Mother's Day gift ideas from Stella & Dot

Mother's Day is coming up again (where has this year went?!) on Sunday 6th March, so I've pulled together some of my favourite peices from the Stella & Dot Collection that I think would make the perfect gifts as a special 'treat' for your mum. 

All of the items come in a lovely gift box, and those at £40 or over are free delivery! (Standard delivery is £3.95)

If you would like to treat your mum to any of the items below, please email me on melissareilly3@gmail.com to order before Thursday 26th February for guaranteed delivery ahead of Mother's Day. 

Flowers wilt and chocolates go too fast, treat your mum to sparkles that will last!

Melissa x
My online Stella & Dot shop
My Stella & Dot Facebook page

Stella & Dot does Pantone Fall 2016!

Pantone have just released their Fashion Colour Report for Fall 2016 - or Autumn 2016 for those of us across the pond! The collection of colours have calming blues as a base, with some gorgeous new stand-out shades including 'Spicy Mustard' - a beautiful yellow colour, and my personal favourite 'Bodacious' - what a great name (and a beautiful purple colour).

I've picked out my key Stella & Dot pieces that match these new Pantone shades, and that will keep you high in the fashion stakes right through until the end of the year!

If you would like to order any of the items please email me on melissareilly3@gmail.com :)

Melissa x
My online Stella & Dot shop
My Stella & Dot Facebook page

My Stella & Dot Launch Party!

I mentioned in my last blog post that I'd recently signed up to become a Stella & Dot Independent Stylist and that my starter kit had arrived - all very exciting!

To kick-start your business it's recommended that you hold a 'launch party' event with family/friends to let them know about your new venture and to start booking in Trunk Shows. 

It wasn't suitable to have my party at my house, so I contacted a local bar and arranged to hire their upstairs 'lounge' area which had the added bonus of being free and letting people go to the bar to get their drinks if they wanted!

The room is fairly small, so I knew I couldn't have too many people at the event - not that I was expecting a huge crowd anyway! I planned a list of everyone I'd like to invite (mostly friends, my theatre group members, family & close work colleagues) and set up a private Facebook event. I was thinking if 8-10 people showed up I'd be happy! 

I didn't have many samples at this point, so I knew I needed to 'bulk out' my display and the content of the evening to fill the 1-2 hours time slot. 

I have quite a few mirrors /  display items / jewellery holders in my room so I used all these within the display as well as nice candles and fairy lights. I also made up 'Fabulous 5' boards which I included in the display and then spoke about during my 'group hello' - more about this later!

I set out the tables with brochures, booking forms and Customer Information sheets. When everyone arrived I gave them a special goody bag containing lots of 'dotty' themed goodies (nail file, candle, lolly pop, mini brochure, business card & welcome letter) and said they could sit down and feel free to start looking through the brochure or the display in the centre of the room. 

Once everyone had arrived (about 40 minutes after the scheduled 'start' time) I stood up and gave my 'group hello' which ended up being a bit longer than the recommended 5-10 minutes of a normal Trunk Show! As this was my launch event I thought it was okay to go into a bit more detail, but I would probably refine it for future Trunk Shows. I spoke about: how I found out about Stella & Dot, the history/background of the company, ways to order, the Fab 5, ways to order tonight, the stylist opportunity & the Trunk Show opportunity - all in all this probably lasted about 25 minutes!

I then gave everyone the chance to try on items from the display. They were a little reluctant at first so I actually took most of the items out their boxes/displays and passed them out to different tables and then asked them to send on to the next table etc. 

At this point I also stated the final call for orders (in about half an hour's time) and that i could help anyone fill out order forms etc. I also collected in the Customer Information sheets which allowed the person entry to the raffle! I didn't have too many raffle prizes (some fizz, perfume, chocolates etc) but had also included lots of 'Free catered jewellery party' vouchers and two 40% off vouchers which I only included once I knew the orders had taken the Trunk Show over the £300 qualifying limit. Instead of buying more supplies for myself I thought they would be great prizes to incentivise buying from Stella & Dot and to help people fall in love with the collection!

