Forties Floozy Giveaway Winner Reports In!

We love to spoil you! And we also love to find out about our vintage fans, bloggers, traders, lovers alike. So we are really happy to share this product review from The Forties Floozy who won our latest giveaway of a Besame Violet Powder. They say it brightens up your complexion, well, does it? We hand over to vintage blogger Miss B. (Oh and go and check out the rest of her posts, girls got style!)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi all,

Today I had a lovely present arrive from the lovely people at The Vintage Fair.  Through their Blog I won something that I have been hankering after for quite some time now.

The Besame Brightening Violet Powder

One of my favourite things about vintage reproduction (particularly cosmetics) is the packaging.  It makes everything that little bit more magical.

Hopefully this will give you some perspective of size.

And the little powder puff that it comes with is equally stylish.

As the picture above shows the powder comes with one of those little lids with the holes in it to stop you getting covered in the stuff.  In fact I find these ‘aids’ the most irritating things in the world.  I sat for 5 mins attempting to shake, wiggle and tease some powder out of the pot before finally giving up and tugging the offending item off the powder tub.

As soon as I’d done this I began to enjoy the product (if a little more carefully than before).  I tried using the puff but it is quite small and I didn’t want to dirty it so I turned to my usual powder brush.  It glided over my skin and even after 3 hours of wearing it, my skin still feels fresh and smooth.  A success!

And now I’m going to burn out your retinas with some before and after pics.  It’s not often I’m seen without make up so I please don’t take offence.

Please excuse the headscarf, I’ve got my pin curls in underneath.

After!

This is what the website claims that it does: Brightening Violet Powder is a translucent loose powder that adds just a hint of brightness for an instant lift to any complexion. Sets make-up beautifully and leaves a soft matte finish. The powder does not contain shimmers, but brightens because of the unique violet hue in this special formula. Deliciously fragrant, it suits any skin tone. Wear alone, over foundation or to add a lightness to tired eyes and under eye circles.

If I’m honest, I think they’ve got it spot on.  My skin feels incredible and it smells damned good too.  It does give a much nicer finish than my normal powder and it gives  a really even coverage without it being obvious where you have and haven’t applied it.

The other make up I’m wearing is as follows:

Beautiful skin day cream by No.7

Show good face 2-in-1 skin energizing foundation & primer by Soap&Glory

Beautifully matte foundation by No.7

Soft damson natural blush tint powder by No.7

Beautiful brows pencil by No.7

Stay perfect eyeliner by No.7

Intense volume mascara by No.7

Colour elixir lip liner in red rush by Max Factor

Classic colour lipstick in Besame Red by Besame

I am eternally grateful to the lovely people at The Vintage Fair for doing such a competition.  At £22 I wouldn’t be able to afford it without it being a truly amazing product.  I think it is, I’m going to have to save up in future to afford it but I don’t think I’ll turn back.  It’s just too perfect.

That’s all for now folks!

Miss B xoxo

English Rose Cosmetics

Our fairs are always top notch (if we do say so ourselves) but sometimes we get a trader who is offering something just a little different and that's exactly what we have at The Shoreditch Vintage Fair this weekend and English Rose Cosmetics are just that. We wanted to know more about Karin, the woman behind the pretty things and her homegrown business, and we figured you might too! Especially if you're off to the Shoreditch fair, you could be getting your mitts on a freebie...

I got the inspiration for English Rose Cosmetics when I saw a cosmetic advert featuring the actress Emma Watson” says Karin McKay, Owner of Reading based English Rose Cosmetics.  “I just felt the time was right for the world to appreciate the beauty of an English Rose, and wanted to put a face to the term”.

That was at the end of 2011.  Over the next few weeks the concept of giving ‘English Rose’ an identity and personality took shape and work started in earnest in February 2012.  Due to a road traffic injury, Karin had been unable to work in the cosmetic industry for the past 2 years.  She then took up blogging about her favorite products under ‘Beauty Knowledge’ and started sharing her 16 years of extensive knowledge on ingredients that really work in cosmetics.  “Blogging about my favorite cosmetics got me thinking about how I would make the perfect products, and the positive response I got worldwide to my blogs inspired me go to the next step – my own beauty range”.

