossy shine, so I have never strayed from my old faithful.

The brand itself is mirrored on skin care but for your Hair and all of us girls will agree that your hair is your crown, and just as important as beautiful flawless skin, so I was very intrigued.
After years of hair extensions, curling tongs, heated rollers, backcombing etc I found my hair was starting to lack that volume and strength that I always admire on other women.

Noir Caviar products include C3 Trifecta of Caviar....Sounds fabulous dosent it? Well it is. It puts life back into dry, damaged hair. It also include collagen and ceramides which help to stimulate and strengthen your hair. In short, Its like a facial for your hair. WIN!

I have a full head of extensions applied by Creative lengths by Ashley based in Belfast, Who is the goddess of Long Luscious Locks, and I have to be very specific as to what I use on my hair extensions.

The Anti-Age restorative cleanser (RRP £13.50) was AMAZING! I have quite flat fine hair and I really felt like my hair almost expanded, it was bizzare, It also shined bright like a diamond and leaves my hair smelling fragrant for at least 3 days. I absolutely loved it. I totally agree with their 'Hacial' guarantee on the products.

I would recommend this product far and beyond, for all hair types even with extensions. I feel like after 4 to 5 uses I can truly say I will definitely be swapping my Herbal Essences for Noir Caviar hair care from now on.

You can follow them on Instagram @noircaviarhair
Or purchase the products from the website www.revolutionhairconcepts.com

If any of you buy the products please post a selfie :)

All my Love,

P x

Barbados in a Bottle

Hello again my lovely readers,

Hope everyone is having a great week so far.... only two more sleeps until the weekend- PHEW! Which only means one thing- tan time.
Yes girls, we all know the struggle, trying to get that summer glow all year round.
Well I have the answer.....

So the lovely Nicole at Gordon's chemists sent me a beautiful gift set of Vita Liberata goodies.
As a fan girl of all things tanning I was so excited to try this.



It comes in a beautiful gift box which includes a tanning mitt, the Vita Liberata fabulous self- tanning tinted mousse and the Vita Liberata fabulous illuminate wash off body bronzer.

Firstly I have to say my personal preference for self tanning is definately a mousse.I feel like it goes on better to the skin and I prefer the consistency of the tan. The vita liberata mitt is a perfect partner for this tan and its super soft and is machine washable. The key for me is to apply a good moisturiser about an hour before you apply your tan to have that smooth flawless finish. The aspect about this tan that I found interesting was the shape of the pump nozzle- its was almost triangular which gave the packaging a sophisticated look, but also I found I was able to get an ample amount of product onto the mitt neatly.. Tell me I'm not the only one who has sprayed mousse all over my bathroom floor?

In terms of colour, this mousse is perfect if you like a buildable tan.
I decided to really put it to the test and layer it over a period of 3 days. One layer is a very natural glow which is gorgeous for midweek and during the day, but if you want to apply more on top of that layer it doesn't smudge or streak- YAY! I also found that with moisturising at night ( I use coconut body butter from the body shop) really helped the tan last and it didn't wear off patchy.. RESULT! My only slight critique is that the drying time is a good 10 minutes.. but you cant rush perfection so I'm happy to flick through Instagram for 10 minutes to wait for it to dry.

I literally looked like a had been away to Barbados for a week- it's the perfect holiday in a bottle!

The wash off tan is great for those quick fixes you need when you haven't had time to do a proper application- it goes on so well to your skin and gives you a lovely deep tan. Perfect for those spontaneous nights out with the girls- Verdict 10/10.

All in all, I'm really impressed with the brand and I think it has over taken my trusty St Tropez.
So girls if you need that 'Barbados in a bottle' head to your local Gordon's Chemist and pick up some and to add to all the good news I have about this tan it also wont break the bank. Gordons currently have both tans on offer... you can buy the mousse here:
http://www.gordonsdirect.com/vita-liberata-self-tanning-tinted-mousse-dark-100ml.html 
The fabulous wash off tan can be bought here ALSO on offer :
http://www.gordonsdirect.com/vita-liberata-fabulous-illuminate-wash-off-body-bronzer-medium-100ml.html

Hope you have enjoyed my review and lots more to come from Politics of Pretty.

Lots of love

P x

Top 3 Rimmel Must haves

Hello all my lovely readers,

Welcome to my first review- how exciting is this?
I was lucky enough to receive some amazing products from Gordon's Chemist to kick start my blogging journey..... and as a make up fanatic all I can say is WOW!
These products are so good, I'm obsessed.
So I have done a natural day look to a glam night look - anyone who knows me I'm ALL about the glam, so I loved using these products. I'm going review my Top 3 favorite items I used which should be a staple for any glam girls make up bag.

1. Primer - Rimmel Fix and Perfect

I have one word for this primer...... AMAZING!!

It smooth's your skin and feels like silk on application, but on top of this I found that it really kept my makeup in place for most of the day. A good primer is key for a flawless, long lasting finish & at £6.99 its a bargain. Who doesn't like a Kim Kardashian finish for that price? I would definitely give this product a 10/10.

2. Contour- Kate for Rimmel contour palette (002 Coral Glow)

As a die hard Kardashian fan, contour is EVERYTHING.

I usually use a cream contour and define with a powder, but I decided to use this as my only contour to really show it off. The palette is beautifully packaged with a rose gold touch to it and comes with a highlight, contour sculpter, and a blush.

I must say I was really impressed with the highlighter, it reminded me of my staple soft and gentle from Mac cosmetics. It really stood out and was really blendable.

The contour section was again very bendable as no one wants a stripy contour, and lastly the blush was a beautiful soft pink, and the three of them together was an excellent mix. Verdict: LOVE

3. Lips

I'm the girl you call when you need to borrow a nude lipstick - I think I own at least 15 different shades, So this was fun for me. Nicole had sent me the Rimmel " The only one" Lipstick in shade "Best of the Best" which is a bright red. I have always loved the look but never had the nerve to cheat on my trusty Crème cup from Mac.

I had several worries with this product... Will it stay on? Will it get on my teeth? What about smudging?

Well ladies, if your looking for a Racy red lipstick for date night this is going to be your new BFF.

Long lasting, moisturising and fiercely fabulous This lippy has my vote. My only advice would be definitely purchase the Rimmel 021 red dynamite lip liner to match to give you that perfect pout.

At a cool £6.99 for the lipstick and £2.99 for matching lip liner how can we resist? Verdict: Buying in every colour.

All these items can be purchased at your local Gordons Chemist or via their website http://www.gordonsdirect.com/ 

Thanks for reading pretty ladies, please let me know if you purchase what you think.

All my love

P x

Welcome

Hello everyone & welcome to my new blog. I'm so excited to start this after years of contemplation of if I should do it or if I shouldn't? Would people want to read my blog? What makes me different from all the other beauty bloggers in the industry?

Well after a few glasses of prosecco & lots of encouragement from the girls I thought why not? Why couldn't I do it? I'm passionate about it & people ask me all the time about my makeup so why not share it? So here i am.

I hope everyone will like what I'm doing & im open to any requests or constructive criticism to help me to be the best I can be.

My first blog will be about some products my friend Nicole from Gordon's Chemist has sent me which are absolutely fab & thank you so much for encouraging me to start this journey . So keep an eye out for the looks I will be posting very soon.

Hope you enjoy.

All my love,


P x