The event came to a close after about 2 and a half hours, and everyone seemed to have had an enjoyable evening. In the end there were 16 people there including myself which was a fantastic crowd and more than I could have hoped for / ever expected!

I placed the majority of orders first thing the next morning so the items could be delivered as soon as possible, but a couple of ladies had requested that I not process their orders until payday (a week later) which I was more than happy to do. I think it's a good idea to offer this flexibility!

I'm really excited for next week when I'm taking Stella & Dot to my first Wedding Fair and then to a Craft Fair. My friend is holding a Trunk Show on 18th March and I'll hopefully get another couple planned in March to share the new Summer Collection! 

Melissa x
My online Stella & Dot shop
My Stella & Dot Facebook page

Becoming a Stella & Dot Stylist

So! It's been a while but I'm back on the blog, mainly to talk about my new venture Stella and Dot and hopefully to get back into some beauty blogging :) I came across Stella & Dot just by browsing around Google, I can't even remember what I was looking for - but an advert for S&D popped up! I paid £169 for their January exclusive 'start up kit' which includes basic business supplies and £300 worth of jewellery samples from the site. The photo above shows most of my current samples! A week after buying these samples I get 50% off further samples so I've just ordered some more necklaces and a bracelet. 

Stella & Dot is mainly sold through Trunk Shows at peoples homes (basically jewellery parties like Body Shop, Avon, Ann Summers etc!) and through individual Stylist's online shops.

You can find out more about becoming a Stylist here, or please feel free to message me and I'll tell you everything I know! 

I have my first party booked in for 18th March, so looking to get a few more booked in between now and then. I've already created my own Facebook pages and Twitter accounts, so using these to build awareness of the brand and connect with people who seem interested and offering them more information about hosting a party.

Below is my basic marketing shpeel (sp?!):

Introduction

Hi there! My name's Melissa Reilly and I've recently started working as an Independent Stylist with this amazing company, Stella & Dot. We are an American boutique jewellery & accessories company who sell online and at exclusive 'jewellery parties' in homes. Our beautiful collections are handmade in New York using the highest quality materials like gold, silver, crystal and semi-precious stones. For the amazing high quality, our range is incredibly affordable with half the range costing under £40. Celebrities like Katy Perry & Jennifer Anniston love the brand, and we know you will too.


Free jewellery parties at your home

I would love to introduce you to Stella & Dot by running a free jewellery party at your home with your family and friends. I'll come along for 1-2 hours with my collection and style you and your friends. You can all then shop from our brochure or online for up to 3 weeks after the show.

The best part is that you can earn free and 40% off accessories just by hosting!

If you're interested in finding out more I'd be delighted if you'd contact me on melissareilly3@gmail.com or 07815677936

Want a sneak peak? Visit my online shop here: www.stelladot.co.uk/melissareilly

Facebook.com/StellaDotMelissaReilly
Twitter.com/StellaDotScot

Tag - Beauty Blogger

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?

Kind of straight, but a little bit frizzy/wavy. 

2. What is your natural hair colour?

Medium brown with some lighter bits at the front, especially in summer!

3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?

I've done both in the past. Right now I'm growing out a dip-dye so the colours are a bit wacky!

4. How often do you wash your hair?

Probably every 2 or 3 days!

5. Do you wear the same style every day or change it?

Most days I either straighten it, or make it loosely curly with my straighteners. Or when I can't be bothered the ever-faithful ponytail comes into play!

6. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?

I paint my nails myself and can't say I make that big a fuss over them! Never had a pedicure : (

8. Do you polish your toes in the winter, too or just in the summer?

Always wear nail polish on my toes, but seem to go for brighter colours in the summer. 

9. How long does it take to put on your makeup?

Everyday makeup takes about 10-15 minutes, but going out can be a *bit* longer!

10. What do you do first? Face or eyes?

Hmm I normally do my foundation and powder first, then eyes!

11. Do you "collect" makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?

I'm trying to be good just now and only buy stuff when I need it, or it runs out....but if I see a bargain I normally can't resist!