“Developing the product range came easily to me” says Karin, “in fact, I have to hold back and only work on a couple at a time.  What I found more challenging was getting the packaging absolutely right and I’m now happy that I’m there and soon I want to be pitching to the likes of John Lewis, Liberty’s and maybe QVC”.

Unlike other beauty brands, Karin took the unusual step of selling direct to customers and regularly has a pop-up stall at various craft & vintage events around London and the Home Counties, details of which can be found in the Events section on the website.  “It was very important to meet customers face to face, discuss their skincare concerns and get a response to my product, as well as ideas for future products” says Karin, “it has been truly rewarding to get such a positive response and to build up a loyal customer base this way”.

To get your hands on a FREE Rose Kiss Spritz at our fair on Saturday, you've got to be quick! The first customer to purchase any item from English Rose Cosmetics will also get a Rose Spritz absolutely FREE. So, get in there super fast!

To find out more all you've got to do is head over to Karin's Facebook, follow her on twitter @karinmckay1  or drop her an e-mail Karin@english-rose-cosmetics.com. Or of course, come to our Shoreditch fair and have a natter!

Such cute packaging!

Gina

x

Bésame Cosmetics Giveaway: Part 2

I'm feeling generous today dears, I was going to save this giveaway for another time but what the hell, you deserve it. Special thanks goes out to the ever growing number of followers and wonderful comments on this blog and all the different posts, we really appreciate it! 

So then! We've already told you all about Bésame Cosmetics in our previous giveaway, but just in case you missed out on that one, here is a bit of info on the vintage inspired cosmetics company. "Besame Cosmetics was a culmination of the passion for design and desire to create an original cosmetic with details and formulas that make women feel glamorous and unique. Bésame are also used by some of our vintage hair and make-up salons including The Vintage Hair Lounge."

The Giveaway!

Now you're up to speed, let's get onto the best bit. This time around we have a very indulgent product to give away. The Brightening Violet Powder is a translucent face powder that gently illuminates the complexion giving a lifted appearance. It suits any skin tone and can be worn alone or over foundation or on targeted areas such as tired looking eyes. 

 "How do I get my hands on this fabulous product?!" I hear you cry. You have two chances to enter...

1) Follow this blog and comment below.

2) Share the blog post link on Facebook from any of our pages, main page or individual pages. 

This giveaway ends on the 29th January (next Wednesday) and is open to UK residents only. 

Good luck ladies (or boys, this would make a splendid Valentines' day present!)

Gina xx

What Katie Did Giveaway

What Katie Did are the leading faux lingerie company in the world. Bringing the glamour of the 40s and 50s to the modern woman, What Katie Did are a one stop shop for the vintage lady this Christmas. Whether you need to create that hourglass silhouette for your party dress with a corset or add a finishing touch to your outfit with a Besame lipstick, there is something for you here this season.  Oh and gents, there is even a foolproof guide to buying your woman the ideal lingerie set written by the only male staff member at What Katie Did, serious brownie points to be earned...

There home page is swoon central with sparkle, snow and some seriously retro underwear. Even the set screams Hollywood glamour with perfectly made up models. 

So yet again we are teaming up with the fabulous faux vintage lingerie company, What Katie Did to bring you a wonderfully festive giveaway. Last time you went dotty for those spotty tights and stockings that they lovingly gave to you and this time, as it's the season to sparkle, they are offering 10 lucky winners a pair of black and silver or nude and gold retro seamed stockings or tights. Gosh, even all that choice. We spoil you. 

Black with silver seams.

Nude with gold seams

What do I need to do? I hear you cry. It's ever so simple my friends. Hop on over to this little old link:

http://www.whatkatiedid.com/competition

Fill in your details and what you'd like to win (psst! They sell far more stockings than tights by the way, long live glamour!)

I'm ever so excited, I may have to get me some too! And a Maitresse bra set and a Cabaret bra set and a few Waspies and a whole load of stockings and suspender belts. Etc

Love Gina (good luck!) x

Bésame Cosmetics Giveaway

Bésame Cosmetics are a retro inspired cosmetics company based in the US and we have a very special 2 part giveaway for all of our Vintage Fair fans. If you've not come across this brand before you should know that it was launched in September 2004 by Gabriela Hernandez. Besame Cosmetics was a culmination of her passion for design and her desire to create an original cosmetic with details and formulas that make women feel glamorous and unique. Bésame are also used by some of our vintage hair and make-up salons including The Vintage Hair Lounge. 

So I'm very happy to announce that we have one Besame Crimson Rouge to give away. Not only does the packaging ooze vintage glamour, the product itself will be at home in any retro lady's make-up bag. A rosy cheek is the perfect addition to any classic vintage looks whether you're era is the 20s, 30s, 40s or 50s!

"For instant rosy cheeks and lips there is nothing more timeless than our vintage inspired cream rouge. Just a touch of this concentrated cream will give you a natural flush, just like the very first time you were kissed! Apply with your fingertips to lips and cheeks. Feels weightless and blends beautifully with any skin tone. Designed to stay on all day, our cream rouge is sure to delight. Packaged in a vintage styled recyclable tin."

To be in with a chance of getting your hands on this incredibly pretty blush, you have two chances of winning. 

1) Follow this blog and leave a comment below with your e-mail address and desperate plea to win!

2) Share the blog link from any Vintage Fair Facebook page (we have a main page as well as one for each city!) 

The competition closes next Wednesday 21st November at 5pm and we will announce the winner the same evening. Sadly this is a giveaway for UK residents only. 

Enter away!

Gina xxx

A Whole Host Of Winners!

Have you entered our giveaways recently? Well, here are our lucky winners!

The owner of these gorgeous devil horns is Betty Leopard! We have e-mailed you Betty!

What Katie Did had ten pairs of these retro dotty seamed tights to give you, and you should have received them already! If you were one of the ten winners please send us a photo of how you've styled them!

Natasha Atkinson

Elm Davies

Kalliopi Serdari

Kate Varley

Michelle Kendall

Marta Bas 

Debbie Houghton, 

Kathryn Dun 

Danielle Riches 

Katie Hawkins

Keep spreading the news of our blog, this is a place for vintage traders and lovers alike to share what they're all about. We will see you in Newcastle tomorrow! 

Gina xxx

Burlesque Rocks

We have a very special post for you today, especially those of you in and around Southampton. To promote the very exciting return of Burlesque Rocks we have one pair of tickets to give away for the come-back event of Burlesque history (probably...).

Just when you thought all was lost Burlesque Rocks has decided to make a come back and what a show we have in store. Showcasing the best contemporary and internationally recogonised Burlesque performers the UK has to offer Burlesque Rocks is proud to introduce to it's stage Kiki Kaboom, Missy Fatale, Domino Barbeau & Miss Banbury Cross.

Burlesque Rocks has forged a name for itself as the foremost Burlesque night the South Coast has to offer. Constantly bringing you the very best performers, the best music and the best drinks courtesy of none other than Sailor Jerry's BR plans to live up to its name and promises to wow the pants off of you (pun intended)

On Saturday 3rd November we invite you to join in with our Day of The Dead celebrations. With lashings of sass and sex appeal guaranteed, this, ladies and gentlemen is Burlesque at it's very best!

On 3rd November, Burlesque Rocks present Day Of The Dead at The Southampton Cellar at 8pm sharp. To be in with a chance of going to this spooky, glamorous night you need to:

1) Follow this blog and leave a comment below telling us who you're most excited about seeing...

...and for a second chance of winning:

2) "Like" Burlesque Rocks on the old Facebook page here. Then leave another comment on the blog below with your name, so we can find you.

Winners will be announced next week on Tuesday 23rd November so you've got time to plan your fabulous outfits! Open to anyone in the UK. Get following, sharing and shimmying your tail feathers. 