12. How often do you wear false eyelashes?

Very rarely. I'm absolutely rubbish at putting them on and beginning to think my eyes are the wrong shape for them haha!

13. Do you do a full face of makeup every day?

If I'm staying in the house, or going to the gym I wouldn't bother with makeup but if I'm going out anywhere else I'd definitely wear foundation, mascara, blusher and lipbalm/lipstick. 

14. Do you wear makeup when you are home alone (or with family)?

As above, nah I wouldn't bother!

15. Will you leave the house without makeup?

Probably not because that would be the day I'd meet my ex-boyfriend, worst enemy, Justin Timberlake and a snap happy photographer - haha!

16. How many high end products do you have?

I don't think I have any products that are really 'high end', I much prefer buying bits and bobs from the high street. Probably my MAC lipstick is the most extravagant makeup I own!

17. How often do you wash your makeup brushes?

I only use brushes for my bronzer and blusher but I can't remember the last time I washed them - NAUGHTY!

18. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you are getting dressed?

Sometimes I plan my outfit for work at night, so there's less brain power required at 7am the next morning!

19. How often do you change your handbag?

I've had the same work bag for ages but if I'm going on a night out I probably take a different bag most times!

20. What time do you get up & go to sleep?

I get up for work at 6.50am, so try and go to bed about 10.30! zzzzzz.

21. How often & when do you workout?

I've just joined a new gym, but have had a chest infection for the past couple of weeks so haven't been at all. When I'm feeling better the plan is to go gym/swimming 2-3 times a week! 

22. Left-handed or Right-handed?

Right :)

23. How tall are you?

5ft 7in.........I think!

24. Do you speak a foreign language?

Not really. A couple of essential words in French, Spanish, Greek...

25. How many pets do you have?

1 - A chocolate Labrador called Charlie (Lord Charles)

 26. How often are you on Blogger?

Most days!

27. Do you read the comments posted on blogs?

Probably only the ones right at the top.

28. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?

I don't make a list as such, just try to remember them in my head.

29. How did you come up with your blog name?

Hmm I knew I wanted it to have something to do with being on a budget, so 'Beauty and the Budget' just kind of jumped out.

30. What kind of camera do you use for photographs?

Hmmm I can't remember the make ( might update this when I get home) but it's a digital camera, not an SLR.

31. How often do you clean your house? (Daily, weekly, other)

I don't have to clean my whole house (thankfully) as I live with my parents but try to help every now and then (when I get in from work that is)

32. What is your favorite colour?

Corally pink or turquoise. 

33. What is your favourite beauty/fashion magazine?

I quite like Look, and Fabulous from Superdrug is good as a freebie. 

34. Do you swear?

Not really!

35. What are you doing with the rest of your day?

Home for dinner, shower then possibly heading out with a friend tonight!

x

Thanks for reading!

Questions from Hidden Beauty 

e.l.f Summer haul!

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from e.l.f (Eyes Lips Face) with an amazing offer to get £10 off when you spent over £20 on the site, so it's safe to say I high-tailed it over to the site quick as a flash to see what beauty bargains I could find!

I didn't really need anything so I looked up a few reviews to see what the best ELF items were, and also looked in their 'Bestsellers' section so see what other people were buying. There was a lot of noise about the 'tone correcting powder' and the 'fixing' spray so I picked up those, and a few other bits and bobs that looked nice. 

I ended up getting 8 products for only £12 or something once the discount had been applied - kerching!

I've bought a few things from e.l.f in the past, and whilst I've liked some of them there are others that I've been not too fussed about - but when most of them cost £1.50 I can't really complain. 

So, let's take a look at what I bought this time...

I quite like the creamy texture of this eyeshadow but the colour is a bit too orangey for me when it's on. You do get some other lovely colours here for £1.50

You need to layer it up a couple of times but I really like this Waterproof eyeliner pen. Get yours for £1.50

I've heard that this product is sold out quite a lot of the time so I was quite lucky to get it! I've not really had a chance to use it much to see if it keeps your make up in place but it does feel nice and refreshing when sprayed on. £3.75 here!