Gina and Katie 

x

Giveaway: Pearls & Swine

Planning your Halloween costume already? Needing some inspiration? Then head on over to Pearls & Swine Millinery. Headed up by the talented Bink, the vintage inspired head pieces are ultimately, works of art. And we have one to giveaway. But how did such a wonderfully eccentric venture begin?

Pearls & Swine evolved and developed over several years, it all began with a SCARF! As I knitted it the Gates of Reluctance which had kept my dreaded creativity at bay were opened and i was never able to shut them again. Each idea, each creation is a step on a journey.... each day has been a lesson which has resulted in what you see now! Admittedly you only see about 100 products however there are literally thousands of creations I have been fortunate to make! I have a huge archive which I hope will inspire my customers in dreaming up something amazing that I can concoct!

So if you're going to be feeling rather devilish this Halloween, you must must must enter this spooky giveaway. To get your grubby little mits on this sparkly sparkly devil horns fascinator you have three opportunities to win:

A) Follow this blog and leave a comment below this post.

B) Follow our twitter @vintagefair and leave a comment with your twitter name.

C) "Share" the original blog link from our Facebook pages, that'll be our main page or any of the individual city pages. 

The closing date for this giveaway is Friday 19th October and is only open to UK residents.

Get sharing!

x

'What Katie Did' Giveaway

Oh me oh my! Aren't you all so very very lucky? 

Leading faux-vintage lingere crafters What Katie Did have teamed up with The Vintage Fair to give you the chance to win one in ten pairs of gorgeous dotty back-seam tights or stockings.

Retro back-seam hosiery adds a touch of vintage glamour to any outfit, whether you're playing it safe with tights or going to town with stockings and suspenders. The beauty of these babies lies in the pretty polka dots, an fun way to add a print to a simple dress or work getup. Personally I'd go with a pussy-bow blouse, a pencil skirt and a red lip, classic secretary! "How do I win?" I hear you cry, well, keep scrolling.

To be in with a chance of winning one of the precious ten pairs is to head on over to the What Katie Did website and fill in your details by clicking below.

ENTER HERE!

Let's face it, you'd be flippin' mental not to!

Competition closes on Thursday 11th October.

Good luck!

Gina x

Style Me A Vintage Winner

Drum roll please.

If you're not the winner of this nifty little vintage guide, do not be discouraged as we have an amazing line-up of giveaways coming up before Christmas so please keep sharing, following and reading our blog to be within a chance to get your hands on some retro freebies!

The very lucky lady who will be styling it vintage is....

Charlotte Siemianowicz or @lalablabbers on twitter! We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 6th October in Birmingham for your very first vintage fair, now that's exciting! Send us an e-mail at blog@thevintagefair.com with your postal address so we can send you your lovely prize.

Gina xxx

"Style Me Vintage" Giveaway Time!

Oh yes indeed! To celebrate The Leeds Vintage Fair today at Leeds Met Students' Union we are hosting a giveaway!

Miss Naomi Thompson of The Vintage Mafia and off of Vintage Secret has delivered a spot on guide to sourcing and creating fabulous vintage looks - especially for those of you who are completely new to the styles. Having said that, there is a bundle of detail for each decade- from the 20s through to the 80s- that will be of use to even the most retro of you stylish lot.

If you'd like a terrific review of this lovely book go go go visit Cate Sevilla's top notch words on the topic. Couldn't have put it better myself. So I didn't bother.

Featuring the beautiful Fleur

And Jenny Yesterday

Not forgetting Naomi herself!

So what do you have to do to get your hands on this gem? Have a look below:

1) Follow this blog and leave a comment below.


2) For a second entry, follow our twitter @VintageFair and leave a comment below saying so with your @username.

3) For a 3rd entry, "like" us on Facebook over at The Vintage Fair and leave a comment below saying so with your Facebook name. 

The closing date for this competition is a a week today on Thursday 27th of September. Winner to be announced on Friday 28th. And I'm afraid this competition is only open to the people of the UK.




Get sharing and following for your chance to win!

Gina
x