I took this nail polish on holiday recently as it's a great metallic/copper/summer colour but I think I've now lost it! May need to pick it up again for £2.50

If you do anything today then you need to BUY THIS PRODUCT!! It's absolutely amazing at setting your make up without leaving any dirty/orangey looking colour that some face powders leave. If you'd like an airbrushed look then buy.this.now for only £3.75

The consistency of this product is still a bit shiny for a 'matte' product and the colour doesn't really suit me but there is a kind of light/coraly one that's taken my fancy. Currently £2.50 in the sale!

I like the idea of this concealer but I probably need to use a tutorial or something first so I know how to use all the different colours properly! I know the basics of using green to combat redness but not so sure about the pink! £3.75 right here.

Love love love this eyeshadow stick, the consistency smooth and blends in well and as you can see it's a fab metallic colour called 'French Lace'. Only £2.50!

What are your favourite e.l.f products? Comment below!

...and as I said before buy the Tone Correcting Powder now! :) 

Melissa x 

Cheap 'must have' skincare essentials for under £5!

I'm really not one for spending loads of money on beauty or skincare items. I much prefer shopping in places like Superdrug, Savers and Body Care and finding 'the bargains!' Maybe if I tried some high-end products that worked miracles, then I might be converted but I've had a few experiences in the past when I've splashed out on something 'high-end' and the product hasn't lived up to expectations or its price tag! Also, maybe it's just me but I'd rather have, say 10 different 'cheaper brand' lipsticks in different colours instead of ONE really expensive one. Or a giant tub of moisturiser that I can slather on instead of a teeny tiny tub I feel guilty using up. 

There are a few bargain skincare products that I've been buying for years (and some I've just discovered) that really are 'must haves' for anyone who doesn't want to splash the cash but still look and feel great. 

Skincare essentials

Vaseline Lip Therapy - £1.99 - Superdrug

This little tin of Vaseline has been a firm favourite of mine for years, and it's all I use to keep my lips  in check! (the aloe-vera version is also fab) Not only can you use it as a lip-balm, it can be used over groomed brows to keep them in place, to perk up lashes without any mascara or on stubborn dry bits of skin!

Germolene Antiseptic Cream - £2.15 - Superdrug

Over the years I've spent loads on 'spot fighting, zit zapping, blemish blasting' products in an attempt to reduce the appearance, and occurrence of blemishes on my face. Hardly any that I've bought in the past have made a difference but the one thing I've found that actually helps is traditional old Germolene! It might smell like the stuff you got covered in when you were wee and had chicken pox,  but the simple Antiseptic formula works wonders on the spot-fighting front. 

Sudocrem - £3.50 - Superdrug

Although there's not much chance this happening in Scotland, if you've overdone it in the sun then Sudocrem is brilliant for relieving the pain/redness of particularly OUCHY sunburn. 

Superdrug Vitamin E All Over Body Cream - £2.99 - Superdrug

Less than £3 for a massive tub (475ml) of this great moisturiser from Superdrug is one of my best buys! It smells lovely, isn't greasy,  rubs in well and is inexpensive so you don't feel bad about using loads of it to cover yourself after a bath or shower!

Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Gel - £1.50 - Boots

I don't always remember to use eye cream, but it's something that I'm going to try and use more in the future! This little eye gel is great for refreshing tired eyes and reducing puffiness. Keep it in the fridge for an extra cooling treat!

Boots Epsom Salts B.P - £1.25 - Boots

Although more traditionally used for ahem, digestive problems Epsom salts are an absolute bargain for a multitude of uses!

To combat cellulite and bloating add a couple of tablespoons to a bath, soak for 15 minutes then wash it off in a shower. The magnesium soaks into the skin to draws out excess water, and removes toxins from muscles. (also great for relaxing muscles after the gym!)

You can also add some of the salts to a cleansing cream for a gentle facial scrub, or add some olive oil to a larger amount for an exfoliating body scrub.


Connect to my blog to make sure you don't miss the 'must have' beauty products for under £10 coming soon! 

What's your 'bargain' skincare essential?

Thanks for reading, Melissa x


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